Posts Tagged ‘Starbucks’

25 May

Marriott Hotel Metrocentre, Gateshead, England

Posted by Val Penny in Hotel Review. Tagged: , , , , , , , .

marriott outOn a recent shopping trip with my husband and mother, we were heading from my mother’s home to the Metrocentre in Gateshead, England. We had decided to stay over for the few days in the Marriott Hotel that is closest too the shopping mall. It is a modern marriott angelhotel with a glass facade is 0.7 miles from the Metrocentre train station. The iconic Angel of the North sculpture is 6 miles away. The Marriott Hotel, Metrocentre is A1 road and next to the intu Metrocentre shopping and leisure complex, but my goodness, it is difficult to find the way in from the motorway! However, after calling the hotel (although we could see it!) we did find our way.

marriott receptionIt was important that the hotel we chose catered for those with mobility disabilities and had a restaurant on site. We also required adjoining rooms in case my mother needed any help.The Marriott Hotel Metrocentre ticked all the boxes. Our warm, colourful rooms were on the third floor, near to the lifts so access for Mum was relatively easy. The rooms had flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi (for which there is a fee) and work desks, as well as sofabeds, and tea and coffee making equipment. We were delighted with the rooms and the amount of space available in them.marriott room

Parking at Marriott Hotel, Metrocentre is free. There is a grill restaurant that offers meals including Sunday lunch. However, the bar serving Starbucks coffee as well as drinks, is very small for the size of the hotel. It was not always possible to get a seat. My mother’s mobility makes it impossible for her to stand for any length of time, so, unfortunately, no seats meant no pre-dinner drinks. However, that is a small criticism. Over all the hotel met our needs well.marriott pool

Indeed, the amenities at the Marriott Hotel, Metrocentre are very good. Although we did not use many of them, the facilities include: an indoor pool, a whirlpool tub, a fitness centre and a sauna, as well as a spa and a hair salon. The staff are also polite and pleasant.We all really enjoyed our stay at this hotel and will use it again.

Valerie Penny

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22 Nov

New York Marriott Marquis,1535 Broadway, New York, NY 10036, USA

Posted by Val Penny in Hotel Review. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , .

New-York-Marriott-Marquis roomI have stayed in the New York Marriott Marquis on Broadway, New York City, many times and I am sure I will choose to stay there many times in the future. It is impssoible to improve on its location for me. It is set in the Theatre District of New York City and a block from Times Square. Indeed, the very first time I stayed there I had a direct view of the famous Times Square Coca-Cola billboard.

It is a little confusing to find the reception is up on the 8th floor. This is less surprising when you take into account that the third floor offers entrance to a 1611 seat theatre. The Marquis Theatre opened in 1986 and is one of the newest theatres to be built on Broadway. It

Times Square. New York City 2005

is located inside the New York Marriott Marquis so I can go to watch a Braodway show without even going outside. When I am there in January, it is great to avoid the cold. It provides maximum comfort for audiences while conveying a feeling of intimacy. The venue features wide aisles, comfortable seats, ample restrooms and parking. Since its opening, the theatre has showcased a series of hit musicals including Me and My Girl, Gypsy, Victor/Victoria and  Annie Get Your Gun.

Admittedly there are hotels with fancier rooms than those in the New York Marriott Marquis. However, its straightforward rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows, flat-screen TVs, WiFi and coffeemakers. Some rooms also have pull-out sofas, and suites add living rooms. 

New-York-Marriott-Marquis roomDining options include a stylish revolving restaurant, The View, on the 47th and 48th floor of the hotel. It is the only revolving restaurant in NYC and offers excellent food in relxaing surroundings. There is also a casual eatery on the 8th floor, the Broadway Lounge and a Starbucks cafe at ground level.

My favourite is  the Broadway Lounge which recently got bigger, with the opening of two beautiful new outdoor patios which overlook all the excitement of Times Square below. I like to find a comfortable perch 8 stories above the bright lights at one of the cocktail tables and enjoy a glass of wine. It is different and exciting. If it is cold outside, I enjoy the view of Times Square from the warmth of the bar New-York-Marriott-Marquis out 2inside.There is also an efficient business center, a wide variey of meeting rooms, and fitness facilities. However, there is no swimming pool. WiFi is free in public areas but a small charge is made for this in the rooms.

I really like the New York Marriott Marquis. it serves me well whether I visit the city for business or pleasure. I recommend it and will use this hotel again. It has a perfect, central location in Times Square.

Valerie Penny

3 Nov

Holiday Inn, Regent’s Park, London, England

Posted by Val Penny in Hotel Review. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , .

My husband and I chose to stay in this hotel because of its location that is close to the London Theatre District. It is a short taxi ride from Euston and King’s Cross railways stations in London, England. It is also close to a variety of theatres and popular clubs and restaurants. There is good entry to the hotel for those who have disabilities and access throughout was disabled friendly. Check-in was quick and courteous and our room was clean and well appointed. The en-suite bathroom was slightly dated, but again, it was spotlessly clean. We did not use the minibar in our room. The complimentary facilities were excellent.

room

We were in London immediately prior to our daughter’s wedding and had tickets to see “The Mouse Trap” by Agatha Christie. So, while we were aware of the meeting rooms and fitness suite in this hotel, we had no occasion to use them.

We did use the bar and dining room for an early meal before going to the theatre. Both were very well appointed with good choices available to us. Service was courteous and  friendly, but not obsequious. There was always assistance available to us when we needed help getting a taxi.

When we got back to the hotel from the theatre to the hotel, we found the bed was comfortable and long enough for my husband. He is tall.

The breakfast available in the morning was a full buffet breakfast, as we would expect from an International hotel chain like this. Coffee was Starbucks coffee and was excellent and the choices of things to eat extensive. It even included the possibility of making your own pancakes.entry

Check out was quick and the staff were all helpful, polite and we very much enjoyed our stay. We will use this hotel again and recommend it.

Valerie Penny