Sofitel Wellington

We recently attended the 2022 Wellington WOW. We rang reception ( we were not staying at the Sofitel Wellington ) to enquire if they had a table for 2 for an evening meal and they advised they would ask the restaurant manager and call us back. They did and we arrived at 7:55pm at the restaurant desk where we waited 5 minutes while the manager finished something on his lap top/restaurant computer, no other people but us waiting. He finished, approached us and we explained we have a table booked which he took a little while to enquire and wandered into the restaurant up to the chef's open bar kitchen area and was talking to a couple of team members where he eventually came back to us and showed us to our table and took our coats ( it was a wet and windy evening ) There were approximately 10 customers dining so not entirely run off their feet as most of the diners were on mains. We were approached by a waiter I assume and were handed the menus at this point no drinks waiter has attended us but after handed the menus another chap came buy asking how we are and would you like to order. We were just handed the menus we informed him but we are yet to have water and glasses or if we'd like drinks. He apologized and despatched a waiter to get water and take our drinks order. In-between this again we were asked if we wanted to order our meal. With a couple of questions to understand how they put a couple of dishes together we ordered but this seemed to be confusing to them as he, the man taking our order was confused but quite clear to us so with further discussion they realized our order which was confirmed but when delivered was actually wrong. Also we noticed two or so chef staff looking at us and also a couple of other staff/ reception/desk staff hovering at the kitchen bar. It made us feel like we were holding them up or they ( the kitchen staff wanted to be gone ). Not a pleasant feeling but before we even booked we knew that the last dinning meals are 8pm and said would this be ok but we got accepted and arrived 5 minutes prior to that but it all felt awkward and also like we were forever having wait staff ask us how we are and this happened by several different people not just the waiter assigned to us, it was like over the top and very intrusive. It was not necessary, annoying and at a time they had no pressure on dinning numbers as they clearly were not busy. In all, it was an extremely bad experience. The costs were high end given fine dinning which was not a concern to us but our expectation was well blown away with such behavior and clearly poor communication between their staff and very poor execution of service. Certainly not expected from a fine dining establishment. We left feeling that they wanted us pushed through despite them accepting our booking and calling us back to confirm so to us clearly this is not what manifested on the night. Hotel management need to address these issues as why would we ever want to return, recommend or use any Sofitel Hotel services ever again.
Apr 12th, 2023

Apr 10th, 2023

Mar 26th, 2023

Mar 24th, 2023

Room was dirty on arrival, urine drips on the floor (I did call the reception right away about this) black hairs on the bed, white crusty patch on the carpet, dirty and dusty cutlery and cups and saucers, mould in multiple areas in bathroom. Not my idea of 5 star. Simply if the room was clean and there wasnt any mould I would have given this hotel a 5 star rating. Clearly money has been spent on this hotel but upkeep isnt good and definitely not given 5 star treatment to resolve issue. Was never offered refund or discount for stay, we will not return, there are much better hotels in this price point closer to the much more in the city. I have lodged a complaint directly with Sofitel and was emailed back by manager, who understands I will review this hotel badly. Noteworthy details: Great gym facility
Mar 21st, 2023