staying in upmarket hotels

I booked Afternoon Tea at a 5* Hotel for Mr Ollie's 45th Birthday Treat - he doesn't drink due to being a 25yr+ recovering alcoholic.

IF we'd been Royalty, we couldn't have received better treatment - in face, HM has been there.

Discreet, but very attentive, service. We were offered a selection of loose teas from a beautiful set of drawers - which was brewed at our table. I was drinking coffee - again a selection to choose from and it was served in a silver Cafetiere. Extra supplies were offered as soon as it became apparent that our pots had run out - made me wonder if they had CCTV to watch for when guests needed service .

We asked if we could go for a walk around the extensive grounds, part way through our 'service' and were shown out of the Drawing Room French Windows and out onto the Terrace Garden. When we came back inside, were brought fresh supplies of tea and coffee and the remainder of our cakes etc .

When chatting with the Receptionist afterwards, I passed comment about how beautiful the place was and she asked if we had any spare time. She arranged for us to have a 'conducted tour' by the On-Duty Manager, who gave us a very informative talk on the history of the building - the only thing that I didn't enjoy was the display of 'hunting trophies' that lined the walls of some of the rooms. I had to practically drag Mr Ollie out of the Victorian Billiards Room.

We asked to phone a taxi to get back to where we were staying and were provided with the hotel's Rolls Royce to take us the 15 mile journey back to our caravan site.

Needless to say - they received a very good tip/gratuity .

Thanks for all your posts about your experiences. I agree that all guests should be made to feel welcome but sadly it has not always been like that for us. Often the Staff know that this is a one off special visit for you and they are unlikely to see you again. Instead of helping to make the occasion the best it can be for you, they spend time fawning over the regular guests, knowing what they like to drink and which table they prefer to sit at for dinner. We have often been overlooked in the bar and restaurant and yes as people have said our money is as good as any other person's so perhaps we wont waste it again in such establishments.

I stayed at the Crowne Plaza near Birmingham Airport as I was going to a concert that evening at the NEC Arena and didn't want the hassle of having to leave early to catch the last train home ! Staff were all very welcoming and friendly in fact many places I have stayed seem more surprised that I was on my own !
Talking about how you are treated in restaurants - I went as a guest with a male friend to his company Christmas meal (he'd just split up with the long term girlfriend and I was the substitute) . When the time came to order our meal, I had chosen steak and when I was asked how I wanted it , I said well done to be told "Oh but madam, a steak is not worth eating if it is done more than medium!"

Glasgowgirl- I stay at St Ermins in London fairly regularly and love it. The staff are always very helodul and courteous. The food is excellent. I also love it's wartime history.
I must say I have never felt intimidated when staying in any top star hotel in UK or overseas. Like mentioned above I have also had wine, a birthday cake and a rendition of 'Happy Birthday' sung when my passport has revealed my d.o.b. It all adds to the welcoming feeling and a desire to teturn!

Kalu

Two favourite hotels have already been mentioned, The Negresco and The Majestic but a particular favourite is Gleneagles Hotel, very welcoming friendly staff in beautiful surroundings.

If I ever felt I was being judged in such hotels, I wouldn’t be returning.

Many years ago we stayed at Gleneagles. Our son was about 7 or 8 and we took his golf clubs with us, he was quite a good golfer. The staff meet you at the door and take any luggage away, and without a second glance took my son’s tiny golf bag from the boot, placed a label on them and put them in the store room with all the other adult golf bags!
Fantastic stay there. Best breakfast we’ve ever had.

My mums saying is “Don’t think you are better than anyone else but always remember you are as good as anyone else”. This has always been in my mind when staying somewhere “posh”. I like smart hotels and always felt comfortable staying in them. Take no snooty looks from anyone and stare right back at them. I find if you treat the serving staff with respect and politeness, they usually respond in kind.

Long, long ago I hitch-hiked (I know, dangerous) with a college friend down to London as she said her Dad lived there and he was away and we could stay at his place
It turned out that 'his place' was a suite at The Dorchester, which she didn't mention!

We arrived in scruffy art school clothing with rucksacks on our backs but were treated as well as every other guest. From the doorman to reception, the room service and the restaurant staff were all very friendly and welcoming.
I guess this is called a 'reputation' for being the best

Wonder if it still the same now?

My chimney sweep normally travels here from another area and does several bookings over a few days. He books overnight accommodation through last minute sites. So he got an upmarket businessman's hotel at a really good price. Walked in the main entrance after a hard day's sweeping and the concierge lunged towards him! To his credit, when my sweep said he was booked in, the concierge helped him swiftly to his room for a needed shower, probably to remove him from the entrance!

In the quiet dining room as I sat down, some underling came over and whispered in my ear that jeans were not permitted in the club.

Did you offer to take them off?

I was taken to a posh hotel in London by a friend; I asked for a Martini, the barman looked at me and said with a completely straight face 'do you want me to mix you one or would you prefer one straight out the bottle?' My friend was horrified, but I kept a straight face and said 'straight out of the bottle of course, and don't forget the cherry!'

Hellogirl, nothing impressed me as much as your brave little girl!!

I stayed at the Waldorf Astoria in New York with my daughter and was pretty much ignored by everyone (not that I minded). A doorman informed me that “that Jude Law just left a minute ago”. I’ve also stayed at the Balmoral in Edinburgh and was given a suite overlooking Princes Street. A gorgeous young Scotsman brought my breakfast in bed on a silver tray...I really didn’t want to leave.

We were in Singapore outside Raffles Hotel, the tour guide told us the hotel didn't like people wandering in and taking photos but suggested we walk in as if we owned the place! We did and even enjoyed a Singapore Sling at the bar (and took photos).

Since then whenever visiting somewhere considered "upmarket" I do walk in with the air that I belong! Remember Eleanor Roosevelt's words "No-one can make you feel inferior without your consent"

We were wedding guests at a very posh hotel and had been asked particularly to bring our 18-month old son because he had been delivered by the bride as her "first baby". We had become friends (and still are). I had to do a nappy-change during the reception - and how the uniformed nannies looked down their noses at this mother and toddler without a nanny!

Wibblywobbly

Actually in my experience the top 5 star places do not make any if their guests uncomfortable. They are relaxed, friendly, helpful and welcoming, the opposite of starchy or condescending.

Agree.

Dh and i booked a room in a hotel in Llandudno.
When we arrived we were informed that the shower was broken but they can put us up at there sister hotel a little further up the road.
We said thats fine OMG it was stunning,the staff were fabulous,the room had 2 king sized beds and we were overlooking the sea.
The food was lovely,the hotel was immaculateand ,the service was second to none.
All at no extra cost too.

Actually in my experience the top 5 star places do not make any if their guests uncomfortable. They are relaxed, friendly, helpful and welcoming, the opposite of starchy or condescending.

Scentia we also came across Vivienne Westwood being extremely rude to staff in a London restaurant. She didn't have a booking and was demanding a table.
Always found really good hotels and restaurants treat everybody well and try to make them comfortable. It's the places aspiring to be top level that are pretentious and make people feel wrongly dressed or out of place.

Hotel Gardesana by the lake Whitewavemark2? Wonderful holidays there with many happy memories!

Over the years we have stayed in some great 5* hotels. I do think that dressing up is part of the whole package. I love to dress up when going out to eat and certainly would dress up when on holiday. I have also had many holidays in some of the best hotels with my sister who worked for a large airline. These holidays were almost free as I only had to pay a nominal amount. We flew business class, had free champagne and stayed in some amazing hotels. Those were the day .

Obviously if you’ve just stepped out of the pool you’re not going to look your best unless of course you’re young and have a beautiful body then no one minds if you wander around in your swim wear. You wouldn’t be allowed to go into one of the restaurants where there’s a dress code but you can eat and wear what you like if eating at one of the bars outside.

I have never been in a hotel where I felt unwanted, I couldn’t imagine it, that must be horrible, I’d pack my bags and leave if possible and demand my money back.

I had to stay in some due to my ex husband's job and I detested it. I never felt comfortable or good enough to be there, my ex also made me feel like that. Give me a cosy, small hotel with lovely owners, I feel they care about you enjoying your stay far more than the big posh ones.

oh yes .my USA penpal stayed in a posh hotel on the isle of man.anyway we were in travelling clothes and we stopped in the bar for a drink.the two girls in there looked at me down there noses.so I ignored them.as a parting word to them I told them it was me that paid there wages and that we were just too tired to out on posh clothing......next evening I put on black trousers and a top.and got same response.so after the meal with friends.I kwft a note in the complaint box.next morn we had a visit from the under manager complaining that we had the nerve to out a complaint in .after a long talk I said we have paid full price and we expect full manners too.

Whitewavemark2 - The chief came out and gave you one???
Tell us more!

Well you learn something every day geekesse - I had never heard of a French 75 - just looked it up and will definitely order one next time I'm anywhere that prepares cocktails - yum.

A few years ago with my DH and DD travelled from Scotland to London and stayed at St Ermins hotel. And I have to say it was the most wonderful experience. Nothing was too much bother the staff were wonderful and very accommodating. Included with our stay was a picnic lunch. We were asked what we liked and disliked. And when we collected it from reception it was in a beautiful racing green cool bag with a matching mat to sit on and another bag with proper cutlery and glasses etc. . It was ours to keep. The contents were absolutely delicious. When I collected it from reception I commented to the gentleman there how heavy the bag was. He asked me where we were going for lunch and when I told him St James’s Park he offered to carry it there for us! We declined. But my goodness that’s service for you.
And yes we did go back twice after that. And I hope to return again soon.