I have been staying at the Kemael about five months now for business. I would guess these other outstanding ratings are from people who spent time at Kemael for a night or two, or a week at most. If you are coming for a brief visit, then chances are good that you will be satisfied - if luck is with you.
Problems that have arisen for me on an extended stay:
- The AC unit in the room has failed three times, and was not fixed for several days each time. When I asked each time when it would be fixed, the repairman was always "on the way" and I was repeatedly told by the staff to "be patient" while suffering.
- The power will normally go out for a few hours each day, which is understandable. However, if you pick a day like yesterday (August 23rd, 2017) as your day to check in, then you would have had to endure nine hours straight with no power. The response to this issue was that they wanted to give the generators a rest.(!) When there is no power, there is no water, so you will not be able to shower.....keep that in mind. Also, my food in the little refrigerator spoiled and I got rid of it. There was no sense in asking for reimbursement for the items. They do not honor these requests.
- The internet rarely works in the rooms themselves. If you want to use the internet, plan on going to an external area of the hotel to hopefully connect. When this issue has been brought up to the hotel staff and the owner, it is always something or someone else's fault that it is not working, and we need to "be patient" until it is magically fixed. Just plan on no internet connection in your room.
- There is a breakfast each day, but it is sparse. One day will be an egg, a hot dog and a piece of bread. One day will be French Toast and more bread. Someone in a review mentioned the soup on Sundays. This is still accurate, and it is good. Also, they have fresh fruit juice and coffee each day, for those of you that like to keep it simple.
- The staff is French-speaking only but generally helpful - to a point. If no problems develop during your stay, then all is well. If there is an issue that develops, you will see what I mean. Mysterious roadblocks to an easy solution seem to inevitably develop.
- When I have asked for a discount on the room, since the internet has consistently not worked properly and my AC unit has broken a few times, I have been politely told "no way". I can strongly suggest a more customer service-oriented approach in the future if the Kemael wants to stay in business.
- Make sure to get your bill, for whatever it is, in writing. If you have dinner for 500 gourd, then the price is 500 gourd, not ten USA dollars or whatever other amount is on the bill (a personal example).
Enjoy your stay at Kemael, but keep in mind it is all about the money for them. Don't expect a break if problems arise during your stay.
August 24, 2017