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LETTER OF THE WEEK
WOT A MESS
I visited Bendigo, one of my favourite Victorian destinations, before Christmas and booked my accommodation via wotif.com at The Wine Bank in View Street.
On returning to the hotel, admittedly quite late, from festive functions, I found it closed. On my room key-ring there was a concierge telephone number and mysteriously, a PIN code. There had been no reference whatsoever to these when I had checked in, so I had no idea of the PIN's purpose
There was no reply from the concierge number and an attempt to use the PIN on a nearby electronic lock caused a resident of the adjacent property to call me some rude names. I investigated a labyrinth of laneways and pathways at the rear of the property and found a number of electronic locks but was reluctant to attempt these given my earlier experience.
What to do? It was nearly 2am. Who should appear but the local police, obviously alerted to a strange person circumnavigating a closed drinking establishment. After some questioning the officers attempted the same code-lock that I had previously tried. They were called some very rude names, too, and got no reply from the concierge number.
The police officers took pity on this, by now, thoroughly exhausted traveller and took me (in their divvy van), back to the station where they provided a lovely cup of tea and a most welcome mattress so that I could get a few hours much-needed sleep.
After breakfast I returned to The Wine Bank where an apologetic young woman explained that I should have, on checking in, received instructions about gaining access after hours. She showed me the procedure and, although pretty convoluted, it became apparent what and where the PIN could be used.
Although wotif did publish my review of the property, I have received no feedback whatsoever, nor have I been offered any apology or refund from wotif.com or The Wine Bank regarding the incident, but thanks so much to the wonderful Victoria Police in Bendigo.
Harry Shaw, Caulfield South, VIC
ONWARD VIRGIN SOLDIERS
Andrew Cathcart (Traveller letters, February 18), did you bother to ask the cabin crew or the persons seated near you whether they were offended by the Virgin Australia captain's remarks on your flight?
You may be surprised to know that most of us are quite relaxed to hear inoffensive and playful messages when we travel. Lighten up and take your sense of humour with you next time.
Michael Plutte, Freshwater, NSW
ROMAN HOLIDAY
With just one full day in Rome, my son and I proceeded with our "when in Rome" dos and don'ts in hand. Weary after tours of the Colosseum, the Vatican City and a dash to the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain and Piazza Navona, we followed Traveller's tip and headed to Tre Scalini for dinner (the last seated for the evening so check times).
Warmly greeted by the distinguished maitre d', we enjoyed authentic Italian food, service and a stunning location! Pulling out my Traveller clipping, I showed the waiter my desert choice – the Tartufo. The waiter returned with my Tartufo and the maitre d', chuffed to see the restaurant reported so warmly in "The Traveller Newspaper".
After explaining Traveller was part of The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age – two of Australia's oldest and most respected newspapers – he asked if he could keep the clipping, to which I happily obliged. I finished my dreamy tartufo, we shook hands and went away grateful to Traveller for the recommendation.
Sheree Elwin, Temora, NSW
GRAND GESTURES
At the end of October, my husband and I made an emergency trip to Christchurch on Air New Zealand to be at our grandson's bedside when he fell unexpectedly ill. We booked a return flight for the following week only to learn our grandson's condition had become critical and we needed to remain at his bedside.
Air New Zealand were wonderful and extremely understanding during this difficult time. They held our return flights until we were ready to return home, which was thee weeks later, and rebooked us without any excess charge. We cannot thank them enough and are forever grateful. Great airline. Wonderful Kiwis. Our grandson has now recovered.
Colleen Reynolds, Wagga Wagga, NSW
TRAVEL BUG
Lee Tulloch and Max Anderson provided us with a slightly unreal view of cruising (Traveller letters, February 11). My recent experience and those of friends on two separate cruises from Singapore and Melbourne respectively suggest that influenza-type infections are rife. Indeed, one friend ended up in his local hospital with pneumonia. Not really what you want as a memory of your first cruise.
When I visited my very efficient ship's medical centre, there were a few folks waiting but I commented that they seemed busy. The response I got from the crew member was " you should have been here two cruises ago".
Personally I cannot fault the attention I received and was soon out of my stateroom quarantine. But I do wonder if the intensiveness of cruise ships' programmes with ultra short turn-around times, means that there is no time to address resident and deep-seated bugs. Or is it the fault of all those pesky passengers, something suggested in the past?
David Muggleton, Mornington, VIC
KIT AND TELL
On the contrary, Pamela Saville, (Traveller letters, February 11), loud accolades to Singapore Airlines for not foisting unwanted and unnecessary amenity kits on passengers, while ensuring these are readily available to those who require them.
Where does she suppose these planeloads of amenity kits end up other than in landfill? And does she really believe a perfectly good older plane should be condemned so that she can enjoy a sleeker, shinier business-class experience?
Gudrun Resnekov, Cremorne, NSW
FOUL AIR
Some months ago I booked a week-long stay in Mexico with Airbnb. I received a written confirmation from Airbnb complete with reservation code. Some two or three days later the reservation was apparently cancelled by the host.
I only realised this after some weeks when I happened to visit the Airbnb website again to make another booking and noticed that there was a message there about the cancellation, which also said that I would receive a full refund. That was over six months ago and I have still not received the refund.
Is this a common problem?
John Nielsen, Strathfieldsaye, VIC
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