From the moment we stepped into the lobby of the Jinjiang Inn we were hit with the unmistakable musky odor of mold. I hoped our room didn't smell the same, and thought the aircon in the lobby might just need a cleaning. I couldn't have been more wrong.
Our room smelled much worse. I tried to spend my time on the balcony to avoid the stench, but couldn't endure the heat for too long. By that evening I had gotten a bit used to the smell, only noticing a constant burn as if the room was filled with ammonia.
That morning, from across the room, I noticed the cause: thick, yellow mold was thriving below the sink. My 2-year-old daughter who is sensitive to allergens was already a bit stuffy. I immediately took some photos, packed our bags, and headed to the lobby to check out.
They offered us another room, but seeing as the whole hotel reeked and the design of the bathroom meant that other rooms were likely moldy in the same place, I declined. Within an hour we were booked into a lovely hotel resort down the road, which was on the beach with a very nice pool (for only a slightly higher price).
The staff of the Jinjiang declined to issue a refund, and after the next five months of back and forth with Expedia and our credit card company we were ultimately unable to secure a refund for the stay. Apparently "all sales are final" is really enforced even when you're sold a dangerous room which failed to advertise the mold.
