Archive for the ‘Hotel Review’ Category

Flamingo Suites, Avenida de Espana 6, San Eugenio Bajo, Costa Adeje, Tenerife

My husband and I were enjoying our first visit to Tenerife but while wandering along from our hotel, we were stopped by a persistent woman keen to offer us a chance to win a prize. Now, we have been around the block a couple of times and declined her offer. But she made clear that this was how she made her living, it was not a time-share trick and all we had to do was take a card and see if we had won a prize.

Flamingo outside

Surprise, surprise, we did win! I won a bottle of wine but my husband won 120 euros. All we had to do was stop into the hotel over here, it was very close, there would be someone there to meet us, it would take no more than thirty minutes, we would give a few details, be offered a drink and be given our prize. But that’s not quite how it went.

We decided our wander could be delayed by thirty minutes for 120 euros and followed her to the hotel. A charming man behind the desk offered us a seat and spent a great deal of time taking many details, the only ones he omitted were our inside leg measurements and hat size. Then he introduced us to a young lady who would show us around and get our drinks for us.

Flamingo-Suites outside

She was also charming and told us about being a single Mum, how she worked on commission and re-assured us that this was not a time-share resort. She took us to the onsite bar and offered us drinks – water with or without ice! A pushy man came and butted in, but I said he should leave the young lady, she was doing fine. Things then got progressively worse.

She told us of the improvements intended for the resort. and led us for a walk around it. It was very hot and there were lots of stairs to go up and down before we used the one small elevator that only went two floors. She offered to show us a computer presentation, which we did not want but she would lose her job if we didn’t see it. Just ten minutes. Thirty minutes later, we went on another hot walk up and down, up and down those stairs to see inside an apartment.

Flamingo-Suites-pool

The apartments are large, well appointed and some have lovely views. (Others do not.) We then went for another walk for a drink. By now we were dehydrated, had lost three hours of our lives we would never get back and so even the water tasted better. As we were sitting, the young woman finally revealed the catch: we were to pay £4,000 today and we would get holidays over a four year period at a fixed price and they would arrange the flights and transfers but if we missed two slots in a row we lost the rest of our money.

Then the man came back and repeated all the same things the young woman had told us. My husband said we would have to think about it. The man did not like that idea – this was a today only offer. so we said, then we would have to miss out on the deal but we’d like our prize. The man pushed us, we could put the cost on a credit card, it would cost us half what we normally paid on a holiday. Did we like Tenerife? Yes we do. Will we be back, yes we will, did we like the resort. The apartments are well appointed, I’m not crazy on the stairs and I don’t have my credit card with me, neither of us do. That’s not a problem, he’ll come with us to the  hotel and take the details and get the deal settled.

Flamingo-Suite kitchen

No, you won’t. How dare you try to pressurise me. It’s bad enough that I have been led around this resort for three hours. I’m hungry. I’m dehydrated. I’m going back to our hotel for lunch and I haven’t had my promised drink here, I haven’t been given my wine and my husband hasn’t been given his 120 euros. Far from taking the thirty minutes we were promised, we have been dragged around this resort for three hours and my nice nature has left the building. Luckily, my husband is not a man to be trifled with either. We left. no richer, but no poorer and a little wiser.

Would I visit The Flamingo again? Under no circumstances. There are far better hotels and apartment complexes within a stone’s throw of that one. Costa Adeje is beautiful. The deal pressed on us by those at The Flamingo was not.

Val Penny

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Be Live Experience La Nina, Av. de Espana, s/n, 38660, Adeje, Tenerife Spain

My husband and I enjoyed our first visit to Tenerife in November. We chose to stay at the Be Live Experience la Nina, in Costa Adeje. It is a beautiful hotel. Eminently suitable for families and couples alike. We chose to have the adult VIP up-grade which gave us access to a peaceful adult only lounge, adult only sun decks and quiet areas of the dining room. We also had access to the fine dining restaurant, MyLos, on the complex two nights during our one week stay. We went as an adult couple and this up-grade was well worth having.

nina outside

Be Live Experience La Nina Hotels is an exclusive 4 star hotel in the southern area of Tenerife. The Be Live Experience La Nina Hotel is located in Adeje Coast, near Los Cristianos Beach and next to Puerto Colon Marina, the hotel offers fun and the best atmosphere surrounded of recreational areas and shopping centers.

nina attrium

It offers luxurious facilities. Enjoy a perfect romantic stay with the Spa. The only thing we did not like about the hotel, was that we only had one visit to the spa pool included in our stay and after that we had to pay. I understand paying for treatments, but we did feel that the indoor pool and gym should be included for VIP patrons. nina mylos

The gym is excellent but very under-used. There is also a  squash court and daily activities like water polo, table tennis, archery. Be Live Experience La Nina Hotel has Wi-Fi area and meeting rooms and a library area for those who enjoy a quieter time or have business to attend to. 

nina pool day

The rooms are large and comfortable and there are lots of cafes and restaurants in the immediate vicinity to visit for meals and coffees. The hotel is within easy walking distance of the beach and the harbour. The resort is relatively quiet and access for those with mobility issues is generally good. We look forward to our next visit to Tenerife, when travel restrictions allow.

Val Penny

 

Hampton by Hilton in Croydon, 30 Dingwall Rd, Croydon, London, England,

I have stayed in Hilton Hotels all over the world. I have used Double Tree by Hilton often too, but when my daughter moved to a different part of London, the closest Hilton Hotel was a Hampton by Hilton, so I chose to stay there.

 

Hampton by Hilton London Croydon Exterior

I do not know this part of London well, but the Hampton by Hilton in Croydon, 30 Dingwall Rd, Croydon, London, England, is easy to find. It is only 335 metres away from East Croydon Station which has regular trains into central London to both Victoria and London Bridge.hampton by hilton out day

We arrived at the hotel late after a day with our family. It was dark and the area around the hotel did not, at first glance, hold much of interest. In fact, as I have said, the transport links are excellent and there are shops and other hotels nearby too.hampton by Hilton in

This hotel has a 24 hour reception, but the front doors to the hotel are locked at 10pm. If you plan to arrive after this time, phone to advise the desk. The young lady at reception when we arrived seemed bored, disinterested and gave us incorrect information about the hotel. It was disappointing. I have never had that problem in any Hilton franchise before and it was very disappointing. hampton by hilton reception

Having said that, the lifts in the hotel were quick and clean, our room was spotlessly clean, and breakfast was included in our rate, which made the hotel on a par with the Premier Inn cost-wise. Access is good for those with mobility issues too.hampton by Hilton breakfast

Breakfast was buffet style with a wide choice of cereals, fresh fruit, french pastries and cooked choices. Teas, coffees and fruit juices were also offered. The dining room is quite small for the size of the hotel, but the staff found us a table for four at a busy time nevertheless. hampton by hilton room

The staff on duty in the morning were all helpful, charming and courteous. Alessio on reception was particularly helpful and took responsibility for his surly colleague of the night before. This is the kind of service I have come to expect from hotels that bear the Hilton name, in any guise.hampton by hilton gym

The gym in this hotel, is small, but it is good to know it is there. I am sure that, although this was a first visit to Hampton by Hilton in Croydon, it will not be my last. I can recommend this hotel to those visiting London.

Val Penny

 

Seamill House Hotel, 31 Ardrossan Rd, West Kilbride, Ayrshire, Scotland

My husband and I have enjoyed afternoon tea and dinner at the Seamill House Hotel, 31 Ardrossan Rd, West Kilbride, Ayrshire, Scotland and members of our family have stayed at the hotel. This Hotel offers award winning luxury accommodation at its finest. The coastal location of Seamill now boasts one of Ayrshire’s newest boutique hotels. It is certainly a favourite haunt of ours.

Seamill house hotel

The afternoon tea was a social event for our book group. We were accomodated in a large, bright, private room on the ground floor of the hotel which suited our group well. Orders were taken for tea and coffee, but only teapots were left on the table which meant the the coffee drinkers had to ask for additional refreshments. I also noticed that water was only brought to the table upon request and the number of jugs was minimal for a group of 20 people. The jugs had to be refilled several times.

The meal was traditional consisting of a variety of sandwiches, scones with jam and butter or cream and cakes. The sandwiches were fresh and very tasty and the scones were delicious. While the cakes were lovely, I think they were the smallest cakes I have ever seen!

views

The quality of service was mixed. Most of the staff were delightful and attentive but one young waitress seemed to think it was her place to comment diparagingly about the number of vegetarians in our party (3). I did not appreciate that.

All in all, as value for money goes, this was good and, provided the young waitress got the additional training she needed, I would return for afternoon tea to the Seamill House Hotel.

diningroom

When we were hosting friends to dinner, we chose to go to the Seamill House Hotel. There is free parking to the rear of the building and although the restaurant is upstairs, there is a lift for those with mobility issues.

We were seated at a table near the window. Ice water was brought to the table and the service was excellent. I chose the mushroom burger and my husband had the fish and chips. The fish was fresh and flaky and the mushroom burger surprisingly delicious. For desert I chose a chocolate brownie and my husband had the sticky toffee pudding. Both were excellent. I would certainly recommend the Seamill House Hotel as a dinner venue.

.rooms

When our family stayed in the hotel, they were delighted by the quality of the rooms, and the lovely views. The hotel was busy as there was a party in the simulated golf room and the bar was busy but our group slept well. They all enjoyed the breakfast which was included in the price and I would certainly recommend a stay in the Seamill House Hotel.

Val Penny

 

Bei Hotel 50 8th St, San Francisco, California 94103, USA

bei hotel outOn a recent visit to SanFrancisco I booked to stay in the Bei Hotel at 50 8th Street, San Francisco, California, at the time of my visit there was a lot of work going on to the b uilding and I would not have booked it had I known, however, the work did not detract greatly from the enjoyment of my stay as it was carried out during the day when I was not there. The hotel will be immensely smart when the work is finished.bei hotel in

Bei Hotel is at 8th Street between Market and Mission is in a central part of the city (and near the terminal for cable cars) but there are many homeless people and drug addicts who congress around there. Going out and about alone can be unnerving.bei hotel pool

Having said that the hotel is extremely comfortable. The rooms are minimalist but spacious and comfortable. The beds are extremely comfortable. There is a pool on the roof, which I did not use. The restaurant serves breakfast, but compared to the local diners and coffee shops that is an expensive choice. The evening meals offered are varied and interesting but there are many bars and restaurants that provide interesting choices. (If you are eating out on a Saturday evening – book in advance!)bei hotel room.jpg

The staff at Bei Hotel are extremely helpful and courteous. Access for those with mobility issues is easy. I enjoyed my stay at Bei Hotel and would stay there again. It is an excellent base for visitng the fascinating city that is San Francisco.

bei hotel bathroom

Val Penny

California Hotel 4-8 Belgrove Street, London, England

I was taking an early train from London St. Pancras and wanted to find suitable accommodation for one night close to the station. I am old enough to remember The Eagles hit song ‘Hotel California’, so when I found the California Hotel, 4-8 Belgrove Street, London, England, I could not go past it. calif hotel out

The hotel is only about 200 yards from St. Pancras/Kings Cross Station. It is formed of four old town houses and to get into the building you have to go up three very deep, steep steps. This would not normally be a huge problem, unless you have mobility problems. However, my suitcase was extremely heavy and getting it up even those three steps was a struggle.

The reception area is small and quirky. The staff are helpful and very polite. The biggest drawback in respect of this hotel is that there is no elevator. Had I noticed that, I would probably have booked somewhere else. However, the reception staff kindly brought my heavy suitcase to my room and when I was leaving the following morning, they brought it back to reception for me, but not down the three steep stairs outside. caalif hotel room

I had booked a single room and I got a single bed in a small basement room. It was quite bright as it had a double aspect window, but as the room looked into other hotel rooms, I had to keep the blinds shut. My room had an en-suite wet room. The quality of the shower was excellent, but the lavatory made a dreadful noise when I flushed it.calif hotel reception

There was a small tray of courtesy teas and coffees, a bottle of water and a hair-dryer. it also had free wi-fi with no password and I got a good telephone signal. I met family for dinner and friends for breakfast, so I did not eat in the California Hotel. The hotel was perfectly situated for what I needed and the room had everything I expected, albeit in a confined space.

I would not seek out the California Hotel again, but if I were making similar travel arrangements, I would not avoid it.

Val Penny

 

Premier Inn, Five Ways, 738 Sidcup Rd, New Eltham, London

On a recent visit to London my husband and I stayed in a Premier Inn Hotel. It was very conveniently situated for the plans we had and the price of accomodation was most competitive. So we checekd in to the Premier Inn, Five Ways, 738 Sidcup Rd, New Eltham, London.

Our first experience of the hotel was checking in. It all went smoothly. The check-in clerk was professional, courteous and very helpful. She took time out to look up the first place we were visiting on her computer and directed us as to the best way to get there. It took a few minutes, but she could not have been kinder.premier inn room

We got up to our room and found it was spotlessly clean. The room was also a good size. It had not only a queen-sized bed, but also a sofa that could have been used as an extra bed, perhaps for a child if we had needed it. The bed was extremely comfortable. There was a courtesy tray with teas and coffees, extra pillows and the bath sheets were a good size.

Unfortunately, the window did not open and we could not adjust the heating, so the room was uncomfortably hot at night. Also the cleaners did not refill the courtesy tray for the later days of our stay and the towels were not soft.

new eltham bathroom

On our first morning, there were not many people in the hotel so the famous, hot Premier Inn buffet breakfast was not on offer, but the cooked dishes were served to order, although the continental breakfast was buffet. The meal was delicious. Later in our stay, my husband was overjoyed when full buffet breakfast returned!premier inn ne

We had an evening meal at the hotel once. It was freshly cooked and tasty. We had drinks in the hotel on another evening, there is no separate bar, but there are comfortable couches in the restaurant area to enjoy a drink.

All in all, we very much enjoyed our stay and will use the Premier Inn, Five Ways, 738 Sidcup Rd, New Eltham, London again.

Val Penny

 

Cala Millor Garden Spa and Chill Out, Cala Millor Majorca

It was ten years since I had been to Majorca and over forty years since my husband had visited the island, so, when we decided to go to the Cala Millor Garden Spa and Chill Out for an Easter Break, we joked that the place would be glad of the repeat business! However neither of us had been to Cala Millor so the trip felt like a real adventure: going somewhere new.

The Cala Millor Garden Spa and Chill Out is an adults only resort. We had never chosen to go to an adult only resort before and chose this one rather by chance. It seemed like a relaxing place and had an indoor pool and spa which we thought we would enjoy at that early part of the season.cala millor reception

When we arrived at the hotel, from the very beginning, we found the staff to be charming and helpful. We were greeted with a smile and a glass of cava and when we went up to our room, on the top floor, we were delighted with the accommodation too. Although we arrived early in the day, our room was ready for occupation. It was scrupulously clean and comfortably spacious, although at that time of year we did not use the balcony as much as we might have done later on.cala millor view

What marks this resort out from many others we have visited is the beautiful grounds which surround the hotel. There is plenty of seating, many sun beds, a jacuzzi and lovely outdoor pool a snack and drinks bar in the grounds with tables and chairs where hot and cold drinks and light meals are served. It was lovely to sit with a drink or a snack and enjoy the views from the terrace.

The dining room, within the hotel is where most meals are served. The Cala Millor Garden Spa and Chill Out offers many levels of board through from bed and breakfast to all-inclusive. In the dining room, again, there was lots of space and the seating very relaxed: everybody just choosing where they wanted to sit rather than being assigned a table. All meals are served buffet style although, apart from breakfast, drinks are served to diners.cala millor dining room

In the basement of the hotel there is a heated indoor pool, a jacuzzi, a small gym which is well-equipped and well-used and a delightful beauty salon where many different procedures can be enjoyed. These require to be booked at the reception desk.cala millor outside

We were also delighted by the situation of the Cala Millor Garden Spa and Chill Out. It is in a very flat part of the island, and therefore lends itself to easy, enjoyable walks. It was funny walking along by the sea and coming across so many happy children and families when we were staying in an adults only environment. We also enjoyed easy walks to the shops and into the town where there are lots of cafes and restaurants to choose from. We enjoyed the fact that the weather was warm enough for us to eat al fresco and people watch.

Both my husband and I very much enjoyed our holiday in the Cala Millor Garden Spa and Chill Out and certainly plan to return soon.

Val Penny

Brig o’ Doon House Hotel, High Maybole Rd, Alloway, Ayr, Scotland

I went to visit Alloway with my friend Anna. We stopped for coffee and cake at the Brig o’ Doon House Hotel, High Maybole Rd, Alloway, Ayr, Scotland. The Brig o’ Doon House Hotel, is set on the banks of the River Doon and across from the Burns Memorial Gardens. We took the opportunity to visit the beautiful gardens before stopping in at this tranquil hotel.Burns museum

The Brig o’ Doon House Hotel, is situated in an ivy-covered house is a 6-minute walk from the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum. We took a self-guided tour of the property Robert Burns grew up in, Burns Cottage,  as well as a visit to the museum that houses his manuscripts, books, many artefacts and artwork. Burns Cottage, was the first home of Robert Burns, the famous Scottish poet and radical thinker. It is located in Alloway, South Ayrshire, Scotland. It was built by his father, William Burness in 1757. Burns is acknowledged as Scotland’s national poet. He was born there on 25 January 1759.Burns Cottage

After our visits in the town of Alloway, Anna and I decided to look for somewhere to stop brig-o-doon outfor afternoon coffee and cake. We were delighted to find the Brig o’ Doon House Hotel, its fine-dining restaurant offers traditional Scottish cuisine, and panoramic views of the gardens and river. The hotel also retains exclusive fishing rights on the river for its guests. Other amenities include landscaped gardens, event facilities and limited parking, but coffee and cake sufficed for us. brig-o-doon entrance

The entrance is beautiful and in the lobby and fire added to the warmth of the surroundings. We so enjoyed curling up in the comfortable armchairs whiling the afternoon away. The coffees were delicious. Anna had a cappuccino, while I opted for a decaf latte. The cakes were fresh and tasty. Anna had an individual bakewell tart, while I had a slice brig o doon insideof apple pie. The service provided by the staff was excellent.

There was a wedding taking place the day we were there. Nevertheless, the service for us was still excellent. We were not made to feel unwanted or in the way at all. The only brig o doon roomsdisadvantage to the Brig o’ Doon House Hotel is that the access for those with mobility issues is poor. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to the Brig o’ Doon House Hotel and we hope to visit there again.

 

Val Penny

 

 

Winchester Writers’ Festival, University of Winchester, West Downs Student Village, Winchester, England

The Winchester Writers’ Festival is held in the middle of June and attracts over three hundred emerging novelists, poets, short story writers, children’s writers, script and memoir writers  from across the UK and the world to the University of Winchester. Delegates attend workshops, talks and one-to-ones with over seventy literary agents, commissioning editors, authors and expert practitioners throughout an inspiring and supportive weekend. This year was the first time I had ever attended The Winchester Writers’ Festival, but it was recommended to me by my friend and mentor, Simon Hall.winchester

I had the opportunity to meet with four agents and publishers, three of whom expressed an interest in my work. However, it was eventually Crooked Cat Books, whom I had submitted my work to, prior to attending Winchester, that accepted my debut crime novel, ‘Hunter’s Chase’ for publication.

At Winchester, I stayed in student accomodation. My goodness, it took me back! Accommodation with breakfast is available at the University of Winchester in basic student rooms in the West Downs Student Village and in Beech Glade on the main King Alfred campus.  A free shuttle bus service will run between West Downs and the Festival venues on the main King Alfred campus at key times over the weekend. En suite and Standard (shared bathroom) accommodation is available at very reasonable prices. Beech Glade is much more convenient for the main campus where the talks, meetings and meals are held, but only West Downs has en-suite accommodation, so the deal was set. I was staying in West Downs. The West Downs Student Village is at the top of a steep hill, so I was glad the course ran a shuttle bus morning and afternoon.

winchester university diningThe accommodation is basic, but clean. My room contained a bed, wardrobe, desk chair and book shelves with an ensuite shower room. Basic bedlinen, toiletries and towels were provided too. I was only there for a long weekend, what more did I need? Accommodation includes hot and cold buffet breakfast for the nights you stay. If you are attending the conference for the day, lunch is also included. Dinner is not and requires to be booked and paid for separately. The meals were ample and tasty and there was provision for vegetarians. Prices in the bar are much lower than in the real world.

Winchester makes great play of being inclusive and having rooms suitable for wheelchair users. I did not see any wheelchair users at the conference. The pack I received states that, although there are stairs leading from conference buildings to the bar and dining roomm, there are lifts for those with mobility issues. I do not have mobility issues, but there were delegates who required assistance to walk. The lifts did not work. That was unsatisfactory.

Free, but limited, parking is available at West Downs and further parking is available in the main car park and Medecroft car park on the main campus but as I travelled to Winchester by train, this did not affect me.

lemnsissayThe keynote speech was delivered on the Saturday morning by Lemn Sissay. I enjoyed the talk and found him a motivating and interesting speaker. Unfortunately, as many people queued to buy his books after his talk, we were told he had somewhere else to be. As a result of this, he stopped dedicationg the books and just signed them, then he left. Not all those waiting with books go them signed. This was bad organisation disppointing and tacky. I have never seen this happen anywhere before. I opted not to buy any of his books.

The Winchester Writers’ festival was interesting some seventy-five speakers delivered fifty separate talks, readings and workshops to almost three hundred writers. The accomodation was adequate. However, bearing in mind the conference only lasts three days, it is extremely expensive. I would not attend the Winchester Writers’ Festival regularly, but I may attend again in the future. I believe there are other writers’ events that are better value for money.

Val Penny