interesting, atmospheric, characterful place
By A Yahoo! Contributor, 11/14/08
This hotel is warm, welcoming and comfortable. The main bedrooms on the first floor, reached by a broad sweeping staircase, are spacious and grand, befitting the wealthy man who built this place. Further up, a winding narrow stairs brings you to a network of little low rooms - the maids' quarters. Decor in the main hall and stairway makes extensive use of tartan and dark green deep-buttoned leather club chairs - I find this look very overpowering, but I guess its authentic. The bar and dining-room have lighter, airier decor. Staff were unfailingly helpful and pleasant - moved me without demur from the aforementioned maids' quarters. The location is not ideal for my needs, and I found I was spending lots on taxis to and from the city centre and conference centre. Breakfast is quite good,- one small quibble- it would be better if the green stalk were removed from strawberries and blackberries - de-stalking these is a messy job best done in a kitchen I think. The surrounding avenues are lined with impressive Victorian-era mansions, I went for a walk and became quite lost. Overall, I would say this might interest you if you would like a break from generic modern chain hotel rooms.