Enter custom title (optional)
This topic is locked
Last reply was
1.2k

For everyone going to UB, don't stay in Natural Guesthouse (just a bit further op the road after Michelle's bakery, which has great panini's and coffee by the way :) There is just one shower for too many people and it is not always warm or there is no water at all. But most of all, the staff at the Natural Guesthouse is horrible, especially the girl that comes to collect the money. She's just very rude to people and comes up to you every day and orders you "Money! Money!" I don't mind that when traveling you don't get things like 'customer service' , but what's really wrong is that when we left, they wanted to charge us 10 dollars extra each for staying two hours more in the hostel after we checked out at 12.00. We had packed our bags and put them in the hallway, the beds were free (there were even already new people in it!) so we were not in the way at all. The girl kicked me out of the kitchen when I was having my lunch there and wouldn't allow me anywhere exact for the hallway. I know 12.00 is check out time but most hostels just let you hang around at least in the kitchen or sitting area till you're train leaves, especially when you have spend there several nights. When she wanted to charge us, we refused to pay and just got our bags. As we wanted to walk out, she and the laundry lady came after us, shouting MONEY! MONEY! grabbing our arms/hands and pulling our bags. The girl even locked us in but my friend managed to turn the key and while the girl was hanging on to the door my other friend who was already outside, was pulling the door to try to get it open while we were pushing from the inside. It was crazy! Such an surreeel experience that they actually were locking us in and grabbing us! We didn't occupy any space for other travelers, nor had we taken an extra shower on anything, it was ridiculous! We managed to free ourselves after some time and we had to yell at them just so that they would back off and wouldn't come after us or try to grab our bags again. What a nasty way to leave Mongolia. So I advise you not to go to Natural Guesthouse. I heard good stories about the Gobi 2 though, where the staff is friendly and helpfull, so you might want to check that out if you're not sure where to go. I just think the staff makes at least half of your experience when you are traveling and the bad experience at Natural Guesthouse kind of damaged my nice Mongolia memory.

Report
1

Whew! What an experience! WAT EEN ERVARING! Will note that for my trip

Report
Pro tip
Lonely Planet
trusted partner