SINGAPORE: In a startling social media revelation, a woman has drawn attention to her alarming stay at Hako Hotel Mount Austin in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, urging fellow travelers to be cautious.

Pauline Weewee took to the COMPLAINT SINGAPORE Facebook page on November 12 to detail her unsettling experience, with one particular incident raising significant concerns about guest safety and privacy.

According to Ms. Weewee, a male staff member allegedly entered their hotel room unannounced while her female friend was changing clothes. The staff’s explanation—that he thought the guests had checked out—has sparked outrage among netizens, leading to a significant trust issue with the hotel.

Ms. Weewee expressed her frustration through a one-star rating, stating, “Stay at your own risk!” and lamenting that if possible, she would have opted for zero stars.

In addition to the unexpected intrusion, Ms. Weewee highlighted several other troubling aspects of her stay. She reported a recurring issue with the bathroom flooding every time they showered.

Despite notifying the reception about the situation, no action was taken, leaving guests to deal with the flooding themselves by clearing the drain.

Poor soundproofing compounded their discomfort, as they were repeatedly disturbed by noise throughout the night, including karaoke that carried on until 3:00 am.

This environment evidently detracted from their enjoyment and relaxation during the stay.

Further scrutinizing the hotel’s practices, Ms. Weewee referenced another review on Booking.com, which mentioned a housekeeping staff member entering a room despite a “do not disturb” sign being displayed.

This added to her belief that the incidents weren't merely isolated events, alluding to a systemic issue with the hotel’s respect for guest privacy.

The lack of an inside lock on their door heightened feelings of vulnerability, prompting her to issue a strong recommendation against choosing Hako Hotel until the management addresses these serious privacy and safety concerns.

Notably, attempts to reach out for a response from the hotel were met with silence.

Additional online reviews corroborate her claims, pointing to problems with cleanliness, inadequate parking, unpleasant odors in rooms, and issues with drainage in toilets and showers.

While some guests acknowledged high noise levels, it was noted that the reception offered earplugs upon request.

This incident raises significant questions about hotel standards and guest privacy in the hospitality industry, reminding travelers to thoroughly research accommodations before booking.

As more guests share their experiences, it remains to be seen how Hako Hotel Mount Austin will address these issues and assure future guests of their safety and comfort.

Stay alert, travelers—your next hotel stay could be more precarious than it appears!