Crowne Plaza Barcelona - Fira Center, Hotel: a Review

Last June - yes I know nigh on a year ago - my principal carer needed to attend a Pharma conference at the Crowne Plaza hotel next to the Fira Center (sic) in Barcelona. As there were no carers available to look after in my home, Rico had to take me with him. All travel exhausts me, so I knew prior to arrival that I would be holed up in our shared hotel room until I ameliorated.

Lobby & Main Reception

We had taken a taxi from the airport, which dropped us, our luggage and my wheelchair about ten to fifteen metres from the main entrance. There was no doorman to assist Rico with the luggage, supporting me and manhandling the wheelchair. We eventually struggled to get him, me, the chair and the luggage through the revolving-door. No member of staff came to assist either of us. It was not until after being in the hotel several days that a doorman explained that there is a door which can be opened only by staff for easier access by disabled folk, etc. This was not a great start. We were tired from being up early for our flight, the flight itself, driving into the heart of Barcelona and then struggling to actually enter the hotel.

I can speak and understand Spanish quite well, when I have my faculties about me. But by this point I was exhausted and ready to collapse. The young lady at main reception explained that we had been upgraded and that we now needed to go up a couple of floors and check in elsewhere. At said point all we really wanted to do was crash out in our room.

Nonetheless we headed for the lift (elevator) with all our paraphernalia and still no assistance and stepped out to access the Club Lounge.

Club Lounge (i)

We finally could sit down and were offered a beverage, I cannot be sure of my facts after nearly a year but I think Andreu from Sabadell quickly checked us in and explained how the club lounge worked - one's room-key gave one access from breakfast- to closing-time. Theses keys proved rather unreliable, and several times we had to have them refreshed.

The Room

We gladly took our room-keys (the programmed card type) and headed upstairs. I am a fresh air fiend, but alas the windows did not fully open. One could however slide them in such a way as to permit the flow of outside air in, along with any street noise. For siestas we kept the windows ajar. However, at nighttime, we immediately discovered that what seems quiet during the day, transmogrifies into a cacophony at night. So, we had to use the air-con during the dark hours.

Even with the air-con, I was too warm under the duvets. A single sheet option would have been appreciated.

[Image description: the two large, comfortable beds looking towards the windows (top)

and the door (bottom)]

Above, the wide-screen TV, which we barely used other than for the news of a morning. Also a large desk area, which Rico found useful for doing a few computer things for the conference and keeping in touch with his employer. Here also was an instant hot drink-making tray. These facilities were situated opposite the ends of the twin beds.

The bathroom was very clean, with some nice toiletries.

There was a separate wc & bidet behind frosted glass for some privacy. Next to this was the free-standing shower, which appeared mould-free (mold-free). 

The bathtub was ampler than most Spanish tubs, but I imagine Brits and US Americans might struggle to lie comfortably length-ways.

A courtesy robe apiece was also made available.

The only criticisms we had here was loose flooring between the bathroom and bedroom as well as the room needing a freshen-up with new paint.

Club Lounge (ii)

This was a godsend to myself, for I was too unwell to leave the hotel for the first three days, whilst I recuperated from the travel. From my room I could hobble to the lift, descend a couple of floors and walk into the club lounge. There I could prepare myself a beverage, including a wide choice of alcoholic drinks, and pick up a snack. In the morning, after breakfast, there would be pastries, later cold sandwiches & snacks, and in the evening some hot foods would be brought out - or magically appear - depending whether one noticed or not the servers.

Reading matter, daily newspapers, games and TV were also available throughout the day.

And there was always a member of staff at the desk who would try to answer one's queries, book tickets for entertainment on one's behalf or make restaurant reservations.

My main hobby here was either using social media on my laptop or chatting with & making new friends.

Spa

As Rico was busy with his conference, I booked myself in for a massage in the hotel's Serena Spa. A full-body massage lasting just under an hour cost €74. I am used to paying £45 at my local physiotherapist in the UK and on the Costa del Sol I pay between €45-55. For €55 I have twice had a massage with hot stones. There was nothing special about the massage. The masseuse was professional enough but lacked any affability. She did not want to know how I felt afterwards and made no effort, despite my trying in Spanish, to make small-talk.

I was at liberty to use the spa's pool - at the time the hotel's sole pool - but declined as the massage had made me feel relaxed and tired (my usual responses). Had I known I could have used the pool, I should have done so prior to the massage.

Conference Facilities

Rico has attended a fair few conferences over the years - we are both quite mature in years - and was rather excited about the one he attended at the hotel. So much so, that one evening around nineish, he took me to the ground floor to show me the set-up. And whilst there, we saw diligent staff preparing for the next day: moving furniture in/out; putting out literature on tables; erecting signage;…

Main Restaurant

In the club lounge I made friends with two ladies from Vienna (my most favourite place on Earth!), Kristina and her Mater. They had a half-board deal with the hotel. When they attempted to dine in the restaurant they were told they could not order from the restaurant's menu, but would have to have whatever the chef dictated. I am not surprised this outlandish behaviour was offensive to the two ladies. They complained to hotel management and the issue was eventually resolved, but the restaurant staff involved did not apologise to my new friend. I had absolutely no willingness to be treated badly, so gave the restaurant a wide birth.

Staff & Service

Club Lounge staff were ALL delightful, often affable, but always professional even when hotel guests were outright rude to them. I certainly would not have kept such a calm demeanour on being treated badly by mostly Asian sub-continent and Middle-Eastern visitors. On a couple of occasions I felt like telling the guests what for, but that is not my place; so I bit my tongue and kept my opinions to myself. One Indian family permitted their child to climb upon, run over and jump off the furniture disturbing the rest of the guests and showing no respect for others' properties.

I have to say from my own experiences on trying to access/egress the hotel, that the lobby staff were the most unhelpful. I personally did not encounter a single rude member of staff, but, shall I say, some were less than helpful.

Recommendation

Both Rico & I should dearly like to revisit this Crowne Plaza hotel. It's near so many tourist attractions and is on the edge of Poble Sec, an up-and-coming barrio from a foodie perspective. We also wish to try out the new pool-ette on the roof, and imbibe a cocktail from the bar there whilst watching the sunset.

Novotel Suites Hotel Málaga: a Review

I was fortunate enough to be invited to attend the Pasarela Larios, the highlight of Málaga Fashion Week. I had plenty of notice, so was able to shop around for accommodation. Rather than stay for a long weekend, I decided that I would visit the Costa del Sol for seven nights. I have several friends in the area, so wanted an opportunity to catch up.

I selected Novotel Suites, an Accor group hotel. Situated on Calle San Jacinto, the building has an open aspect towards ecclesiastical buildings and a pedestrianised plaza. It is approximately ten minutes walking to the nearest commuter-train station and some fifteen minutes to Maria Zambrano, Málaga's main train-station. For shoppers, this is probably the nearest hotel to the famous El Corte Inglés department stores, which is spread over two interconnected buildings. Additionally, one is also just as close to Centro Comercial Málaga Plaza.

Many reviews on Tripadvisor suggest avoiding the hotel's expensive breakfast and heading for one of the local eateries. Having visited Málaga on many occasions, I did likewise. La Canasta is a favourite of mine - as I am extremely fond of cakes and pastries - and they also have an outside terrace where one can watch the world go by. (Be warned, though, that there is a surcharge on all prices for using it!)

During our stay, the old city - casco - was extremely humid, due to the closeness of its narrow streets. My carer and I were thus very grateful for the gentle breezes in the more open aspects around the hotel. Within five minutes, one can be in the old city; within fifteen one is on the Calle Marqués de Larios, the third most expensive street by rents in all of Spain.

On entering the hotel foyer, one is grateful for the coolness of air-conditioning. We were greeted cordially, as we were on every occasion we entered and departed. Due to my weird circulatory system I was worried that the air-conditioning in our room might not be functioning, after reading so many complaints on-line. However, I was advised to just let reception know and it would be sorted immediately. However, during the whole of our stay the air-con worked perfectly.

The hotel is listed as four-star. However, in our experience of travelling through Spain, we have found a great deal of variability and do not tend to trust the star ratings. In this instance, having discussed with my ever-faithful carer, we do consider it to be roughly equivalent to a UK four-star hotel minus a restaurant.

The most important aspect were the rooms and ours definitely warranted its four stars. Hopefully the photos (above) give some sense of the room, but unfortunately not of how spacious it felt.

The bathroom (image above) was spotless. It included a full-size bath-tub and a separate shower that could have fitted four. The only problem during our stay was the shower-tray blocking. It was dealt with immediately by the very efficient & professional manager.

Normally I do not stay in Málaga itself, but now I have found Novotel Suites, I shall be inclined to use it as a base for future visits and at the very least overnight stays when visiting chums in the city.

Staybridge Suites, Newcastle-upon-Tyne (Aparthotel) - Revisited

In December 2013, I visited Newcastle-upon-Tyne and had the pleasure of staying at Staybridge Suites on Buxton Street. I wrote a review which I published on this blog and also on TripAdvisor, where it is by far my most viewed review.

[Image description: large flat-panelled television-set with interactive menu of hotel facilities]

On this occasion I did indeed stay longer. We arrived Thursday afternoon and checked out just after eleven on Sunday morning. This longer stay meant I could spread out my activities so as not to tire me out nor aggravate my disabilities.

This time my companion and I stayed in one of the studio apartments. Hopefully the following images give a feel of the place. We took the pictures after settling in so one can observe how homely the pads are.

[Image description: from the sofa looking towards the kitchenette]

[Image description: from the bed looking towards the sitting area;

the writer's gammy leg/foot propped up]

[Image description: the fully equipped & spotlessly clean kitchen area]

[Image description: the room for two shower cubicle in the mould(mold)-free 'bath'-room]

We brought along our own wines, snacks, drinking-water, decaf coffee, etc. However, we also took advantage of "The Pantry", the hotel's twenty-four hour shop. We paid: £1 for a packet of Tyrrell's crisps; £1 for a small packet of popcorn; £1.30 for three large Metcalfes rice cakes coated in chocolate; and £1.50 for a bottle of Purdeys (costing £1.35 in Waitrose). The prices were not extortionate, but reflected local convenience store pricing. One can also purchase inter alia toiletries, ready meals, alcohol and non-alcoholic beverages.

On the Thursday evening we were invited to a meet & greet with the manager and other guests with gratis wine and snacks. We were too tired from the long journey from Manchester to feel up to socialising, so settled down with crackers, pâté and some red wine.

Breakfast each morning featured cereals, fruit, yoghourts, choices of milks & juices, teas, coffees, hot-chocolate, bagels, croissants, muffins…… Friday morning hot sausages were available along with cold sliced ham and cheese. Saturday bacon was available but not Friday's offerings. On Sunday both bacon and sausage were available but not the cold cuts. I suspect part of the reason for some changes each day is so that long- or longer-term residents do not become bored. Free newspapers were available to anyone who wished. Take-away cups & lids were available for those who wished to breakfast on the go. Some folk used their room's tray to collect a breakie and return to breakfast in the privacy of their rooms.

Room service is available weekdays but one is at liberty to decline it. At weekends it is on demand only, so one can have a lie-in without fear of being disturbed. All we had need to request was an extra dishwasher-tablet.

As per our last visit the customer-service interface is faultless. Talking to the employees all were happy in their work and therefore all the affability and smiles were probably totally authentic. It's lovely to hear workers speak contentedly about their work-place. Also reassuring to see all the awards proudly displayed in the vestibule.

*

The only negative aspect to our stay was the quality of the toilet-paper. At home I go through two rolls every three weeks. Over our stay we went through nearly two rolls between two of us due to the quality being so poor, which meant we were using three to four times more tissue than we would normally. A false economy methinks. Next time - and there will be a next time - I shall take a roll of my own.

The Rooms B&B, Lytham St Annes: Review

A traditional English country garden with a splash of contemporary modernism is what one first espies when approaching The Rooms: well, gardeners will. Architecture fans will probably note the late nineteenth century suburban Gothic façade. One enters an über-chic palace of modernity with carefully preserved original features enhanced by cooling Nordic hues. Our habitation for the night was room 3, which can be either a double or, for my companion and myself, converted into a twin.

A 32-inch wall-mounted television set with integral DVD-player faces the beds. What is rare, is that it is actually set at a comfortable height and angled perfectly for both beds - no-one needs to lean at an odd angle! Hanging space, storage, drawers and the drinks-making facilities are all hidden behind a floor-to-ceiling, well-padded headboard. There is a console-table serving as a desk cum dressing-table next to the window, above which hangs a large mirror. A DAB radio, tissues, water and glassware stand ready for use.

The beds have extremely comfortable mattresses, firm and supportive and comfy. Bedding linens are of a high quality and are soft on the skin. A choice of soft and firmer pillows or both are available on each divan.

Unfortunately, next to one of the main roads into the town-centre with double-glazing that failed to insulate from external noise, I hardly slept at all. When it was time to rise, I was totally shattered.

The completely tiled bathroom is a wet-room set-up with Grohe taps and Roca santitaryware. Plenty of thick non-scratchy towels were stacked available for use. Two towelling robes were also at our disposal.

Draw-backs and criticisms to the room:

* not sufficiently sound-insulated

* main light-switch only partially worked

* my bedside light-switch did not function at all

* no functioning light in hanging space

* two light-bulbs in the sleeping area were non-functioning

* thick cobwebs above the curtain-pole

* large cracks between tiles in en suite

* NO WIFI !!!

[Image description:

the breakfast room;

© The Rooms]

The breakfast menu is quite extensive. One helps oneself to juice and cereal. Tea-/coffee-pots are brought to table. My companion sampled the fishcake and ordered some toast; I the home-cooked ham & poached eggs. We were not asked if we wanted anything else. However, we were offered Bucks Fizz’, but we declined. The cuisine justly deserves its various plaudits.

On checking out we were not asked, “How was everything?” or anything similar. This makes me suspect that the proprietor is aware there are issues, as we were not asked for any feed-back or for reports of any issues.

We paid £125 for bed & breakfast, but most rooms are more expensive. Whilst The Rooms is quite lovely, it is certainly not value for money; we could have stayed in an hotel for a similar price.

The George Hotel (Pub & Restaurant), Castletown, IOM: Review

I have saved my worst Castletown experience for last.

Had I not been with friends with an event-packed itinerary worked out for the whole of our three night/four day stay, I should have turned on my heels and fled - possibly screaming!

The George Hotel has to be the filthiest place I have ever had the misfortune to be accommodated in my entire life. More on this issue throughout. But first we were eventually introduced to the barman-receptionist as we guests stood grouped, huddled for mutual support, at the foot of oaken stairs. His welcome was no warmer than that given by Mrs. Danvers to the new Mrs. De Winter at Manderley. The staircase hand-rail was greasy and tacky to the touch. Unfortunately as there is no lift, and I am mobility-impaired, it was necessary for me to grip the hand-rail each and every time I dis/mounted the stairs. I took to using wet-wipes when descending and immediately washing my hands after ascending. However, something far worse than the hand-rail lurked on the stairs… the stair-carpet, shiny-smooth with trodden-in, ingrained food detritus and grease.

This from tripadvisor, One thing to say: Stair Carpet!!!, from February 2014 - where incidentally one can see genuine photographs of the gruesome covering:

"There is just no excuse for the state of the stair carpet which is by a very long way the worst I have EVER seen. How much is a new one???? How much dirt and grease can you work into a carpet? These guys are the champions."

I am too unstable to take snap-shots on stairs. But also there was a certain amount of gagging every time one looked at its hideousness.

It transpires the kitchens are on the first floor along with many of the guest rooms, including my own. However, to reach it one had to pass a raggedy ironing-board and a vacuum-cleaner that itself looked in need of a good wash.

The room was adequately appointed, although very basic and extremely dated. It was more the furnishings of a room rented by the hour, sort of seedy American motel, than a British bed & breakfast hotel. Even the towels (below) were the worst for wear (and tear!).

The ONLY redeeming feature was the view over Market Square taking in Castle Rushen. With its central position The George Hotel should be offering much better and it could charge higher rates too.

The bathroom was fine and superficially clean; but look too close and mould was to be found, especially all over the shower-head. I am afraid my shot is a tad blurry, but more images can be tracked down on tripadvisor. It was at this point I wish I had packed anti-bacterial spray in my luggage.

Our original plan had been to go out for dinner on the sunday evening we arrived, but alas the local eateries were closed. So pub-grub it was to be. I have since read other reports on tripadvisor that say the opposite of what I am about to write. I suspect it all comes down to who was cooking on any given occasion. I also ate my lunch at the pub on New Year's Day. Both the meals I had were fully consumed: they were tasty, well presented, not over oily/fatty and substantial. I know for a fact that the managers' son was the chef on these two occasions. In fact all four of the gang ordered at least one full meal and scoffed the lot.

I have also seen complaints about the bar-service. I partially agree: some of the staff were brusque even downright ignorant, but others were affable and helpful.

A comment from September 2013, Good Room but, almost says it all:

"As for breakfast - well it was great fun. Straight out of a BBC sitcom. Has to be seen to be believed but I wouldn't recommend it."

However, I have to expand upon this. Yes, it did feel like I was featuring in a candid-camera version of Fawlty Towers. The 1970's breakie, complete with tinned white grapefruit segments, gave me a pang of nostalgia for the days when landladies told the guests what they could or could not have. I am a coffee person first thing of a morning: I need it strong and lots of it. There was certainly no dearth, but it was fairly flavourless. However, the coffee served at the bar had some strength to it. To be fair, the cooked breakfasts were spot on. My poached eggs were perfect each morning: firm whites; runny yolks. I suspect with just a few minor alterations, breakfasts could be brought up to more contemporary standards.

On the other hand, the hotel part of the establishment needs a radical overhaul, as well as a thorough cleansing and, from my OCD perspective, disinfecting.

The George Hotel is not a place to stay for the fastidious, the immune-suppressed or the mentally unstable.

Humber Royal Hotel & Brasserie, Grimsby: Review

My ex-partner and I have several friends in Grimbsy and environs. We used to stay in national chains, but found them to be extremely noisy. A few years back via Booking.com we discovered the Humber Royal in Great Coates, a suburb now of Greater Grimsby, and have stayed there four or five times.

Hotel

From Little Coates Road, the edifice resembles a 1960's telephone exchange. Do not be put off! Inside is a fresh, designer, Scandic interior. There is disabled parking outside the main entrance; although this is generally quickly taken, there are plenty of nearby spaces. There is a separate flat-entry entrance for those in wheelchairs or who have difficulty with steps. There is a lift (elevator) which reaches all floors of the hotel. However most folk seem to take the stairs as the lift does seem to take a long time from being called to opening its doors for entry.

We normally arrive after dark and are warmly welcomed by the ever amiable Kim, but arriving in daylight we met the other friendly receptionist. We quickly fulfilled the bureaucratic requirements and headed off to our room. Unfortunately someone had had a secret smoke and the air smelled stale. There was no issue with swapping accommodation and, whilst we waited for our beds to be made up, were given a complimentary and delicious coffee.

Settling into the room after unpacking, we lay on our respective beds: I caught up with updates on social media; my assistant viewed the news updates. Whilst the wifi at times streamed much faster than in my home, at other times it completely stalled and one had to switch to one of the other of the hotel's three links.

We quickly determined that my assistant's over-bed light-switch was broken.

Our next unwelcome discovery was the shower that squealed in a high-pitched tone whenever switched on to any flow above trickle!

Nonetheless, what is most satisfactory about the rooms at Humber Royal are the panoramic windows that look out onto views of the neighbouring golf-course.

[image description: panorama from one of the windows]

Brasserie

Dinner

My assistant went off to meet up with his friends for dinner; I had arranged for a couple of my friends to join me in the brasserie for dinner. Surprisingly for a Monday evening in a hotel restaurant every last table was taken during our meal and there was no special event or offer. Furthermore, not all diners were guests of the hotel. Non-guests in attendance does rather suggest the brasserie is a dining experience worth trying.

[image description: the Brasserie; courtesy & © Humber Royal]

Mains (Entrées)

My two fellow diners and myself decided we would forgo starters in order to have afters. My guests both ordered the haddock, coated in what was as light as a tempura yet was traditional batter, with chunky chips and very lightly minted peas. The plate of one guest was vacuum-cleaned; the other's only had the detritus of a substantial dish. I ordered sirloin steak @ £20.95 cooked 'bleu' and requested boiled potatoes instead of the chips that came with the meal. No problem. At the same time I ordered a green salad and made the waitress aware of my food allergies. My smallish steak whilst extremely tasty and succulent was served medium rare on one half and rare on the other: certainly not blue. Additionally, despite my drawing attention to issues, my plate was garnished with foodstuffs which could have had me in hospital. I was offered a free drink for the issues; but I said I would prefer that the chef was reminded to be more careful.

Desserts

One of my guests selected strawberry cheesecake, the other chocolate torte. Both were well presented. Each was wolfed down! I should say that meant they were delicious. I ordered the cheese slate @ £7.95. I was served three small slices of cheese, three green grapes, four thin stalks of celery, one halved cherry tomato and three slices of stale fruit bread (no butter). The cheese was straight from the refrigerator (as was the bread) and so the flavours could not be fully savoured. It was the only dish I would say was truly poor value for money.

Drinks

We started with aperitifs in the bar area: one cola; one surprisingly fruity Pinot Grigio; and one Tanqueray & cucumber were ordered from the affable barman. Eventually the order was changed to two wines as they had run out of gin (I don't count Gordon's as it is almost flavourless).

With the meal I requested a bottle of Ponte Prosecco (crisp & fruity with a hint of citrus), but was advised there probably was none left, although there were possibly small bottles available. These drinks took a good fifteen to twenty minutes to arrive with no explanation nor apology for the delay.

At the end of the meal my guests ordered coffee and I a glass of port to accompany my cheese course. Instead I was served a pot of tea and was made to feel it was my fault that there had been a mix-up.

Service

Throughout the meal we were made to wait with no explanations nor apologies from any of the staff. At no point were we asked whether everything was okay or how we were enjoying our meal. However, I noted that others were asked.

Breakfast

Food & drink

The Humber Royal prides itself on sourcing locally, so nigh everything that can be sourced in Lincolnshire is so. I was able to have what I would have consumed chez moi: cereal, fruit and juice; this was eventually followed by coffee and my selection off the cooked breakfast menu - two rashers of perfectly cooked bacon and two spot-on poached eggs. To this point I had kept to my diet. Then I treated myself to a slice of white bread toast with butter and clear honey. Delish! The breakie cannot be faulted.

Service

On the other hand the service was dilatory. The serving staff were more interested in catching up on their very audible gossip. So much so, they forgot to take our drinks and cooked breakfast orders, which on previous occasions had been taken as soon as we had settled down at table. The maître d' did apologise however.

Recommendation

Booking.com and (per a plaque outside the main entrance) some English tourism site both rate Humber Royal as four-star. Compared to Staybridge Suites Newcastle in which we stayed the previous night and also rated four-star there was a great difference, with only the latter seeming to me to be worth the 4*.

Nevertheless, if one finds oneself visiting Greater Grimsby, I do wholeheartedly recommend Humber Royal, if but for the vistas and the food. %)

Staybridge Suites, Newcastle-upon-Tyne (Aparthotel)

I have friends in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Over the years I have tried various different hotels in and around the city. None have ever proven truly satisfactory, most usually due to lack of noise insulation. One hotel in Jesmond even refused (despite such being against the Law) to install a hand-rail up a flight of three steps, when I pointed out that this would be of assistance to some disabled and/or mobility-impaired folk.

On this occasion I used Booking.com to search out accommodation that would cope with my disabilities and have somewhere for the car to be parked securely. A boon was that it also included (limited) free wifi in one's room, sufficient to check emails, social media and the news-feeds.

[Image description: the external façade; courtesy & © Staybridge Suites]

I selected an aparthotel named Staybridge Suites Newcastle. It consisted of: a fully equipped kitchen, including 'fridge-freezer, microwave, hob, extractor hood, dishwasher and all the accoutrements one might need for cooking up a tasty repast; a sitting-room area with sofa and two chairs, a flat-screen television-set and various pouffes; the bedroom had a second flat-screen TV plus one of the most comfortable beds I have ever had the delight in which to sleep; a bathroom with full-sized tub, pulsing shower, W.C., sink, etc. One even had access to a laundry room fitted with washing-machines.

Finding the hotel at night was our first difficulty. We found Buxton Street with no difficulty, but we could not spot the hotel amidst all the student accommodation blocks. The hotel had no lit sign, although one can spot it in daylight. We only had to go up and down the street twice. However apparently the arrival prior to myself had spent twenty minutes attempting to locate. Alas sat-navs only help one reach a post-code which can be a whole street, so they are generally no help.

Our next problem was entering the gated car-park. Well, it certainly reassured us that it was reasonably secure. The very affable Pratik apologised for the failing of the intercom and quickly helped us gain access and check in. He made us aware of The Pantry from whence one can obtain provisions and toiletries. He even advised us that my friends in Newkie were more than welcome to come and join us for a complimentary breakfast. One cannot get much more welcoming than that!

[Image description: the reception area with Pantry behind the check-in desk;

courtesy & © Staybridge Suites]

My room was on the ground floor which meant no need to use lifts (escalators) nor stairs. One of the two lifts was out of order, but actually had a notice on it which stated what the problem was, confirmed that the engineer had been summonsed and the time s/he was expected to arrive.

The apartment allocated was actually partially underground due to the edifice having been built into the slope. With drawn curtains this was irrelevant. However, one might feel a tad claustrophobic were one to stay for any length of time.

I and my assistant do not travel light. There was plenty of space for all our luggage, baggage and paraphernalia. Furthermore, our guests were able to spread out and relax whilst we sorted ourselves out.

After returning from dinner in Chinatown (see my review if Chinese food appeals), we were quickly to bed and snuggled down to an undisturbed and uninterrupted slumber.

In the morning we helped ourselves to breakie. There were choices of cereal; fruits; pastries; conserves; yoghourts; a whole plethora of coffees & teas; juices; and, heated foods. One would have to be extremely fussy not to find something one liked. Nothing was stale, dry or overcooked. Completely sated, after sampling a bit of just about everything, we did not require luncheon for that day, but waited until dinner to eat again.

On checking out, the lovely Natalie was able to send an electronic receipt so we did not have to mess around with paper as well as giving us the friendliest of salutations and a genuinely sincerely expressed hope that we would return. I shall of course be staying there again. Now I have found somewhere where I know I can get a good night's rest, I can stay longer in Newcastle. Looking forward to my next visit already. %)

In/accessible Europe (1): Stockholm

During my healthier periods, or sometimes to recuperate from bad patches, I travel to the Continent. As one might imagine, my experiences as a disabled traveller have been mixed. Over the coming months I shall endeavour to recount trips to some of these European destinations.

A couple of Autumns back, my best friend decided to take me to Stockholm for some light-treatment. Why, one may ask, am I writing about somewhere I visited some time ago? Well, the honest answer is that some of my experiences there still rankle. It is the place where I have had my worst travel experiences, though not only so. Read on...

[Image description: map of Sockholm. An interactive version is available here]

Scandinavian Airlines

Flying with perfectly professional SAS (Scandinavian Airlines) was an efficient and comfortable journey. The only minor oversight was that my pre-requested meal was not aboard. Compared to British Airways or Austrian Airlines, in my opinion, SAS were superior; but oddly not as good as Monarch Airlines, a middle-cost flier.

Arlanda Airport & Express

At Arlanda Airport (Stockholm-Arlanda Airport) I was met, as pre-arranged, by disability assistance. They were fantastic: personable, humorous and efficient. They whizzed me through all checks and baggage-reclaim and down to the Arlanda Express (Arlanda Express) platform to Stockholm Central Station (Stockholm Central Station). They even offered to put me aboard the train. Unusually, from my experience in Europe, my two helpers refused any gratuity. Wonderful service!

The express train-service to the city-centre was fast, comfortable, spacious, clean and plenty of room for baggage and wheelchairs. (I found trains in Amsterdam to be similar.) No significant gaps between carriages and platforms at either end of the route meant no embarrassing or painful wheel-sticking. The express was bang on time almost to the second - no exaggeration and top marks!

Nordic Light Hotel

From the train-station (the Arlanda Express has its own mini-station connected to the main Central Station) to our hotel, the Nordic Light (Nordic Light), was less than thirty metres and over a very smooth paved area - no trip-hazards. Nordic Light is an office-block converted into an über-chic boutique hotel. The corridors, common-rooms and lifts are all spacious and accessible and moreover so was the room. The sound-proofing was to be marvelled at: no extraneous noise could disturb. Bliss: the best hotel room I have ever had!

I bet you are beginning to wonder where the bad bits are. Well, they're coming...

Tourist Information Office

According to our guidebook the tourist information office was situated in the main part of the train-station a little further up the road. We attempted to pay a visit only to determine that it had been relocated to the central shopping district. Using maps (yes, I'm old-fashioned!) we navigated to the relevant building. My jaw dropped! The office was in the basement, down two flights of stairs. No lift (elevator) nor stair-lift access. No button, buzzer, bell or 'phone to call for assistance. Thus no-one with mobility impairment(s) could make use of its services. Downright disability discrimination!

Shopping

Stockholm retails some of the most beautiful products in the world - clothing, furniture, fabrics, objets d'art, etc. Alas, it is not as much fun shopping there as in other European capitals. Service - well I hesitate to use the word - is almost non-existent no matter how much money you have to spend nor how disabled you are. Shop assistants will always give priority to their conversations or tasks with which they are already involved. Customers come well down the list of things-to-do. Even in my favourite Svenskt Tenn (Svenskt Tenn) the service is cursory and that was the best shop-assistance I received my whole time there.

Eateries

Paradoxically, the service in cafés and restaurants was excellent. And boy did we drink a lot of cups of coffee! The Swedes prepare delicious coffee: every cup was savoured; as were the cakes & pastries. Chirpy chaps served us every time.

The restaurants treated us regally. We did determine that, despite what the guides state to the contrary, gratuities are gratefully accepted by all waiters. Meals with drinks cost comparably the same as a night out in Manchester city-centre and a heck of a lot less than in London. The cuisine was varied and delicious (- not a rollmop in sight!). We even tried an alfresco luncheon with a glass of bubbly one fine, sunny day. Fabulous! Not all restaurants are accessible. One we used had an almost stile entrance into a bar area and then I had to crawl up a few steps to reach the dining-room. It was worth it though: the reindeer and vodka were delicious.

Tourist sites

The historic district of Gamla Stan (Old Town) is a maze of cobbled streets. It was murder to walk on even with assistance and two walking-sticks. It would have been hell in a wheelchair without decent suspension! Probably best for wheelies to stick to the outer rim with the fabulous views over the Riddarfjardan.

In other areas I found there were plenty of benches, great for pausing and catching one's breath as well as taking in sights and panoramas.

We did take a cruise on Mälaren (Mälaren) a brackish lake. The boat we caught was definitely not wheelchair-accessible; but it is possible others may be. There was, however, a big burly sailor on hand to assist (unsolicited) entry and egress for the mobility-impaired. Bless him! This was much appreciated.

We went to the dance-theatre to see a piece by an English troupe that included disabled performers. At the end of the performance showers of sweets were thrown on stage and there was a loud and prolonged standing ovation. No access issues here.

Going to a music concert was not quite so straight-forward. We wanted to see a performance at the Konserthuset (Stockholm Concert Hall). It started well: there was a ramp leading to the booking-office. Unfortunately the door at the top was too heavy to open single-handedly. There was no means of calling for assistance and no electronically operated system. Another wheelchair-user arrived, a Swedish lady and her friend. Between us all we managed to open the door and enter. Tickets were purchased and then the four of us queued for the lift to take us into the theatre. And we waited...

Suddenly, a ticket-seller leaned over the counter and shouted at us that the lift was out of order. We had to go over to sort out what to do. But why did he not tell us when we were buying the tickets that we could not enter the concert-hall? Could he not have walked across the ticket-hall and quietly explained the situation? I really felt like a second-class citizen. Eventually we had to exit the hall and go round the back of the building and go up in the service lift along with a couple of old dears. It did not end there though. Next we discovered that the concert-hall itself was not accessible due to steps. Another obstacle. Someone did go off and returned some minutes later with a very wobbly mobile ramp to place over the steps. Finally we accessed the hall in time to enjoy the concert. British theatres and concert-halls are far, far better.

Arlanda Airport

Now the part that I doubt very much I shall ever forget. I arrived at check-in at Arlanda Airport with my two sticks and just about ready to collapse, having pushed myself too far. A helpful assistant came over and directed me to a customer-service (misnomer!) desk and there I was to request my wheelchair. The 'customer-service' assistant advised me that I could not have my chair until I had checked-in. Eventually, after some argy-bargy and help from the original assistant, I was given the wheelchair. This time with no disability assistance. So I wheeled myself. We did not have to queue for very long as a check-in clerk beckoned me over to him with a hand gesture and lovely, friendly smile.

Worse was to come. We headed for passport control. I was wheeling myself at my speed (slow as I was tired; but we had plenty of time, so no rush) as it is relatively easy for me to do so on smooth surfaces. I could not reach the passport-controller as there was nowhere for me to tuck the wheelchair under her counter. I had to make a multiple-point manœuvre so as to get the chair sideways on. In order to do so, I placed my passport in my mouth - I have to take similar actions a lot and so am used to not salivating over whatever object is in there. The controller went ballistic. Odd that given I was wheeling the chair, my hands were likely covered in all the crud covering the floor.

Overall Impressions

Stockholm is beautiful and surely romantic. It is full of history, art and culture; but much is inaccessible. The shopping is excellent product-wise, poor service-wise. Service in our hotel and all the eateries we used was excellent and amiable. Service in theatres was mixed. Service at the airport was mixed. Disablism is rife and overt. I felt very uncomfortable, never knowing how I might be treated next. If one is able-bodied, Stockholm is a must-see; not so for the mobility-impaired and wheelies.