"Most guests like myself will likely view the Mt Lavinia Hotel as a historic, heritage-listed establishment, and consider its dated facilities to be acceptable, or even part of its charm.
However, it was clear that the people-centred aspects of the service were not prioritised to deliver high-quality service, making for a deeply disappointing stay.
Firstly, the reception was dreadful. Upon arrival, there was not a single smile or word of welcome; having no choice, I asked if I could check in there, to which the female receptionist merely pointed to another counter without uttering a word.
Even in the renowned and popular buffet restaurant, with the exception of a man who appeared to be the manager, the young staff preparing the food showed no smiles and merely gave mechanical responses; there was no sense of hospitality whatsoever.
This is less a personal failing and more a sign that senior management is failing to provide the training necessary for these young staff to develop their professional skills.
I had been looking forward to visiting for the first time in a while since the pandemic, but I doubt I will be staying there again."