I didn’t sleep particularly well last night. That wasn’t a fault of the Hotel, this is something which happens particularly if I forget (as I did last night) to take my statin medication, which can aid a decent sleep, as a welcome side-effect. The king-size bed was incredibly comfortable and I assume I was the first person ever to occupy Room 110. There had been a “soft opening” around four weeks previously, for VIPs and others associated with the Hotel’s restoration.
Breakfast, although drawn out, was a special treat, as was the entire stay at the Crescent. Food from the buffet was brought to the table by waiters. I am sure, as time progresses, the service will become just that bit speedier. I enjoyed piping hot porridge, an egg-free “Full English”, toast and Earl Grey leaf tea, complete with strainer.
A socially distanced queue of people waiting to check out created a last minute opportunity to explore the Spa and Gym area, spanning several floors including the basement where once the Pauper’s Pit hosted very cosy theatre and other entertainment. I forget the name of the nightclub/disco which thrived in that same basement towards the end of the last century. All that has been redeveloped as a sophisticated spa offering all manner of treatments and therapies. I was shown all this by Rachel who took a great deal of time and trouble to explain each area, and show me as much of the hotel that was accessible. It was lunch time before, eventually, I checked out.
So, the very long awaited opening of The Crescent has actually happened. It was a long time coming, but walking around, I felt that it was worth the wait. I look forward to the end of the Covid crisis when we no longer have to wear masks, and the world can “carry on where it left off”.
This was a special treat and I am booked in for next week for two nights. This blog is not intended as a critique, merely my personal account of this historic local event, which I wouldn’t have “missed for the world”.
Thanks for reading, David, 14.15hrs, back home in Harpur Hill.
David's Cruise 