The White Horse, Duns Tew

Stayed there in June 2005 for 9 nights. I requested a room where I could smoke, and this was confirmed by email, as was the cost of 30 pounds per night in view of the length of stay. First impression o.k., but after one night was told I would have to move to another room, as they had put me in the wrong one. Was shifted to a room which - with ensuite - was in total about the size of my kitchen at home, so small I had to shift the bed each time I wanted to open the wardrobe. Had to ask for an ashtray for the room, given reluctantly. Had to ask for an ashtray each time I wanted to smoke in the pub itself (in the smoking area) and the first time I asked the woman behind the bar said "Don't you have an ashtray in your room?" When I asked her if she expected me to bring my own ashtray down each time she mumbled something in a foreign language and gave me an ashtray. Apparently the locals and known friends can smoke at the bar (despite the signs) but guests are discouraged from smoking at all. Did not feel welcome in the bar, although making an effort to chat with the staff. The tea/coffee and milk in the room was not replenished. Had to ask, the first time, but the same thing happened the next day, so I bought my own rather than having to beg for this basic service to be provided. I know, I should have left straight away and gone to stay somewhere else, but you think it's going to improve. It didn't. When I finally left the particularly hostile blonde lady tried to charge me for 10 nights, and when I advised her that I had stayed for 9, she pointedly went through every page in the bookings register, counting "one, two, three..." etc. before reluctantly changing the bill. I was charged 45 pounds per night, and it didn't click until a few days later. My requests for a refund for the quoted price and that charged have not even been met with an acknowledgement. I noticed that other guests seemed to stay only one, or a maximum of two nights. They obviously had good taste. I wouldn't stay there again for free. The food was o.k.

16 Aug 2005 06:49