The receptionist had a sour look — and she was directing it at me. She did not appear happy. Not happy at all. In a better world, her face seemed to suggest, there would be no customers, no irritating guests messing up her morning.

I had just pointed out that, even though I had paid for a dinner, bed and breakfast package, the cost of dinner had been added to my bill. Without saying a word — not a “sorry”, nor even much of a glance up from her computer — she had begun to correct the error. It was just before 7am and I was about to catch a train.

As I had no time for breakfast, I asked the receptionist if she could remove the breakfast price from my bill as well. This was £11.50 and was a cost for which I had opted by ticking a box in a list of extras.

She looked at me particularly sourly. I was clearly an incredible nuisance. She mumbled something. A bill was printed that included the breakfast, and I had to argue my case. She wordlessly handed over a revised receipt.

For this friendly goodbye I paid £172.50.

Sir Christopher Wren’s House Hotel was built by the architect of St Paul’s and it is where he lived with his family until his death in 1723. I enjoyed the lovely setting next to the bridge to Eton and a short walk up a hill to Windsor Castle. The distinguished red-brick building had a big black door flanked by classic columns.

Inside, there were rooms with oak panels, cosy armchairs and old framed pictures of Thomas Gray’s “silver-winding” Thames (as described in his poem Ode on a Distant Prospect of Eton College).

My bedroom wasn’t bad, either. It had more dark wood panels, an old fireplace, heavy curtains with pelmets, solid armchairs and a big double bed. The bathroom included two sturdy porcelain sinks and a comfortable old-fashioned tub. There was a flat-screen TV, plus free wireless internet.

At the restaurant, I had a window seat, where I was served by a charming head waiter. My unusual starter of dandelion and rocket with poached prawns was followed by red snapper with ink risotto, and a rich chocolate cake with passion fruit sorbet. All very good, and the ambience by the river was pleasant.

Why the check-out should have been such a farce was a mystery to Mystery Guest (and one that left a sour taste in my mouth).

Need to know

Sir Christopher Wren’s House Hotel (01753 861354, sirchristopherwren.co uk), Thames Street, Windsor SL4 1PX.

Mystery Guest paid £172.50, dinner included.

Room: 6.5 out of 10

Food: 7

Service: 5

Value: 3

Score: 5.38

Times recommends

• Travel advice: what to do if your flight is disrupted
• Top 10 unmissable events in 2010
• Seven spa breaks for January