SAINTS had the last laugh after being turned away from a hotel before their crucial match against Swansea.

The club were booked in to stay at the city's Marriott hotel before the game at the Liberty Stadium on Tuesday evening.

But despite having reservations for 40 rooms, the club was told its staff could not stay at the hotel due to a "virus".

The plot thickened when it was revealed that the hotel was still taking bookings, even after turning the club away.

And after all but securing Premier League survival with a 0-1 win over the Welsh side, club officials decided to have a little fun and left a one out of five rating on the Marriott's TripAdvisor site.

The accompanying review said: "Had been due to stay here for an extremely important business trip, only to have our reservation cancelled 24 hours before arrival, due to an apparent virus outbreak.

"Very disappointing, as other guests' bookings seemed to be unaffected.

"The inconvenience meant we had to make alternative arrangements for our group at short notice.

"Ended up switching to the Vale Resort. Not an ideal location for our needs - much longer trip to get to our meeting - but great staff and facilities there and would highly recommend.

"Fortunately the experience didn't sour our trip.

"Business meeting was extremely productive!

"Not planning to return any time soon."

When contacted regarding the cancellation, the hotel's general manager Michael Downie was quoted as saying: "As a matter of guest privacy it would be inappropriate to comment on specific reservations."