Introduction

A woman in Singapore, Pauline Weewee, has taken to social media to express her alarming experience at Hako Hotel Mount Austin in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, prompting potential travelers to reconsider their choice of accommodation.

Disturbing Incidents

In her November 12 post on the COMPLAINT SINGAPORE Facebook page, she detailed a series of unsettling issues that marred her stay.

The most harrowing incident involved a male hotel staff member who allegedly entered her room unannounced while her female friend was changing clothes, claiming he believed they had already checked out. This shocking breach of privacy left Pauline feeling extremely vulnerable, prompting her to advise others to 'stay at your own risk!' She rated the hotel one star, expressing that she would have given it zero stars if the option were available.

Additional Concerns

Pauline also highlighted several other concerning problems with the hotel. She reported that their bathroom flooded every time they showered, and despite informing the receptionist, no action was taken to remedy the issue. Guests were left to deal with the overflowing water themselves, having to open the drain cover after each shower.

In her post, Pauline lamented the poor soundproofing in their room, which resulted in a sleepless night due to persistent noise, including karaoke that continued into the early morning hours. She referenced another review from a fellow Singaporean on Booking.com, who reported a similar invasion of privacy, where housekeeping entered a room despite the 'do not disturb' sign being displayed. This sparked concerns for Pauline about a potential pattern of negligence regarding guest privacy.

Safety Issues

Compounding her discomfort, the hotel lacked an inside lock on the door, further exacerbating her feelings of unsafety during their stay. Insisting that these serious issues must be addressed before she could recommend the hotel, she urged potential guests to be cautious.

Response from the Hotel

Upon reaching out to Pauline, she confirmed that the hotel had not responded to her complaints. Additionally, other online reviews corroborated her grievances, citing problems with cleanliness, limited parking space, unpleasant room odors, and drainage issues with toilets and showers.

While some guests noted high noise levels at the hotel, others mentioned that the reception was willing to provide earplugs upon request, suggesting that management may be aware of the problem but has not taken substantial measures to resolve it.

Conclusion

The Independent Singapore has also contacted Hako Hotel Mount Austin for comment on these troubling allegations and to inquire about their policies concerning guest safety and service delivery. As travelers seek comfort and security in their accommodations, this incident serves as a stark reminder to check reviews thoroughly before booking a stay.