It’s a city that is testing my patience, having arrived at Jinan, Shandong from Tianjin at 2.20am, I have to wait for the first bus, B18 to Ibis Hotel near the Normal University, Taking a taxi will be too early, before 6am to check in for the day.
First impression upon exiting the train, is good. Clean and spacious. That changed, after stepping out of the station in the basement, was greeted by mosquitos and flies. The toilet in the carpark, is dirty with broken doors. All cubicles were not flushed except for one, with door having no latch and I need to use my feet to try to close the door.
I went for my breakfast while waiting for the 5.42am first bus. While eating, I felt uncomfortable thinking of the toilet, also wondering how hygienic the cook is, since most locals do not wash hands with soap, even though during this trip, I noticed some improvements, some cities and even trains provide hand soap. But it is not popular with the locals. Some even never wash their hands. The staff in the restaurant has been spitting out of the shop onto the floor.
Then, at Ibis Hotel, was told last night was fully occupied and I need to wait till after 12.00pm to check in, that would be another 6 hours. I wonder if it is the policy to inconvenience even though there are early check outs. This is the first time in China, I encountered having to wait for so long. After an hour, I went to the front desk again to try to show my Gaode (Amap) booking and informed that I booked twin bed. She said it was not necessary. I have my doubts and wanted to find out if it is their policy to let or they delight to see tourists wait till after 12pm. If that is the case, it is very bad and mean of the hotel, a disservice to the tourists, very inconsiderate and not understanding the needs and comfort of the tourists. I will never want to have anything to do with such establishments. After 2 hours, seeing some guests had checked out, I went to the same staff and asked direct if guests checked out early, I still have to wait till after 12pm. I showed her my booking, she looked at it and told me mine is a ‘no window’ room and they only have 3 such rooms and so far no guests have checked out. I asked if no guests checked out does it mean I will not get a room. I am feeling displeased now, if she had looked at my booking and explained nicely, I would have understood, instead of letting me sit there like a fool. I went back to my seat, kept my laptop and packed my bag, preparing to leave. Before I left, I went to the front desk and voiced my displeasure at their bad service. I have always like Ibis but it will not be my preferred hotel anymore. The staff reaction was like what bad service.
If the hotel cares, most hotels, like James Joyce, if the room booked is not available, they will give a free upgrade. While waiting to charge my phone, Wuwei Hanting staff offered a cup of hot tea. This is the kind of positive energy and environment I like to be in.
I did not wait till 10.00 am, The attitude of the staff (maybe I was unlucky to have met such unfeeliing staff) is a sign from God I should leave Jinan for another city. The big lobby does not even have charging port for phones and laptops. By 10.00 am, I was at the train station purchasing my overnight train ticket to Xuzhou. I do not feel affinity with Jinan. Was disappointed as I thought being the capital of Shandong, it will be nicer than Qingdao. It does not even have Walmart. I left Jinan with a gift – mozzie bites.
