Perhaps, I an biased. Despite any slight teething troubles, 16 years ago I vaguely remember the maiden voyage of R.M.S. Queen Mary 2. I do recall that historic “voyage of a life-time” which, by its nature, was unique. QM2 was around two years from keel laying to maiden voyage, but around six or seven years from the idea being put forward to Cunard’s then new owners, Carnival. I remember, only too well, the reaction of many of the passengers (and some Press) from the disgruntled and unnecessarily critical to one American who commented, “what’s there not to like?” I was in his camp. I had counted the days to the maiden voyage as a youngster counts the days to Christmas! No inefficient service or other snags were going to spoil my pleasure of “being there”.
So it was with The Crescent. (Also, last year at Toronto’s Royal York, where I was probably the first to check in at the new reception area after years of renovation. That was more by chance than design!) In contrast, the rebirth of The Crescent had now materialised. My carefully choreographed plan to be first to check in at The Crescent went “pear-shaped” when, unknown to me, they had opened the doors four hours earlier than intended, originally. Numerous other people must have had that same idea! Suffice it to say, I was there on Day 1. And, that was important to me.
There is little need to write again about that first day. And indeed, even today, the Hotel has been open for just one week. I have (out of curiosity) read a few reviews from other guests. Most have been fair in their comments, one or two being harsh and unforgiving, others, perfectly understanding of the inevitable snags that are going to occur with such a new and complex undertaking. I don’t think I will mind if breakfast continues to be somewhat disorganised. Irritated I may have been to begin with, but I now regard this as part of its charm. I do like being served everything both from the buffet, as well as the menu, rather than the current trend for helping one’s self. Once again, a hearty breakfast has made lunch redundant. When Covid has subsided sufficiently, breakfast at The Crescent will be a special treat for non-residents. Dinner also, although “boutique” prices and style seem to prevail here. On Day 1, dinner was slightly slow with too much time between starter and main course. And, I would have appreciated more chicken. Having said that, I did feel replete until some time in the middle of the night. On both occasions this week, the courses were spaced perfectly. Last night, for dessert, I requested plain vanilla ice cream, not on the menu, explaining to the waitress that being diabetic, the desserts were all heavily sugar-laden and thus, for me, off limits. She seemed to get the message! Nevertheless, the ice cream arrived beautifully presented and smothered with sugar decoration! I think I got away with this time!
Breakfast on my last day, with a little urging on my part, was most enjoyable, even if I did have to remind one of the servers that I still, nobody had taken my main order. But I knew that was likely to happen and was perfectly content to “enjoy it as it came”. Earl Grey leaf tea arrived in two separate helpings, both with a pot of extra hot water, with lemon and strainer which I only forgot to use just once!
My haircut at home was scheduled for 11.30, and thus, I couldn’t linger too long in the Hotel’s public areas. I returned to my room, took some final photos through one of the two windows, left my key-card at Reception, having settled my outstanding bill the previous evening. Checking both in and out is a lengthy procedure; I have seen more spacious Reception and Concierge areas on my travels. As in other places, Reception is difficult to access by telephone in your room; perhaps this is an area which could be looked into. My trick of settling the bill the night before was welcomed by the appropriate Hotel personnel, and made for a speedy get-away.
I was very pleased with a £20.00 refund for a delayed breakfast yesterday, and suspect this had been triggered by a tranche of complaints. I was also pleased with my local resident’s discount, which, if applied to more than just the first night’s accommodation, might encourage more local patronage. But who cares! I have booked a two night stay in November, this time, in a Crescent Superior Room. Maybe this time, I shall remember my trunks and enjoy what the Spa has to offer. (I shall give the Gym a miss!)
To sum up, I was neither surprised nor disappointed at the few very minor niggles during the Hotel’s first week of operation. I would have appreciated being able to see the various function rooms which have also been renovated to a spectacular standard. But I understand, completely, why this was not possible. The quality of the refurbishment throughout the Hotel, both in public areas and bedrooms, is exemplary. I saw no careless fittings in the bathroom, and everything, including the air conditioning worked as it should. My summer travel plans were curtailed because of the pandemic; these few days made for a very pleasant alternative, and the sun shone as I vacated The Crescent.
Thanks for reading, David, 13.30 back home in Harpur Hill.
David's Cruise 