Coronavirus Sydney: Swissotel complaints continue

Travellers locked in a five-star Sydney hotel have continued their complaints about service despite having their laundry done, meals provided including a bottle of wine a day and the ability to order necessities.

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Travellers trapped in a five-star Sydney hotel have continued their complaints about service despite having their laundry done, meals provided and the ability to order necessities.

Hundreds of passengers were forced into isolation on Thursday morning at the Swissotel in Sydney after returning from a cruise on the Norwegian Jewel ship

There had been a torrent of complaints ranging from poor food quality, lack of fresh air and no sunlight from those confined to the hotel – with the tourists regularly saying prisoners are treated better – on a closed Facebook group.

In a letter sent to the residents by Swissotel, they reiterated the luxury hotel is trying to make their stay comfortable.

The letter, as well as other complaints, has been circulated on the closed Facebook page.

These travellers were the first to have the mandatory isolation at the Swissotel.

“Three set meals will be provided to you daily. We want to assure you that Aspen Medical and Swissotel Sydney have co-ordinated dietary requirements,” it said.

“Note no Uber Eats, Deliveroo will be accepted due to isolation requirements and containment of any infection risk from outside. Alcohol can be provided from hotel stock if you are unable to organise through an external provider.

“Only hot wash laundry service will be offered. No dry cleaning or laundering of fragile items will be offered. Please place all of your laundry outside of your door for collection at 7.00pm each night to be returned the following night at 7.00pm.

Traveller’s have been signing off as “detainee” in posts.

What’s on offer at the Swissotel.

However, residents have again blasted the service on Monday morning.

“So disappointed, when I truly thought our daily dose of food intake changed, I could not stop raving,” Di Minter wrote on Facebook.

“Alas, delivered 9.58am. Coco pops with milk, yoghurt, no spoon, no bowl to eat from, no juice, a cold slice of toast, butter and a choice of vegemite or peanut butter.

“Hmmm. I think I was the forgotten one. Thank goodness I’m a forward thinker, saved some juice from yesterday's pastries too as they gave me a double serving. Detainee 1605.”

Inside one of the rooms at the five-star hotel.

Another man, Robert Wong said he did not receive enough food for breakfast.

“I finally received my breakfast this morning at 9.45am. Though my meal is diabetic, it appears the serving is incomplete,” he posted on Facebook.

“One tub of yoghurt, one tub of fruits, a bundle of vegemite, peanut butter, butter and two weetbix cakes.

“Where are the sandwiches (if any)? What is the point of providing butter, vegemites, ect with nothing to go with it.”

Despite the series of complaints they have routinely posted about how they are being portrayed as a “pack of whingers”.

The locked-away travellers have been given strict instructions on what they can and cannot order to their rooms.

Travellers about to start their two-week long lockdown in Surry Hills.

These include toiletries, fresh fruit, jars of coffee, snacks and medical supplies. They are limited to one bottle of wine per day per room or three beers a day per room.

However, they are barred from ordering books or magazines.

They are also not allowed to leave their rooms and when putting their laundry out, or picking up their food or deliveries they must wear masks and gloves.

In addition to the other services, there is complimentary internet but it would cost them $19.95 per day to upgrade to “premium”.

The complaints come as hundreds of people are forced into their mandatory 14-day quarantine.

Police patrolled outside the Surry Hills Travelodge as the travellers were led into the hotel.