I am writing to give you some feedback on my experience at the Value Lodge Economy Motel.

I traveled to Vancouver Island on the September 1, 2006 with my significant other for holiday. As I had no reservation anywhere on a long weekend I stopped at the first hotel I saw off of the Duke Point ferry.

I did find the rooms a little rough; i.e. burn marks on the carpet and worn bedding but thought fair enough, the hotel is being renovated. The night clerk that checked us in was very friendly and helpful. Once settled in our room he recommended the best place to order food from and gave me directions to the gas station to get ice. He did apologize about the renovations and generally made us feel welcome as guests.

The next day at 11:04am a young woman appeared at the open door. She was dressed like she had been at a night club and had not changed. I was waiting for my significant other to finish in the bathroom as we were about to check out. She curtly asked “are you staying for two days”? I found it odd that she did not greet me or identify herself to be a hotel employee. I replied that we were not. Her response was again delivered in a very rude tone” Check out was ten minutes ago! You either have to come to the office and pay for another day or check out. I need this room ready for the cleaning lady!” I wasn’t aware that check out was 10:54 am and that our patronage was such a big problem as implied by her vehement rudeness. I told her we were about to leave.

Personally I would never treat my clients this way, and don’t appreciate such poor customer service. I know at this point I would not recommend the Value Lodge to my friends or colleagues.

I checked out at about 11:16 am with questions posed in my mind;

•Does the Value Lodge Economy Motel have competent management and minimum employee training?

•Is staff morale extremely low because the hotel is a centre for drugs, criminal activity and prostitution?

•Should guest safety be a concern?