A Go reader on the injustices faced by the traveller who goes it alone
Sylvia Briggs, a seasoned traveller from Dalkey, went on a trip with the Travel Department to France last month. It was her fourth trip in 10 months - she had already cruised the Seine in December 2007, visited Nice in January 2008 and toured the Rhône in May 2008.
'I WANT to compliment the Travel Department on their booking responses, documents etc - all went well until my arrival at the hotel in a charming town in France.
Before departure, I had contacted the Travel Department and enquired whether I would have any problems being a solo traveller. I was assured that there were quite a number of single rooms booked and that all would be in order. As I have been attacked on three occasions, I have reason to take care. I checked that the hotel was of a sufficient standard and felt safe. The five-star hotel was really lovely and the bedrooms were very well-appointed.
After checking in, I presented myself at the hotel restaurant and requested a table for one. I had not had a proper meal since leaving home at 9am and now it was close to 8pm.
I was refused. I was astounded. I was in a strange place, it was after dark, and it is essential to me that I have at least one proper meal daily. Frankly, I was starving.
I was offered a table for four (was I expected to round up strangers to join me?) When I insisted that I wanted a table for one, the restaurant manager quite frankly refused to allow me into the dining room. I therefore approached reception, where I was told that I could not have a table for one. I then said that I would sit alone at the table for four, which it was pointed out to me was big, to which I replied that as long as I could have a meal on it, I didn't mind how big it was.
I also pointed out that they were transgressing the most basic rules of hospitality. I was offered bar food, which I declined, as I like to eat properly every day. I don't like to eat at a low table and I like the table to be set properly. I was offered service in my room and I declined that also. I never eat breakfast in a bedroom, never mind my dinner. Eventually, I was given the table requested.
I looked around the diningroom. From my vantage point I could see seven empty tables and four occupied. I also could see a lady dining alone at a table similar to mine. I could not see what the situation behind me.
As the evening progressed, a table set for four beside me suddenly became a table for two. I did not witness a full dining room at any stage.
I did not drink anything except water, as I had developed a headache after the awful dispute to simply dine in the hotel in which I was staying. There were also people being given tables who were not residents. This at the start of a short holiday was very disappointing and distressing and I feel that you should be aware of that hotel's attitude to a woman alone, a resident, needing a meal. Individuals planning to travel alone should be warned of the hotel's attitude to people travelling on their own.
Solo travel is a growing and lucrative market and if some service providers are antagonising people, then these people are going to go elsewhere. I will not say any more than that.
I enjoyed the excursions arranged and the company of the other people on the trip.
The Travel Department's arrangements were excellent and there were no hitches at either end.