The first drop off was in Brighton. Now, my lovely husband and I were a little disappointed to find that the tour company had a Brighton stay however our drive into the city wasn’t exactly pretty. The impressions we got were grubby, litter filled streets and graffiti everywhere, which surprised us. However when we drove nearer to the tourist section the environment improved. We passed the Royal Pavilion which looked impressive and stopped outside the hotel which was opposite the famous Brighton pier. The guests who were leaving the coach to stay here were greeted on the coach by a young lady who gave them their room keys and information about the meal times. Porters unloaded their bags and they were whisked off. We would see these fellow travellers again later on in the week. We then set off for Eastbourne. Now I must tell you don’t believe maps as the positioning of Eastbourne in relation to Brighton is just wrong. The journey took an extra forty five minutes which just added to the weariness that we were all experiencing by now. When we arrived the hotel was situated on the sea front however our arrival here was completely different. Our bags were dumped on the pavement outside of the hotel by Gregor and considering that many of the 18 passengers were either incapacitated in some way; this did not bode well. We took our cases into the hotel and carried in a few more and then checked in. Our room was on the second floor. The lift held two people and was a squeeze with the bags but we made it to the room. It was basic; clean and tidy but a little worn out. But hey what do you expect for the money we paid. We weren’t over the moon but it was satisfactory and acceptable. However grumbles arose from many of our fellow passengers as they obviously expected more. Two ladies in particular were vociferous in their condemnation of the place and service with comments like: ‘No room to swing a cat. ' (Irreverent thought 1. It must have been a pretty big cat! ) ‘Our room is too hot! ' (Irreverent thought 2. I’m sorry but you won’t get air conditioning at these prices.) 'It’s too noisy!' (Irreverent thought 3. Goodness me you have only just arrived!) ‘The rooms, which are not being used, are dusty!’ (Irreverent thought 4. Maybe because they are closed off and are not being used!) And finally, after the first evening meal; ‘I’ve worked in the hotel industry and owned a pub and the food is from Iceland and micro waved.' (Irreverent thought 5. As I don’t shop at Iceland, I couldn’t comment!) These two ladies asked to see the manager who had apparently absconded two nights ago and hadn’t been seen since by any of the staff on duty! The ladies decided that they weren’t unpacking and were going to complain to grumpy Gregor in the morning, which was something for us to look forward too! Night, night! Thought for the day: Be someone’s sunshine when their skies are grey.
1 Comment
Paula South
30/10/2016 09:01:33 pm
There are always grumblers, who expect The Dorchester for next to nothing! Good entertainment value though!
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