I have stayed at ibis Budget Osaka many times over the years whenever I visited Osaka on business. I have consistently been satisfied with the hotel and have always spoken highly of it.
Unfortunately, my most recent stay was by far the worst experience I have ever had at this property.
As an Accor Platinum member, I have always been granted a 2:00 p.m. late check-out during my previous stays. This time, however, I was firmly told that a 2:00 p.m. check-out was impossible because the hotel would be fully booked the following day. I found this explanation difficult to believe, as rooms were still readily available for reservation online.
I explained that my flight was at 5:00 p.m. and politely asked whether a 2:00 p.m. check-out could be arranged. After consulting with Manager Matsuo, the front desk staff returned and informed me that my request had been approved. My room key was reprogrammed to work until 2:00 p.m., and I sincerely thanked the staff member for accommodating my request.
However, after I had already left the front desk and was standing near the elevator, the same staff member ran after me and suddenly said, "You do understand that you will have to pay for the late check-out until 2:00 p.m., don't you?"
I was genuinely shocked.
If the hotel intended to charge me, I should have been informed before my request was approved and before my room key was extended. It is completely unacceptable to approve the request, issue a new key, allow the guest to walk away believing everything has been settled, and then chase the guest down afterward to demand additional payment.
I immediately returned to the front desk and questioned why the hotel had first approved the request only to change the conditions afterward. During this entire exchange, Manager Matsuo simply stood there watching the visibly inexperienced staff member struggle to explain the situation. He made no effort whatsoever to take responsibility, provide clarification, apologize, or personally address a problem that resulted from his own decision.
That was the most disappointing part of this experience.
Manager Matsuo was the person who made the decision. He could have simply declined my request from the beginning or clearly explained that a paid late check-out was the only available option. Instead, he created a confusing situation by approving the request first and only later introducing an unexpected charge, then chose to remain silent while the front desk employee was left to deal with the consequences alone.
That is not leadership. It is a complete failure to take responsibility.
This complaint is not primarily about whether I received a complimentary late check-out. Hotels are free to set whatever policies they wish.
This complaint is about professionalism, accountability, and respect for guests.
A manager should never hide behind junior staff after making a decision. When confusion arises because of a manager's own instructions, the manager should step forward, explain the situation personally, and accept responsibility. Manager Matsuo did none of these things.
I have stayed at ibis Budget Osaka many times and have supported this hotel through repeated business visits. Sadly, this was the worst customer service I have experienced here, not because of the late check-out policy itself, but because of Manager Matsuo's indifferent, irresponsible, and unprofessional attitude.
I sincerely hope Accor will investigate this incident and ensure that no other loyal guest is treated in such a disrespectful manner in the future.