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46 Kings Road, Brighton BN1 1NA
Lansdowne Place, Brighton BN3 1HQ
mollytron
last updated on 06-01-2009:
Sorrrrrrrryyyyyyyy. Actually, rewind a few seconds. I think it was my fault entirely by going to Brighton and staying at this highly reputable hotel the first weekend of January. DEAD. The place was dead. And it was clear that the staff were still mentally on holiday.
My boyfriend surprised me by booking an overnight trip to Brighton for my birthday. A short train journey later and we had arrived at the seaside! The hotel looks wonderful, both inside and out. Very elegant and classic-looking, yet with a modern touch. We arrived around noon and tried to check in, even though we knew that normal check-in time is 2pm. Naturally, our room wasn’t ready yet. So we decided to hold our bags behind the front desk and explore freezing cold Brighton for a couple of hours.
Had a nice lunch, strolled along the beach, and made it back to Lansdowne Place for 2pm. Room still not ready. We were told to wait a few minutes as they might have just finished. We went to the spa to book massages. We wanted side-by-side ones, but they said they couldn’t do that on such short notice, so we booked two massages back to back for the following morning. 15 minutes later: no, room still not ready.
We headed back out into the icy winds once again. Strolled all the way down to the pier and the lanes. Starting to get a little cranky and tired. On our way back to the hotel for the 3rd time, we watched the sun set. Stunning, but I was ready to plop down and relax in the room for 5 minutes!
Finally, 4pm and we were given a key. We were also told that the restaurant had a few tables left for dinner that night and that we should make a reservation, which we did (since the thought of going back outside any more was not appealing in the least). Got up to our room on the 4th floor, and it was a complete mess. It hadn’t been cleaned at all.
Back downstairs to complain. I hate complaining. After a short wait, the lady at the front desk brought two keys with her and accompanied us to the lift. She was profusely apologising and said we could pick which room we’d like out of the two. The first one she showed us was fine so that’s where we stayed. A wonderful room; very spacious, HUGE windows, king bed which was really comfy. Difficult to see the TV when it’s right next to the wardrobe, but we weren’t really going to watch TV on our mini holiday anyway.
This is really long, isn’t it? Sorry
Dinner. There was ONE OTHER TABLE of people at the restaurant! The whole time! Food was delicious actually, but we were expecting a crowd of people the way the receptionist spoke about it earlier. A reasonable and satisfying meal, nonetheless.
Before going to sleep, I rang reception and asked for an 8:15 wake-up call (since there is no alarm clock in the room).
The next morning. The curtains are very heavy so you have absolutely no idea when it’s daylight! I went over to my phone and saw that the time was 9:15 AM. No wakeup call! Went downstairs for breakfast (at least it was free) and had a mediocre buffet-style meal. Then headed straight for the spa. I was looking forward to a relaxing massage.
Arrived at the spa and were told to sit and wait. 20 minutes later, spa receptionist tells us our masseuse has called in sick. Just our luck this weekend, eh? We canceled our massages and spent a couple of hours lounging in the “relaxation room” and the sauna. At least that was free.
What I took away from my experience at Lansdowne Place was a gratitude for my own sense of humour. Without that, I wouldn’t have been too much of a happy camper. I can see how it would be a spectacular place to stay (and eat and relax) in the summer. But the winter season service could use some work.
2 people thought this review was helpful
8 Rocks Lane, London SW13 0DB
mollytron
last updated on 04-11-2008:
Friendly, warm, inviting -- being disabled in the food allergies department, I always feel a bit guilty and intimidated when I wander into a restaurant. Bangkok Garden made me feel so welcome and comfortable, even when I had to explain my allergies to the waitress. The boy and I came here to celebrate my being employed (finally) and treated ourselves to a great bottle of Sancerre (extra points to BG for that) and a delicious meal. They made my dish especially so that it contained no egg or soy and it was fantastic!
Of course, there is no shortage of Thai restaurants in this city, but in this particular area of town, I place Bangkok Garden near the top of the list.
2 people thought this review was helpful
New Quay Road, Whitby, North Yorkshire YO21 1DH
mollytron
last updated on 27-10-2008:
Thanks to the Station Inn, I am just a little bit wiser! They have a nice pub quiz every Thursday, which I went to last week with the rest of my group of tourists, and thoroughly enjoyed it (even though we failed). A great selection of beverages, tons of seating and a friendly atmosphere in a fab little town. If I lived in Whitby, I’d probably spend way too much time at the Station Inn.
1 people thought this review was helpful
14 Pier Road, Whitby, North Yorkshire YO21 3PU
mollytron
last updated on 25-10-2008:
Believe the hype! Absolute magic on a plate. The best fish and chips ever (not just coming from me, but from 5 others as well who have had way more experience!). Just for funsies we did a cod vs haddock taste test. Personally, I’m a haddock fan, but that’s neither here nor there. Making a reservation is key - especially for a larger group. They also give you a nice little victoria sandwich cupcake complete with candle if it’s your birthday. Tons of options for any diet or taste. Highly recommended if you are visiting the wonderful town of Whitby!
1 people thought this review was helpful
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