Nicole Eaton
June 2014
Unfortunately we had a very negative experience at the Eden Crest B & B. MInus a few small issues, the house itself was fine, we rented a three bedroom house on the property with kitchen and sitting/dining area. There were some minor issues like not having enough plates and glasses, let alone matching but the view really was terrific. Are experience turned dramatically sour upon departure. We realized that the owner was going to use our departure as an excuse to gauge us as much as possible. Originally in the rental agreement there is no mention of additional billing for heat and electricity but since we were billed in our last house (which we were clearly informed of) a week prior we didn’t take much notice. The house we rented the prior week had a clear meter reading of less than 10 Euros. Upon departing Eden Crest lodge we were not shown the readings on meter and our bill was about 50 Euro’s and they would only take cash. We though it was high but accepted it as the house was larger and we spent more time there. But they refused visa although they clearly had the means to accept it for room payment.
What really ruined our entire experience was the “health and safety violation” our 18 month old committed. Yes, that’s right, you just read that correctly. Our son ripped the tail off a dingy door stop cat that was filled with kitty litter. The bag of litter was not pierced but the tail was ripped. We told the owner up front that we had damaged the cat and were prepared to make amends. However, never in my wildest dreams did i expect him to match through the house examining each room for 10 minutes looking for things to charge us with (nothing else was found). After telling him about the door stop he declared it a health and safety violation and demanded 20 Euros or about $30. Now, this is where I blew my top. I accept that we damaged the cat and it is not unreasonable to ask for it’s replacement value, however 30 dollars for a dingy kitty litter filled door stop was absolutely offensive. We had been so careful with their home all week and tried our best to respect it and i felt it was appalling to take advantage of every given opportunity to grab a penny when possible. Now, I have attached a picture of the offensive door stop so please view it and make up your own mind about whether you think it’s worth 20 Euro’s or $30.00. Also for those of you concerned about the welfare of this poor decrepit door stop which was then further desecrated by having it’s tail ripped off, have no fear, my mom stitched it back on and gave it to my aunt who ironically runs a B & B in Enniscorthy and said she would treasure it as a reminder of how to treat her guests! The cat now has a distinctive place of honor.
The part that i would like to warn all potential guests of the Eden Crest Lodge is this The owner made it very clear that the ran his B & B as a home, not a business, and expects all guests to leave the property is EXACTLY the same condition or pay a steep fine. So, now you have been warned, stay there is you must, but god help you if you break one of the 4 mismatching wine glasses.
