Three Towns Forum

Members' Lounge => Travel => Topic started by: hollins on July 08, 2011, 10:54:01 am

Title: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on July 08, 2011, 10:54:01 am
Does anyone have any photos of a room with a view that they have stayed in?
Most people take a photo from their hotel room or apartment when they are on holiday.
Maybe someone would like to put the name and a bit of info about the accommodation and whether they liked it or not.
Great views or grotty views would make interesting reading.
Unfortunately, probably not many people take the grotty views unless they are making a complaint but here is a nice one to start the ball rolling.

This is taken from the Hotel Pavillon Henri 1V in St Germain-en-Laye near Paris.
It is a great hotel for escaping the centre of Paris. The views from it are amazing, the service a bit quirky (French)!
It is about half an hour on the RER (fast train) from the centre of Paris.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: TheMedz on July 08, 2011, 11:32:53 am
Taken in Florence (the original city of the book "A Room with a View") we dropped lucky and got an apartment (first floor in the second picture) with a balcony overlooking the Duomo and the piazza in front of it. A perfect "people watching" location.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on July 08, 2011, 11:41:48 am
Goodness me! What a fantastic position. How lucky were you!
Did you book it directly with the owners?
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: TheMedz on July 08, 2011, 11:49:52 am
We booked it through the hotel's web site

http://www.palazzogambaflorence.com/apartments.phtml (http://www.palazzogambaflorence.com/apartments.phtml)

That particular apartment was "Rafaello"
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on July 08, 2011, 11:57:18 am
Thanks for that info. It looks fabulous.
I have some good memories of Florence. I was there for a week in 1982 doing some research on textiles. The company I worked for didn't want to pay much for my accomodation so they persuaded one of our competitors over there to lend me an apartment. It was okay, a bit outside the city, (I had to go in by tram) but it was above an ice cream shop. There were 25 different flavours and I tried my best to work my way through most of them during the course of the week!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Hugo on July 08, 2011, 02:56:46 pm
These two photos were taken from our bedroom at the Cliffe Norton Hotel, North Bay Tenby.   For a very small extra charge we had a bedroom with these glorious sea views.
The Hotel is only 2 star and is slightly quirky in its layout but the food and hospitality are 4 star and it is in a perfect location for the town and beaches.   It's very popular with Coach tours and we went with Arvonia Coaches who regularly use this hotel.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on July 08, 2011, 03:00:41 pm
oooooo.......dreamy......lucky you!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Trojan on July 09, 2011, 01:33:09 am
The back streets of Llandudno with Trinity church spire rising majestically in the centre, with the Great Orme and Anglesey beyond. Taken from the Imperial Hotel.
Bellringing could be heard through the open window on Friday evenings.

I was moved to this room after complaining about the eyesore of a windfarm viewed from the front of the hotel.



Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on July 09, 2011, 08:00:06 am
I agree with you about the wind farm. How could they do that?
I think the view from your room saved my life one night about 3 years ago.
We had just moved house to the area and took the keys one evening. It was a disaster, the toilets wouldn't flush and the water had to be turned off while we waited for a part.
I got in the car and booked myself in to the Imperial hotel in one of those rooms at the back with the lovely view to the west shore and thought what a terrible mistake we had made.
All okay now though!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Hugo on July 09, 2011, 03:07:06 pm
When my wife was 12 years old she remembers having a meal at the Chateau Impney in Droitwich Spa with her Aunt and Uncle. She can remember the place quite well so on her 60th birthday we stayed there over night..  The Restaurant was still the same and even the menu was similar eg.  Prawn cocktail, Back Forest Gateau etc but having said that the food was very good and the service of the mainly French staff was excellent.  
The gardens were immaculate and it was such a lovely day we sat on the terrace until dark having a drink with the guests there.
Earlier in the day we met a couple and they asked us to have a drink with them which we did, the lady was Rusty Lee the chef on TV and we had an hour or so chatting about everything.
We stayed there a year later but things had changed a lot. The French staff had gone and replaced by other foreign workers and the Hotel was in administration. It is in serious need of updating although it is a beautiful building and the gardens were still immaculate. We won't be going back but have some nice memories of the place.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on July 09, 2011, 07:22:00 pm
I had to look up Chateau Impney to see which part of France it was in. I got quite a shock when I found out it was in Droitwich.
What an amazing building for that part of the world.
How sad that it has gone downhill.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: RichieC on July 09, 2011, 08:28:20 pm
One of my cousins husbands (she has had more than one but not at the same time!) was an investor in the Chateau many years ago and many previous ownerships too.

He didn't take too kindly when those of us in the less opulent section of the family referred to his hotel as the 'Chateau Wimpey'  :laugh:
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on July 09, 2011, 09:46:09 pm
"It was built in 1875 by John Corbett, the Salt King, as a present to his wife, a beautiful French governess. Corbett fell in love with her during a visit to Paris and as both had been enchanted by Versailles and the French Chateaux in the Loire Valley they decided to build their own palace in England.

Corbett, son of a wealthy bargee from Staffordshire, at the age of 28 bought the derelict salt works at Stoke Prior, just outside Droitwich Spa. With his engineering skill he was able to turn his business into an extremely profitable company, producing 160,000 tones of salt per annum, and amassing a great personal fortune. Three thousand men toiled on the construction of the building creating the magnificent mansion and park that is today the Chateau Impney. They totally transformed the landscape creating 155 acres of parkland, building lakes, waterfalls and tropical gardens and planting over 3000 varieties of trees, many of which are evident today in their full glory. All this they completed in a style typical of the great French houses. "

http://www.chateau-impney.com/ (http://www.chateau-impney.com/)
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Hugo on July 10, 2011, 05:26:17 pm
The Chateau Impney has got the potential to be a good hotel if sufficient money is invested in it.  The room we stayed in was tired but clean and it was quite large. Sorry about the quality of the photos.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on July 10, 2011, 07:01:26 pm
Oh dear, who put that hideous modern frontage on it?  :(
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on August 06, 2011, 05:01:55 pm
This photo shows the view from the restaurant at Bodysgallen Hall.
The lunch is excellent. £19.50 for 2 courses and £23 for three. I had ham hock terrine to start followed by roast cod with pea risotto. My friend had the rhubarb trifle. It was all delicious and the service friendly and professional.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on August 19, 2011, 07:13:34 pm
Enjoying the view but a girl should never be far from the Three Towns Forum!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on August 19, 2011, 07:18:19 pm
 ;D Excellent!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on August 24, 2011, 08:23:25 pm
Rainbow view from the Hilton Manchester Deansgate.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on August 29, 2011, 11:08:36 am
This one qualifies nicely for room with a view!
It is the Estalagem da Ponto do Sol on the island of Madeira.

www.pontadosol.com (http://www.pontadosol.com)


We were looking for somewhere to go for Christmas one year and we saw a newspaper article about places which weren’t charging a fortune over the Christmas period.
We had a good week walking along the many levadas.
The hotel is best for its views. The room was basic but fine. The food was a bit up and down. I have just checked on tripadvisor and the reviews say pretty much the same as it was like for us about five years ago. It always amazes me that if customers are  all agreeing the food needs improving that the hoteliers don’t do something about it.
Still with views like that........
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Yorkie on August 29, 2011, 12:04:35 pm
Here's a real view!  It is the Swatch roundabout in Albufeira!  Lots of traffic and people to watch whilst sipping a can of Tango!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: suepp on August 29, 2011, 12:14:52 pm
this is my room with a view of Madeira when I visied on a cruise in 2009
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on August 29, 2011, 12:51:36 pm
Gorgeous!
You are braver than me having a room with a view on the water, mine have to be on dry land!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Yorkie on August 29, 2011, 04:08:24 pm
 A view over the stern of the Braemar leaving Lisbon (I think).
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Yorkie on August 29, 2011, 04:08:45 pm
 A view over the stern of the Braemar leaving ?
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Hugo on September 17, 2011, 06:55:11 pm
This is a view from the Ambassador Hotel in Scarborough where I stayed this week. It's in a prime elevated cliff top location above the Spa Complex.
Our bedroom unfortunately looked the other way and the view wasn't impressive.      :(
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Fester on September 17, 2011, 11:39:16 pm
We stayed in The Ambassador a couple of times, it had become quite tired and faded over the years.
The buffet breakfast was very nice,  maybe things have improved in the last 3 or 4 years? but it was a struggle to give it 3 stars.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Hugo on September 18, 2011, 10:56:50 am
I don't know if they have done any renovation since you were there Fester but we were pleased with every thing there. The rooms were clean, the staff very friendly and efficient and the food we had was very good. We had intended to have some meals out at Ask the Italian Restaurant by the Harbour as we had one of those tastecards that let you have two meals for the price of one but as the hotel meals were so good we didn't bother with the card.
St Nicholas (opposite the Grand) where we stayed last time we were there on a coach trip was something else. The rooms were disgusting and the evening meal inedible and that's how we found the Ask Restaurant because we had to go out for a decent meal.
Not surprisingly the place was closed down soon afterwards and there is a Travel Lodge there now.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on September 18, 2011, 03:08:37 pm
Whlist you have been enjoying the sunshine today, I have been watching the rain and snow falling through the swirling mist from my room with a view!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Bri Roberts on September 18, 2011, 05:02:58 pm
hollins, where are you?

Capel Curig?  $lol$
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on September 18, 2011, 06:18:34 pm
 ;D
Switzerland!
Looked like this on Friday.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Bri Roberts on September 18, 2011, 06:33:46 pm
Beautiful, hollins.



Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Fester on September 18, 2011, 07:09:59 pm
I don't know if they have done any renovation since you were there Fester but we were pleased with every thing there. The rooms were clean, the staff very friendly and efficient and the food we had was very good. We had intended to have some meals out at Ask the Italian Restaurant by the Harbour as we had one of those tastecards that let you have two meals for the price of one but as the hotel meals were so good we didn't bother with the card.
St Nicholas (opposite the Grand) where we stayed last time we were there on a coach trip was something else. The rooms were disgusting and the evening meal inedible and that's how we found the Ask Restaurant because we had to go out for a decent meal.
Not surprisingly the place was closed down soon afterwards and there is a Travel Lodge there now.

Wow, Hugo.. that just goes to show how quickly things do change.
When we last stayed at the St Nick (as we called it), the service and food was second to none in the area.
They knew how to charge for it though!
The Grand however was going through one of its several closures and cleandowns, due to more than 100 guests being made ill by a virus.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on September 20, 2011, 04:34:08 pm
;D
Switzerland!
Looked like this on Friday.


Looked like this after 48 hours of rain and snow!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Blodyn on September 20, 2011, 05:30:11 pm
That's lovely, Hollins.  Even nicer than the view before the rain and snow. 
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on October 08, 2011, 07:51:04 pm
Just spent a week in this lovely bungalow with a great view over to Newport and Dinas Head. We booked it through Coastal Cottages of Pembrokeshire and we thought it good value.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Yorkie on October 08, 2011, 08:16:34 pm
I bet you visited the Church of St Brynach whilst there!    :D
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on October 08, 2011, 08:18:54 pm
We did and that was a big clue wasn't it?
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Yorkie on October 08, 2011, 08:25:01 pm
I actually found it before I read the travel post.  I did consider the place earlier but it wasn't until I found the picture with the tree in the background that I guessed it was correct.  Hope you had a great time.   ZXZ
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on October 08, 2011, 09:27:44 pm
It has a lovely view.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Bri Roberts on October 11, 2011, 06:50:18 pm
This is the view from the room my wife booked us into last year for my special birthday.

Below is Sorrento with Mount Vesuvius in the distance.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Pendragon on October 11, 2011, 10:58:52 pm
I'd love to go somewhere like that.  Furthest I've been is Berlin lol
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Hugo on October 17, 2011, 07:13:07 pm
This is the view from the room my wife booked us into last year for my special birthday.

Below is Sorrento with Mount Vesuvius in the distance.

Fantastic view Bri, we stayed at the Capo Di Monte Hotel which I think was just below where you stayed.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Bri Roberts on October 17, 2011, 08:02:24 pm
Yes, that is right it is Hugo.

On a previous visit, we stayed next door at the Aminta and met a local couple staying there as well.

By coincidence, she worked at Ysgol San Sior and her husband in the Fire Service in Conwy.  :o
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Blodyn on October 25, 2011, 01:15:43 pm
One of my cousins and her husband spent a couple of years in New York as he was working on a contract there.  They had an appartment in midtown Manhattan, where they were visited by quite a number of the family, including my OH and me.  This is the view from their appartment. 
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Hugo on October 27, 2011, 06:45:58 pm
Some years ago we booked a holiday for two weeks in Cala Galdana in Menorca and stayed at the Hotel Sol Gavilanes.  We had seen how beautiful the views were and booked a room with a sea view.
When we were taken to our room we couldn't even see the beach below us because of a giant Pine tree in front of the window.   :(    :rage:
A few days later after a word with the manager we moved rooms and had the view that we were expecting.    :)
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on November 14, 2011, 06:41:09 pm
I treated myself to a stay in the Sir Percy Blakeney suite in the Royal Crescent Hotel in Bath recently.
The first pic is the view from the lounge looking out over the Crescent. The second photo is the rear view from the bedroom. The third is a photo of the real coal fire in the room, my ultimate treat!
The fourth is a view of the lounge with an original Joshua Reynolds painting on the wall.
I had never been to Bath before. I thought it was gorgeous with lovely buildings and interesting shops.
Happy days!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on November 14, 2011, 09:41:38 pm
Looks lovely!  :)
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Yorkie on November 14, 2011, 09:55:07 pm
If you want a eally fabulous room coupled with a great view in a fabulous location, try Castle Stuart near Inverness in Scotland.   

http://www.castlestuart.com/ (http://www.castlestuart.com/)

Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on November 15, 2011, 08:17:50 am
Talking of castles. Here is one that my mum and I have enjoyed a couple of times.
It is Ashford Castle in County Mayo, Ireland. We flew to Knock from Manchester for next to nothing and then hired a car.
Some wonderful scenery.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Yorkie on November 15, 2011, 12:13:20 pm
Slightly further afield and with somewhat different scenery, but nevertheless one of the finest (but certainly not one of the cheapest!) hotels in the World is the New Otani Hotel in Tokyo.   Here is a short video:   I think Fester has maybe also stayed there.

http://www.newotani.co.jp/en/tokyo/video.html (http://www.newotani.co.jp/en/tokyo/video.html)
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Fester on November 15, 2011, 06:15:46 pm
I'm afraid the old travel budget didn't stretch that far!
I never even got summoned to a meeting in that hotel.
On the occasions I went to Tokyo, we stayed more central, in a very good hotel called The Shibuya.
All that seems a million years ago now.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on December 01, 2011, 01:48:55 pm
This is the view a few minutes ago from Raffles Hotel Dubai. Great sunset.
The tallest building on the left is the Burj Khalifa which is the worlds tallest building.
Hope you all have a great time tonight. Cheers!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: TheMedz on December 09, 2011, 02:04:39 am
Reykjavik December 2011 taken at around 10 in the morning
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on December 09, 2011, 09:56:36 am
Great photos from both Hollins and The Medz.  $good$
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Bri Roberts on December 09, 2011, 07:29:26 pm
DaveR, I bet you won't say the same about mine taken early last Monday morning.

It is so poor I doubt if anyone will guess the location.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on December 09, 2011, 09:47:42 pm
I like it! It has got atmosphere and lucky you going there.
Maybe we should have a thread for "mistake" photos?
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on December 17, 2011, 11:00:51 am
This is my room with a somewhat obscured snowy view this morning.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Bri Roberts on December 17, 2011, 12:09:06 pm
Are you up in Colwyn Heights, hollins? ;)
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on December 17, 2011, 12:36:21 pm
A bit further away than that! ;D
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Bri Roberts on December 17, 2011, 07:14:56 pm
Any clues?
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on December 17, 2011, 07:33:10 pm
The currency is francs.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Fester on December 17, 2011, 09:06:30 pm
Ahh... You are back in the land of Toblerones and Cuckoo Clocks!

Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on December 17, 2011, 09:23:42 pm
Mmmm......Toblerone and on offer as well!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on February 17, 2012, 07:42:21 am
Well, plane spotters might like it!
The view from the 9th floor of the Radisson at Manchester airport.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: SDQ on February 17, 2012, 07:57:26 am
I think it's a great hotel to stay at when you have an early flight, especially as you can pop out to book-in for the flight to get rid of your cases and go back to the room to relax before you actually fly. They used to do a great deal where you stayed the night, left with a good breakfast to start the day's travelling and they looked after your car for two weeks.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on February 17, 2012, 06:31:38 pm
I agree with you SDQ. Worth every penny for the location alone. Great to be able to walk to the terminal without going outside and no stress worrying about the possible traffic jams on the M56 in the rush hour.
They still do the parking packages.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Blodyn on February 24, 2012, 09:19:08 pm
Each February I make a couple of visits to Wadenhoe House (http://www.wadenhoe-house.com/#!__business-home) in Northamptonshire for business meetings.  Here's the view from my room and a couple of views of the house itself.  There was snow when I made the first trip this year and this week the weather was dull until after I'd taken my photos - when the sun came out beautifully but I didn't have time to re-do the pictures. 
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on February 25, 2012, 10:21:26 am
Blimey, lucky you!
In my working days we were sent to grotty hotels in Stockport for conferences. That looks a whole lot better!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Yorkie on February 25, 2012, 11:55:13 am
When I worked for a certain German Company we held our Conferences at the 5 Europe Hotel on the side of Killarney Lakes in Ireland.   A fantastic place with lots of scenery, golf , horseriding, fishing, spa etc. etc.   Closed at the moment for second phase of bedroom refurbishment (reopening April) but still worth a look!

Just as an afterthought - it was owned by the parent company!   $good$

http://www.theeurope.com/ (http://www.theeurope.com/)
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Blodyn on February 26, 2012, 12:12:38 am
Yorkie, that looks very posh! 

Hollins, yes I am very lucky to get sent to such a nice place for work.  Here's a picture of my room. 

Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on March 02, 2012, 09:38:57 pm
Blodyn, I was hoping you would put a photo of the inside. It looks fabulous.

I have been staying in a converted barn in the Peak District for a few days.
This was the view from my bedroom window yesterday morning and one of the inside.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Fester on March 03, 2012, 01:10:32 am
Was that 'The Bearded Wonder' himself, gliding past in his balloon?
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Blodyn on March 13, 2012, 11:54:47 pm
Hollins, your converted barn looks very interesting!  I do like the Peak District and used to walk there quite a lot.

I've been away with work again, including a night at the pleasant Old Bridge Hotel at Huntingdon (http://www.huntsbridge.com/theoldbridgehotel_diningroom.php).  This is the view from my window, overlooking the Great Ouse.  I didn't get a photo of the place itself and was surprised that there wasn't one on the hotel website, so I've linked to the private dining room page, as that was the part we used.   

Here too is a picture of my room - including some rather odd looking cushions! 
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on March 14, 2012, 07:33:59 am
Nice to see your contributions back on the forum Blodyn.
Love the baby goats and the violets.
I can't see the odd cushions on the photo above!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Blodyn on March 14, 2012, 09:14:23 am
:-}}} $booboo$

I didn't check which photos I'd posted.  Here (I hope) are the odd cushions - I wasn't really sure what I was supposed to do with them!

Thanks for your comments, Hollins. 
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on March 14, 2012, 09:25:26 am
A bit of overactive plumping going on there!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Nemesis on March 14, 2012, 10:52:51 am
Reminds me of when our daughter went abroad somewhere the towels were twisted into swans everyday !
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Fester on March 14, 2012, 08:37:20 pm
Reminds me of when our daughter went abroad somewhere the towels were twisted into swans everyday !

Whereas the cushions in Blodyn's room have been made into BATMAN !

Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Blodyn on April 04, 2012, 05:33:25 pm
Last week I had an overnight trip to Worthing and stayed at the Travel Lodge on the seafront (no danger of Batman cushions or swan towels there).  Having booked a budget room I expected a budget view of the backs of the buildings behind.  I was therefore delighted to have a sea view. 

 :-}}}

I see I haven't paid enought attention to which photos I've posted - again!  The E view wasn't actually taken from my room, though the view from the room was pretty similar. 
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on April 04, 2012, 06:19:06 pm
How did Worthing compare to Llandudno?
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Blodyn on April 04, 2012, 10:52:08 pm
Well, I grew up in Worthing but from the first time I came to Llandudno at the age of 7 to visit my father's family, I preferred Llandudno.  I am therefore somewhat biased but I will try to be fair to Worthing. 

"In my day" Worthing was one of the places to which people retired in large numbers, so it had quite an elderly population.  The town has expanded since then and is a bit more lively.  Worthing is much bigger than Llandudno and is composed of a number of parishes which grew together over the years but some of these retain a local identity and organise their own events each year.  The towns along this part of the south coast have similarly spread out and merged together. 

The public gardens are well maintained and Worthing has world class bowling greens.  The prom is long, not as broad as Llandudno's and has less seating.  Cycling is currently allowed on the prom and there are cycle routes along the proms or close to the sea from Worthing to Brighton and I've cycled these (most recently last year) without any problems.  I've also walked along the prom without encountering any problems with cyclists - though there are always a few who go a bit fast.  As Worthing is pretty flat it's good for cycling but the roads are much busier than up here. 

The town centre shopping area near the seafront is pedestrianised and quite pleasant but there are also some shopping precincts which are virtually deserted, while many local shops closed down years ago when the big supermarkets started to open.  There are a number of large hotels along the prom but despite Worthing's slogan of "Come to Sunny Worthing", I would imagine that most holidaymakers would be older people, as there's not much in the way of tourist attractions. 

The pier and seafront shelters seem to be in good condition and provision of public toilets is neither better nor worse than Llandudno's. 

The beach retains its traditional wooden groynes, which control the longshore drift but not the seaweed.  The banks of shingle are natural and there's no problem with wind blown sand, as there isn't any - Worthing beach is largely mud!  (I'm not being rude here, during an A level geology class we analysed the beach material and very little of it was sand.)  My photos are rather misleading because in my experience the sea at Worthing is rarely blue; it may be grey, green or brown but blue is not its usual colour.  The beach slopes very gently and when the tide goes out it goes a long way.  To get to the sea, it is then necessary to negotiate the shingle and trek across a wide expanse of mud with hard-packed ripples and anyone who wants to swim rather than paddle still has quite a way to go.  I'm not sure how well the seaweed is managed these days but there are banks of vigorous seaweed offshore and a good onshore gale redistributes large amounts onto the shingle, where it can gather in huge piles.  When I lived in Worthing, the seaweed would then start to rot and attract flies and on a bad day we could smell it at home, 3 miles inland.  Hopefully it is now removed more quickly (it's a tractor job).  At least the sand at West Shore doesn't smell! 

Worthing is not nearly as scenic as Llandudno but the rolling country of the South Downs behind Worthing is very pleasant. 

I'd like to comment on the Christmas lights for Wrex's benefit.  Unfortunately I can't, as Christmases in Worthing have been spent with family and I've had little reason to go to the town centre. 

Even though Worthing is a large town the hospital seems to be periodically under threat of being downgraded and the hospitals along the south coast have different specialities, so depending upon one's aliment it may be necessary to travel some distance.  This isn't entirely new and the area's maternity hospital has been a couple of towns away for a long time, with the result that, like many people from here, I was born in Shoreham-by-Sea. 

Dave, I'm not sure if that answers your question.  Worthing is pleasant but Llandudno is lovely and this is where I choose to live! 

I'll find a few more photos of Worthing.  Though I doubt I've bothered to take many when the sea's been its usual colour. 
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Blodyn on April 06, 2012, 10:05:52 pm
This week I had a brief trip with work.  On Monday I took the train to Norfolk, where I was picked up by one client to go to another client's office for a meeting.  After that I was dropped off at the B&B I'd booked, to wait for my colleagues to pick me up the next day for another meeting in that area. 

As the very nice Crosskeys B&B (http://www.crosskeys.info/) is in a village, I'd done my homework and checked that there was pub in the village which served food.  After an early start and eating my lunch too early I was pretty hungry and I trotted off happily to the pub.  It was quite quiet so I asked if they were serving food yet.  "Oh no, we don't do food on a Monday!"   :o  I'd seen a petrol station in the village, did that sell any food?  "That's closed down." Was there a shop? "No."  By this time the few locals were getting interested and suggesting alternative places, the nearest of which was 3 miles away - I then had to explain how I came to be stranded in their village without food or a car (while mentally considering my resources - one apple left from lunch and a squashed cereal bar which I'd been carrying around for ages as "emergency rations" - and wondering how many packets of crisps would make a meal). 

Meanwhile, the barmaid had gone to consult with the manager, who said that she could do me a burger, sandwiches or baked potato, so I had a lovely baked potato with lots of cheese and salad.   :D  I was so pleased that I wanted to take a photo of my plate, as Hollins does, but I was afraid that the locals would think me even odder! 

Well fed, I returned to my pretty room and riverside view for a comfortable night followed by a good breakfast. 

Many thanks to the people of Hilgay for looking after me.

Report on homework: "Could do better."   :(
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on April 06, 2012, 10:25:46 pm
Great story Blodyn!
You are making me feel like a real "stick at home" with all your travels. I'm not very brave at going in to a pub on my own, no problem with restaurants and hotels though.
I'm so pleased you got fed and your room and the view look so pretty.
Happy Easter to you!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Blodyn on April 07, 2012, 10:19:28 pm
Thanks, Hollins.

I don't think you'll ever be a "stick at home"!  Most of my work trips happen over winter, so I'll probably be the "stick at home" for a while, now. 

Happy Easter to you and to everyone on the Forum. 
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on April 08, 2012, 09:07:20 am
Blodyn, I forgot to thank you the other day for your great description of Worthing.  $thanx$
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Blodyn on April 10, 2012, 06:32:17 pm
That's OK, Dave.  When I have an idle moment I'll post some more photos of Worthing and Sussex. 
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Nemesis on April 10, 2012, 08:14:46 pm
Worthing brings back memories--- my Granny's brother lived there in a house called Old Walls. Dad and I took her there to visit him when I was about 10!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on April 14, 2012, 02:00:09 pm
I am back from a pleasant couple of days near Criccieth. I stayed at Bron Eifion hotel. I dropped in a bit lucky because they had a new online booking system which very kindly gave me the four poster suite for the price of a single room. I was looked after very well and give them their due they honoured the booking even though they realised before I arrived that there had been a mistake.
Delicious freshly cooked breakfasts with not a buffet in sight!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Blodyn on April 23, 2012, 02:16:51 pm
Hollins, that looks a wonderful place to stay - and what a good deal, too!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on August 29, 2012, 12:37:27 pm
We have been staying at the Fermain Valley Hotel in Guernsey. Here is the view from the room and a photo of a lunch from the restaurant below.
It was in a lovely location although right under the flight path in to the airport.
We thought it a bit expensive for the relatively small rooms and the food average rather than excellent.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Blodyn on September 03, 2012, 04:48:15 pm
That looks very pleasant, Hollins. 

I've had a brief working trip to the Baltic Sea area of Poland, staying for a couple of nights at Kolobrzeg, which we were told is a seaside resort.  However we didn't see the sea and the only view from the room I had time to snap was this sunrise (Yorkie, please note!) one. 
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on September 14, 2012, 05:12:38 pm
Here are a few photos taken from my room at St Brides hotel in Saundersfoot.
Lovely place to stay and the most impressive view. I even managed to see the sunrise one day.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Blodyn on September 16, 2012, 04:50:56 pm
That looks very pleasant Hollins.  Sunrises are getting a bit easier to catch at the moment, aren't they!

Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Jack on September 16, 2012, 05:38:29 pm
Stayed at a lovely B&B in Eskdale Green in the Lake District last night.  Red Squirrels feeding in the garden this morning as we had breakfast but too quick to get a photo of!  Instead this was the view from the bedroom window this morning before the rain arrived.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Hugo on September 16, 2012, 06:01:21 pm
Here are a few photos taken from my room at St Brides hotel in Saundersfoot.
Lovely place to stay and the most impressive view. I even managed to see the sunrise one day.

That's a very impressive location for a Hotel Hollins
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on September 16, 2012, 06:32:30 pm
Ha! Well spotted Hugo!
Have you stayed there too?
My room was the one under the chimney pot on the right.

Jack, what a beautiful, peaceful looking view you had this morning.
I was reading that there was some virus attacking the red squirrels but they must be okay up there hopefully.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Jack on September 16, 2012, 09:05:52 pm
Hi Hollins, I did read in the Daily Post about the red squirrel virus on Anglesey, the guy that owns the b&b in the Lakes monitors the reds up there and helps control the greys and has seen the numbers of reds increase rapidly in the 18 months he has owned it.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Hugo on September 17, 2012, 10:03:45 am
Ha! Well spotted Hugo!
Have you stayed there too?
My room was the one under the chimney pot on the right.

No I haven't stayed at the Hotel, we just had a day trip to the resort but I recognised the location from your photo and I remembered the Monkey Puzzle tree as well.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Blodyn on October 29, 2012, 03:10:20 pm
I've just had a brief trip to South Wales to visit family and stayed in a very nice B&B at The Mount Pleasant Inn (http://www.themountpleasantinn.co.uk/) in Merthyr Vale.  The view from the window across the valley was glorious with the autumn colours. 
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on November 15, 2012, 11:02:10 pm
 This post should read "bath with a view."It is a hotel called Plas Rhianfa and is owned by Mike Clare who is the man who started the company Dreams beds. He has opened a group of hotels called Clarenco which are all unusual properties.
It is incredible to see what they have done to Plas Rhianfa. The restoration has been done to a very high standard and the place is full of small public rooms all beautifully decorated.
We stayed in the Duchess suite which has a bath in the bay window with magnificent views over the Menai Straits.
It is situated more or less opposite Bangor and has a nice view of the pier from the other side.
They have plans to build a new jetty which will have boats for hotel guests and a champagne bar.
We had a lovely, not over ambitious, but delicious dinner. From Sunday the hotel will be open to non residents for Sunday lunch.
The hotel only opened in June so they are going slowly, slowly to try and get things right.
Well worth a visit, beautiful grounds in a fantastic location.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on November 15, 2012, 11:03:22 pm
Plas Rhianfa
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Fester on November 16, 2012, 12:27:02 am
I am most jealous Hollins!

I saw Plas Rhianfa on Booking.com when I was planning our stay in Beaumaris last week.
I decided to go for the cheaper option and booked The Church House Bed and Breakfast, a beautiful Georgian building opposite Beaumaris Parish Church.

I took a picture of that view from our room, but I cannot compete with Hollins amazing vista, so I have deleted it!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on November 16, 2012, 07:51:57 am
Glad you enjoyed your stay in Beaumaris Fester. It is a beautiful place.
We had been intrigued ourselves about Plas Rhianfa since June when it opened.
We have watched the prices go up and down fairly wildly as they seem to be not quite sure yet what to charge.
They have good prices at the moment for dinner, bed and breakfast and we booked directly with the hotel by phone.
Only two rooms have baths, all the others have showers and some of them are in the turrets.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on November 16, 2012, 08:54:32 am
Plas Rhianfa looks excellent!! Fester, schedule a shareholders meal there immediately.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Yorkie on November 16, 2012, 09:17:21 am
Or even the Three Towns Forum, Members Xmas Party!     $walesflag$
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Merddin Emrys on November 16, 2012, 10:46:04 am
I've just seen the prices!  :o  :o a stunning place though and I've always been amazed by it when driving past.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Blodyn on November 16, 2012, 02:46:09 pm
Well, Hollins, that looks fantastic but personally I'm not very keen on "a bath with a view". 

When away with work, there are times when we stay in private houses in the country and a surprising number of these seem to have guest bathrooms with views - views through huge, clear glass windows with no curtains, just next to the bath / shower / toilet!  :o  In these situations I carefully scan the view of the garden for signs of our host and family, the gardener, the odd jobs man, postman, etc before using the facility (and at night I blunder around inthe dark to maintain privacy)!   
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on November 16, 2012, 02:56:38 pm
You're right Blodyn! It was totally impractical really especially as there was a film crew in the garden making a film for the website. I hope I don't appear on it!
Would have been much more use with a table and two chairs there but I suppose it is good novelty value and makes stylish photos for the brochure.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Nemesis on November 17, 2012, 08:41:16 am
You made me smile there Blodyn, I feel just the same and the idea of a bath in a window certainly doesn't appeal to me-- I would prefer a nice armchair and a table containing books pertaining to the area which I could see from it.
The French often had very public facilities in the rooms-- I remember a toilet in Brittany which had a curtain in front of it which rested on the occupier's knees. Also a bidet in the Loire valley which was on wheels-- I will leave that to your imagination. :o
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Fester on November 17, 2012, 07:03:10 pm
I posted quite a bit on this thread last night, suffice it to say they have all vanished.

In a nutshell, I can tell you that I have booked Plas Rhianfa for New Years Eve, including the Black Tie New Year Ball....

Pricey maybe, but you can't put a price on great memories.    Sod the expense I say!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on November 18, 2012, 08:00:55 am
O'h wow Fester! That is brilliant. I hope you have a fantastc time.
Look forward to your report in the new year.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Blodyn on November 19, 2012, 09:39:51 am
Hollins, we'll have to look out for that video on the Plas Rhianfa website!

Nemesis, your facilities in France sound "interesting".   :o

Fester, hope you and Mrs. Fester have a wonderful new year, it sounds as if it certainly should be memorable. 
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Cordyline on November 25, 2012, 07:48:41 pm
Stayed here last week; Osborne House

(http://i49.tinypic.com/wb76li.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v13/cogla/Ruby1001.jpg)
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Blodyn on November 26, 2012, 07:31:41 pm
That looks good, Cordyline.  I particularly like the two seagulls outside looking in - you wouldn't want to open the window!  :o
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Cordyline on November 26, 2012, 10:02:54 pm
They gave us some earache at breakfast
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v13/cogla/Ruby017.jpg)

While in Llandudno we looked at this nice apartment that is for sale
Here (http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-37544477.html?premiumA=true)

I liked it, very tidy; with own access door
However; Ms Cordy wants a 'place with a view'
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Nemesis on November 27, 2012, 09:00:33 am
Come and live near me --Cordyline-- I can see this from my front garden. ;D
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Cordyline on November 27, 2012, 05:55:41 pm
Will do Nemesis $good$

Are there properties available with car parking ?

Not too expensive though 
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on December 02, 2012, 01:49:39 pm
This is my room with a view in Dubai at the moment. I am told that this boat is owned by Sheikh Mohammed's son the Crown Prince of Dubai.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on December 02, 2012, 03:02:22 pm
Very nice!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on December 02, 2012, 03:08:23 pm
I should have said to make it a bit more interesting that today is the UAE National Day.
41 years since the birth of their nation.
Incredible really, when you think how things have changed in such a short space of time.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Yorkie on December 02, 2012, 04:07:54 pm
This is my room with a view in Dubai at the moment. I am told that this boat is owned by Sheikh Mohammed's son the Crown Prince of Dubai.

And if you look very closely you can see me waving from the stern deck!   $lol$
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Fester on December 02, 2012, 06:12:05 pm
The Sheik obviously doesn't use it much......... its gone very rusty!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Yorkie on December 02, 2012, 06:40:14 pm
Certainly not as sumptuous inside (or outside) as the Abramovich seagoing runabout!     ZXZ

Couldn't even find a bottle of booze on board - not that I would be interested, but I have to think of the Mrs especially since it is her umpteenth birthday on the 12th.!    +}}{-- :__)+ _))++ $drink$
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: snowcap on December 02, 2012, 09:17:13 pm
c'mon Yorkie thought your fair lady had her umpteenth last year
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Yorkie on December 02, 2012, 09:51:45 pm
c'mon Yorkie thought your fair lady had her umpteenth last year

My Mrs has an umpteenth EVERY year, but this one is a bit more special than the "significant" number last year.   And if that is not enough it is another significant one for myself on the 23rd!    ZXZ
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: SDQ on December 02, 2012, 10:35:14 pm
c'mon Yorkie thought your fair lady had her umpteenth last year

My Mrs has an umpteenth EVERY year, but this one is a bit more special than the "significant" number last year.   And if that is not enough it is another significant one for myself on the 23rd!    ZXZ


You're not due your telegram from the queen already are you?  L0L
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on January 03, 2013, 09:02:47 am
I had the pleasure of a brief stay in the Empire Hotel here in Llandudno the other week. Apart from a very odd layout (lots of odd corridors and staircases) I have to say that it was very good, although why do they insist on using cheap Nescafe coffee sachets in the rooms instead of something a little better?

Of particular note was the cooked breakfast...really superb!  $good$
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Merddin Emrys on January 03, 2013, 10:01:22 am
Nothing wrong with Nescafé, that's what I usually drink at home in the mornings, then I switch to PG Tips tea in the afternoon!  D)
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on January 03, 2013, 10:07:26 am
I can;t drink it, far too bitter, and certainly too cheap to be in a Four Star hotel. Go for quality, mate, Kenny says it's fine...  ;)
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Merddin Emrys on January 03, 2013, 10:20:56 am
I can;t drink it, far too bitter, and certainly too cheap to be in a Four Star hotel. Go for quality, mate, Kenny says it's fine...  ;)

 :laugh:  I have two sugars in tea or coffee so I don't notice any bitterness, hotels, guest houses have to watch what they put in the rooms as all the costs mount up! I've never stayed in a 4 star hotel though, so not sure what would be usual in there! As for quality, I have the Jag, doesn't get much better than that!  $good$
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on January 03, 2013, 10:26:37 am
I'm with DaveR on the instant coffee. I can't even bear the smell of it but worst is the taste in your mouth after you have drunk it. I have stayed in a few hotels recently that had a Nespresso machine in the room which I thought was a great idea. At the Palace Downtown in Dubai they even supplied takeaway cups and lids!
You'd have liked that idea, I think, Dave. $cofffee$
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on January 03, 2013, 11:12:51 am
Indeed, H!  $good$ It just seemed a little incongruous in the Empire to have cheap coffee in such a nice room.

A good Hotelier knows that it's the attention to detail that makes the difference, and the Empire is excellent in every other respect.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Nemesis on January 03, 2013, 11:17:09 am
Nothing wrong with Nescafé, that's what I usually drink at home in the mornings, then I switch to PG Tips tea in the afternoon!  D)

I shall refrain from commenting about 'cheap coffee'.
 Personally I am like ME and drink Gold Blend by the gallon, very, very strong and black.
Some of the stuff cafes in town offer tastes like dishwater to me--it is never strong enough !
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on January 03, 2013, 11:24:33 am
I used to drink Nescafe all the time, but once you've tried decent coffee, you never want to go back - there's a massive difference.  :)
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Yorkie on January 03, 2013, 11:48:45 am
We now get our "instant" coffee from ALDI and it tastes OK to us.  Ground coffee we use whatever beans take our fancy at the time and grind it ourselves.  We do like a good grind now and then, but don't we all?   ;)
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Nemesis on January 03, 2013, 11:59:07 am
The whole subject is a matter of taste. Costa make an excellent Espresso-- now I can tolerate that!! ;D. Any other instant can make me feel queasy.
Now tea is another matter. I have never drunk a cup of tea in my life-- The smell turns my stomach, both my parents drank it, but neither my husband, daughter or myself touch the stuff.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Fester on January 03, 2013, 12:05:23 pm
What a scintillating and gripping conversation.

Anyone would think there is not much going on in the 3 Towns area.  :laugh:
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on January 03, 2013, 12:47:36 pm
What a scintillating and gripping conversation.
You have certainly added to it with your comments...  *snore* $yes$
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Nemesis on January 03, 2013, 01:07:48 pm
All this for a cup of coffee-- I'll go and put the kettle on-- or should I perk some Guatamalian Elephant? :twoface:
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Merddin Emrys on January 03, 2013, 01:11:12 pm
It's been the best conversation this year!  :laugh:
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Nemesis on January 03, 2013, 01:16:33 pm
Agreed ME-- Happy New Year by the way !
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Merddin Emrys on January 03, 2013, 01:43:30 pm
 :D Happy New Year Nemesis!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: white rabbit on January 03, 2013, 08:22:07 pm
I'm with Nemesis - I hate tea and never drink it but gold blend coffee is fine!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Nemesis on January 04, 2013, 11:37:21 am
 ;D
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on January 05, 2013, 11:12:00 pm
The new video for Plas Rhianfa is online.......
Plas Rhianfa - Luxury Chateau Hotel - Anglesey (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYal2seuL5s#ws)
They were filming it when we were staying but thankfully I don't think you can see me in the bath!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on January 05, 2013, 11:17:23 pm
The new video for Plas Rhianfa is online.......
Plas Rhianfa - Luxury Chateau Hotel - Anglesey (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYal2seuL5s#ws)
They were filming it when we were staying but thankfully I don't think you can see me in the bath!
Looks excellent, I'm really looking forward to staying there now. Did you have a wander around the gardens, H?
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on January 05, 2013, 11:39:40 pm
Yes, here are a few photos taken in the garden and at the water's edge.
Title: Best in the World - Llandudno hotel!
Post by: Ludo on January 20, 2013, 09:07:14 pm
Ludo's back!

I saw this today in the Guardian online, and was very proud of my old home town:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2013/jan/16/wales-hotel-voted-best-world-tripadvisor (http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2013/jan/16/wales-hotel-voted-best-world-tripadvisor)

I have some more stuff to share soon, which I hope may be of interest to some Three-towners...

Bfn. 

L.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Bri Roberts on January 20, 2013, 09:15:35 pm
Ludo, may I be the first to welcome you back?

We have missed you.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Ludo on January 20, 2013, 09:21:07 pm
Ludo, may I be the first to welcome you back?

We have missed you.

Thanks Bri!   I look forward to contributing more to this great forum!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Merddin Emrys on January 20, 2013, 09:21:26 pm
Yes, welcome back!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Fester on January 20, 2013, 11:28:03 pm
Ludo!   

Yes, its been too quiet around here without you.  D)
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Ludo on January 21, 2013, 12:09:02 am
Ludo!   

Yes, its been too quiet around here without you.  D)

Thanks Fester!  I hope all is going well in the Kiosk - 'see' you soon! - L.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Ian on January 21, 2013, 07:47:26 am
I'd echo the welcomes to Ludo and say the place has been poorer without you, old chum :-)))
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on January 21, 2013, 09:28:54 am
Hope to see some more of your inspiring contributions soon Ludo.

Fester, no room with a view for us?
Where have you been or aren't you telling?
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Fester on January 21, 2013, 06:31:41 pm
Hope to see some more of your inspiring contributions soon Ludo.

Fester, no room with a view for us?
Where have you been or aren't you telling?

We had three nights at The Marriott hotel in Leeds, using it as a base for shopping, dining and visiting family.
It was excellent, but not really any views worth mentioning.

Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on January 27, 2013, 02:20:04 pm
I've just returned from a weekend away in Beaumaris, at the Bulkeley Hotel http://www.bulkeleyhotel.co.uk/. (http://www.bulkeleyhotel.co.uk/.)

It's a grand old Victorian Hotel, built in 1832 in a superb position on the Promenade with panoramic views along the Menai Straits - makes a great base for walking etc on that part of Anglesey. Although officially rated 3 Star, I actually found that standards were far higher than expected, making it well worthy of 4 star status. We had a seafront room with great views, the room was spotless and looked if it had only recently been refurbished. The toiletries (always a good way to assess a hotel's attention to detail) were good quality Gilchrist & Soames and, yes, the complimentary coffee provided in the rooms was not cheap Nescafe but from Brodies http://www.brodies1867.co.uk/, (http://www.brodies1867.co.uk/,) putting the Bulkeley ahead of two 4 Star hotels in the local area I've stayed in recently.  :laugh:

The morning saw a truly wonderful cooked Welsh breakfast both days (Sauages/bacon etc all sourced from Anglesey), with a full selection of cereals/juices/yoghurts as well - not to mention great coffee. The staff were polite, friendly & attentive, a credit to the hotel. A very pleasant stay indeed.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on January 27, 2013, 03:12:38 pm
Ooooo DaveR, that looks gorgeous. I always thought what a lovely building it was but I have never been inside.
Your photos are so good.
I am going to smuggle you into my suitcase next time I need a "room with a view" photo taking (only joking!). I bet the hotel would be delighted with your photos.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on January 27, 2013, 04:36:06 pm
Thank you, H! I wouldn't mind being smuggled in your suitcase the next time you go to Switzerland.  $good$
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on January 29, 2013, 06:08:33 pm
Adam Raphael the editor of the Good Hotel Guide always has an axe to grind about Tripadvisor. Here is his latest comment which I have received in a news letter which points out some of the anomalies in the Tripadvisor rating system.
I actually find it quite useful but you have to read between the lines. What it is good for is up to the minute information that a guide book can never give.

    




"It is perhaps in that blithe spirit that one should regard the latest TripAdvisor awards announced under a Daily Mail banner headline: 'World’s best hotel? A £35 B&B in Llandudno.' The winner, 11-bedroom Lauriston Court, according to the Mail’s report, ‘beat 650,000 others world wide’. So far, so dandy, but how did Lauriston Court win its award? Apparently more than 400 people rated it as ‘excellent’. How many of these people actually stayed there? Your guess is as good as mine. TripAdvisor doesn’t even pretend to know.

That doesn’t necessarily mean that TA’s prize-winners do not deserve their gongs. Some are undoubtedly good places. About half of TA’s 25 top British hotels have an entry in the Good Hotel Guide. But the basis on which these awards are handed out is distinctly odd. For instance, Rudding Park Hotel, which has a Shortlist entry in the Guide, was fourth in TA’s list of top world hotels after 1,397 people rated it as 'excellent'. Yet the Four Seasons at Hualalai in Hawaii, reckoned by TA to be the best hotel in the world, was rated as 'excellent' by just over half as many as endorsed Rudding Park. So if it is not quantity, how are these awards decided? As TA doesn’t know, and doesn’t care to check whether its correspondents are genuine, let alone reliable, it is clearly not quality."
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on January 29, 2013, 06:18:31 pm
According to a Trip Advisor Forum I read, the Hotel actively encourages people to post a review on TA and rate it. Nothing wrong with that, of course, but it may explain why they have so many 'excellent' reviews.

I always read a good mix of reviews on TA before booking a hotel, and tend to disregard those people without a profile and only 1 review.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Fester on February 01, 2013, 10:35:01 pm
Hmmm,  Trip Advisor sent me an email tonight, advertising the best hotels top 25 in the world, and in the UK.

Being aware of the Lauriston Court's success, I clicked through all the categories to take a look.
It was broken down across different types, Top Hotels, Small Hotels, B&B'sand Inns.

Strangely, The Lauriston Court didn't pop up anywhere in the 'winners lists'

However, 2 other Llandudno Hotels were featured in the top 25 of small hotels.
Congratulations to The Can Y Bae,  and the Clontarf.
But what has happened to the No1 Hotel in the world?
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on February 03, 2013, 07:42:46 pm
Perhaps you didn't look hard enough?

http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/TravelersChoice-Hotels-cBargain (http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/TravelersChoice-Hotels-cBargain)
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Fester on February 03, 2013, 08:16:51 pm
Perhaps you didn't look hard enough?

http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/TravelersChoice-Hotels-cBargain (http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/TravelersChoice-Hotels-cBargain)

Well done!
Congratulations to The Clontarf and the Can Y Bae also....  $good$
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Bri Roberts on February 03, 2013, 09:15:36 pm
Pardon me for asking but where is the Clontarf?
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Yorkie on February 03, 2013, 09:23:28 pm
Great Ormes Road, West Shore
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Bri Roberts on February 03, 2013, 10:23:39 pm
Ta.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Yorkie on February 04, 2013, 11:35:04 am
Croeso!   

My auto correction on the iPad changed that into creosote!    Obviously doesn't understand Welsh.  _))*
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on February 10, 2013, 12:04:26 pm
Just returned from a weekend away in Snowdonia, more precisely at the Royal Oak Hotel in Betws Y Coed.

It's a traditional old coaching hotel dating back to the 1800s that has been extended in recent years and is slap bang in the middle of Betws Y Coed, overlooking the River Llugwy. Upon arrival, I was pleasantly surprised to see to see that we had been upgraded to a deluxe Room, in fact, it turned out to be the biggest & best room in the hotel (normally £185 per night)! Very comfortable indeed, massive 4 poster bed, big leather sofa, nice en-suite bathroom - excellent. There was also a lovely old stained glass window in the stairway just outside the room, very unusual round glass panels in it.

Breakfast is served in the Grill Room and was great, local produce and ingredients used in the Welsh cooked breakfast, plus the usual selection of cereals, fruit, juices, croissants, danish pastries etc. Couldn't fault it. Staff were all very pleasant.

Attached to the Hotel is the Stables Bar, which seems to be Betws Y Coed's main evening meeting place, as it was packed both nights we went in, must have been 100+ people in both nights. Because the Dragon Rally was on, two local bands had been booked - Two Suns (who Mr Fester regularly raves about) and After Dark. Now, Two Suns were excellent, it has to be said, but I really think that After Dark were just that bit better! great music, a great atmosphere and very pleasant time both nights we went in.

A great weekend and I can recommend the Royal Oak Hotel.  $good$
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on February 10, 2013, 12:30:16 pm
Hey, lucky you with the upgrade. I never seem to manage that.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Fester on February 10, 2013, 08:46:24 pm
Great night time pictures as usual Dave.   I can never manage any decent ones in the dark.

I am most jealous of you seeing the mighty Two Suns, as they perform very rarely... and according  their Facebook page they have nothing planned in this area in the future.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on February 11, 2013, 09:13:10 am
Great night time pictures as usual Dave.   I can never manage any decent ones in the dark.

I am most jealous of you seeing the mighty Two Suns, as they perform very rarely... and according  their Facebook page they have nothing planned in this area in the future.
Cheers, mate.

The other band that played, After Dark, were just as good - well worth keeping an eye out for. They're based in Llangollen and perform all over North Wales.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on February 25, 2013, 10:43:44 am
I spent this weekend in Abersoch. I'd never been there before and wanted to take a look around.

We stayed at Venetia (see first photo):
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g551995-d1118351-Reviews-Venetia-Abersoch_Gwynedd_North_Wales_Wales.html (http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g551995-d1118351-Reviews-Venetia-Abersoch_Gwynedd_North_Wales_Wales.html)

http://www.venetiawales.com/ (http://www.venetiawales.com/)

...which is a fabulous boutique hotel. Only 5 rooms, I think, and all decorated and furnished to the highest standard. The service was absolutely first class and the breakfast superb.

Abersoch is an odd little place, a traditional Welsh seaside village, but with elements of conspicuous wealth popping up every where. The most common vehicles are Range Rovers/Land Rovers, and the main street is full of high end clothes shops like Jack Wills and Fat Face. There's also a good selection of restaurants and a couple of decent pubs and bars. St Tudwals Inn is a traditional pub with decent food and we also had a few drinks at Bar Zinc which has a fabulous open deck overlooking the harbour area.

We went on a lovely long walk along the beach and coastal path as far as the St Tudwal's islands (see third photo). Very rugged and scenic coastline. On the way back, we discovered this amazing modern curved house built into the cliff overlooking the village (see last photo). It was obviously empty and somewhat untidy, so we went and had a good look around. I found out later it's known locally as the 'James Bond house'. I also found out its sale price...£3,500,000!!!  :o
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on February 25, 2013, 04:31:06 pm
I was interested to find out where you stayed over there DaveR as there do not seem to me to be many hotels to stay in in that area. I think a lot of the people that go have second homes there and don't need overnight accommodation.
Did you have a meal there other than breakfast? I had heard that the food was good also.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on February 25, 2013, 05:28:40 pm
No, you're right. There are a few B&Bs but very few larger hotels. The two largest ones in Abersoch were actually closed and derelict, which surprised me greatly. One closed one in particular, the White House Hotel (see photo), had a superb location overlooking the village on the main road (second photo shows view) - how could it not be a gold mine if run properly?

We didn't eat at Venetia but it was very busy both nights we were there and it has an excellent reputation. If the standard of food is anything like the breakfast we had, then it is well worth a visit. We're thinking about a return visit in early May. I'm sure you'd love it.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on March 03, 2013, 08:10:04 pm
This is one of our favourite places to stay in Wales. It is the Grove Hotel near Narberth.
The room we had this time was in one of the stone outbudings. They are all very comfortable and 8 new ones have just been added in an extension to the main house.
The food is delicious but as you will see in the photos it has become a bit "fancy!"
These dishes were my starter of mackerel with beetroot and horseradish and a raspberry bavaris for pudding.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: norman08 on March 03, 2013, 08:21:33 pm
dave   when we were last there a local chap told me developer bought the white house, and the same thing happened as the gogth abbey just left , we used to go there most weekend 40odd yrs ago place still hasn,t changed, [who needs to go abroad ] if we had the weather .and the food in restaurants very good
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on March 03, 2013, 08:22:42 pm
Looks very pleasant, I do prefer heartier portions though!  :D

I've booked to go to Plas Rhianfa in May, looking forward to it.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on March 03, 2013, 08:25:46 pm
dave   when we were last there a local chap told me developer bought the white house, and the same thing happened as the gogth abbey just left , we used to go there most weekend 40odd yrs ago place still hasn,t changed, [who needs to go abroad ] if we had the weather .and the food in restaurants very good
It's a shame that such a prominent site has been left derelict. I found this article that talks about a 5 star hotel being built there, but its from 7 years ago!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/north_west/5103650.stm (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/north_west/5103650.stm)

Lovely little village though.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on March 03, 2013, 08:47:51 pm


I've booked to go to Plas Rhianfa in May, looking forward to it.

I do hope you enjoy it.
We had a disappointing experience last week regarding Plas Rhianfa.
We phoned up to book 2 rooms for one night as a last minute treat for a couple of friends of ours and us as we thought they would really like it.
I discussed the 2 rooms we would like and the receptionist said she would ring me back in 10 minutes with the prices.
She didn't ring back and I had to go out so my husband rang again in the afternoon but they had  no recollection of my call  and were unsure of the rates. I phoned again the following morning and the manager answered. I explained what had happened. He said he couldn't confirm anything because the booking system was down but he gave me his personal assurance that he would call back as soon as it was working again. The booking was for the following day. I haven't heard anything since and as you can imagine we didn't go. It was all quite surprising and very disappointing so I hope they are more on the ball when you go. The reviews are still excellent.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on March 04, 2013, 08:53:51 am
That is disappointing to hear. Thinking about it, I haven't received an email confirmation of my booking, although I was assured yesterday it would be sent out immediately.

I used a Travelzoo voucher, which seemed a pretty good deal. An upgraded sea view room, breakfast and £45 credit against extras for £129. When I phoned to book, the lady told me that Dinner was also included,which was even better! I was also offered an Upgrade to one of the Suites (the one with the circular bed) for £30.

http://www.travelzoo.com/uk/local-deals/Wales/Getaway/43581 (http://www.travelzoo.com/uk/local-deals/Wales/Getaway/43581)

http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g552018-d3207958-Reviews-Plas_Rhianfa-Beaumaris_Island_of_Anglesey_North_Wales_Wales.html (http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g552018-d3207958-Reviews-Plas_Rhianfa-Beaumaris_Island_of_Anglesey_North_Wales_Wales.html)
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on March 04, 2013, 09:55:20 am
Well done. When we were looking last week the online rate for that room was £240 dinner, bed and breakfast.
Enjoy it!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on March 16, 2013, 05:31:30 pm
I am back from another stay at the Lodore Falls Hotel in Borrowdale. It was a treat for mum and I to celebrate (not sure that is the right word) my 60th.
The food was really good again.
All these photos were taken from our room. We spent ages looking at the changing light and weather conditions. Gorgeous view.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Merddin Emrys on March 16, 2013, 05:52:48 pm
Lovely pics, looks fabulous!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on March 17, 2013, 03:16:28 am
A great view indeed.  $good$
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Hugo on March 17, 2013, 03:14:22 pm
A belated 60th Birthday wish Hollins.   Hope that you told Fireman Sam before you lit all those candles on the cake!    +}}{-- :__)+    ;)
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on March 17, 2013, 05:28:01 pm
Thanks ME for the compliment on the photos and thanks Hugo for the birthday wishes....Cheers!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Merddin Emrys on March 17, 2013, 05:36:11 pm
I didn't spot it was your Birthday! Happy Birthday!  <:<:<:<
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on March 17, 2013, 05:46:25 pm
Thanks ME, any excuse for a bit of a treat!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on April 25, 2013, 09:43:36 pm
This is the view from my room in Sidmouth. O'h how I do like to be beside the sea!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Fester on April 25, 2013, 11:44:37 pm
You haven't actually moved to Sidmouth have you Hollins?   Just visiting??

In the meantime, below are my 'Room with a View' snaps, taken from my balcony in Egypt.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on April 26, 2013, 08:05:45 am
No, just visiting.
I have never been to Egypt. Did you enjoy it?
Your view and the huge balcony look fabulous.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Blongb on April 26, 2013, 05:39:10 pm
Everyone should have a Nile Cruise at least once in a lifetime Hollins. The colours you see at dawn and dusk are breath taking. Plus there is all that history to take in as well.  8)
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on April 26, 2013, 06:08:34 pm
Thanks. Sounds wonderful.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Fester on April 26, 2013, 07:28:36 pm
Egypt is beautiful if you go on holiday, and terrible if you go on business, (as I have in the past)

Go for a  Star hotel, and simply check out the detail on Trip Advisor.   It's a fantastic resource.

Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on May 23, 2013, 07:35:21 pm
I made my long awaited stay at Plas Rhianfa last night, a fabulous hotel in the style of a French Chateau on the banks of the Menai Straits. It has undergone a breathtaking refurbishment in recent years, and we took full advantage of the facilities, including hot tub, sauna, tennis court, games room. We'd decided that we didn't feel like the evening meal, so Reception kindly upgraded us to one of the suites instead. It's a wonderful hotel and I'm pleased to say the service was spot on. Will be returning there soon.  $good$

www.plasrhianfa.com (http://www.plasrhianfa.com)

(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7459/8804847716_34bc3a4095_b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/8804847716/)
Plas Rhianfa (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/8804847716/#) by [davidrobertsphotography] (http://www.flickr.com/people/davellandudno/), on Flickr

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8121/8794283395_8dca09cd94_b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/8794283395/)
Plas Rhianfa (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/8794283395/#) by [davidrobertsphotography] (http://www.flickr.com/people/davellandudno/), on Flickr

(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3729/8804861396_a8d40aa710_b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/8804861396/)
Plas Rhianfa (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/8804861396/#) by [davidrobertsphotography] (http://www.flickr.com/people/davellandudno/), on Flickr

(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5470/8794274601_03f87384b4_b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/8794274601/)
Plas Rhianfa (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/8794274601/#) by [davidrobertsphotography] (http://www.flickr.com/people/davellandudno/), on Flickr

(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7327/8794273617_086c0fd672_b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/8794273617/)
Plas Rhianfa (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/8794273617/#) by [davidrobertsphotography] (http://www.flickr.com/people/davellandudno/), on Flickr

(http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2822/8804854456_f72fd32bf8_b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/8804854456/)
Plas Rhianfa (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/8804854456/#) by [davidrobertsphotography] (http://www.flickr.com/people/davellandudno/), on Flickr

(http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2872/8804859732_185328586e_b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/8804859732/)
Plas Rhianfa (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/8804859732/#) by [davidrobertsphotography] (http://www.flickr.com/people/davellandudno/), on Flickr

(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5332/8794281529_e173862ff9_b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/8794281529/)
Plas Rhianfa (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/8794281529/#) by [davidrobertsphotography] (http://www.flickr.com/people/davellandudno/), on Flickr

(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5340/8804862760_eefe81080c_b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/8804862760/)
Plas Rhianfa (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/8804862760/#) by [davidrobertsphotography] (http://www.flickr.com/people/davellandudno/), on Flickr

(http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2843/8794268241_2e430f4791_b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/8794268241/)
Plas Rhianfa (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/8794268241/#) by [davidrobertsphotography] (http://www.flickr.com/people/davellandudno/), on Flickr

(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7329/8804865566_45dedc52a2_b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/8804865566/)
Plas Rhianfa (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/8804865566/#) by [davidrobertsphotography] (http://www.flickr.com/people/davellandudno/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Merddin Emrys on May 23, 2013, 07:43:39 pm
Looks fantastic! A stunning place indeed!   $cool$. I hope Nescafé was available!  :twoface:
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on May 23, 2013, 07:53:08 pm
O'h wow, DaveR, those photos are incredible, well done.
They are so much better than anything on their website. I hope they see them.
So pleased you enjoyed it.
I was worried when I read about the new "Chateau Dining Experience" i.e. communal dining.
That would really put me off. Did you have dinner there?
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on May 23, 2013, 08:01:39 pm
O'h wow, DaveR, those photos are incredible, well done.
They are so much better than anything on their website. I hope they see them.
So pleased you enjoyed it.
I was worried when I read about the new "Chateau Dining Experience" i.e. communal dining.
That would really put me off. Did you have dinner there?
Ooh, thank you, H.  ;D

Yes, we decided the Chateau Dining Experience was not for us! I think it's  a mistake to completely replace the normal evening dining with this - a lot of people like their privacy and do not wish to be forced into conversation with other guests, not to mention having a severely restricted menu. I personally think they would be better off offering the Experience a couple of times a month as a special attraction, and having the normal menu at all other times.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on May 23, 2013, 08:03:41 pm
Looks fantastic! A stunning place indeed!   $cool$. I hope Nescafé was available!  :twoface:
I think GVC would stretch to a visit there for you and H?  ;)

Funnily enough, there were Nescafe sachets in the rooms! :laugh:
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on May 23, 2013, 08:05:46 pm
I agree with you. I think it will put more people off than it will encourage.
They seem to have made some rather strange decisions. They seem to be clutching at straws?
Fab place though as your photos show.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on May 23, 2013, 08:12:01 pm
I agree with you. I think it will put more people off than it will encourage.
They seem to have made some rather strange decisions. They seem to be clutching at straws?
Fab place though as your photos show.
With only 21 bedrooms and massive overheads, I find it difficult to believe that it ever makes a profit, apart from the odd week when there is a wedding or two booked. I recall there was only 8 people booked in for the Chateau Dining Experience last night, everyone else had gone out for a meal! It's noticeable that the renovation of the gardens seems to have ground to a halt. Wonderful hotel, though, I'd recommend a visit to anyone.

It's owned by a  guy called Mike Clare, who made his fortune with the 'Dreams' chain of shops:
http://www.clarenco.com/ (http://www.clarenco.com/)
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Merddin Emrys on May 23, 2013, 08:39:38 pm
I am tempted! I expect that the evening menu would not be for us though!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on May 23, 2013, 08:43:13 pm
I read on tripadvisor that someone said there was an alternative Light Bites menu.
Did you take any photos of your suite?
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Fester on May 23, 2013, 08:58:16 pm
Breathtaking pictures mate, I am now regretting cancelling last New Year in favour of the cheaper alternative at Ruthin.

Those pictures you sent me on the iphone did not do it justice, I WILL be going to Plas Rhianfa.

Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on May 23, 2013, 09:07:35 pm
I read on tripadvisor that someone said there was an alternative Light Bites menu.
Did you take any photos of your suite?
I saw that too, but I think you have to order it when you check in.

Yes, we ended up in the Menai Suite, with a circular bed...  :laugh: The room is about twice the size visible in the photo, with a dressing room area and the bathroom.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on May 23, 2013, 09:10:31 pm
Breathtaking pictures mate, I am now regretting cancelling last New Year in favour of the cheaper alternative at Ruthin.

Those pictures you sent me on the iphone did not do it justice, I WILL be going to Plas Rhianfa.
Cheers, mate. M said that it was far superior to Ruthin Castle. Plas Rhianfa have some special offers on, like 2 nights midweek for the price of one.
http://www.plasrhianfa.com/custom-nav/special-offers-anglesey/2-nights-for-price-of-1-offer/ (http://www.plasrhianfa.com/custom-nav/special-offers-anglesey/2-nights-for-price-of-1-offer/)

You will also occasionally see a TravelZoo voucher offer, which are usually great value.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on May 23, 2013, 09:12:22 pm
Nice!
I just read on facebook that it was a b'day treat so Happy Birthday from Hollins!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on May 23, 2013, 09:14:02 pm
Nice!
I just read on facebook that it was a b'day treat so Happy Birthday from Hollins!
Thank you, H.  ;D It was a very pleasant place to celebrate my 44th Birthday.  $good$
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on June 02, 2013, 07:39:22 am
This is the latest tripadvisor review for Plas Rhianfa.
What a great shame they are persisting with the "Chateau Dining Experience."
Let's hope they scrap it before too much damage is done.

“Beware "Chateau Dining Experience" only”

Plas Rhianfa is a beautiful hotel overlooking the Menai Strait, and we were blown away by the view when we first arrived. The staff were friendly and attentive, and the hotel's renovation has been very tastefully done. The whole thing, however, is let down by an extraordinary decision to remove all dining options other than a £45 "Chateau Dining Experience" - a five course set dinner (although seemingly comprising of regular ala carte dishes), and canapes with the other guests. While I've got no problem with this being an option at the hotel, this felt like an attempt to apply a pretentious veneer to what would have likely been a nice dinner, and a method to extract revenue from customers. This frustration was compounded by the fact that there are no other places to eat within a 30-minute walking radius, so you are forced to get taxis if you plan to drink with your meal. This also extends to room service - after a day spent exploring the island, we just fancied grabbing a sandwich or something simple (didn't want to head out for the evening) and asked about room service, but were told that the hotel management policy was that once again it is Chateau Dining or nothing. This is not the fault of the staff at all, the were warm and very helpful throughout our stay, and seems to be a new experiment that the management have decided to implement. Judging by the number of other guests that we saw avoiding the Chateau dining, I can only hope that they reverse this experiment and allow the hotel to flourish.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Yorkie on June 02, 2013, 08:24:06 am
Maybe a few clients have been saying, "I could eat a horse!" And if someone was a bit deaf they could have heard "house".    Take it a bit upmarket and you get a chateau! 
Get them a hearing aid, voile, problem solved!

On the other hand maybe they did mean "horse"!
 ;D
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Merddin Emrys on June 02, 2013, 12:03:47 pm
£45 each!!  :o
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Nemesis on June 02, 2013, 12:19:04 pm
And I thought £4.65 for cheese on toast was dear in Aberdovy !! :o Bought a ham sandwich from Spar shop instead !
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Fester on June 02, 2013, 11:26:28 pm
I'm a little confused here, never mind Plas Rhianfa, but where CAN you get a fine meal for less than £45 per person?

That would be roughly the amount you would pay in say, The Seahorse, or any other decent local restaurant.
Add wine and extras, and you would expect to pay more than that.
It's called fine dining is it not?

I fear that a few on here are either behind the times, or are content with bargain-basement cuisine and ambiance.  &shake&
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Merddin Emrys on June 02, 2013, 11:43:31 pm
Fester you should know me better !  :D never in my live have I spent anything like that on eating, I never go in these places, far too expensive! As you know 99 per cent of the time we cook our own food at home, never been fine dining whatever that is? Seems to be small portions of stuff you've never heard of artistically placed on a large plate from what I've seen on the telly! We prefer to spend our money on the classic cars!  D)
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Fester on June 03, 2013, 12:05:53 am
No mate, you are mistaking fine dining for nouvelle cuisine, a fad which happily fizzled out about 15 years ago.

I am talking about a slap-up meal, a good celebratory nosh up, generally a well deserved good night out.
There is always a good excuse to treat oneself and loved ones.  (A share dividend payout perhaps?  ;) )

Who wants to be the richest man in the graveyard?
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Yorkie on June 03, 2013, 07:23:34 am
Me and the Mrs would like to try it but unfortunately she eats like a sparrow (so I give her bird seed) and I can manage nowadays with a relatively small portion, so it would be a total waste of money.

We went to Craigside Manor last Saturday and the (main course only) meal plus a large glass of vino (for 'er) and a J2O for me cost us £21 and I got some more points on my loyalty card.   Not exactly fine dining but it gave me a night off from cooking!   ;D

In the past we have dined in Quaglinos, Le Coupe de France, Le Quatre Seasons and other fine establishments, and I must say fine dining is a nice experience, and one to be appreciated.    $drink$
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Ian on June 03, 2013, 07:39:52 am
Quote
I'm a little confused here, never mind Plas Rhianfa, but where CAN you get a fine meal for less than £45 per person?

Gordon Ramsey's in London. It's pretty good, and only applies to the lunchtime menu, but it comes in at about £38 pp.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Merddin Emrys on June 03, 2013, 08:12:42 am
No mate, you are mistaking fine dining for nouvelle cuisine.



Sounds French! :o. The thing is we have no interest in eating really, it's just putting fuel in! Being vegetarian limits what we eat, usually the vegetarian options in restaurants has rice, lots of salad, or the latest thing seems to be goats cheese! At home mostly I do the cooking so we can have what we want, when we want it, saves lots of money too, we spend that going out in the cars all over the place?  D)
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on June 03, 2013, 08:15:39 am
The Seahorse is an excellent restaurant, and worth every penny. Decent sized portions and truly mouthwatering food.

Gordon Ramsay at Claridges is closing on the 30th of this month. Talking of which, I was thinking of treating myself to a stay at Claridges later in the year - anyone been? http://www.claridges.co.uk/ (http://www.claridges.co.uk/)
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Nemesis on June 03, 2013, 08:19:28 am
I'm a little confused here, never mind Plas Rhianfa, but where CAN you get a fine meal for less than £45 per person?

That would be roughly the amount you would pay in say, The Seahorse, or any other decent local restaurant.
Add wine and extras, and you would expect to pay more than that.
It's called fine dining is it not?

I fear that a few on here are either behind the times, or are content with bargain-basement cuisine and ambiance.  &shake&

Mmm you know my opinion on forking out for expensive things ! :o
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Ian on June 03, 2013, 08:21:15 am
Quote
I was thinking of treating myself to a stay at Claridges later in the year - anyone been? http://www.claridges.co.uk/ (http://www.claridges.co.uk/)

Yes.  Decent prices, good service, lack of obsequiousness and large rooms, plus a good position.  But we prefer the Langham.  (http://london.langhamhotels.co.uk/) Even better position and excellent service, although avoid the eye-watering prices for their afternoon teas :-)
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on June 03, 2013, 08:41:07 am
Yes.  Decent prices, good service, lack of obsequiousness and large rooms, plus a good position.  But we prefer the Langham.  (http://london.langhamhotels.co.uk/) Even better position and excellent service, although avoid the eye-watering prices for their afternoon teas :-)
Sounds good, thanks for the recommendation.  $good$ Think I'd like to give the Savoy a try, as well. http://www.fairmont.com/savoy-london/ (http://www.fairmont.com/savoy-london/)
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on June 03, 2013, 09:09:24 am
I have stayed at Claridges twice and the Langham once. I prefer Claridges because of the decor. I agree with  Ian, for London the rooms are large.
What I don't like about it is the way that tables are booked by non residents for breakfasts, afternoon tea etc and it becomes difficult to just go down and enjoy the lounge on spec even for a resident. This is a problem many city centre hotels have as they try to increase their revenue from non residents.
I thought the recent tv series about Claridges was interesting. It came out of it very well I thought. There certainly wasn't a lot of criticism from the producers which made it a bit biased but fascinating to see some of the inner workings.
I haven't stayed at the Savoy so can't help you there.
Here are some photos of the junior suite I stayed in at Claridges in November 2009.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on June 03, 2013, 09:13:36 am
Room service cottage pie at Claridges!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on June 03, 2013, 10:02:59 am
Thanks for the information and photos, H. I trust the cottage pie was excellent?
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on June 03, 2013, 10:15:24 am
Yummy, thanks.
Hope you enjoy it wherever you decide to stay.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Yorkie on June 03, 2013, 11:25:15 am
We've always preferred the Grosvenor House on Park Lane as a good and reasonable place to stay in the West End, and even had our Wedding Reception there 40 years ago.  As I wasn't paying on that occasion it was even more enjoyable!   :D
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Fester on June 03, 2013, 09:02:48 pm
Quote
I was thinking of treating myself to a stay at Claridges later in the year - anyone been? http://www.claridges.co.uk/ (http://www.claridges.co.uk/)

Yes.  Decent prices, good service, lack of obsequiousness and large rooms, plus a good position.  But we prefer the Langham.  (http://london.langhamhotels.co.uk/) Even better position and excellent service, although avoid the eye-watering prices for their afternoon teas :-)

Back in the days when I travelled to London on business regularly, I was able to stay at The Langham many times, as it was on the approved list of hotels we could use.  I abused that privilege for years.  $dins$
However, in later years as the purse-strings were tightened by our Finance Director it was removed from the list.

It is (was?) a fantastic hotel, and I miss those times.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Ian on June 04, 2013, 07:32:04 am
One thing that has interested me when we last stayed there was that the cost of our suite wouldn't have covered the cost of one of the better rooms at the Imperial. But the Langham - in common with most London hotels now - charges per room, whereas I think many Llandudno hotels still charge per person.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on June 04, 2013, 08:06:01 am
Most local hotels I can think of charge per room now, it's a far more transparent way of charging.

In London, of course, competition amongst hoteliers for business is so fierce that there has to be great value to be obtained if you look around.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Yorkie on June 04, 2013, 09:34:28 am
There are some very cheap Hostels and Hotels near to the Main Line Stations such as Kings X, Paddington, Victoria, Liverpool Street etc.  ZXZ
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Nemesis on June 04, 2013, 10:48:56 am
Most local hotels I can think of charge per room now, it's a far more transparent way of charging.

In London, of course, competition amongst hoteliers for business is so fierce that there has to be great value to be obtained if you look around.

Per room is fine, BUT there are certain people who book a room and bring a tribe of people who doss anywhere ! Not my experience,  but that of friends !!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on June 04, 2013, 12:36:26 pm
Surely you just specify the maximum number of occupants? Single Room - 1, Double/Twin Room - 2.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Nemesis on June 04, 2013, 03:07:07 pm
Tell you what I mean when I see you DaveR.

Have I any copyright on my posts?
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on June 04, 2013, 03:38:48 pm
I find these days it is more often that a per person rate is offered when it is a dinner, bed and breakfast rate.
Some places offer the room rate for B&B at the same time as per person rate for DB&B which can be quite confusing.
This was the case at the Lodore where I stayed recently and I heard an argument at checkout over a misunderstanding of the confusing rates.
I travel a lot on my own so the single/double occupancy thing is a bit of a bug bear to me.
Usually a reduction of some sort is made for the single traveller but often it is just the price of one breakfast and the last hotel I booked 2 double rooms (no singles in the hotel) with one person in each but no reduction at all was made.
Switzerland is one of the few countries that I have been to where the single rate is quite often half or at least two thirds of the double room price.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Ian on June 04, 2013, 04:36:07 pm
Quote
Surely you just specify the maximum number of occupants? Single Room - 1, Double/Twin Room - 2.

They do, but some groups are determined to 'sneak' folk in. It's not that easy to check either; are they staying or are they friends, just in for the day? It's a real problem for small hoteliers.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on June 04, 2013, 06:18:49 pm
Tell you what I mean when I see you DaveR.

Have I any copyright on my posts?
Ok, I appreciate its not easy to police who's coming in and out of a hotel or guest house, even if they've been told max numbers permitted. I'm sure there's some horror stories!  :o

It's practically impossible to stop anyone copying your posts etc, I'm afraid.

Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Yorkie on June 04, 2013, 06:29:33 pm

It's practically impossible to stop anyone copying your posts etc, I'm afraid.

"Copyright falls under the auspices of intellectual property law and protects the rights of creators of original works of authorship whether the work in question is published or not. Original works of authorship include literary, dramatic, musical, and artistic works such as poetry, novels, movies, songs, computer software, and photography. By law, when something is written, drawn, photographed, etc., its copyright is automatically owned by the author. In other words, a copyright exists at the moment the work is created."
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Nemesis on June 04, 2013, 06:32:45 pm
That's interesting Yorkie.

Dave-- I think you know what I am on about !!

As for horror stories I could supply you with quite a few I have heard over the years  :o
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on June 04, 2013, 06:35:10 pm

It's practically impossible to stop anyone copying your posts etc, I'm afraid.

"Copyright falls under the auspices of intellectual property law and protects the rights of creators of original works of authorship whether the work in question is published or not. Original works of authorship include literary, dramatic, musical, and artistic works such as poetry, novels, movies, songs, computer software, and photography. By law, when something is written, drawn, photographed, etc., its copyright is automatically owned by the author. In other words, a copyright exists at the moment the work is created."
...but try enforcing it.  &shake&
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Yorkie on June 04, 2013, 07:56:53 pm
Exactly - forgot to add that! :D

The words in speach marks are, of course, not mine!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Ian on June 05, 2013, 07:30:14 am
The oldest way of preserving copyright and which some still use is to mail a copy of the document in question to yourself. The Post Office franking date is viewed as legally establishing when the document in question was created. Providing, of course, that you don't open the envelope when you get it...  $angry$
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on June 10, 2013, 08:12:00 am
DaveR, you were asking about Manchester hotels. This article might help.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/hotel/70281/Manchester-hotels.html (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/hotel/70281/Manchester-hotels.html)
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on June 10, 2013, 09:05:40 am
DaveR, you were asking about Manchester hotels. This article might help.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/hotel/70281/Manchester-hotels.html (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/hotel/70281/Manchester-hotels.html)
Thank you, that will be very useful!  $good$
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on June 16, 2013, 12:24:51 pm
This was the rather quintessential British scene from our room with a view last weekend.
We stayed at Swinton Park hotel near the village of Masham in North Yorkshire. What a beautiful county it is. I love the village greens and the openness of the villages.
The bathroom was fab!
I was given a gift voucher for Betty's for my birthday so we had the chance to use it in Northallerton.
Despite me not having been up there regularly for many years two of the staff members at Betty's remembered me. They have worked there for 32 and 27 years. That's what I call continuity!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on June 19, 2013, 12:41:56 pm
This offer just came through from Travelzoo for Plas Maenan that Hugo recommended.
I  know its not very far away but £89 for dinner bed and breakfast for two would make a nice treat maybe?
Only for Tuesday to Friday though and you have to buy the voucher first.

http://www.travelzoo.com/uk/local-deals/North-Wales/Getaway/55801?utm_source=top20_uk&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=uk_top20_2013_25 (http://www.travelzoo.com/uk/local-deals/North-Wales/Getaway/55801?utm_source=top20_uk&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=uk_top20_2013_25)
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Yorkie on June 24, 2013, 06:47:53 pm
It's all action and drama in Portugal this Summer.  I don't know whether I will ever be able to hold my head up in respectable company again!    _))*

http://theportugalnews.com/news/police-arrest-27-british-and-irish-bingo-players-at-albufeira-pub/28705 (http://theportugalnews.com/news/police-arrest-27-british-and-irish-bingo-players-at-albufeira-pub/28705)
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Merddin Emrys on June 24, 2013, 07:39:08 pm
Quote, "A police statement issued this afternoon says the foreigners face charges of “exploitation of illegal gambling, illegal gambling and witnessing illegal gambling.”

I hope the police charge themselves with 'witnessing illegal gambling' they were there after all!
Seems bonkers to me!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on August 13, 2013, 08:01:03 pm
I stayed at the Radisson in Manchester again last night. DaveR, I'm not sure where you eventually chose for your trip but it is still excellent in my view.
This was the view from my room on the 9th floor. First one in the rainy morning and the second in the sunny evening.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on August 15, 2013, 04:38:45 pm
We've not been yet, H, but the Radisson will be top of the list when we go.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Blongb on August 15, 2013, 10:40:20 pm
We had a good deal when we stopped at the Radisson on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh last year .   $sunny$
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Fester on August 16, 2013, 12:33:12 am
Stayed at many Radisson's, and they rank alongide Marriot's as being very good hotels indeed.

I always seek them out when I am travelling anywhere.

Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on September 01, 2013, 04:50:29 pm
Went for a couple of nights at the Bulkeley Hotel in Beaumaris last week. Booked a really nice suite with 3 windows overlooking the Menai Straits, plus a great Wet Room style bathroom. Had a great time, as always, also went on a boat trip round Puffin island for the first time, many hundreds of Cormorants and Shags there, together with a large colony of Seals, must have been 30 at least. Finished off with a walk around the eerie Parys Mountain.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on September 01, 2013, 04:58:12 pm
Fab room DaveR and great pics. Glad you had a good time. :)
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Trojan on September 02, 2013, 07:27:00 pm
Fab room DaveR and great pics. Glad you had a good time. :)

Who did you share the bed with Dave?  ?{}?
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on September 02, 2013, 07:32:03 pm
Fab room DaveR and great pics. Glad you had a good time. :)

Who did you share the bed with Dave?  ?{}?
As always, I was there with my partner Melanie.  $good$
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Trojan on September 02, 2013, 07:50:51 pm
Fab room DaveR and great pics. Glad you had a good time. :)

Who did you share the bed with Dave?  ?{}?
As always, I was there with my partner Melanie.  $good$

 $salute$
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Fester on September 02, 2013, 08:55:02 pm
Fab room DaveR and great pics. Glad you had a good time. :)

Who did you share the bed with Dave?  ?{}?
As always, I was there with my partner Melanie.  $good$

Probably why there were so many Cormorants and Shags?

Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on September 11, 2013, 03:48:05 pm
Room with a view and one with FOG!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Trojan on September 11, 2013, 07:15:02 pm
Is this a quiz question?  ???
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Yorkie on September 11, 2013, 07:28:41 pm
Is this a quiz question?  ???

The mountain in the distance is the clue.  Looks like Ailsa Craig taken from the Isle of Arran.   ZXZ
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Trojan on September 11, 2013, 07:39:25 pm
Is this a quiz question?  ???

The mountain in the distance is the clue.  Looks like Ailsa Craig taken from the Isle of Arran.   ZXZ

Which was in the quiz section by Hollins and spotted by Gwynant.

 &well& Yorkie.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on September 14, 2013, 03:26:57 pm
No, it wasn't meant to be a quiz question. It is Ailsa Craig but not taken from Arran. It was taken from Glenapp Castle on the Ayrshire coast.
I thought it was interesting to see the weather changing the view and the sky constantly there. You lucky ones living near the sea maybe take that for granted now.
Photo, similar view at sunrise.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on September 14, 2013, 03:34:14 pm
Not forgetting my room and pudding!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: jane B on September 15, 2013, 01:56:01 pm
Wow that looks such a great place!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Yorkie on September 15, 2013, 04:26:12 pm
Better than the Prime Minister gets!

Here he is getting settled for an overnight stay in Wormwood Scrubs!   :D
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on September 15, 2013, 05:21:05 pm
I stayed at the Radisson in Manchester again last night. DaveR, I'm not sure where you eventually chose for your trip but it is still excellent in my view.
This was the view from my room on the 9th floor. First one in the rainy morning and the second in the sunny evening.
We were in Manchester yesterday, so stopped off to have a nose around the Radisson - looks great! Also liked the look of the Midland Hotel just up the road.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on September 15, 2013, 05:45:31 pm
Were you able to take any photos in Manchester DaveR? Would love to see them if you did.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on September 15, 2013, 05:55:22 pm
Were you able to take any photos in Manchester DaveR? Would love to see them if you did.
Yes, coming shortly. Really enjoyed my visit.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on September 17, 2013, 11:56:28 am
Quote
We were in Manchester yesterday, so stopped off to have a nose around the Radisson - looks great! Also liked the look of the Midland Hotel just up the road.

I haven't stayed at the Midland since my work days. I think they have upped their game in recent years because of the increased competition in the city. The rooms we used to have were a bit pokey. Best not to go when there is an exhibition on at Manchester Central (GMEX).
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Nemesis on September 26, 2013, 05:38:03 pm
Nothing posh-- but this was my view for the last three nights.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on September 26, 2013, 05:46:25 pm
Looks lovely and peaceful. Where did you go?
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Yorkie on September 26, 2013, 06:47:18 pm
Nothing posh-- but this was my view for the last three nights.

I see you managed to keep the cows and the tent out of shot!  Looks great!   :D
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Fester on September 27, 2013, 12:48:26 am
Is it the Vale of Clwyd, Nem?
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Nemesis on September 27, 2013, 10:22:33 am
No, it is the view towards the sea from a Farmhouse B&B which we have visited a few times at Dyffryn Ardudwy. Not far-- but far enough to enjoy a short break.
Yes Yorkie there were cows in that field-- and calves-- no tents though. :twoface:
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Yorkie on September 27, 2013, 02:02:01 pm
You disappoint me Nem, I thought you would be under canvas!  Carry on Camping and all that Jazz!
 _))*
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Nemesis on September 27, 2013, 03:48:14 pm
Not on your life Yorkie, I have never been a camper or for that matter a caravanner. The very idea fills me with horror. Communal living aint for me ! The one time we hired a camper van was enough.
Had enough trouble the other night with an invasion of Daddy Long Legs which came through the open bedroom window despite the curtains being closed.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on September 29, 2013, 08:27:45 pm
A return visit to Chateau Rhianfa (formerly Plas Rhianfa) on Anglesey this weekend. It's as fabulous as ever, a real retreat from the world at large. Having an early morning walk through the gardens to see the sun slowly coming up over the Menai Straits was magical.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on September 29, 2013, 10:24:10 pm
Lucky you!
Have they really changed the name to Chateau?
Are they still persisting with the communal dinner? I think I read that they were going to have a rethink on that one.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on September 30, 2013, 07:00:19 am
Yes, it's been renamed Chateau Rhianfa for marketing purposes at least, although all the signage still says Plas Rhianfa for now.

I did see on Trip Advisor that an alternative to the chateau dining experience is to be offered shortly, and this is very welcome, I think.

I was thinking about a stay at Peckforton Castle in Cheshire, don't suppose you've been there and can offer any thoughts, H?
http://www.peckfortoncastle.co.uk/ (http://www.peckfortoncastle.co.uk/)
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on September 30, 2013, 02:46:25 pm
Hi DaveR,
Yes, I have been but only once and for lunch only.
It was a friends' birthday treat, a falconry day and we turned up as invited surprise guests. The falconry was very professional and enjoyed by our friends. We only had a light lunch which was fine. The surrounding countryside is very pleasant, quiet and rural.
It is the place that was badly damaged in a fire by an angry drunken bridegroom a few years ago. They got it open for business amazingly quickly afterwards so they must have had good insurers. The bridegroom was jailed.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on September 30, 2013, 03:52:46 pm
Hi DaveR,
Yes, I have been but only once and for lunch only.
It was a friends' birthday treat, a falconry day and we turned up as invited surprise guests. The falconry was very professional and enjoyed by our friends. We only had a light lunch which was fine. The surrounding countryside is very pleasant, quiet and rural.
It is the place that was badly damaged in a fire by an angry drunken bridegroom a few years ago. They got it open for business amazingly quickly afterwards so they must have had good insurers. The bridegroom was jailed.
Thank you, I remember that fire now you mention it. Looks worth a try. If you have any other recommendations for places to stay in Cheshire, please do share.  :)
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on September 30, 2013, 06:42:31 pm
Sorry DaveR, I haven't stayed in many Cheshire hotels. That's where I come from originally and my family still live there so don't often stay the night.
Having said that I do love a treat in the Chester Grosvenor, super service and food.
Nunsmere Hall is in a lovely setting. We have been there often for lunch but never stayed the night.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Yorkie on September 30, 2013, 07:18:28 pm
Have a look at Cranage Hall Hotel in Middlewich.  Nice but not expensive.   ;D
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on September 30, 2013, 09:04:54 pm
Thank you both for the recommendations, I shall take a look at them.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on October 02, 2013, 11:06:19 am
For all you forum cruise fans, look what has just floated past my bedroom window!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Hugo on October 02, 2013, 11:20:49 am
What a lovely place to be Hollins,  my favourite place on the island is Cala Galdana although everywhere there seems to be nice.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on October 02, 2013, 11:26:22 am
Yes, thanks Hugo. I had read on the Menorca travel page that you and Wrex liked it here. It is lovely and peaceful as you say. We are at Cala Llonga on the opposite side of the harbour to Mahon.
I am on holiday with my sister who is recently bereaved and was looking for someone to holiday with. Hollins just had to step in, how could I refuse!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Hugo on October 02, 2013, 12:27:43 pm
I'm feeling jet lagged just trying to keep up with you Hollins.    ;D

Wish I knew about this place when I was there.

www.covadenxoroi.com/index.php?lng=uk (http://www.covadenxoroi.com/index.php?lng=uk)
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Ian on October 02, 2013, 05:35:40 pm
This is Paris...
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on October 02, 2013, 06:28:29 pm
Where is that? Is it Euro Disney?
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Ian on October 02, 2013, 07:04:11 pm
It is :-)))
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Minime on October 02, 2013, 09:33:14 pm
Statham Lodge has good rep DaveR and close to aiden byrnes restaurant the church green in lymm.  Areas around tatton park and dunham massey also very nice.  Cottons hotel superb but pricey near tatton.   
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on October 02, 2013, 09:38:13 pm
My sister mentioned the Cottons as well but I haven't been there. Knutsford is a lovely small town with interesting old buildings DaveR.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Minime on October 02, 2013, 09:49:14 pm
OH took me on a date there.  Bit posh for me, was very nice though.  The walks around tatton are lovely and the gardens superb.  Think they have hotel in the grounds as lots of wedding parties.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on October 03, 2013, 08:13:34 am
Thank you, MiniMe & Hollins, for the suggestions.  $good$
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Yorkie on October 09, 2013, 06:01:48 pm
Sorry I am unable to bring you a dazzling view of sunsets and picturesque vistas, but my usual suite of rooms has been snaffled by the entourage of some Eastern Potentate who would not give them up for a handful of Shekels.  But here is the view we have.  Enjoy as we are doing!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on October 11, 2013, 08:37:08 am
Uh oh!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on October 16, 2013, 04:41:23 pm
I think this one well and truly qualifies for "Room with a view!"
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Fester on October 16, 2013, 04:51:58 pm
A beautiful view of Basle, (Basel?) .. La Suisse!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Blongb on October 17, 2013, 05:21:12 pm
Make sure you look out for the rhinestone cowbells whilst your there Hollins  _))*
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on October 17, 2013, 06:01:40 pm
View has changed a bit today. Back in the mountains. First two early this morning and the other three about 20 mins ago.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on October 23, 2013, 12:06:29 pm
Thought this might be of interest. A Travelzoo offer for Portmeirion.

http://www.travelzoo.com/uk/uk-hotels-breaks/coast/-109-up-Welsh-Hotel-in-Fantastical-Village-w-Meals-1601837/?utm_source=top20_uk&utm_medium=email&utm_content=1601837&utm_campaign=uk_top20_2013_43_deal%3a1601837 (http://www.travelzoo.com/uk/uk-hotels-breaks/coast/-109-up-Welsh-Hotel-in-Fantastical-Village-w-Meals-1601837/?utm_source=top20_uk&utm_medium=email&utm_content=1601837&utm_campaign=uk_top20_2013_43_deal%3a1601837)
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on October 29, 2013, 08:26:20 am
Just returned from a few days away, visiting Blackpool and other various towns.

Here's a pic of the Tower Ballroom in Blackpool, isn't it fantastic?

(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3831/10537921245_f8fb2dacff_b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/10537921245/)
Blackpool Tower Ballroom (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/10537921245/#) by [davidrobertsphotography] (http://www.flickr.com/people/davellandudno/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on October 29, 2013, 08:54:54 am
Yes. I have never been inside but it looks incredible.
I bet you got some great photos in Blackpool DaveR.
Good to see you back though, the forum has been a bit quiet!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Nemesis on October 29, 2013, 07:52:56 pm
It has an atmosphere all its own. To see the Wurlitzer rise up to the dancefloor is something unique.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: snowcap on October 29, 2013, 08:32:31 pm
First time i saw it was just after the war, the dance floor couldn't.t be seen for the forces dancing, Reginald Dixson on the Wurlitzer. what a sight that was
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on October 30, 2013, 12:35:52 pm
I'd never been inside before and it was amazing to see the full size and grandeur of the Ballroom. They have the Ballroom Dancing from 11-4 daily and the Organist disappears into the stage at the end whilst performing 'Oh I do like to be beside the seaside'. Fantastic.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Yorkie on October 30, 2013, 04:48:27 pm
I'd never been inside before and it was amazing to see the full size and grandeur of the Ballroom. They have the Ballroom Dancing from 11-4 daily and the Organist disappears into the stage at the end whilst performing 'Oh I do like to be beside the seaside'. Fantastic.

The Tower Ballroom used to feature regularly on Come Dancing and in all the Dancing Competitions.  It's a shame that such programs are now studio based.   ;D
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Linda on October 31, 2013, 12:35:10 am
My beautiful Aunt danced professionally in the chorus there, post war her company use to do shows in the ballroom and then run and change to do the circus below, dancing, amazing tap , trapeze and ropes etc.The dancers had to be versatile then. I think they were called the Tower Babes and had a very strict dancing teacher Madame Scholts., before she married and ran a hotel with her husband close by on Adelaide street.  She talked of many famous folk she knew Billy Cotton, Mike and Bernie winters Flanagan and allen as i was told as a child, and I vaguely remember if i have it right she had Ronnie Carroll living at her hotel whilst he was doing shows there. She emigrated to Australia and they ran hotels around Sydney,raised a family. A very interesting life. Having been brought up with my mum and their siblings in Stockport with frequent bombings during the war years.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Nemesis on October 31, 2013, 08:30:52 am
Now the Tower Circus was another spectacle--- at the end the rink was closed/sealed and it filled with water!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Yorkie on October 31, 2013, 08:58:39 am
I was in the RAF at Kirkham and would often go into B'pool to see my Brother who was at one of the theatres there.  I met a few "famous" artistes who were appearing in the same show.  The one that really stood out (sic) to me was Sabrina, who, of course, was a B'pool girl!   

Britain's answer to Jane Mansfield!    :o
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Linda on October 31, 2013, 10:39:56 am
Now the Tower Circus was another spectacle--- at the end the rink was closed/sealed and it filled with water!
Yes i was told that by my mother who was the little sister at the time , she was allowed to stay every now and again with the dancers in their very strict accommodation and the older ones looked after my mum in their dressing room and in the wings when on stage. It sounds amazing. I think it would have been in the mid to late forties.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Nemesis on October 31, 2013, 10:46:11 am
I can date the visit to Blackpool by the fact that I have a photo of myself taken in one of the first automatic photo booths.--- 1953. --I look like a parcel, all wrapped up in my gabardine ! :o OMG. I think we stayed at a place called 'Nelly's'. It was on the front and it was so windy that the carpets were billowing up and down in the bedroom.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Yorkie on October 31, 2013, 11:42:06 am
I can date my being there as it was the year I joined up and was doing almost a year Trade Training as an Armourer. 1955, seems all so long ago now.  Have we got a thread called Nostalgia?    :D
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on October 31, 2013, 11:52:40 am
Nemesis, Are we not going to see that lovely photo of you in your gabardine? I remember them well.
DaveR, you have stirred up some good memories for people about Blackpool. I have some lovely ones too. My mum's aunt and uncle used to take us for a week to a boarding house every year. My mum's memories are not quite so rosy as mine as one year my brother and I got chicken pox when we were there and she had to stay in the room all the time with us.
First photo is me not sitting very delicately on the beach. While I was looking for this photo I found the second one of me with my Welsh doll. Now I know why I ended up living in Wales!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Nemesis on October 31, 2013, 01:41:58 pm
Here we go Hollins--- it took a bit of finding, but it has prompted me to have a clear out of lots of old views etc !
Sorry it isn't very clear. It's an age thing !
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on October 31, 2013, 01:54:01 pm
A really great souvenir, so cute. Isn't it funny how you can remember certain clothing items. I can remember clearly having to try and get the thick belt through the buckle of my gabardine!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Nemesis on October 31, 2013, 02:17:15 pm
Nowadays people would cringe, but when I started High School I was bought a Robert Hirst gabardine which had to 'do' till I left after the 5th form. It had a purse, fastened in the pocket and was worn throughout the winter. We had striped blazers in summer.I must have been buried in it to begin with and it must have been hellish short at the end. Everyone was the same though, it all had to last and uniform had to be worn and it had to be exactly the correct type and make. The shapes we contorted our berets into were unbelievable!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on October 31, 2013, 02:53:28 pm
Oh yes, berets! I can remember getting into trouble more than once for not wearing it. Ours were red!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on October 31, 2013, 03:36:19 pm
Ha! Found one of my gabardine. I knew I had one somewhere.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Nemesis on October 31, 2013, 04:06:54 pm
Golly--- you haven't changed alot !! Lovely pic.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: snowcap on October 31, 2013, 07:50:23 pm
I don't think either of you have changed a lot, maybe a bit taller.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Michael on October 31, 2013, 11:16:14 pm
   Oh so Yorkie was doing 12 months trade training at RAF Kirkham.  He was following me around. I did nine months trade training (Driver/Mechanic) at Weeton, around five or six miles away.
  Only thing was ---- I was there around five years earlier.     Mike
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Nemesis on November 01, 2013, 08:19:40 am
I don't think either of you have changed a lot, maybe a bit taller.

and in my case wider :o ;D
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on November 01, 2013, 09:39:21 am
Thanks snowcap. It was a nice gentlemanly thing to say to ladies of a certain age.
However I do not think I need to worry about being recognised in Llandudno from the photos!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Nemesis on November 01, 2013, 09:56:01 am
No-- me neither-- I don't have a bow on top of my head now ! ;D ;D _))* _))*
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Yorkie on November 01, 2013, 10:31:09 am
   Oh so Yorkie was doing 12 months trade training at RAF Kirkham.  He was following me around. I did nine months trade training (Driver/Mechanic) at Weeton, around five or six miles away.
  Only thing was ---- I was there around five years earlier.     Mike

I bet we both frequented the same places, especially at week-ends.   Under B'pool pier was certainly more entertaining than under Sahfend Pier!!   Yates's Wine Lodge was also another favourite when we took a trip into Preston.   No car then so it was thumbing, or the bus.  And what better than to be stationed close to such a resort!   My posting after that was North Devon at RAF Chivenor where I served the balance of the 3 years, and another resort of Ilfracombe and the market town of Barnstable.    Barnstable had 52 pubs, one for every week of the year!  Memories, Ah!    :D
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on November 04, 2013, 04:11:25 pm
We called into the Brasserie at the Chester Grosvenor on Saturday afternoon, just for a coffee and bite to eat. What a pleasure to have first class service in such opulent surroundings, many hotels could learn a lot from them.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on November 04, 2013, 04:23:37 pm
Totally agree, love it in there.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Yorkie on November 04, 2013, 09:15:43 pm
Totally agree, love it in there.

Quite frankly the best service in the Country must be as given at Claridges.  It is impeccable but one pays for it.  The Savoy, Quaglinos, Veraswamy's, Grosvenor House and many other hotels and restaurants in the Capital give fantastic service which complements their excellent cuisine.  The Grosvenor in Chester, in my experience, is nothing out of the ordinary.    ZXZ
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Ian on November 05, 2013, 07:20:51 am
Quote
Quite frankly the best service in the Country must be as given at Claridge

It's good, but we were extremely impressed by the Marriott Renaissance St Pancras hotel. Especially the building;  that restoration was remarkable.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Yorkie on November 05, 2013, 08:40:24 am
Certainly an iconic building that was constructed in 1866.  It survived two World Wars and the architecture and internal design and finishings are fantastic.  Have a Google if you can't get down to the smoke to see it!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on November 05, 2013, 09:41:01 am
The Grosvenor in Chester, in my experience, is nothing out of the ordinary.    ZXZ
When did you last visit?
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Yorkie on November 05, 2013, 10:19:50 am
The Grosvenor in Chester, in my experience, is nothing out of the ordinary.    ZXZ
When did you last visit?

That question is irrelevant really, but it was to arrange a Formal dinner with entertainment for 120 people and included a two night stay.  With the service I got at a trial evening meal, I took the booking to The Queens instead.  It is what one finds on the day, sometimes good, sometimes bad.  Much also depends on the Staff, who can make or break a places reputation.  I take it you've been to Claridges then?  They have some nice suites at £8,000 a night! :D  Not that i've ever used one.   ;)
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on November 05, 2013, 10:30:50 am
Standards in Hotels can change dramatically over time, so the question is perfectly relevant. If you haven't visited the Grosvenor in, say, a few years, then your opinion/experience might well not reflect the current standards at the Hotel, hence the question.

I've not stayed at Claridges yet, but am looking forward to doing so at some point. Have you been there recently?
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Yorkie on November 05, 2013, 10:38:39 am
Not been to Claridges recently, as nowadays I am quite happy with Premier Inns.  Previous visits to these remarkable London establishments have generally been at the expense of my employer or my own company.

I will make a point of visiting The Grosvenor the next time I go to Chester, and will report my findings, although my Wife was there a month or so ago and says it hasn't changed! 
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on November 05, 2013, 10:39:49 am
I shall look forward to your Report.  $good$
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Yorkie on November 06, 2013, 06:50:49 pm
London's four most expensive hotel rooms!

http://londonhotelsinsight.com/2009/07/03/londons-4-most-expensive-hotel-rooms/ (http://londonhotelsinsight.com/2009/07/03/londons-4-most-expensive-hotel-rooms/)
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on November 11, 2013, 09:18:17 am
Back from a weekend on Anglesey. Stayed at the Bulkeley Hotel in Beaumaris, one of my favourite places to stay. Went over to Rhosneigr on Sun for a long walk on the beach, was glorious sunshine and not too chilly. There's a great coffee shop in the Surf Shop on Beach Road, up on the First Floor with views down to the Beach.

This is an iPhone shot of Broad Beach at Rhosneigr:
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Fester on November 18, 2013, 11:22:29 pm
An iphone picture, of my ludicrously large bathroom in Llangollen.

For some unknown reason, the suite of rooms were were given are called 'The Big Bathroom'  :laugh:
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on November 19, 2013, 08:38:16 am
Great, now that's what I call a bathroom!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on November 19, 2013, 09:04:50 am
This is their website:
http://www.cornerstones-guesthouse.co.uk/ (http://www.cornerstones-guesthouse.co.uk/)
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on December 04, 2013, 07:19:56 pm
I am on my annual solo trip to Dubai but don't worry about me being lonely as I have the trusty Three Towns Forum with me!   ;D

This is the amazing view from my room.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Merddin Emrys on December 04, 2013, 07:29:24 pm
Very impressive views there!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Fester on December 05, 2013, 10:52:15 pm
Fair play to you Hollins.

I have stayed over for the odd night in Dubai hotels, whilst travelling on business, but sadly I have never had chance to immerse myself in the culture, the nightlife..... or even the shopping malls!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on January 25, 2014, 09:47:16 am
We recently stayed at a hotel in Baden Baden that had real open fires in some of the guest rooms. This is my ultimate treat but there are not many around to chose from.
The town itself was very pleasant with a river running through it called the Lichtentaler Allee which had lovely walking paths along the length of it. This was our first visit and so there were plenty of things to explore including a Faberge museum and some wonderful old buildings. It was a bit of an outpost for Russian people. Russian estate agents, menus written in Russian etc.
We travelled there by train. It was a German train on route from Basel to Hamburg and it whisked us along at 250kms per hour.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on January 25, 2014, 09:53:48 am
Some photos of Baden Baden.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: systema on January 25, 2014, 11:12:05 am
Our view from Monday - hope the sun is shining as much as this but I doubt it this time of year.

Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on February 16, 2014, 08:21:44 pm
The view from our room at the hotel in Beaumaris was a little wetter than usual this weekend, but we still had a great time.  $good$
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Bri Roberts on February 16, 2014, 09:19:53 pm
Bulkeley Arms Hotel?
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on March 03, 2014, 08:20:38 am
Bulkeley Arms Hotel?
A little late replying, my apologies, Bri, yes it was the Bulkeley.  :)
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on March 03, 2014, 08:27:34 am
Back from a weekend in the Peak District, staying in Buxton. A beautiful Georgian Spa Town with a fantastic Park & Pavilion (Llandudno should be very envious), we had a wonderful time:

(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7302/12887080013_2b23ecf951_c.jpg) (http://flic.kr/p/kCMDUH)

(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7442/12887082713_76b4f4b2a9_c.jpg) (http://flic.kr/p/kCMEHg)

(http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2825/12887417094_f3fc8b5181_c.jpg) (http://flic.kr/p/kCPo7s)

(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3676/12887086983_e6b6ef65e0_c.jpg) (http://flic.kr/p/kCMFYT)

(http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2893/12886988025_492b928e69_o.jpg) (http://flic.kr/p/kCMbyH)

(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7330/12886954195_3a2a2570b3_o.jpg) (http://flic.kr/p/kCM1vr)

More photos can be seen here:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/sets/72157641766343643 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/sets/72157641766343643)
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Merddin Emrys on March 03, 2014, 08:33:54 am
Looks a great place!  $cool$
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on March 03, 2014, 08:43:02 am
Oh DaveR, that has brought a tear to my eye seeing your wonderful photos of my previous home. Well actually we lived 15 mins away in the hills but Buxton was the nearest town.
My first job when I left college was a waitress at the Pavilion Gardens.
Many memories and your photos make it look so beautiful. Glad to see you had some lovely weather too.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Bri Roberts on March 03, 2014, 08:58:20 am
Nice pics, DaveR.

Our youngest was fortunate to have performed in that Opera House a couple of years ago.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on March 03, 2014, 09:12:36 am
I have had a look at the flickr photos and I love the one of the frosty hills. Did you take any others in the countryside?

Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Hugo on March 03, 2014, 10:32:55 am
I had a weeks stay in that crescent shaped building,   I think it was called St Anne's Hotel and travelled to Buxton from Manchester by train and it was the first time in this country that I had seen a snow plough on the front of a locomotive.
It was a February many years ago and everyone on the course hoped that we would get snowed in as we were having such a good time there.    :) 
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on March 03, 2014, 02:21:08 pm
Yes Hugo, it was St Anne's. The Crescent also used to house the library which was in the most gorgeous pale blue and white room with Adam plasterwork.
The building eventually became in the ownership of the council and was in a poor state. There were all sorts of attempts to get grants etc and while all this was going on the owners were made to spend money on keeping it watertight.
I think the plans were eventually approved to turn it into a hotel again and I thought this work was ongoing but in DaveR's photo there doesn't seem much sign of it.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on March 04, 2014, 03:58:08 pm
The finance is finally in place for work to start on converting the Crescent into a 5 Star Hotel with Thermal Spa and separate Public Spa. The work will cost £32m. Preliminary work has already started at the rear of the building.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Neil on March 04, 2014, 04:45:18 pm
View from my apartment in Spinola Bay, Malta. Mixed weather, but warmer than Rhos on Sea.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on March 04, 2014, 06:18:18 pm
Looks great weather that day Neil. How lovely to be right by the water like that.
Here's my room with a view from last week. The crochet production moved to the mountains!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Cordyline on March 04, 2014, 10:40:38 pm
Super photo Neil
This Petunia photo I took at Spinola Bay last year
(http://static.panoramio.com/photos/large/92531842.jpg)

More Malta photos here
http://www.panoramio.com/photo/92531842 (http://www.panoramio.com/photo/92531842)
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Yorkie on March 05, 2014, 08:34:48 am
Took this from one of my windows a minute ago.   What a difference?
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Merddin Emrys on March 05, 2014, 08:47:19 am
And from the other direction!  ;D
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Bri Roberts on March 09, 2014, 07:46:42 am
No, I did not take this but I could not resist sharing it.

Isn't this an amazing shot?





Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Ian on March 09, 2014, 08:27:52 am
Superb!  D'you have the original url?
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Bri Roberts on March 09, 2014, 09:05:26 am
Afraid not, Ian.

I simply saw it on twitter a few days ago.

Perhaps, Yorkie can help you as he always seems to be able to find answers to difficult photo quizzes.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on March 09, 2014, 09:46:00 am
It is an amazing photo. Thanks.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Yorkie on March 09, 2014, 09:46:43 am
http://www.nasa.gov/images/content/224381main_polar_aurora_lights_226.gif (http://www.nasa.gov/images/content/224381main_polar_aurora_lights_226.gif)

Your wish is my command
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Bri Roberts on March 09, 2014, 09:57:05 am
 $thanx$
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Ian on March 09, 2014, 10:20:04 am
Thanks to both.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Yorkie on March 09, 2014, 05:06:08 pm
A few more Northern Lights!

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=northern+lights&client=safari&hl=en-gb&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=rZ4cU8PbG6nB7AaM2YHACQ&ved=0CAkQ_AUoAA&biw=768&bih=904 (https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=northern+lights&client=safari&hl=en-gb&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=rZ4cU8PbG6nB7AaM2YHACQ&ved=0CAkQ_AUoAA&biw=768&bih=904)
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on March 18, 2014, 11:31:59 am
Popped into Ruthin Castle for lunch the other day, this chap made us feel very welcome!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on March 18, 2014, 02:14:03 pm
Here's my room with a view. I am staying in an Egyptian themed hotel but I am not in Egpyt!
 ;D
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Hugo on March 18, 2014, 08:49:56 pm
I'm jet lagged trying to keep up with you Hollins     :)    are you back in Dubai then?      $good$
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on March 19, 2014, 03:35:44 am
Yes!
I went zooming around on the Metro yesterday. It is a driverless train. I treated myself to a Gold class ticket which cost £5 for all day and all zones.
They are still finding plots to build on (last photo).
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on March 31, 2014, 06:49:38 pm
More of a 'capsule with a view' than a room, this is what the Liverpool waterfront looks like from the top of the Big Wheel when we visited last Saturday.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on April 16, 2014, 07:12:45 am
We are back from staying two nights in a room in the village at Portmeirion. It was a surprise treat for me for our 30th Wedding Anniversary. The room had the most gorgeous view over the estuary. It was wonderful being able to walk around in the evening after the crowds had gone.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on April 16, 2014, 07:20:28 am
Here are some photos of the inside of the hotel where we took our meals although one night we ordered room service which must be quite a challenge for them.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Merddin Emrys on April 16, 2014, 08:27:38 am
A lovely place! We lived the other side of the estuary a few years ago!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on April 16, 2014, 08:52:31 am
I remember you saying that ME. I don't know how you could bear to move but you have certainly picked some gorgeous places to live.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Hugo on April 16, 2014, 08:53:45 am
Congratulations and best wishes on your 30th Wedding Anniversary, a lovely surprise indeed.     The place has a nice atmosphere and we have stayed there on two occasions.
The first village room we stayed at seems to be near where you stayed and had a double aspect lounge with views to the village out of one and breathtaking ones of the estuary and surrounding hills out of the other.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on April 16, 2014, 09:18:46 am
Thanks Hugo. It sounds like you could have been in the yellow building to the right of the hotel in this photo. We were in the pink one on the far right and hidden behind the trees from this angle.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on April 16, 2014, 10:08:25 am
Congratulations on your 30th Wedding Anniversary, Hollins. I've thought about booking a stay in Portmeirion before, but the reviews (as I recall) didn't seem overwhelmingly positive - would you recommend it?
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on April 16, 2014, 02:13:51 pm
Thanks DaveR. Yes i would recommend it. Firstly the location is unbeatable but I think you need to be careful which room you choose as some are badly overlooked by passing visitors. We were lucky because there was only access for residents in the part we stayed in. The interior of the hotel is quirky but not in a bad way. I haven't seen the bedrooms in the hotel itself.
We also stayed a few years ago in the Castle above but the view of the estuary from there is a much more far away one and the place doesn't quite have the same charm although the room we had was good.
The food this time was excellent. I had a delicious Welsh Rarebit delivered to the room the first night and on the second night we had the formal dinner sitting in the conservatory part watching the full moon rise above the hills and then reflected in the water. The dinner menu was quite adventurous and we were pleasantly surprised how good it was.
The service while not completely polished was fine. Things like not removing used drinks glasses from the table can be forgiven when you are in such a lovely setting!
One thing we did find a bit disconcerting is that they never seem to be able to keep up on the maintenance side of things. Not really surprising given the quirkiness of the buildings but for example the light at the entrance of our room was covered in cobwebs and dead flies and the stairs up to our accommodation were full of leaves and needed sweeping.. The interiors were fine but some things looked a bit untidy outside the buildings. I wouldn't let this put you off though as it was quite magical walking around after the crowds had gone home.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Nemesis on April 16, 2014, 02:16:34 pm
One thing we did find a bit disconcerting is that they never seem to be able to keep up on the maintenance side of things. Not really surprising given the quirkiness of the buildings but for example the light at the entrance of our room was covered in cobwebs and dead flies and the stairs up to our accommodation were full of leaves and needed sweeping..

I hope you made a comment about the issue. ! :o
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on May 02, 2014, 09:32:42 pm
Thank you Gwynant!
Your inspiring quiz question has led me to my latest room with a view.
 ;D
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Gwynant on May 02, 2014, 10:35:03 pm
             Happy to help Hollins, hope you enjoy your stay. Are you staying in the Regency Hotel?
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on May 02, 2014, 10:37:42 pm
Yes!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on May 17, 2014, 07:38:36 am
Greetings from Prague, we're having a fantastic time in this beautiful city:
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on May 17, 2014, 07:50:14 am
Ooooo, never been there so looking forward to seeing some photos!
Have a great time.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Bri Roberts on May 18, 2014, 11:41:38 am
Nice way to spend my birthday last week.  D)
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on May 19, 2014, 05:07:31 pm
Where were you taking it from, a ship?
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Bri Roberts on May 19, 2014, 06:18:56 pm
Yes Hollins.

From that view, you can begin to understand everyone’s concern when one sees how close a 116,000 tonne ship travels past the Grand Canal.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on May 19, 2014, 06:44:08 pm
Yes and you look so high up too.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Bri Roberts on May 19, 2014, 07:52:15 pm
Taken from Deck 15.

I bet you thought I was in a hot air balloon at that height.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on May 19, 2014, 07:54:47 pm
I wondered if you were in a tall tower or building on that island opposite.
Hope you had a good birthday.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on June 29, 2014, 06:23:55 pm
Ha! Yes they really do still exist. Pity I only brought frocks.   ;D
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Fester on June 29, 2014, 11:34:05 pm
Whenever I stay in a Marriott, they always have them in every room.

..... and No, I have never had occasion to use one.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Merddin Emrys on June 30, 2014, 08:05:31 am
The dreaded trouser press, completely pointless and very hard to dispose of when you get one as part of your lot in an auction! No one seems to want them yet they still manufacture them!  ???
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Nemesis on June 30, 2014, 08:39:23 am
My OH has had his for well over 30 years and has used it every single night apart from when his trousers are in the wash or we aren't at home, so not completely pointless. It all depends what clothes the legs !!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Merddin Emrys on June 30, 2014, 10:12:52 am
It all depends what clothes the legs !!

Jeans! Usually at the auction they get no bids at all so it gets included in the next lot as happened to me last year!  :laugh:
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Ian on June 30, 2014, 10:42:34 am
Quote
Jeans! Usually at the auction they get no bids at all

Have you auctioned many pairs of Jeans?

 WWW WWW WWW
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Merddin Emrys on June 30, 2014, 10:51:50 am
No  :laugh: nor have I bought any at auction!  :laugh:
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on August 19, 2014, 08:11:48 am
Greetings from Sorrento:
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Merddin Emrys on August 19, 2014, 08:23:40 am
Wow, that's a long way from Llandudno, have a great time!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on August 19, 2014, 08:31:08 am
Fab! Never been but would love to go. Send us some pics!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Hugo on August 19, 2014, 01:02:09 pm
Hollins, you must go there sometime.  The area is beautiful and very romantic and plenty of things to do and see.   I stayed at the Capo Di Monte and loved the place.  Bri Roberts stayed in Sorrento too and I think it was at the Grand Hotel President that had stunning views.
Many years ago, a young friend of mine told me that he was taking his girlfriend on holiday there as I had told him how nice the place was, but I told him to think about it carefully as the place was so romantic he could end up proposing to her.
A few months later when I spoke to him again he had proposed to her on the Isle of Capri.
I'm looking forward to seeing Dave's photo's of Sorrento
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Bri Roberts on August 19, 2014, 02:12:24 pm
What a good memory you have, Hugo.

Yes, we have stayed at the Grand Hotel President and also at the Hotel Aminta next door on a previous visit and can certainly recommend both.

In Sorrento, one can catch ferries to Capri and Naples. Hop on a train to Pompeii and Herculaneum. Take a bus down the Amalfi coast to Positano, Amalfi and Ravello.

Sorrento is beautiful but has become very expensive since we were there last.

Like you say, Hugo, I am also looking foward to see DaveR's pics.

Is that Marina Grande in the photo?

Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Hugo on August 19, 2014, 05:20:28 pm
I'm not sure if it is the Marina Grande in the picture.    If my memory serves me right the small harbour by the Capo di Monte was called the Marina Grande while the large harbour in the town was called the Marina Picolo.   It didn't make sense to our Italian guide either! 
If I'm wrong on the names then I can only blame it on the Brandy and those delicious ice creams.       ZXZ

My walking friend Keith has been there this year and seemed to go every where while he was there Capri, Vesuvius, Pompei, Amalfi Drive etc etc and thoroughly enjoyed his time there.
Hollins you must include this in your places to visit list.     $good$
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on August 19, 2014, 09:08:09 pm
Just popped in quickly to say it is the Marina Grande, which oddly is the smaller of the two harbours. It's a lovely place to sit in the evening with a glass of Prosecco or two. 31 Degrees here this afternoon.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: SteveH on August 19, 2014, 09:14:28 pm
ENJOY...... :) ....... Z**
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: rhuddlan on August 21, 2014, 04:16:38 pm
Here is a collage showing the view(daytime and evening) from one of the hotels shown in Dave R's pic.
Also a panorama showing part of the Bay of Naples.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on August 30, 2014, 07:30:59 pm
Greetings from Rhosneigr:
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on September 01, 2014, 06:51:26 am
Greetings to you too DaveR. We haven't made it as far south of Italy as you yet but here is a Good Morning forum pic from further north on Lake Maggiore.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on September 01, 2014, 08:48:43 am
Looks lovely, hope you enjoy your holiday.  $good$
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Yorkie on September 01, 2014, 01:12:51 pm
Apart from business trips to the Rimini area some years ago, my Wife and I have never been to any Italian resorts.  Trying to plan something different to Portugal for our next holiday, has anyone any suggestions for our first trip to Italy?  It would only be a couple of weeks, and we would not be hiring a car so would have to rely on Public transport.  I have trouble with hills, however gradual, so the topography is also important. Thanks in advance.   ZXZ
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Merddin Emrys on September 01, 2014, 06:02:42 pm
I've not been, but at least it means your quiz questions next year will not be in Portugal!  :laugh:
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: snowcap on September 01, 2014, 10:51:19 pm
would you bet on that m,e,?
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: TheMedz on September 02, 2014, 07:55:13 am
Apart from business trips to the Rimini area some years ago, my Wife and I have never been to any Italian resorts.  Trying to plan something different to Portugal for our next holiday, has anyone any suggestions for our first trip to Italy?  It would only be a couple of weeks, and we would not be hiring a car so would have to rely on Public transport.  I have trouble with hills, however gradual, so the topography is also important. Thanks in advance.   ZXZ
A combination of Venice with either Florence or Rome might be a good choice. All three are never to be forgotten cities. We have in the past been fortunate to have done both combinations. The Italian rail links between Venice and the two cities are clean and efficient and when we last went they were very reasonably priced. The train tickets can be be booked on line, in advance.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Merddin Emrys on September 02, 2014, 09:44:10 am
would you bet on that m,e,?

Probably not!  L0L
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Yorkie on September 02, 2014, 12:16:03 pm
Thanks TheMedz, that gives us a good idea where to start.  I'm thinking that if we go with a Travel Company instead of doing it ourselves, there may be a few excursions available.  That will save me having to think too much!

No guarantees about Portugal questions, still plenty of photographs available!   :D
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Hugo on September 02, 2014, 01:55:59 pm
Apart from business trips to the Rimini area some years ago, my Wife and I have never been to any Italian resorts.  Trying to plan something different to Portugal for our next holiday, has anyone any suggestions for our first trip to Italy?  It would only be a couple of weeks, and we would not be hiring a car so would have to rely on Public transport.  I have trouble with hills, however gradual, so the topography is also important. Thanks in advance.   ZXZ

In addition to Sorrento my wife and I have been to Lake Garda and stayed in Riva Del Garda which is at the northern end of the lake.   My wife has walking difficulties but the resort was ideal for us.    The town is on the level and right by the lake, buses go from there to Verona and excursions also go to Venice but our favourite way of travelling there is by boat.     Boats travel up and down the lake all day and criss cross it, stopping at all the pretty villages en route and you can get off where you like.      $good$
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Yorkie on September 02, 2014, 06:46:10 pm
Hugo, that sounds great!  I particularly like the sound of using boats as I love boating.  I had a 10 metre ketch rigged motor/sailer until a few years ago and do miss the pastime.  That suggestion certainly sounds promising and also one that the Mrs will enjoy.   $thanx$
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Hugo on September 02, 2014, 11:01:08 pm
This video will give you some idea of what it is like although it is over 7 minutes long.    The mountains around the lake at the northern end are the southern part of the Dolomites but the actual town of Riva is flat and ideal for walking around.


www.youtube.com/watch?v=-us2KFU63vo (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-us2KFU63vo#ws)
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on September 09, 2014, 10:51:24 am
We stayed in a Beach House in Rhosneigr last week, weather was great, we could sit outside with a glass of wine and watch sunsets like this. Heavenly!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Ian on September 16, 2014, 06:09:25 pm
This was the view from our suite in Portmerion the other week.

[smg id=3293]

Wonderfully calm and quiet.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Merddin Emrys on September 16, 2014, 06:21:20 pm
I can't see the pic, but we used to live the other side of the estuary, so we could see Portmerion from our house!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on September 16, 2014, 07:43:44 pm
What a beautiful photo and a dreamy view. Hope you had a good stay.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Ian on September 16, 2014, 08:51:00 pm
It was very interesting. There were parties of Japanese and Americans, clearly being given the tour, but overall it's a good hotel despite being rather...quaint.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on September 17, 2014, 08:56:36 am
This was the view from our suite in Portmerion the other week.

[smg id=3293]

Wonderfully calm and quiet.
Not bad for a beginner.  :P

Really nice shot.  $good$
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Ian on September 17, 2014, 10:49:51 am
Quote
Not bad for a beginner.  :P

Well,  I haven't yet had the time to put it through Photoshop...


 ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: TheMedz on September 29, 2014, 06:28:29 pm
Some of the hotel/motel views from a road trip we made for my 60th to Utah and Arizona
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: TheMedz on September 29, 2014, 06:38:11 pm
2 more
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Ian on September 29, 2014, 07:54:21 pm
Is that the K-T boundary on the 3rd pic, ME? Wonderful place, Arizona.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: TheMedz on September 29, 2014, 09:11:35 pm
Starting at the top

Springdale, Zion National Park Utah
Page, Lake Powell, Arizona
Bryce Canyon, Utah
Monument Valley, Utah
South Rim, Grand Canyon, Arizona.

Bucket list well and truly ticked.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on September 29, 2014, 09:27:57 pm
Happy 60th wishes and thanks for showing us that amazing scenery.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Gwynant on October 19, 2014, 09:12:01 am
                While staying in Weston-super-Mare last week we came upon "A tale of two Piers". The privately-owned Grand Pier on the sea-front has burnt down twice, once in 1930 and again in 2008  due to an electrical fault and was reopened at a cost of £39m only two years later, and features some brilliant lighting at night. The other one connects the mainland with Birnbeck Island and is situated about a mile north around the point. Birnbeck Pier is the only pier in Britain that connects an island with the mainland and closed in 1994 after the steamer trade to South Wales ceased and has since fallen into disrepair and "ownership has changed hands many times since its closure", and is now on the "buildings at risk" register. Does that remind you of anywhere else-----?
          I enclose a couple of pics of both piers and also a view of Wells Cathedral which is very impressive inside and out and also a couple of views of the West Somerset Railway which is a lovely journey through the Somerset countryside and along the coast terminating in Minehead.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Gwynant on October 19, 2014, 09:20:26 am
                Wells Cathedral and the West Somerset Railway, and a reupholstered chair for sale in one of the shops in Glastonbury. Note the price for entry to the Dance Hall!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Fester on October 19, 2014, 10:56:42 pm
Fascinating pictures of the Piers Gwynant,  thanks for posting.  $good$
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Merddin Emrys on October 19, 2014, 11:17:00 pm
Yes very interesting, I especially like the look of Birnbeck Pier, looks fascinating!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on October 20, 2014, 06:37:53 pm
I think the new pier building looks stylish. Just shows what can be done.
Thanks Gwynant, sounds an interesting trip.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on October 29, 2014, 08:31:42 am
This article amused me........

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/hotels/11191952/What-I-hate-about-hotel-rooms.html (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/hotels/11191952/What-I-hate-about-hotel-rooms.html)
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: SteveH on October 29, 2014, 09:30:10 am
This article amused me........
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/hotels/11191952/What-I-hate-about-hotel-rooms.html (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/hotels/11191952/What-I-hate-about-hotel-rooms.html)

Very good,H.... I have the T shirt..... :) :)
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Ian on October 29, 2014, 11:00:55 am
 :D :D :D

My pet hates are - firstly - poor room lighting.  Why most hotels seem to think imbuing their rooms with the sort of light you can expect in Antarctica during mid-July is beyond me. Once the daylight goes, I find you're left groping to locate things you thought you'd bought with you, or being blinded by the near-solar storm level brightness of the bathroom lighting by comparison with the mid-November London fog gloom of the rest of the room. And I echo his irritation with regard to switching the lights on and off.

Secondly, why have soaps become markedly smaller in recent years? They used to be at least hand-washing size.  Now, their diminishing size is threatening to make them an endangered species.

Thirdly, the showering process appears to have mutated to the point where a University degree in fluid dynamics is necessary before you can turn the thing on. We stay in a lot of hotel suites, and the showers vary from the unbelievably complex to the totally unintuitive. The latest fad appears to be to have at least three shower heads in the shower, each of which produces either molten-lead temperature water or freshly chilled and just-unfrozen river ice level deluges.

Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on October 31, 2014, 08:53:12 am
Spent last weekend in Blackpool, staying at Big Blue Hotel. It's a fascinating place, with an interesting contrast between the shabbiness of some of the seafront hotels and the sheer opulence of places like the Tower Ballroom.

Just for Fester, here's a photo of a storm lashed North Pier, which sold for £900,000 back in 2011:

Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Ian on October 31, 2014, 09:01:39 am
Quote
here's a photo of a storm lashed North Pier, which sold for £900,000 back in 2011:

Good price for a photo!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on October 31, 2014, 09:03:49 am
Quote
here's a photo of a storm lashed North Pier, which sold for £900,000 back in 2011:

Good price for a photo!
*punch*
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Merddin Emrys on October 31, 2014, 09:59:32 am
 _))*  _))*
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Fester on November 01, 2014, 09:56:53 pm
Blackpool North Pier, was in poor repair when you last reported from there.

Mrs Fester was there two weeks ago, and she tells me it's getting ever worse.

Parts of it are now cordoned off, and those parts that were damaged in the 2013 storms have STILL not been repaired, and are no longer accessible.

Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on November 09, 2014, 03:46:44 pm
We had the pleasure of another stay at the Bulkeley Hotel in Beaumaris this weekend. It was a happy coincidence that they chose to have their fireworks display on the Saturday night, which we watched from our hotel window. With Beaumaris only being a small seaside town, I wasn't expecting an awful lot but have to say it was a fabulous display, better than either Llandudno or Colwyn Bay's! Well done to Beaumaris Town Council for organising such a great event.  $good$
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on November 28, 2014, 12:21:08 pm
Friday roast......where am I?       ;D
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on November 28, 2014, 12:26:42 pm
Are you in the Three Towns area, H?
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on November 28, 2014, 12:29:57 pm
 :-X $sunny$
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Hugo on November 28, 2014, 03:21:38 pm
Do they do a Friday roast in Dubai?      :)     If not then I'll have to look in my A-Z  Hollins Travel Guide.       ;D

That meat looks very pink to me
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on November 28, 2014, 03:40:11 pm
Yes Hugo. Friday is their weekend. It's that time of year again. I am a creature of habit! It was delicious, not too rare.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Hugo on December 01, 2014, 03:24:53 pm
I was back again at the Chateau Rhianfa for Sunday lunch having used the last of my Travelzoo vouchers.    We had a nice meal again and this time went into the Music room to have our after dinner coffee.
It's the location and features of this old building that make it such a nice experience to have.
Our forum fine diners notably DaveR and Hollins have both  stayed there and had reservations about the fine dining experience that they had there and this was backed up by the couple we spoke to who had stayed in the hotel and opted for the dining experience.
The various courses were very much Nouvelle cuisine and while they enjoyed the food they felt hungry afterwards which was a bit of a let down.
A few weeks ago we stayed at the Raven Hotel in Much Wenlock and sampled a  nine course taster menu there and would recommend the experience to anyone. It was perfect in every way and while we certainly weren't hungry afterwards we weren't bloated either.   As soon as an offer appears again on Travelzoo we'll be back there.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on December 01, 2014, 03:53:07 pm
Oh, those lovely blue skies and what a view!
You had better weather than me. Cloudy with showers in Abu Dhabi today.   :'(
 Consoled myself with afternoon tea.    :)
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Hugo on December 01, 2014, 04:28:05 pm
I hope you didn't eat all those cakes as the plane home wouldn't get off the ground.     ;D
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on December 01, 2014, 04:36:56 pm
Ha! No, I didn't but they gave me a carry out box with the leftovers so they are still there tempting me.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Hugo on December 01, 2014, 04:41:04 pm
Don't forget us poor OAP's on the forum before you scoff the lot.     :(
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Mr Tunnock on December 20, 2014, 07:47:15 am
Which hotel is that Hollins, the St Regis?
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Ian on December 20, 2014, 08:00:25 am
Interestingly, Signatures has emailed all its members to let them know there are still vacancies on the 22nd, but their website states they're closed on the Monday. It's all a little confused.  Two emails have been sent out.  The first states:

"MONDAY 23rd DEC- BOOKINGS STILL AVAILABLE!"

and that was followed, 29 minutes later, by the second:

"MONDAY 22nd DEC- BOOKINGS STILL AVAILABLE!"

This is the first I'd heard about them being open this coming Monday. Curious.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on December 20, 2014, 08:04:46 am
Quote
Which hotel is that Hollins, the St Regis?

Yes, the one on Saadiyat Island. Have you been there?
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on December 20, 2014, 08:08:57 am
Thanks Ian. I was just trying to figure out how to do that when I saw your reply had come in between. You're on the ball there!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Mr Tunnock on December 20, 2014, 08:13:09 am
No, on my list, we have been to the Fairmont a couple of times, a great hotel but we do like a walk on the beach when we are away and Fairmont is a little confined for that.
I  have found Abu Dhabi a little better value than Dubai over the  last couple of years, both great places for a bit of Winter sun!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Ian on December 20, 2014, 08:20:45 am
Quote
Thanks Ian. I was just trying to figure out how to do that when I saw your reply had come in between. You're on the ball there!

We aim to please... 

I* VV %0% VV I*
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on December 20, 2014, 08:27:44 am
Quote
I  have found Abu Dhabi a little better value than Dubai over the  last couple of years, both great places for a bit of Winter sun!

Yes, totally agree.
It is a good time to go to Saadiyat now before the construction starts in earnest. At the moment the hotel is pretty much on its own. In the distance they are building the Louvre and the other way the nearest building is the Park Hyatt but they have started the foundations of a Rotana hotel next to that. The beach there is wonderful and really long. I set off walking at 4pm one day and didn't reach the end before having to turn back because of the dark approaching. The photo shows how far I got.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Mr Tunnock on December 20, 2014, 09:23:56 am
Many thanks for the advice and photo, reminds me of the beaches in Dubai when we first went there.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on December 20, 2014, 09:40:43 am
Yes, exactly. Here is a photo I took of the beach in 1996 where the One and Only Royal Mirage is now. That is the Hilton in the distance.
(Apologies to those who have seen this before.)
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on December 20, 2014, 09:45:07 am
The Hilton is still there. Here it is a couple of weeks ago!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Mr Tunnock on December 20, 2014, 10:11:45 am
We've walked up and down that beach a few times over the years, I remember looking at the back of the Royal Meridien towards desert before they built the marina and the rest of the buildings.
Had a lovely meal in the Grosvenor House last time we were there and the Thai at the top of the Dusit, the one thing above all that stands out is the outstanding service over there and the genuine smiles from those who provide it.
I wouldn't mind trying Muscat one day, such a big wide world though and so many places to go.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on December 20, 2014, 10:57:43 am
Yes, the service is second to none and I have yet to have a bad meal over there. Let us know if you go to Muscat, sounds good.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Neil on December 21, 2014, 12:46:41 am
Slavery was abolished in the Uk in 1833, it still exists in Abu Dhabi and similar States in the Middle East, if you are happy with this go and enjoy the sunshine.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Ian on December 21, 2014, 07:59:34 am
Slavery was abolished throughout the Middle East by 1968, and is now officially illegal in every country in the world. However, depending on the precise definitions employed, there are still many millions effectively living in slavery on a list topped by India and followed, in order of magnitude, by China (2.9 million), Pakistan (2.1 million), Nigeria, Ethiopia, Russia, Thailand, Democratic Republic of Congo, Myanmar and Bangladesh, according to the anti-slavery Walk Free Foundation's 2014 report.  In 2013 the US State Dept released a report into Human Trafficking which identified the worst offenders as being Russia, China, Uzbekistan with Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, Syria, and Zimbabwe. The list also included Algeria, Libya, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait but no list has identified Abu Dhabi, interestingly.

Even if we allow that the US Dept's outlook is distinctly political, Walk Free is independent and widely respected. Walk Free's report also allocates an indicator according to the strength of each Government's response to slavery and how they deal with it. The Netherlands comes out best, with the UK being 8th on the list.

Reports:

US State Dept (http://www.state.gov/j/tip/rls/tiprpt/2013/)
Walk Free 2014 slavery list (http://www.globalslaveryindex.org/)
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on January 04, 2015, 11:10:12 am
Ha! Well spotted Hugo!
Have you stayed there too?
My room was the one under the chimney pot on the right.

No I haven't stayed at the Hotel, we just had a day trip to the resort but I recognised the location from your photo and I remembered the Monkey Puzzle tree as well.

We didn't stay here this time but sad to say Hugo that I noticed the monkey puzzle tree is no more. It must have been a victim of last winter's storms.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on January 04, 2015, 06:19:39 pm
Just back from a weekend in Harrogate,  staying at the Old Swan Hotel. Nice place, we had tea at Bettys, dinner at Jamie Olivers Italian restaurant and squeezed in a visit to York. Came back overthe Yorkshire Dales, very scenic route.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Nemesis on January 04, 2015, 06:20:23 pm
God's own country Dave !
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Fester on January 04, 2015, 11:57:49 pm
The city of York is a place well worth spending a lot of time in, a beautiful city.

Harrogate is a bit boring I always thought.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on January 05, 2015, 08:58:08 am
Fester.....Harrogate boring....... :o
I love them both for the shopping and great places to eat.
Sounds a really good weekend of treats DaveR, any photos?
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Nemesis on January 05, 2015, 09:16:04 am
Probably about 17 years since I went to Harrogate, but we always enjoyed a day there. The crocus on the Stray in Spring are a sight to see.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on January 05, 2015, 09:31:32 am
We enjoyed walking through the Valley Gardens and some of the massive old Spa hotels like the Majestic were very impressive. Property was very expensive in the main parts of town, hard to get a decent house for less than £700,000, believe it or not!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on January 18, 2015, 10:06:22 am
Good morning forum.
Room with a view after a 24 hour snowfall!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on January 18, 2015, 02:25:24 pm
Went for a weekend to the Bulkeley Hotel in Beaumaris (again). Lovely place to relax, with a leg stretching walk at Llanddwyn island to build up the appetite. Went for a curry at the Meghna Tandoori in Beaumaris one night, and dinner at the Brasserie at the Bull's Head Inn the other.  All very good. $good$
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on January 18, 2015, 03:02:48 pm
Have you lost your camera DaveR?
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on January 18, 2015, 04:21:08 pm
Have you lost your camera DaveR?
No, but photographed it all many times previously!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Hugo on January 19, 2015, 11:38:08 am
Good morning forum.
Room with a view after a 24 hour snowfall!

I'm envious of you waking up to such a beautiful view like that, keep the photos coming as they are always a pleasure to see.   Dubai one month,  Tenby then Switzerland, each one so different.   I was going to ask you how do you cope with all extremes of weather but I'm sure that you'll say "very nicely thanks"            $good$       ;D
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Ian on January 19, 2015, 11:50:02 am
She stays inside :-))))))
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on January 19, 2015, 12:04:41 pm
No! On the day it snowed we went out for lunch going there partly on foot and by gondola and on the way back by bus which by the way was dead on time! Yesterday we went for a chilly walk by the river. Here are some photos.
Thanks Hugo for expressing an interest in them. It is a bit difficult to gauge the interest on here unlike facebook where you know a bit better from the amount of likes etc.
Is there any way of introducing something like a tick box on the forum to say you have liked it? I know sometimes I think that was a good read or photo but you don't always want make another post just to say you liked it.
On the other hand the poster may never know there was a good reaction if no one says anything.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Ian on January 19, 2015, 05:03:52 pm
Quote
Is there any way of introducing something like a tick box on the forum to say you have liked it?

In fact, Dave and I have been discussing exactly that sort of thing and we plan to introduce it  this week.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Mr Tunnock on January 19, 2015, 05:08:25 pm
Hollins,
your posts are much appreciated and enjoyed, one of the subjects prior to joining I always headed for as they are so interesting.
 $thanx$
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on January 20, 2015, 11:24:33 am
Thanks for that Mr T, much appreciated. Hopefully now with the new like button we will be able to tell more easily what things are of interest.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Fester on February 13, 2015, 05:21:03 pm
Hollins, Dave R, Hugo and others have mentioned Plas Rhianfa (now Chateau Rhianfa) several times on this Forum.
It is just outside Menai Bridge, on the Menai Straits. facing Bangor Pier.

So, Mrs Fester and I made our way there yesterday for a great overnight stay.
The building and grounds are superb, the level of craftsmanship involved in everything is exceptional, and the food is the definitive example of fine dining.
I have stayed in many 5 Star hotels around the world (usually on business) in the past, but I have to say that Plas Rhianfa ranks as the best hotel I have ever stayed in, for many reasons.

Sitting in the hot tub yesterday, I threw open the large doors to have a view across the Menai Straits to Bangor, The Pier, and the snow-covered mountains beyond.
Sadly, when I took the photo today, you couldn't see the mountains due to the low cloud.  But mercifully, nor do you have to suffer the sight of me in the hot tub.
It really is blissful, and I can't WAIT to go again.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Hugo on February 13, 2015, 06:03:31 pm
I'm pleased that you enjoyed your stay there, the place is really special and there is a nice atmosphere in the building.  The location is superb too.       $good$
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on February 13, 2015, 06:06:08 pm
Glad you enjoyed it Fester. Is it still communal dining in the evening?
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Fester on February 13, 2015, 10:18:00 pm
Glad you enjoyed it Fester. Is it still communal dining in the evening?

No, they've abandoned that idea H. 
The staff said it was notoriously unpopular.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on February 14, 2015, 05:15:06 am
Oh that's good. We would love to go back now we know that.
I can't believe they persisted with it for so long.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Mr Tunnock on March 04, 2015, 04:58:29 pm
Has anyone stayed at the Hotel Quinta do Lago or Conrad in the Algarve?
Any tips would be appreciated.
Thank you in advance.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Yorkie on March 04, 2015, 08:23:10 pm
We are regular Algarve travellers having been holidaying there for almost 50 years!  The Quinta is a first class hotel and naturally you pay for the privilidge.  The Conrad we do not know so it must be fairly new, but so many have been built over past years we cannot keep up with them all.  Presume you are going for Golf, if not you will find you are out of the mainstream Algarve.  We tend to stay in and around the main town of Albufeira but have stayed in all parts of the 100 mile long coast. Mail me if you want any info.
 ZXZ
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Yorkie on March 05, 2015, 12:03:51 pm
As a p.s. You may like to consider the Hotel Epic Sana at Praia de Falesia.  A really first class hotel, right on the beach, everything about it is 5*.  Quite expensive, depending on choice of accommodation, but worth every penny.  Relatively new place but already establishing a reputation.
Definitely worth hiring a car, try Auto Jardim.   The local paper, The Algarve News is a good read and there is a FreeMap available showing all the best places to eat etc. The fish and seafood is superb, The Ruina at Fisherman's Beach in Albufeira is a good place to go.
 _))*
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Mr Tunnock on March 05, 2015, 04:54:12 pm
Thank you very much for the information Yorkie, it is appreciated, we will check it out.
Golf will be a maximum of 3 rounds I would estimate, the rest of the time will be purely family time, so a nice beach would be most welcome as would be a nice variety of places to eat early on in the evening.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Yorkie on March 05, 2015, 08:10:40 pm
My pleasure Mr T.  No shortage of places to eat, just avoid anywhere offering English Breakfasts!  The poshest looking places are not always the best for food and often a local Portuguese Cafe will present a gormet delight instead of flashy looking, tasteless rubbish.  The Portuguese tend to dine out later than us so should be no trouble getting a table in most places.  One word of warning, don't go out wearing your gold and sparkling jewellery at any time of day or night. If you do like a drink, don't drive.  Taxis are cheap as chips. 
Have a good time.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Mr Tunnock on March 06, 2015, 09:43:52 am
Do many expats live there Yorkie?
Is the weather reasonable during the Winter months?
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Yorkie on March 06, 2015, 12:46:43 pm
Yes plenty of people have moved there from the UK, Holland, Scandinavia as well as many other countries.  The place is very cosmopolitan and there are many businesss operated by them, although there are also many who have retired there.  Even the Newsagents have papers from all over Europe but they don't hit the shelves until after 10.00 and are not cheap.   It beats me why folk buy them when on holiday!  Some must have a morbid interest with them or just love news from the Homeland.

Weatherwise the Winter is very pleasant and we have even been on the beach on Xmas Day!   Some rain is experienced but man cannot live on wine alone!

I can recommend two all-day coach trips, if you are into such things. They are affectionately known as The Historical Algarve and The Eastern Algarve.
  $walesflag$ ££$
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Mr Tunnock on March 06, 2015, 06:26:24 pm
Many thanks for your help.
Title: Room with a view
Post by: akmetr84 on March 07, 2015, 02:21:48 am
They must clearly state both on the booking page and room view that no persons under 18.
btw, only seen that in a hostel and only for mixed rooms.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Mr Tunnock on March 15, 2015, 08:47:47 am
All booked but not Portugal, Orlando by a majority verdict.
Two centre for all to enjoy. 8)
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Ian on March 15, 2015, 09:02:40 am
Are you doing the parks?
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Yorkie on March 15, 2015, 09:33:31 am
Funny, a post of mine seems to have disappeared overnight!

Anyway enjoy your holiday.  Never been to Orlando myself, never had time, too busy going to Portugal and travelling on business before retirement.
 ZXZ
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Mr Tunnock on March 15, 2015, 09:50:23 am
Ian, defiantly doing the parks and Epcot, may pop over to Tampa to visit Busch Gardens as it is only a couple of hours drive across.
The amount of good hotels over that way are plentiful and many family orientated, we also fancied the Forte Village in Sardinia, maybe go there next time.

Thank you Yorkie.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Ian on March 15, 2015, 10:24:45 am
Quote
Ian, defiantly doing the parks and Epcot, may pop over to Tampa to visit Busch Gardens as it is only a couple of hours drive across.

Have fun.  I assume you've done them all before?
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Fester on March 15, 2015, 07:11:00 pm
Epcot is rubbish, (in my humble opinion)
Although all the other Disney and Universal theme parks are great, (especially the water parks)
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: SDQ on March 15, 2015, 07:47:02 pm
Epcot is rubbish, (in my humble opinion)
Although all the other Disney and Universal theme parks are great, (especially the water parks)


I must strongly disagree with my honourable friend.
Epcot is an excellent and varied theme park with many attractions catering for all ages. As much as I love roller coasters, the slow educational rides in Epcot are a credit to Disney even though some may be a bit dated. The World Showcase is also excellent with a number of attractions within the featured countries. A great day out (in my humble opinion)
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Ian on March 15, 2015, 09:09:39 pm
Well, all the parks have something to offer. My favourite is probably Epcot, especially with the newer rides they now have. Second is possibly Animal Kingdom, which tends to act as a relaxant after the other two parks.  Universal and Islands are both good, although Universal has become slightly dated and to really enjoy Islands you need to have read a lot of Dr Seuss...
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Fester on March 15, 2015, 09:49:00 pm
Well, I still think Epcot is rubbish.
The rides, (such as there were) were dated or tame in the extreme.
I found that more than a third of the available space was given over to gift shops, and a similar amount given over to food/drink outlets.  Not much left of interest.
The British themed area was hilarious.  No wonder the Americans think we all live in Postman Pat style villages with Eastenders type pubs in them.   Cor Blimey Guvnor! 
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Ian on March 16, 2015, 08:53:52 am
Epcot's an acronym for Experimental Prototype Community Of Tomorrow and was originally intended not to have any rides at all, but instead to be an actual community, housing the WDW employees and their families. The design mandated that net traffic flow would be underground - in tunnels with access garages - and commuting would be done in one of two ways: the first was a multi-loop mass-transit system which would run continuously between the suburbs and the centre.  You can still ride the original idea in Tomorrowland (Magic Kingdom) (https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/attractions/magic-kingdom/tomorrowland-transit-authority-peoplemover/) where it's called the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover. The second was the monorail, and that still offers a direct route into the park.

However, finance wouldn't permit the original aspiration of Walt's to be realised, and after Walt died Roy Disney steered through a revised Epcot plan, which was designed to be 'educational', and that's why the rides are slower - since they're all supposed to be classrooms of a kind.

To balance the books Epcot also became more of a Tourist destination for older people, with the second best fireworks, music and laser display in the World (the best is Fantasmic in MGM {now Walt Disney} Studios) and the dated rides are in a very slow process of being replaced and upgraded. The North loop of the figure 8 plan on which Epcot is based was always intended to be a reflection of the 1964 New York World's Fair's UNICEF pavilion where WED enterprises operated the first-ever Walt Disney ride.  That was called "It's a Small World". The pavilions vary in what they offer; Norway is rather good, with a fair ride, Germany is very stereotyped and the American pavilion takes the Oscar for mind-numbingly tedious. However, they do have an outstanding close-harmony group who perform while you're waiting for the previous show to empty out. Go and listen to then, pretending to queue up, and then leave.

The UK pavilion does suggest some very out-of-date ideas about the UK and is based around a mythical London pub. It does offer an outstanding cafe, with seats perfectly positioned to watch the fireworks, but the fish and chips they purport to serve are outstandingly bad and nothing like British fish 'n chips at all.

For a good day there, arrive at opening time at the main gate and do the lower half then leave.  Return at 1900 by the East Gate, which takes you directly to the upper loop and the fireworks.


Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Mr Tunnock on March 16, 2015, 10:18:15 am
Which water park would be best?
I really like the idea of us visiting one of those.
I'm having second thoughts about Epcot, so much to do, also fancy going to Daytona beach to see some IndyCar action if possible, not a girl thing I know!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Ian on March 16, 2015, 03:05:55 pm
Blizzard Beach is the newest and possibly the better of the two.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Mr Tunnock on March 16, 2015, 04:27:22 pm
Thank you Ian.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Fester on March 16, 2015, 04:59:32 pm
Ian, your EPCOT post merely re-enforces my view of how rubbish it is.

But.... I agree about Blizzard Beach, it was excellent.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Ian on March 16, 2015, 05:57:42 pm
Quote
Ian, your EPCOT post merely re-enforces my view of how rubbish it is.

It's not ideal for kids, that's for sure.  But pleasant enough for adults.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Ian on March 17, 2015, 07:18:30 am
You do need a lot of time to see everything, even if it's only the parks in Orlando. If you're planning on going farther afield then you'll need to be fairly ruthless in choosing what to see.

One thing is worth bearing in mind, however: tourists in Florida don't like getting out of bed early, so if you want to avoid queuing you should aim to get to the Park gates (for any park) around 30 minutes prior to the official opening time. In high season that's around 0630 for Magic Kingdom and about 0700 for the Studios and Epcot. Water parks never open before 0900. 
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Fester on March 17, 2015, 12:44:37 pm
When we went, we stayed in a Disney resort hotel.
That gave you unlimited access to all the parks, and a shuttle service to and from.
So, basically you could go to half a dozen each day if you wanted... with no queuing.

Another great theme park is much nearer to home, Portaventura, near Salou in Spain.
It is, (or was) a Universal Studios park, and it is excellent.
Every year they open new rides and attractions.
Again, if you stay in one of the many resort hotels, you get unlimited access to the parks, and a 'fastpass' to avoid queuing.
I have been many time, I highly recommend it.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Ian on March 17, 2015, 03:31:30 pm
Quote
When we went, we stayed in a Disney resort hotel.
That gave you unlimited access to all the parks, and a shuttle service to and from.

Simply staying in a Disney hotel doesn't actually afford you unlimited access to all the parks.  You still have to buy passes for the parks and that costs a fair bit. However, the big advantages of staying on the property are early entry to one park a day plus admission to their celebrated 'e' nights.

The 'e' nights can be rather good, because although they cost a bit extra they do close the parks completely to anyone other than the registered 'e' guests, so you can end up with almost no one in the parks.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Fester on March 17, 2015, 05:09:45 pm
I re-iterate, that on my last visit, the Disney hotel package gave us unlimited free visits to all the theme parks.

Using the shuttle buses, which were every few minutes, we were able to go to MGM studios, and if we found it too busy within, we could simply move on to a water park, magic Kingdom etc...

Maybe things have changed since we went?
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Ian on March 17, 2015, 05:35:23 pm
Quote
I re-iterate, that on my last visit, the Disney hotel package gave us unlimited free visits to all the theme parks.

In a sense, that's correct, because you bought a package which included the cost of the park tickets. In effect you paid for them at the time you booked the hotel. But you can book all Disney hotels throughout the world both with or without park tickets. If you book them without, they're substantially cheaper.

I always advise folks to stay in a Disney hotel. They do offer advantages (which I've mentioned) but they're also that bit more secure. Disney have their own security force and they're pretty good. The 14 or 21 day unlimited Pass package is excellent, but here's a tip: if you go in January or February, not only is the weather generally balmy without being too hot, but you can buy residential annual passes for the parks, which can offer even better deals than buying the hotel package.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on March 18, 2015, 09:31:29 am
I have enjoyed reading all the comments about the Florida experiences. We have some real experts on the subject on this forum.
I love reading about other people's holiday experiences. I wish more members would share theirs.

I stayed one night in Zurich on my way back from Switzerland this time and just to raise a smile here is a photo of my room with a view.
Not one of my best, I am sure you will agree!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Yorkie on March 18, 2015, 04:26:10 pm
The best part of the view is without doubt the Tower Crane which I believe from the configuration is a Wolff Crane.  Manufactured by Wolff Maschinenbau GmBH, a competitor of the German Company for which I worked.

 ZXZ
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on April 03, 2015, 10:06:23 pm
I was just checking the Chateau Rhianfa availability, the way you do!
Look what has made a comeback.....


"Chateau Dining Experience, Bed and full Welsh Continental Breakfast

Your stay is inclusive of room and full Welsh breakfast. In the evening you will enjoy the Chateau dining experience. The Chateau dining experience - 7pm is the start of the evenings drinks reception of a glass of Prosecco or Kir Royale before being escorted to the 'Chateau table' at 7.30 pm for the dinner to start. Your will enjoy five courses with the company of your fellow guests."


Note: You WILL enjoy 5 courses with the company of your fellow guests!

Weird.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Hugo on April 04, 2015, 08:43:34 am
Perhaps they haf vays of making sure you will enjoy the five courses!        ;D

It's a great place to go to but we spoke to a couple who had been to the dining experience and they said the food was very good but they were still hungry afterwards and they would have preferred a more romantic touch with tables set out for couples etc.

The Raven in Much Wenlock, that we stayed at wasn't as grand as the Chateau but the 9 course taster meal we enjoyed would be very difficult to beat.   $good$
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on April 04, 2015, 09:56:58 am
I was hoping that Chateau Rhianfa had finally dropped their obsession with communal dining. It's a fabulous place to stay in most other ways.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on April 04, 2015, 10:56:22 am
I know it is most odd as they told Fester they had scrapped it and the last reviews don't seem to refer to that type of dining but that is what it came up with last night on an online trial booking.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Mr Tunnock on April 05, 2015, 05:35:04 pm
Hello!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Merddin Emrys on May 20, 2015, 09:22:42 am
We are away for a week, staying in a cottage in Oxfordshire, we lived here a few years ago, still very pleasant! 
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Merddin Emrys on May 21, 2015, 12:55:53 pm
This is the canal at Lower Heyford, a stunning location!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Ian on May 21, 2015, 01:15:23 pm
Very nice, ME :-))
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Fester on May 21, 2015, 01:31:48 pm
A week???   The pigeons will starve!!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on May 21, 2015, 02:49:11 pm
Double like ME, gorgeous photos.
I was wondering too about the pigeons?
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Merddin Emrys on May 21, 2015, 11:16:30 pm
A week???   The pigeons will starve!!

Don't worry, we have someone  going round  to look after them! ☺
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on June 01, 2015, 10:02:43 am
Just got back from a lovely time on the Island of Menorca. This is the Harbour at Ciutedella.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: SteveH on June 01, 2015, 11:17:57 am
One of my favorite places...glad you had a good time.... $good$
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Hugo on June 01, 2015, 11:59:37 am
Mine too, we stayed at Cala Galdana and that was a lovely resort too.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on June 01, 2015, 04:46:51 pm
Lucky you DaveR. I bet you wonder what you have come back to with this horrible, windy, wet weather.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on June 02, 2015, 08:46:16 am
Lucky you DaveR. I bet you wonder what you have come back to with this horrible, windy, wet weather.
It was a very pleasant 23 degrees out there. I was hoping temperatures would have picked up a bit here by now, very slow to warm up this year.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on July 12, 2015, 07:51:24 am
Here you go Ian, take the family with you!
I think you said you were a fan of the Langham.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/uk/london/11728782/Inside-the-Langhams-24000-a-night-Sterling-Suite.html (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/uk/london/11728782/Inside-the-Langhams-24000-a-night-Sterling-Suite.html)
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Nemesis on July 12, 2015, 08:51:37 am
I was just about to post that when I saw yours Hollins----------------- It made fascinating reading!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Ian on July 12, 2015, 08:54:55 am
 :o

I did, H. The London hotels are all vying with each other, now, to provide the best experiences for the uber-wealthy. We stay at the St Pancras Renaissance hotel a lot, and their top suite - the Royal - is £14,000 a night. But it's always worth asking these places if they can upgrade you when you go. Last time we went they upgraded us to a three storey suite in the hotel. 

Do like the Langham, though...
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on July 18, 2015, 09:15:21 pm
Greetings from Coniston, in the Lake District:
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Bri Roberts on July 24, 2015, 10:49:52 am
We went on a tour up Penmaenmawr Quarry yesterday evening.

.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Hugo on July 24, 2015, 03:06:33 pm
That's a great photo Bri, the views from the top are very impressive indeed.     $good$
How did you manage to get a trip up there?   We've been trying  to do that for years now but had no luck whatsoever.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Bri Roberts on July 24, 2015, 07:33:45 pm
We were part of a private group of 20 who joined up with another 30 which seemed to be organised by the Penmaenmawr Historical Society.

We were all transported by coach to/from the summit with an extremely knowledgeable tour guide onboard provided by the local history group.

Here is another view over towards Anglesey and Puffin Island.

The Isle of Man and the Cumbrian Hills could clearly be seen.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Hugo on July 24, 2015, 07:41:08 pm
Sounds like a really great day out,  you're very lucky Bri.       $good$

Those views from the top of Pemaenmawr/ Llanfair  are incredible.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Bri Roberts on July 25, 2015, 08:22:31 am
It was only for a few hours in the evening, Hugo.

Apart from those spectacular views, this is the business end at the summit.

BTW, that is one of those massive dumper trucks in yellow just right of centre in the first photo.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on July 25, 2015, 06:04:35 pm
Had a lovely week away at Bank Ground Farm, Coniston, a very relaxing and peaceful place for a holiday.

http://www.bankground.com/ (http://www.bankground.com/)
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on July 25, 2015, 06:15:54 pm
That looks idyllic.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Ian on July 25, 2015, 06:21:31 pm
Some people just love to go away and idyll all week...

 WWW
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on August 06, 2015, 10:54:51 am
Enjoyed my breakfast this morning after a bit of an exciting trip over yesterday. I was thinking hard about Ian's preference for train travel to Switzerland as the plane I was on had two aborted landings and a temporary diversion to Zurich. First one, a plane ahead of us stuck on the runway. Second one, runway closed due to winds from wrong direction.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on August 12, 2015, 07:58:03 am
Good morning forum!
One with Sony wonder camera and one with Sony phone but which way round?
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Merddin Emrys on August 12, 2015, 08:28:23 am
I would guess that the top one is with the camera?
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on August 12, 2015, 08:55:06 am
Hi ME, Hope all is well with you.
I would have guessed the same way as you too but in fact the first one is with the phone. Amazing!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Hugo on August 12, 2015, 09:12:17 am
Hi Hollins,   I was wondering what you were up to and hope that you're having a good time over there.    The quality of photos from mobile phones is improving all the time and I just wish that the photos from my camera were as good as those from the phones.
It has been reported that because the photos from the phones are so good now, the sale of cameras is actually dropping
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Ian on August 12, 2015, 09:17:31 am
Yes - it has been for some time. I still think the lens quality of a really good camera beats the 'phone camera, though.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on August 12, 2015, 09:30:37 am
Yes - it has been for some time. I still think the lens quality of a really good camera beats the 'phone camera, though.
It's also to do with the size/quality of the sensor within the camera. This becomes very apparent when you enlarge a photo for printing or professional use.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on August 18, 2015, 03:35:34 pm
Swiss version of the skip........a hotel on the lake at Neuchatel.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on August 24, 2015, 09:01:23 pm
Just back from a very pleasant week in Jersey - photos to follow!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on September 08, 2015, 07:34:10 pm
Mr Hollins has been sailing along the Normandy coastline and he sent me this photo from Fecamp which he described as the Llandudno of Normandy.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Hugo on September 08, 2015, 08:00:29 pm
Nice photo Hollins and I can see the resemblance, although the stones look a lot smaller than our rocks.     :)
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: norman08 on September 08, 2015, 09:50:54 pm
Yes visited that area some years ago that is what you call shingle ,not the rocks that they dumped on our beach .
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on September 20, 2015, 07:34:26 pm
This isn't our view but I am on holiday with mum in Sidmouth. This was the very sunny scene yesterday but not so clear today.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on September 21, 2015, 09:45:34 am
A very sedate little resort, I believe.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on September 24, 2015, 09:14:51 am
Pwllheli's Plas Bodegroes crowned UK Hotel of the Year
0 COMMENTS 17:29, 23 SEP 2015 UPDATED 17:39, 23 SEP 2015
BY OWEN HUGHES

The stunning restaurant with rooms on the Llyn Peninsula took the 2015 prize in the Sawday’s British Hotel awards

Plas Bodegroes in Pwllheli has been crowned Hotel of the Year in one the UK’s most respected hotel guides.

The stunning ‘restaurant with rooms’ on the Llyn Peninsula took the 2015 prize in the Sawday’s British Hotel awards and features in the 17th edition of Sawday’s Special Places to Stay: British Hotels & Inns.

Inspectors travel the UK in search of the most special places to stay and picked Plas Bodegroes above all others.

It joins 300 other handpicked places in the guide.

The hotel has been owned by Christopher and Gunna Chown for almost 30 years and has built up an impressive reputation for its food.

Chris said: “This award is a pat on the back to everyone at the hotel because it is judged on the gardens and the rooms as much as the food.

“This shows the great deal of care that everyone puts into this product, from the gardeners to the housekeepers.

“We are a small close knit team and this award is a credit to them.

“Sawday’s is highly respected so to be Hotel of the Year is very pleasing to us.”

He added that the whole region had raised its game in terms of food and accommodation.

He said: “When we started out around 30 years ago quality places were few and far between but now that has changed.

“There are places that are being run by people who were here and other names like Dylan’s doing very well and then you also have Bryn Williams coming back to Wales to open a restaurant. These are really professional operators.”

The Sawday’s judge said of Plas Bodegroes: “A glorious house, one of the loveliest places to stay in Wales. It may be far flung, but it’s worth every second it takes to get here.”

Tom Bell, Special Places to Stay: British Hotels & Inns editor, said: “There is more innovation and creativity in an excellent small hotel than you would ever find in a corporate chain.

“Our award winners showcase the very best of British hotels with chic interiors, charming staff and delicious food.”

http://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/pwllhelis-plas-bodegroes-crowned-uk-10118240 (http://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/pwllhelis-plas-bodegroes-crowned-uk-10118240)
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on September 25, 2015, 05:12:50 pm
A very sedate little resort, I believe.

Even more sedate DaveR is the beautiful unspoilt village of Budleigh Salterton just along the coast from Sidmouth. Here are a few pics.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Blongb on September 26, 2015, 12:31:13 pm
I remember playing football there as a very young boy back in 1957 or there abouts Hollins. We lost 4 - 1 but your quite right Budleigh Salterton is very beautiful.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on November 10, 2015, 09:40:26 am
No prizes for guessing where I spent the night.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Meleri on November 10, 2015, 03:44:03 pm
Did you go to see the Weeping Window at St Georges Hall, Hollins ? If so is it worth the trip ?
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on November 10, 2015, 04:21:16 pm
Yes, I put the photos of it on here yesterday in "Exploring the area."
I thought it was worth it and I went when it was going dark so it looked stunning in the lights.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on November 16, 2015, 02:26:24 pm
Greetings from Monaco!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Merddin Emrys on November 16, 2015, 03:37:28 pm
Nice! Took any car pics there?
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Hugo on November 17, 2015, 11:26:10 am
I've had a nice e-mail about old cars that I'm sure that you would have liked ME but when I tried to download the attachment on here I'm afraid that it was too large.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Merddin Emrys on November 17, 2015, 11:31:36 am
Shame! Unless you can shrink it somehow?
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Hugo on November 17, 2015, 12:15:31 pm
I'm afraid that my IT skills are non existent.      :(
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: rhuddlan on November 17, 2015, 01:30:28 pm
I have used this site to minimise pics for inclusion on a different website...
www.tinypic.com (http://www.tinypic.com)
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Hugo on November 17, 2015, 02:05:30 pm
Thanks Rhuddlan,  I've tried the link and apart from getting loads of Tesco adverts I haven't been able to get the video downsized.   I must be doing something wrong.
I'll send you the e-mail direct to you again and if you have the time perhaps you can download it for me, the maximum attachment size allowed on here is 1500 KB's
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Hugo on November 17, 2015, 04:45:36 pm
I've had an e-mail tinypic.com so I must have done something right.   The music on the video is good but the only problem is that it doesn't show any photos.      ???
Back to the drawing board.    :rage:
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: rhuddlan on November 18, 2015, 01:52:27 pm
I think this is the link to the images Hugo wanted you to see....

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/12ge_TEW2Thb76_m1FFqdAYJyLUR01uApF8opCOJfrIA/embed?hl=en_GB&size=m&slide=id.p4
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Hugo on November 18, 2015, 03:23:55 pm
Thanks Rhuddlan,       $good$     

those are the images but what has happened to the music?


I've only just read your recent e-mail to me explaining the problem, thanks for going to the trouble.

Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: rhuddlan on November 18, 2015, 03:54:58 pm
There was no music when I received it as an attachment to your email.
 Also there is none at the above link I posted either!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on November 20, 2015, 09:00:38 am
Nice! Took any car pics there?
There were so many nice cars there, I would have struggled to photograph them all. Top end Mercs, BMWs, Aston Martins, Bentleys, Ferraris, Lamborghinis everywhere you looked. I was hoping to catch a glimpse of Lewis Hamilton in his £1.6m  Pagani Zonda but no luck.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on December 09, 2015, 01:58:55 pm
I'm back!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on December 10, 2015, 10:15:46 am
Hope you had a nice time?
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on December 10, 2015, 01:14:50 pm
Super thanks. Perfect weather and even better, I am still here!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Hugo on December 11, 2015, 12:11:35 pm
I've been wondering where you were Hollins as I hadn't seen your postings for a bit.    I knew that you'd be some where nice though, so enjoy the rest of your holiday.     $good$
It's been a while since you've been to Switzerland, a few weeks anyway so I bet you've got that on your radar too!       ;D
Don't forget to send some nice pics to cheer us all up in the wind and rain back home.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on December 11, 2015, 12:23:33 pm
Lovely to hear from you Hugo. Yes, on my annual solo trip for some sun and left action man Hollins at home!
So sorry to read the news of the floods and to see your photos from Llanrwst.
Next Swiss trip not until January!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on December 21, 2015, 11:23:05 am
We went to stay for the weekend in Chester and decided to try Roomzzz, the (fairly) newly opened Aparthotel by the Racecourse. It's designed in a very contemporary style but I have to say that I found the 'apart' idea a bit odd - the room had a small kitchen attached with crockery but no cutlery that we could see! Great location though, just 5 mins walk from all Chester's amenities.  Car parking was a problem, we got a space (the guy at reception kindly opened up a staff parking space for us) but many guests didn't and that means using the Racecourse car park (2 mins walk away). So, not perfect but an enjoyable stay nonetheless . Perhaps we'll try Abode next time.

http://www.roomzzz.com/chester-city-centre-hotel/ (http://www.roomzzz.com/chester-city-centre-hotel/)
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on February 22, 2016, 12:27:14 pm
Crochet on the balcony today. Cheers everyone!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Hugo on February 25, 2016, 08:17:13 am
That's a really nice photo Hollins, you're so lucky to be in such a lovely place with those stunning views,    $good$
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on March 03, 2016, 04:45:25 pm
Thanks Hugo. Yes very lucky and never take it for granted.
We had a real mix of weather this time from 18 degrees when we landed in Geneva to non stop snow and minus 7.
Yesterday I was transported courtesy of Easyjet with a £50 return fare from winter to spring!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on March 03, 2016, 10:16:37 pm
What was I saying about coming back to spring?    :o
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: SDQ on March 04, 2016, 12:33:59 am
What was I saying about coming back to spring?    :o


So you brought more than Duty Free back with you! Brrr!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on March 04, 2016, 07:49:50 am
Yes, sorry about that, I meant to leave it there!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on March 07, 2016, 09:48:12 am
There are some great pics of last night's Northern Lights in the papers.
www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/stunning-northern-lhttp://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/stunning-northern-lights-show-over-11000006/ights-show-over-11000006/ (http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/stunning-northern-lhttp://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/stunning-northern-lights-show-over-11000006/ights-show-over-11000006/)
There is also a super set of Penrhyn Bay ones on Tom's twitter page.

Yesterday action man Hollins took these in Norway. No, he isn't on a nice sedate cruise around the fjords. He is on a ski touring trip accessed by boat!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Lyndylou on March 07, 2016, 10:28:53 am
http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/stunning-northern-lights-show-over-11000006 (http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/stunning-northern-lights-show-over-11000006)

Hi Hollins,  great photos, I could not get through on your link , just in case it,s not just me, have tried a new link  above.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on March 07, 2016, 10:46:36 am
Thanks.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Hugo on March 07, 2016, 11:25:08 am
I got through on the second link and the photos are really good, one day I'm going to have to get up early and take some photos like Gwynant does.
Those photos of Norway are really good too and brought back nice memories of my holiday in that country.  Unlike action man though,  I had to rough it  on a cruise     ;D       
Make sure that you keep topping up action man's insurance Hollins because that slope looks pretty steep to me.       
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on March 13, 2016, 09:48:44 am
I am pleased and relieved to say that action man made it safely back without having to use the insurance policy!
I did spend a worried week though. It was one thing going up to rescue him from Barrow hospital after the broken ankle incident but it would have been a different story retrieving him from Norway.
Here are some of his pics.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Ian on March 13, 2016, 10:29:12 am
Must have been a worrying time.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Hugo on March 13, 2016, 11:39:54 am
Breathtakingly beautiful Hollins and good to know that Mr H didn't lose his no claims bonus.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on March 13, 2016, 01:09:45 pm
Post should read, "bath with a view!"

While Mr H was away I took myself off to Derbyshire to visit some old mates and I stayed at Hassop Hall which I can highly recommend and which also has this room which has a super view from both the bedroom and bathroom.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Merddin Emrys on March 13, 2016, 02:09:15 pm
No blinds for the toilet window?  :o
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on March 13, 2016, 04:23:46 pm
It's on the second floor and only a field of sheep opposite!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Merddin Emrys on March 13, 2016, 08:39:26 pm
I'm very old fashioned with that sort of thing! Two toilets as well!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on March 13, 2016, 09:07:50 pm
One is a bidet!     ;D
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Merddin Emrys on March 13, 2016, 10:47:32 pm
Ah for washing your wellies in!  ;D))
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Fester on March 16, 2016, 12:59:05 am
Sunset this evening over the island of La Gomera, off Tenerife.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on April 30, 2016, 09:58:37 pm
If you think what they have done with the old banks in Manchester is amazing then this transformation of the old Ulster bank headquarters into the Merchant hotel in Belfast is a real treat.
Believe it or not the interior shots are where we had breakfast!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on May 12, 2016, 04:37:56 pm
Mum and I walked along Southwold Pier today. It was blowing a gale but these benches have been built with glass screens around them and they certainly seemed to be working. Some good quality shops and cafes along there.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on June 06, 2016, 09:13:27 pm
I've got a bit of a claim to fame! As I arrived at my usual Manchester hut there were loads of fans waiting for someone outside. As I checked in the someone was checking out late. Many apologies from reception as the someone had been sleeping in my usual bed! I had to go in the next door room. The someone.....Ronaldinho!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Fester on June 06, 2016, 09:51:29 pm
Nice one Hollins,  is he retired now?
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on June 06, 2016, 09:57:40 pm
I think so. He was over here for the Soccer Aid match last night.
I saw him play at the David Beckham charity match last year and he was doing all his clever tricks then to entertain the crowd.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on June 06, 2016, 10:28:31 pm
He has put this photo on his twitter page.
My claim to fame....our car in the background!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Merddin Emrys on June 06, 2016, 10:59:00 pm
Never heard of him, who is he?
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on June 06, 2016, 11:02:36 pm
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ronaldinho
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Merddin Emrys on June 07, 2016, 05:27:10 am
Ah, a footballer, that explains it !  :)
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Nemesis on June 07, 2016, 09:21:06 am
Never heard of him, who is he?

Snap ME !
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on October 17, 2016, 04:23:05 pm
Not the best sea view, granted, but very handy!    ;D
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Hugo on October 17, 2016, 06:31:49 pm
So where was that Hollins?       Surely you're not off on another jollie.      :o
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on October 17, 2016, 07:25:05 pm
Ha! I'm afraid so. I do seem to have been popping up here and there this month!  ;D

I'm going to let someone guess the location of the view. An unofficial quiz question!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Bri Roberts on October 17, 2016, 08:50:48 pm
Is that the River Mersey in the distance?
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on October 17, 2016, 09:24:48 pm
Yes!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Bri Roberts on October 17, 2016, 10:06:41 pm
Is that a runway in the middle?
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on December 06, 2016, 07:56:22 am
Sorry Bri, only just seen your question. Yes, it is the runway at Liverpool airport.


No prizes for guessing where she has popped up now!    ;D
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Hugo on December 06, 2016, 08:25:49 am
Must be a lot warmer over there than it is here Hollins.      $good$
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on December 07, 2016, 04:53:54 am
Yes, thanks, it is a lovely temperature at this time of year Hugo.

It has been foggy every morning and it looks very eerie with the buildings poking out of the mist. This is my view this morning but here is a much better one taken by Sheikh Hamdan. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4lagXsAAuo&feature=youtu.be (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4lagXsAAuo&feature=youtu.be)

Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Hugo on December 07, 2016, 02:51:20 pm
I saw an article in the Daily Mirror yesterday about the mist and hope that you weren't out in a car then.    According to the Mirror there were 107 crashes and 1,062 call outs because of the thick cloud.         ^*^0        &shake&
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: SteveH on December 07, 2016, 03:23:53 pm
I saw an article in the Daily Mirror yesterday about the mist and hope that you weren't out in a car then.    According to the Mirror there were 107 crashes and 1,062 call outs because of the thick cloud.         ^*^0        &shake&

It sounds as if it wasnt just the cloud that was thick...........  ;)
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on December 07, 2016, 05:17:15 pm
Hopefully there weren't too many of these in those crashes!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Bosun on December 11, 2016, 05:16:59 am
Nice here....
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Bosun on December 11, 2016, 06:05:39 am
These are people's homes..
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: SteveH on March 09, 2017, 12:05:19 pm
A bit of sad news for those who have visited Malta.......

Malta's famous Azure Window rock arch has collapsed into the sea after heavy storms.
Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said the news was "heartbreaking".
A study in 2013 said that while erosion was inevitable, the structure was not in imminent danger of collapsing, the Times of Malta reports.
The popular limestone arch on Gozo island was featured on the first episode of the HBO series Game of Thrones and in several films.
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-39207196 (http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-39207196)
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Ian on March 09, 2017, 01:33:59 pm
It also played a major part in the Disney live adaptation of Popeye, with Robin Williams.  The quirkiest film ever made, possibly, but with fantastic scenery.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Fester on March 24, 2017, 10:21:14 pm
The view from my room is actually not that auspicious, it's a fire escape, because it's a rear room.
But, given that I'm in Rome everything else here really makes up for that, and more..
I've never been here before, it's breathtaking but they do sell some 'questionable' brands of beer... see below!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: SteveH on March 25, 2017, 12:03:41 am
Ta for the photos, have a great time.....  $good$    is that last photo one of Waldrons masterpieces     :twoface:
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Ian on March 25, 2017, 07:53:50 am
Rome is wonderful.  Turn any corner and there's a priceless sculpture staring back at you. Behind Mussolini's pad on the hill is a fantastic church designed by Leonardo Da Vinci. Overlooks the forum of which you have a pic.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Fester on March 25, 2017, 10:44:50 am
Correct Ian, even down every innocuous looking alley or superficially grubby side street, turn the corner and you will find basilicas, amazing churches, temples etc.... and the museums are endless.
I was looking for the Pantheon, it wasn't signposted and it wasn't on my guide map. I was close to giving up on it.
So I asked the waiter of the bar I was sat outside and he pointed down the back alley of his bar.
I went down there, and the square just opened up before me, with the colossal structure of the Pantheon smack in the middle.   
The size, scale and atmosphere of that 2000 year old building is something I'll never forget. But you have to go inside to appreciate it... outside it looks so dilapidated, as do many Roman buildings due to pollution and lack of funds to restore them.  But inside.....!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Ian on March 25, 2017, 11:04:55 am
Did you try the fantastic ice cream parlour next to it, F? Supposedly the most flavours of ice creams in Europe.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Fester on March 25, 2017, 11:11:20 am
Did you try the fantastic ice cream parlour next to it, F? Supposedly the most flavours of ice creams in Europe.

I didn't Ian, because I'd just had a fantastic lemon sorbet at that guy's cafe around the corner down the alley.
In fact the only ice cream I've had this week was at the Vatican, a chocolate creation, almost like a whole chocolate fudge cake in a cone the size of a cardinal's hat!  (All for 4 euros)
There's good value in Rome, but also several rip off places like the one last night that charged me nearly 20 euros for 2 small beers near Trevi fountain.
I soon realised my mistake, that place was empty whilst every other bar surrounding it was busy.
The locals aren't stupid!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Ian on March 25, 2017, 11:17:40 am
Indeed - the Trevi owner is well known.  The other place is the surrounding of the Coliseum; the cafes there are pricey in some cases and one bloke in particular welcomes people very like Tony Soprano's guys. Oh, and if you haven't yet discovered, the drivers don't take much notice of red traffic lights...
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Fester on March 25, 2017, 03:04:02 pm
Indeed - the Trevi owner is well known.  The other place is the surrounding of the Coliseum; the cafes there are pricey in some cases and one bloke in particular welcomes people very like Tony Soprano's guys. Oh, and if you haven't yet discovered, the drivers don't take much notice of red traffic lights...

Most, if not all of the traffic lights had cameras attached recently, and they seem to be impeccably observed to be fair.
I noticed on day 1 that locals simply walk across the road, (usually on zebra crossings) and pay no attention to the bustling traffic.  The cars and scooters are expected to stop for them, or in the case of scooters, simply slow down and swerve around people.
It seems to work well these days and I think it's much more nerve wracking to be a driver than a pedestrian in Rome.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Ian on March 25, 2017, 03:09:21 pm
That's a significant improvement, then. But not before time. What's the weather like?
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Hugo on March 25, 2017, 03:13:46 pm
Good to see you enjoying La Dolce Vita Fester,  Rome sounds like an interesting place to visit, please keep those photos coming.     $good$
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Fester on March 25, 2017, 03:25:41 pm
That's a significant improvement, then. But not before time. What's the weather like?

Good question, it's perfect for me in March or October.  Dry, windless and around 20 degrees.
Any hotter than that is uncomfortable for me.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Fester on March 25, 2017, 03:51:43 pm
Good to see you enjoying La Dolce Vita Fester,  Rome sounds like an interesting place to visit, please keep those photos coming.     $good$

I don't have a decent camera, just from the phone, but here goes... (edit, Ian might rotate them?) Done!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on April 24, 2017, 02:10:16 pm
Just got back from a week in Amsterdam. A great city, such friendly people and lots to do.

The Van Gogh Museum was excellent, as was the large public park in the centre of the city, called the Vondelpark:
http://www.amsterdam.info/parks/vondelpark/ (http://www.amsterdam.info/parks/vondelpark/)

We stayed here, a quiet area just outside the city centre but only a 10 minute tram ride from all the attractions:
https://www.booking.com/hotel/nl/yays-concierged-boutique-apartments-zoutkeetsgracht.en-gb.html (https://www.booking.com/hotel/nl/yays-concierged-boutique-apartments-zoutkeetsgracht.en-gb.html)
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: SteveH on April 24, 2017, 03:30:29 pm
Ik hoop dat je een goede tijd hebt gehad, het is even geleden dat ik daar was.   ;)
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on April 25, 2017, 10:08:00 am
Ik hoop dat je een goede tijd hebt gehad, het is even geleden dat ik daar was.   ;)
Het was geweldig, dankjewel. Een fantastische stad waar ik snel naar terugkeer.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: mull on April 25, 2017, 10:46:06 am
The last 2 posts must be Double Dutch  :laugh:
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: SteveH on April 25, 2017, 11:22:43 am
Very good.....  clappinghappy      clappinghappy
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on April 26, 2017, 10:48:30 am
One of the things about Amsterdam that amazes everyone is the sheer numbers of bikes on the streets. It's a bit of a cliche but its not unusual to see public squares completely filled with parked bikes. By the main Centraal Station, there is even a multi-storey bike park!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Ian on April 26, 2017, 11:39:55 am
Helps a bit there being rather few hills in that part of Europe. 
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on May 06, 2017, 03:45:03 pm
I thought I should give the hotel we stayed in a mention as we both thought it was excellent.
We had a room on the third floor with a great view.
It was immaculately clean, comfy beds and friendly staff.

http://caerwylan.co.uk/ (http://caerwylan.co.uk/)
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on May 14, 2017, 09:22:34 pm
Some friends of ours are staying in one of the relatively new CADW apartments by Harlech castle.
They have sent me this photo of the view from it. Most impressive!

http://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/look-harlech-castles-new-luxury-9991001 (http://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/look-harlech-castles-new-luxury-9991001)
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Ian on May 15, 2017, 08:18:03 am
Those signs must be on mighty long poles :-)
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on June 08, 2017, 08:44:51 am
We are back from a few days staying at in a newly renovated apartment in one of those lovely terraced houses in Beaumaris. Gorgeous views from in it and well decorated inside.
We booked it with Menai Holidays.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: mondie on June 08, 2017, 01:40:45 pm
Staying at Ardy Orme this week, views are sensational as you would expect.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Fester on June 08, 2017, 03:26:19 pm
Ardwy Orme... I thought it was a private residence, am I wrong?
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Ian on June 08, 2017, 04:11:02 pm
It's a rental property:

http://www.northwalesholidaycottages.co.uk/cottages/ardwy2-nw/ (http://www.northwalesholidaycottages.co.uk/cottages/ardwy2-nw/)
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Nemesis on June 08, 2017, 07:54:26 pm
I too thought that it was private. Wow.....you'd need good legs and a head for heights up there !
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: mondie on June 08, 2017, 08:38:40 pm
Ardwy Orme... I thought it was a private residence, am I wrong?

I think some parts of it are Fester, we are in the top floor apartment. Love the views and its great for your fitness  ;D See the goats in the garden most days too.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Fester on June 08, 2017, 09:20:14 pm
Ardwy Orme... I thought it was a private residence, am I wrong?

I think some parts of it are Fester, we are in the top floor apartment. Love the views and its great for your fitness  ;D See the goats in the garden most days too.

Yeah, the buggers are in mine too!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: snowcap on June 09, 2017, 10:49:16 am
wish they would come in ours grass needs cutting again
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Fester on June 12, 2017, 12:31:52 am
I know it's not far away, but when we fancy treating ourselves we often check in to the Deganwy Quay hotel and spa for a couple of nights... as we did this weekend.  the views are as good as anywhere in the world in my opinion.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on July 17, 2017, 12:23:49 pm
Had a fab little tour around Pembrokeshire last week staying in three different places with different views......
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Hugo on July 19, 2017, 02:48:53 pm
Lovely photos and colours Hollins, is the second photo taken from that hotel in Saundersfoot that you previously stayed at?
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on July 19, 2017, 03:18:52 pm
Yes, thanks Hugo. St Brides hotel. A great place to watch the world go by!
Title: Re: Ryanair cuts cabin baggage allowance
Post by: SteveH on September 06, 2017, 11:06:16 am
Ryanair has said many customers will no longer be able to take two pieces of luggage into the cabin.
The budget airline said passengers without priority boarding would have to put their second bag in the hold free of charge at the gate.
For bigger bags Ryanair is cutting fees from £35 to £25 to encourage customers to check in more luggage.
Ryanair said it was making the changes from November to ease delays after too many customers took two bags on board.

MORE     http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-41171871 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-41171871)
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Fester on September 12, 2017, 12:39:43 am
Greetings from Madeira.
Our first time here, and this is Reid's Hotel, famous for being Winston Churchill's home from home.
Proper colonial splendour, and unashamed luxury.

Nope, we aren't staying here, wish we were, (out of my price range) but calling in for a cocktail or a nibble, the service and quality is simply first class.
It's owned by Belmond, who also own the Orient Express, so the same standards apply throughout.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Bri Roberts on September 12, 2017, 04:28:57 am
Excuse me, Fester, but that is our table.  $good$

Enjoy Madeira.  ;)
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Fester on September 12, 2017, 10:49:11 am
Amazing Bri!  8)
Yes, it's a beautiful island.
The nightlife down in Funchal, Old Town, is so vibrant.

Did you do the cable cars?
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Hugo on September 12, 2017, 11:47:35 am
I bet Rhuddlan could see you enjoying that delicious looking afternoon tea as he's staying in a high rise hotel opposite.   $good$
It is a lovely island to visit and has a nice atmosphere but I wouldn't fancy driving there, especially on the north west coastal road.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Bri Roberts on September 12, 2017, 12:00:37 pm
It certainly is, Hugo.

Fester, we were only there overnight just before last Xmas and chose the Ho Ho bus rather than the cable cars.

We will do the cable cars next time as well as the sleigh ride down.

Yes, we loved it down in the town as well.

They definitely know how  to attract tourists at Xmas which put our town to shame..  VV %0%



Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Hugo on September 12, 2017, 12:07:02 pm
Rhuddlan has just sent me this photo of Reid's that was taken from his balcony.    It's a shame that he didn't know that you were there Fester as I'm sure that he would have treated you to that afternoon tea.        ;D
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on September 12, 2017, 12:57:30 pm
Really enjoying these Madeira photos and bringing back some nice memories of holidays we had there. Both times we have had a car and done walking holidays on the levadas but the last one was Xmas 2005 when we stayed in Ponta Do Sol.
Yes, the driving was hairy as was the walking in some parts!
Like you Fester we have only been to Reids for a drink but a spectacular place to have one.
I must say Mrs F is looking very glamorous. Hope you continue to enjoy yourselves.
I loved the flower market in Funchal and I also remember going in June I think when the jacaranda trees were flowering which was a wonderful sight.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Fester on September 12, 2017, 02:59:21 pm
Hugo, I'm assuming he's in the Pestana Carlton then?  Judging from the angle and height?
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Hugo on September 12, 2017, 03:10:56 pm
I'm afraid that I don't know the name of the hotel but it must be a big one as he's on the 18th floor      :o
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Ian on September 12, 2017, 03:16:10 pm
You're welcome, Bri.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Hugo on September 12, 2017, 03:22:52 pm
Hollins, we were there probably in the early 1990's and at that time they didn't have the cable car and they didn't even have a main road connecting the north of the island to Funchal.    On the north west of the island was a single track road, although it was  two way traffic and hardly any passing places and a sheer 300 foot drop into the sea on one side of the road.
The road was featured in one of the James Bond movies and showed a waterfall falling on to the road and James Bond driving through it in a BMW convertible.
My friend who was an advanced Police driver and also drove for the American Embassy thought better of it and left his driving licence at home as he wasn't taking any chances
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on September 12, 2017, 04:02:35 pm
Yes, I think our other visit was at least 5yrs prior to the 2005 one and I was amazed how the roads had changed with long tunnels replacing some of the older roads. I think they were subsidised with a load of money from the EU.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Hugo on September 12, 2017, 10:36:48 pm
This is the road that I was talking about, not suitable for open top vehicles and notice the safety barriers , or lack of them really.   The first link is of the old roads and spectacular scenery and the second is just of the waterfall on the road   

https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwiusZ7Oz6DWAhUFZ1AKHRGKDIsQtwIILDAB&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DX0Ge8HIRCFw&usg=AFQjCNF-Nxr3rpARMz_oT1WCZxSYLXgNfg (https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwiusZ7Oz6DWAhUFZ1AKHRGKDIsQtwIILDAB&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DX0Ge8HIRCFw&usg=AFQjCNF-Nxr3rpARMz_oT1WCZxSYLXgNfg)




https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=3&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjigtuCzKDWAhXBA5oKHRnBD1kQtwIIOTAC&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DEEYYRoHMXu8&usg=AFQjCNFKJk7LrO6InwlFDD8Bne-SbPE_nA (https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=3&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjigtuCzKDWAhXBA5oKHRnBD1kQtwIIOTAC&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DEEYYRoHMXu8&usg=AFQjCNFKJk7LrO6InwlFDD8Bne-SbPE_nA)
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: mull on September 12, 2017, 11:05:41 pm
Very slow that Hugo. A Mullach driver would run that in less than half the time.
Not like Mull though ,no campers vans in sight.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Hugo on September 13, 2017, 10:14:21 am
At least you don't have to worry about the boys in blue following you down the Mull Motorways.       ;D

I hope that you have a lovely holiday in Cornwall but watch your speed on the English Motorways     ^*^0
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on December 05, 2017, 02:22:28 pm
First visit to Oman. We stayed in a resort near Muscat so didn't see much of what looks like a huge country but the scenery we did see was quite spectacular with amazing rock formations.
Anyone know what kind of bird this is? They were loving the grass seed.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on December 07, 2017, 07:47:49 am
We googled the little birds and think they are called Indian silver bills.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: TheMedz on February 04, 2018, 12:28:34 pm
A lovely view over Runcorn Bridge or is it ?
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: SteveH on February 04, 2018, 12:59:56 pm
Now then Sydney, that's not fair, on a Sunday morning...........,  hope you are enjoying Runcorn.   $good$
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: snowcap on February 04, 2018, 10:13:02 pm
not runcorn the waters to clear
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Hugo on February 04, 2018, 10:53:44 pm
Was the Medz by the Opera House when he took the photo?
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: TheMedz on February 04, 2018, 11:37:45 pm
We certainly were. :)
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on March 01, 2018, 10:03:22 am
We were very lucky to fly back from Geneva to Liverpool last night without any major problems. Other flights were being cancelled and delayed all over the place.
While we were in Switzerland we recorded a minus 17.9 on our barometer. It did feel very cold but nothing had quite prepared me for walking from the terminal to ipark at Liverpool last night. That wind was biting!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on March 01, 2018, 10:36:15 am
Being de-iced last night!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: TheMedz on April 26, 2018, 06:04:18 pm
Alice seems to get around. Spotted her this morning in Central Park.  New York.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Ian on April 26, 2018, 06:56:21 pm
It's not far from where Lennon was shot. Bruce Willis has (or had) an apartment that overlooks that bit, too.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on April 29, 2018, 07:24:24 pm
Welsh room with a view.....any guesses?
I am told by the waiter that someone far more famous than me stayed here recently.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Hugo on April 29, 2018, 10:13:32 pm
I was going to say Billy Zane stayed there but then realised that he isn't as famous as you.    ;D       Those hills?  could it be in the Wrexham area?

The Worthenbury Manor and the Grosvenor Pulford Manor look like nice hotels if you are in that area
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: snowcap on April 29, 2018, 11:32:16 pm
looks like Minera mountain in the first photo,as this place got two golf courses Carden Park perhaps
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on April 30, 2018, 07:32:41 am
No, I am much deeper into Wales at Llangoed Hall between Builth Wells and Brecon. The drive here almost all on the A470 was spectacular, 100 miles or so of beautiful unspoilt countryside and villages.
I was at a yarn fair at the Royal Welsh Showground and today I am going to visit the National Botanic Garden of Wales.
The hotel was owned by Bernard Ashley, husband of Laura Ashley. When he died the family sold it to Von Essen hotels which went bust so I think they had a difficult time then.
Pleased to say the place is still looking fabulous. They have a wonderful private collection of paintings.
The famous guest the waiter was telling me about was Theresa May!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on June 05, 2018, 12:37:04 pm
Just back from a lovely holiday at the Athena Beach Hotel in Pafos, Cyprus. Lovely weather, great hotel, fantastic staff.  :)  8)
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Bri Roberts on June 05, 2018, 12:45:57 pm
Very nice, DaveR.

Is that the hotel with a few artificial surface flat bowling greens onsite?
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on June 06, 2018, 08:46:41 am
Very nice, DaveR.

Is that the hotel with a few artificial surface flat bowling greens onsite?
That's the one, Bri. They seem to have a lot of bowling tournaments out of season.

Where did you stay?
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Bri Roberts on June 06, 2018, 06:01:01 pm
We stayed a couple of time a few doors down in the Louis Phaethon Beach Club when the kids were younger?

I will always remember walking up to a bar near you to watch a football match and talking to a Mr Trevor Whyatt who informed me he used to be the Conwy Harbour Master.

Small world !!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: DaveR on June 18, 2018, 11:54:04 am
Just had a little break at the Grosvenor Pulford outside Chester. Great hotel and the Spa there is fantastic - highly recommended.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on September 14, 2018, 04:41:31 pm
I was in Switzerland again recently and found a lovely area not far from Lucerne that I hadn't been to before. My original reason for going was to visit the Lang factory shop. Lang being a Swiss company with gorgeous yarns for my knitting and crochet which I am still addicted to.
I found a super hotel nearby and this was the incredibly beautiful view from it overlooking Lake Sempach.
Only an hour to Basel airport where I was flying back from.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on October 05, 2018, 07:18:11 pm
We are back from a week in the Peak District staying in one of the cottages on the Chatsworth Estate which are available for holiday lets.
We stayed in Russian Cottage, so unique and has a good story about it's history.
"The Cottage was built following a gift of a model of a Russian Farm to the 6th Duke of Devonshire in 1855 from the brother of Tsar Nicholas of Russia. The Tsar and the 6th Duke had become friends following the Duke's visit to Russia in 1816 when he served as the British Ambassador to the Coronation. An exchange visit in 1844 was planned but unfortunately the Tsar had to cancel his visit. Instead the Duke was sent an intricate model of a Russian farmhouse as a reminder and keepsake, from which came the inspiration to build Russian Cottage."
We did exactly the walk that Hugo rather uncannily described in the quiz section. We walked past two of the other cottages for rent, the Hunting Tower and Swiss Cottage which looked fantastic.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on December 10, 2018, 02:15:27 pm
Room with a view/quiz question. Where is this?
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Merddin Emrys on December 10, 2018, 04:05:38 pm
Dubai?
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on December 10, 2018, 04:50:58 pm
 No, not Dubai, not far away though.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Hugo on December 10, 2018, 05:26:23 pm
Is it the Fairmont Marina Residence in Abu Dhabi?
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on December 10, 2018, 06:01:41 pm
Oh, thanks for that Hugo. I was looking at that building today and was wondering what was in it!  ;D
Yes, Abu Dhabi for my December jaunt this time. This is my abode.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Hugo on December 10, 2018, 06:06:51 pm
It looks different to the image I saw of the Fairmont Marina Residence that I saw on Google but I'll accept half a point for Abu Dhabi

Make the most of it Hollins because the weather back home is awful and getting colder
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on March 22, 2019, 06:39:19 pm
I was quietly enjoying my pudding when this happened.......
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Bri Roberts on March 22, 2019, 09:16:03 pm
Is this the same hotel, hollins, but from the other side?
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on March 23, 2019, 06:18:50 am
I think your photo is the Atlantis hotel at the end of the palm in Dubai. My photo is Abu Dhabi and I think it is the Fairmont.
Did you take the photo from one of your cruises?
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Bri Roberts on March 23, 2019, 08:23:39 am
Yes and no, hollins.

A couple of months ago, we enjoyed a one hour Palm Island Cruise included the price of a 3 day City Sightseeing hop on hop off bus ticket in Dubai.

As you can see, the view from the road on the other side does not in any way compare.

TBH, I had no idea there was a similar development in Abu Dhabi.

BTW,  $cool$ and I also recognise the colours of the UAE flag
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on March 23, 2019, 10:37:32 am
There are lots of natural islands in Abu Dhabi. I prefer it to Dubai now which has got too busy. Hotels are cheaper in AD with same top service. Weather not great at the moment though. Storm this morning and now hot and humid. I was really lucky yesterday with the air display and later a fireworks competition.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on September 02, 2019, 01:11:51 pm
I was in Derbyshire for the recent hot Bank Holiday weekend. I was lucky to stay in the Hunting Tower on the Chatsworth Estate.
This was the amazing view from the roof one morning as the fog lifted.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Ian on September 02, 2019, 02:44:14 pm
Very nice, H.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Hugo on September 02, 2019, 03:35:40 pm
You must be fit Hollins going up and down those stairs all day.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on September 02, 2019, 04:14:56 pm
The stairs were definitely not for the faint hearted and hard work if you forgot or needed to carry something two floors up or down!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Hugo on September 21, 2019, 04:50:05 pm
We enjoyed a coach holiday to the Lake District this week and it was the first time we had had a holiday there.   The scenery is absolutely stunning but some of the roads were hairy so thank goodness we were on the Mountain Goat mini bus when we had a tour around the area.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on September 21, 2019, 04:53:07 pm
Gorgeous, were you staying at the Inn on the Lake?
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Hugo on September 21, 2019, 05:36:48 pm
No, we stayed at the North Lakes Hotel and Spa at Penrith.   It was part of the package holiday with Arvonia Coaches
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Hugo on February 18, 2020, 01:29:22 pm
On Valentine's Day,  February the 14th we stayed at Studley Castle for a three night break    It is the latest one of the Warner Group's historic hotels to open so we decided to visit there to celebrate our Golden Wedding Anniversary
It was at the height of Storm Dennis so we never left the hotel during our stay except when there was a break in the rain and I popped out to take some photos
The Warner's Hotels have so much going on in their hotels that there is always something to do so we enjoyed our time there and made the most of it
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Bri Roberts on February 18, 2020, 02:04:44 pm
Happy Anniversary, Hugo, to you and Mrs Hugo.

It certainly looks a lovely place.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on February 18, 2020, 02:47:29 pm
Congratulations Mr and Mrs Hugo on your Golden Wedding Anniversary!
What a lovely romantic break. 
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Hugo on February 18, 2020, 03:54:21 pm
Thanks Bri  & Hollins,   we had a lovely south facing balcony on the 2nd floor but couldn't take advantage of it because of the storm and the horizontal rain.     Hopefully the weather will be better next time

Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Hugo on March 22, 2020, 12:05:27 pm
We haven't been able to go on foreign holidays for a number of years but now because of the Coivid 19 we couldn't or wouldn't want to go anyway.
In the past though I've really enjoyed people posting their holiday photos on here as  it is nice to see where people have been to and especially those of the mountains and lakes of Switzerland that Hollins used to post.
It must be so frustrating for regular travellers who cannot go on their normal holidays
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: SteveH on March 22, 2020, 01:07:20 pm
It is a shame Hugo, especially as the new cheaper flights were about to be released  ;)
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on March 22, 2020, 01:22:05 pm
I have always enjoyed looking at where people have been to on this thread. The Swiss village that we visit has also had to close everything apart from the Coop, bakery and pharmacy. You have to have a number before you can go into the Coop. Here's a photo from our last trip end Feb. Goodness knows when we will be able to go again.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Hugo on March 22, 2020, 03:14:29 pm
Thanks for posting that photo Hollins because even if we can't visit there now it is always nice to see the scenery.and it gives a boost to anyone looking at the photos
I don't know how you will cope without your lovely holidays and I hope that Mr H can continue with his walks in this country, that's if it hasn't already been spoilt by Saturday's action on Snowdon

Rhuddlan, my walking mate has had holidays in the Sun in January,  February and March this year  but I don't know how he is going to survive April without his monthly fix     
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Hugo on March 22, 2020, 04:22:01 pm
It has been a beautifully sunny day today and I took this photo of Rhos on Sea from my house earlier today
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: SteveH on March 22, 2020, 04:35:27 pm
Great photo Hugo, it's Been a cracking day, spent most of it just sitting feeling the warmth..............
..... NOT ANY MORE, SOME CLOWN, HAS LIT A BONFIRE, A SLOW BURNING SMOKEY ONE TOO, NOT ONLY HAVE WE HAD TO LEAVE THE GARDEN, WE HAVE HAD TO CLOSE THE HOUSE UP, SELFISH, IGNORANT ............    $pain$       $angry$        :(            $angry2$
sorry to spoil the scene.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Hugo on March 22, 2020, 05:15:03 pm
That's so annoying for you Steve and the smell gets every where in the house.

We had a woman in the street who had regular bonfires burning everything including plastic and she didn't have a thought for anyone else,
Once when the wind was in the opposite direction her next door neighbour had a fire and she was the first person to complain about the smoke

Myself, I went into the sun lounge this afternoon and by the time the temperature hit 30 C  I was well and truly asleep and nothing could disturb me
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Nemesis on March 22, 2020, 05:40:27 pm
Great photo Hugo, it's Been a cracking day, spent most of it just sitting feeling the warmth..............
..... NOT ANY MORE, SOME CLOWN, HAS LIT A BONFIRE, A SLOW BURNING SMOKEY ONE TOO, NOT ONLY HAVE WE HAD TO LEAVE THE GARDEN, WE HAVE HAD TO CLOSE THE HOUSE UP, SELFISH, IGNORANT ............    $pain$       $angry$        :(            $angry2$
sorry to spoil the scene.

You have my sympathy Steve, we have a similar neighbour who delights I burning his rubbish, leaving 6ft high flames un-attended at bed time. He has made himself very unpopular locally.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: SAJ on March 22, 2020, 06:24:36 pm
As an antidote to all that smoke, (we suffer it here in our village in rural Flintshire too), here is a calming view from 2018 when MOH and I spent a week sailing round Svalbard on a 3-masted schooner. No luxury cruise but quite eco-friendly and with stunning scenery.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Hugo on March 22, 2020, 06:50:03 pm
A really stunning photo  SAJ       $good$

I had to Google where it was, but it sounds like you had a fantastic adventure.   
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: SAJ on March 22, 2020, 06:56:25 pm
Hi Hugo, best trip ever. Having been born and bred in Llandudno, with the sight, sound and smell of the sea never more than a couple of hundred yards or so from home, I am drawn to the sea. My dreams are more often than not of travelling on the water in some vessel or other. Took me a while to understand that there were other places to walk to inland!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Fester on September 08, 2020, 08:59:30 pm
We’ve just returned from two nights in Chester, a town we have always loved visiting.
I couldn’t wait to get there, a change of scenery after being cooped up in Llandudno for six months.

However, what I saw there shocked me.
There are way more shops closed down there, than in Llandudno.
Any of the smaller shops are doing no business, and are closing early.
The shopping areas are quite depressing.
The large stores like Next and Debenhams are piled high with merchandise, but it’s all old ranges... very few browsers, and queues of people returning things, not buying them.  That’s because you can no longer try on clothes in stores.  This is totally unsustainable.
The doorways are full of homeless folk, or piles of bedding awaiting their return.
Zombie like folk with drug problems are very prevalent in the streets.
All the little bars, and large chains of bars are either closed down permanently, or closed by 9.30pm.

The little cafes and tea rooms which are open still, have very little on offer, as it’s too expensive to waste it.

The only saving grace, a superb meal in a half full Piccolino’s, restricted due to Covid... and surrounded by bars, all closed down!

I’m not sure whether this in post Brexit Britain I’m seeing, or Covid Britain, or a mixture of both... but I don’t like it.    I don’t like it one bit.


Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Ian on September 09, 2020, 10:50:20 am
It's really sobering; in March the country almost stopped functioning and, even now, is marking time. Combine that with the laziest and most inept PM in as long as I can remember and the doom-laden talk of an impending, deal-less Brexit, seems a recipe for disaster.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: SAJ on September 12, 2021, 04:55:39 pm
MOH and I recently spent a relaxing week in St Dogmaels, Pembrokeshire in a cottage at the side of the river Teifi. Here’s an early morning view from the upstairs window of the cottage. Lots of wading birds and a multitude of extremely noisy geese who ensured that we didn’t oversleep! The Ferry Inn was 2 minutes walk away where it was possible to enjoy a meal on the decking overlooking the river.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Hugo on September 13, 2021, 04:07:58 pm
Thanks for posting that lovely photo SAJ.     It was nice to see and hear about other places, especially as we are not travelling as much nowadays.              $good$
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: SAJ on September 13, 2021, 05:47:31 pm
No problem Hugo. Here are a couple more of the river and mill pond in the village. The mill is still working but currently closed to the public. It is possible to buy their products at the weekly market held near the abbey ruins.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Hugo on September 14, 2021, 10:43:16 am
St Dogmaels, Pembrokeshire certainly sounds like a nice place to live in or to visit


https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/north-wales-villages-named-among-21562106 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/north-wales-villages-named-among-21562106)
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on September 14, 2021, 01:09:59 pm
SAJ it was lovely to see your beautiful holiday cottage view. I have always enjoyed seeing people's holiday pics.
We too have had a nice break last month in Pembrokeshire. We stayed in a hotel in St David's that was converted from a windmill and this was the view from the tower at the top.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Hugo on September 14, 2021, 02:49:05 pm
St David's has a nice atmosphere about it and it must have been a lovely place to stay,   but those coloured windows!          :o

I hope that they didn't give you a migraine
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on September 14, 2021, 03:17:35 pm
No, don't worry the coloured windows are only in the lookout tower at the very top, not in the room!
I did have a bit of a claim to fame whilst walking along the coast path although maybe not many of you on here watch North West Tonight.
Walking right towards us on the path was Owain Wyn Evans with his husband and Carol Vorderman. He is the weatherman on North West Tonight and a keen drummer. He was very friendly and posed for a photo with me for my mum who is a big fan.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Hugo on September 14, 2021, 03:46:03 pm
It's a lovely looking building Hollins despite those windows and I'm pleased that you had a good holiday down there.    It was nice of Owain to pose for you but what about posting one of Carol for the lads!
She seems to be in the DP every day posting selfies of herself on her holiday in Wales.     She was trying out paddle boarding and one unkind person made the comment   " not again!     I hope she doesn't fall off the board as there is too much plastic in the sea already"
   
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: SAJ on September 14, 2021, 03:57:29 pm
Looks like it’s a very interesting building and meeting Owain, well, he’s a star and very suave dresser. Haven’t met anyone that interesting on walks but I was once in a lift at Coleg Harlech with Dafydd Wigley!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on September 14, 2021, 04:51:11 pm
Sorry Hugo, no pics of Carol. We felt a bit awful afterwards because all the attention was given to Owain!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Fester on September 14, 2021, 05:08:45 pm
Sorry Hugo, no pics of Carol. We felt a bit awful afterwards because all the attention was given to Owain!

So we had the choice of this guy or Carole Vorderman,  and we get this guy?

 ?{}? ?{}?
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: SAJ on November 27, 2021, 05:34:47 pm
Missenden Abbey

MOH and I recently spent a few day in Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire where we were visiting family. We stayed at  Missenden Abbey which is primarily a Conference Centre with accommodation located mainly within the Coach House. The Abbey is set in wooded grounds and was founded in the 12th century.

Roald Dahl lived in Great Missenden for many years and is buried in the churchyard but sadly, the museum was closed during our stay but we did visit the churchyard where BFG footprints lead down to the grave from a memorial bench.

The Abbey had a Festive Illuminations trail that led through the grounds and appeared to be very popular with local families.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on November 27, 2021, 07:00:04 pm
Fabulous, love those windows!
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: SAJ on November 27, 2021, 08:27:28 pm
It was definitely a very interesting place to stay, not expensive, decent breakfast and bar meals. Love anywhere with a bit of history and as I studied the English Civil War at Uni, was fascinated to see the attached above the bar.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on June 27, 2022, 01:08:01 pm
Back from a week in a holiday cottage in Findochty on the Moray Coast.  First photo is the view from the bedroom window but this was one of the few houses in the villages we visited that faced the sea. Many houses had their gable ends facing the sea presumably to protect them from the weather and maybe because the fishermen had seen enough of the sea! Quite different to the North Wales coast where a sea view is at a premium and not that many tourists up there. Still plenty of working fishing boats.
We spent our time walking along the coast path visiting Portknockie, Cullen and Portsoy where parts of Peaky Blinders was filmed.
The third photo is Cullen taken from castle hill.
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Hugo on June 27, 2022, 04:13:43 pm
You were lucky with that room having such a fantastic view.    The weather looked good too so that's a bonus
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on July 17, 2022, 06:03:17 pm
If it's good enough for Carol Vorderman!   ;) ;D ;) ;D
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Hugo on July 18, 2022, 09:52:36 am
What a lovely place to stay Hollins and not too far away either.   
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on July 18, 2022, 11:24:22 am
Yes, thanks Hugo. It was an amazing few days and we said the same as we were driving back that it was no nice not to have too much travel involved even though it felt a bit like we had been abroad.
It is on the coast path so we walked a couple of miles in each direction. From the front across the water it overlooks the southern end of  Holy Island and it was fascinating to watch the tide roaring there at back in the direction of Four Mile Bridge or out to sea.

Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: Hugo on July 18, 2022, 02:49:46 pm
It's far too hot for me to go out today so I'm just sitting on the north facing balcony.     There are not many people on Rhos Beach today so that's a sensible thing as the Sun is scorching right now and it won't take long  for people to suffer from Sun damage
Title: Re: Room with a view
Post by: hollins on November 27, 2022, 04:56:41 pm
I thought you might be amused at this rather splendid room with a view.
It was taken recently at the Marriott Victoria and Albert hotel in Manchester.
It is actually a really nice hotel by the river Irwell which has been renovated well some years ago from an old warehouse.
As you can see though lots of building work around it at the moment.