I had a very disappointing check-in experience. After a 10-hour flight delay, I arrived exhausted and jet-lagged, only to be met with rudeness at reception. I was reprimanded for not calling to say I’d be late, despite the fact that I was on a long-haul flight and unable to. Her attitude was unwelcoming, which immediately got me offside.
The person at check in went on at length about what the system does if a guest checks in after midnight. I appreciate that procedures can be frustrating, but as a guest, it's not helpful to be lectured about internal systems.
A much better approach would have been something simple and courteous: “Hi, welcome to Manchester and/or Ibis Styles. Let me check the system for you and get your room sorted. Have a nice stay.”
I won’t book there again.