I FELT AS THOUGH I WAS IN SPAIN BEFORE I GOT THERE (Thistle Hotels in general)

Member Name: binnie

Product:	Thistle Hotels in general
Date:	22/03/03 (453 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: CLEAN AND TIDY THROUGHOUT, LOVELY MEALS AND GOOD SERVICE, FRIENDLY STAFF

Disadvantages: NOISY ROADS, NEEDED DOUBLE GLAZING IN OUR ROOM

Well here I am , back from the hot weather of Tenerife, seems like the UK has a good spell of it too.
When I book a holiday, one of the first things afterwards is always how do we get to the airport. We usually use a Taxi service who charge £60 return for about a 50 minute drive. This time though, the owner of the company was trying to dictate to me what time he wanted to pick us up, when in fact, I wanted to tell him, afterall I am the customer, right?
I lost my patience and told him to forget it, then hurriedly went on the internet to find an alternative.
Not knowing what I was really looking for, I typed into Google, airport parking. The first site I came across was ABC Holiday extras, this company came up with a hotel for a night and car parking for up to 15 days for a price of £84. What a good idea I thought, we could drive to the hotel the night before we flew and stay there all refreshed, then get up in the morning and get on the plane.

The hotel I fancied the best, or was it because it was a well known name, was The Thistle near Manchester airport. We have already stayed at a Thistle Hotel in Manchester city centre, and after swapping rooms once, we found it ok. This time, we hoped for something a little more luxurious.
Jumping the gun a bit, I booked with ABC holidays and a week or so later, I received the accomodation voucher.
Dave and I was expecting the hotel to be in the airports surroundings and to leave the car there, but when we arrived, it was at least 5 miles away from the airport, but actually felt about a lot more. We found the hotel quite easily with written directions on the voucher. It's actually on Wilmslow Rd off the M60, then you follow signs for Heald Green. Go through the town, then it's not far from there.
It's actually set on quite a busy road, and when you pull into the grounds of the hotel, there is a building which looks in need of repair, this apparently is staff quarters, which we found
out off a Spanish waiter, wouldn't like to swap accomodations with him.
The hotel is within seconds of entering the grounds, there are a few car parking spaces at the front of the hotel, then it looked like there was underground parking too. We parked just outside the door as we needed to unload the car with our suitcases and Dave's bicyle which he always brings on our hols, grrrr.
The first thing I noticed, was the ramps for the disabled access and wheelchair users, also there weren't too many steps for the able bodied. That was a good thing, as I don't always see this happening in hotels.

*THE ENTRANCE*

On entering the hotel , it always gives me the first impression of things to come. It was not massive but looked very clean and inviting. The floors were marble, there was a small reception area, with very friendly staff. They welcomed us, and even though David had a bike in a rather large box, they offered to lock it up for him in a secure room. They reasssured him, he could gain access to the room whenever he wanted, but no, you don't know my husband and his precious bike, he had to take it upstairs with him to our room. No problem said the receptionists, if it will fit in the lift.
We were given an electronic card for the key which is really much the norm nowadays, they are really much lighter than a heavy key and it's fob.
Didn't get asked if we wanted a newspaper, or wakeup call or breakfast, but then they probably forgot with me waffling on.
What surprised me though, was the fact that we couldn't leave the car there for the week we were in Tenerife. They said because we had booked with ABC, the contract is with them and the company Airparks, this meant driving another mile or so in the morning to park the car.
Parking at the hotel which you book with them, was £3.50 a day, how I wish I had known first.
Walking through the lobby, I noticed there were quite a lot of comfy chairs, near
a window overlooking the garden area, it even had a little wooden balcony if the weather had been nice. In the middle of the entrance hall, was a table with leaflets to read, and some sort of newspaper. To be honest, I can't remember much else, couldn't say if there were any vending machines or not. Overally though, it was a pleasant and welcoming hallway, with carpeted stairs leading to the restaurant and bar area. One thing I noticed which I've never seen before, was a Stenna stairlift chair on the balcony rails, this was in case they had disabled people unable to use the stairs. What a great idea, I was even tempted to have a go myself.
There wasn't too many stairs though, but would have been awkward for those struggling to walk.

*THE BATHROOM*

We went up in the lift and was told the room was 47, think it was on the second floor. The signs on the wall told us which direction our room was in, still I seem to get lost. The corridors were quite wide, much wider than The Thistle at Piccadily Manchester City Centre. The carpets was a lovely blue, which was in good condition, we only noticed a few threadbare bits later on. Overally, it was lovely.
On entering the Non Smoking room of number 47, I squealed with delight. The room looked lovely, the same blue carpet was in the bedroom, but looked brand new. The first thing I noticed, was it was rather larger than I first expected. The room was in a corner, so it had a bit more room, it was like an L shape first, then quite a large area for the bed etc. The bathroom was the first room we came to. God knows why, but I always have to check this room out first, I look forward to relaxing in the bath with their freebies. Girls you will know what I mean.
The bathroom was a nice size, not too small, not too big. The Black and White tiles on the floor were shining, and clean. The tiles around the bath and the rest of the room, were ivory Marble, which were all intact, something which
i'm quite fussy about. I can't stand tiles that look dirty and half hanging off, don't come to my house then!!!!. There was a bath with shower over, the shower curtain was white and felt like Silk, no stains or marks was on it. It felt luxurious. The normal sink and toilet was also there. There was an added bonus of a heated towel rail, which came on in the evening, lovely touch I thought. There were plenty of towels, even though i hadn't found them all straightway, they were hidden in some drawers in the bedroom.
On the wall was a shaver point and a funny contraption which was a hairdryer in disguise. It reminded me of a hand dryer you find in the loos with an attachement. I used it once, but I wouldn't rely on it if you like to blow dry your hair prfectly. I looked like Wurzel Gummidge afterwards, it blew it all over the place.
On the ledge were a few toiletries, which consisted of a Shampoo, a bath and shower gel and a bar of soap. Really just the basics, a body lotion would have been nice. But then I only nick them and put them in my handbag, still I've paid for them haven't I?.Plenty of loo rolls too.
Overall a beautifully clean bathroom, which I'm sure even The Queen would use.


*THE BEDROOM*

After the bathroom, you come back out into a little L shaped corridor, where you pass the mirrored wardrobe. The wardrobe is made from a lovely Light Oak and when you open it, it lights up inside. There wasn't so many coathangers, but then this hotel is really only for business people who stop over for a night or two.
Inside was the luggage holder, which you can rest your suitcase onto if you like, didn't bother as we wasn't really staying long. There was also a spare pillow which I always use and a blanket if needed.
The trouser press was a clever gadget, as it was a combined ironing board too, you could iron your clothes, there was a Phillips iron provided, non steam and the trouser pr
ess if only needed to iron the trousers.
It was compact and didn't take up any room as it was built into the wall, cleverly stowed away.
The bed was a double which we had asked for, it had a pretty blue patterned through over on top, with crispy white sheets and matching pillowcases. David is 6 ft and struggles with his feet hanging over the edge, this wasn't too bad he said. Me, well I'm only a wee 5 ft, and roll up into a ball anyway when I sleep. Next to the bed on each side were drawers with light switches built into them.
They were also in the lovely light Oak finishings to match the wardrobe. Above the bed was a massive mirror, great if you want to jump and down on the bed and see yourself. Made the room look bigger I think.
In the drawers was the usual yellow Pages and telephone directory and bible. The telephone too was placed upon the cabinets and in a handy place in case of emergencies, or your early morning wake up call.

The dressing table, could be used as a desk where there was a reading lamp situated for the business person doing late night homework.
The 14" portable sat proudly at the end with the remote control intact, that's another thing, most remotes in hotels are broken or the backs off.
I glanced at the Tv and noticed it said Welcome Mrs Metcalfe, what a nice touch. Along with the usual channels were the choice of Pay per View channels, not sure what they cost sorry, didn't bother to find out.
There was a menu which detailed prices of room service, there was a laundry service with plastic bag to put your dirty clothes in, and some stationary and pencil in the drawers.

A kettle and plenty of tea and coffee were placed on the shelf near the window. We even had two packs of yummy biscuits, which were Fruit and Lemon and Stem ginger, nice they were too. You only had to contact reception for more supplies, free of course.
The pottery which came with the tea set, were nice qua
lity white bowls and a tea pot, plainly decorated, but everything looked nice and new.
There were two large windows in the room with clean and white net curtains, and those lovely curtains, I nearly pinched them for my home.
They were tie backs, but set the room off nicely. Little did we know how noisy the room was going to be. During the day, I suppose the traffic was quite noisy, but when at night it sounded like the window was open, I went to investigate. I lifted the net curtain up, and found the window closed, but there was brown tape all round the bottom bit of the sash window. Don't think it was double glazed as it let too much noise in. The lovely effect of the room overall was let down with this unslightly brown tape and noise from the roadside.
We only stayed one night, so we put up with it, afterall the room was lovely, just needed a new window. You never would have known until I went to investigate.

*ROOM SERVICE*

This was mostly 24 hours, with some of the menu only available until a certain time.
The surcharge I think was £3.00, don't quote me there.
This is some of the choice.

Minute Steak and Onion Baguette £4.10
Tuna , Mayo and cucumber sandwich at £3.50, on baguette £4.20
Smoked Salmon on bread £4.75, baguette £6.00
Smooth Liver Pate with Cumberland Preserve and baked Garlic bread, £3.95
Fantail of Sweet Melon with Atlantic Prawns £3.95

Wine Chardonnay, Moondarra £17.50
Red, soft fruity , Vin de Pays £12.10 a bottle
Champagen (Lanson) £39.95

By the glass

White Wine £4.95
Red £4.95
Beers included Rolling Rock, Stella Artois and Heinekin.

In the room was also a Do not Disturb sign and a dressing table chair and another chair which we always shove our clothes on.

*THE RESTAURANT AND BAR AREA*

In the afternoon to kill a bit of time we went into the bar area, which was up the stairs from the entrance hall, and even
though it was quite small, it felt nice and cosy. There was a TV with sky news etc, free newspapers and a Spanish waiter behind the bar. I felt as though I was already on my holidays. I ordered a coffee and a beer for David. It came to £4.20. When the waiter came, he brought me a pot of coffee which I could have got three cups from, sugar cubes and milk, quite a little tea party, the only thing missing was a biscuit or two. He then gave me 75p back as he had overcharged me, I thought it was expensive, but never queried it, not like me.
The bar has some comfy settees and chairs, with coffee tables, it also overlooked a lovely garden with small decking area for the warmer weather.
The restaurant which is called The Pinewood was open 7am until 9.30 midweek and 8 until 10 pm for the weekends. You can either have a bar snack sat in the bar or take the food into the restaurant. There's also a restaurant menu which ranges in prices. We opted for the three course menu for £19. Starters consisted of Soup, quite a large bowlful, Melon with a few strawberries for me and Dave. I had Chicken, with Bacon bits, and Onion in a lovely sauce, roast potatoes, and veg, David had Roast beef and Yorkshire Pudding, but the psoh way of course. For dessert, we had Lemon Meringue and cream and some sort of Chocolate Mousse cake. Then came Coffee, and Mints.
I must say the room, was gorgeous, the waiters were mainly spanish and very friendly. I chatted them to death wanting to know where they came from. apparently they came from Madrid,and Alicante and one of them was staying to learn more english living in the staff quarters, to which he pulled his face. When I sat down, they pulled the chair out for you, which I must say embarrasses me a little, as I'm not much of a lady. There were only a few people in there, two of which were German and American and who had the biggest mouth, bitch aren't I?. They probaly wondered what this riffraff lot wanted, as everybody seeme
d to be businesslike.
Also if you were lucky you get see out of the window loverlooking yet again the lovely gardesn, it really was a sahme we only stayed for one night. The restaurant was split into two parts, we never got to see in the other side. I wondered if it was a smoking part, not sure though.
Overally the service was very efficient and probably one of the best meals we had, had all week, it really was delicious. The portions were just right, not overfacingly large, but not Noveau Quisine either, (not sure if I've spelt it right).
I really did enjoy the fuss and the waiters were friendly and still came across as professional, maybe they appreciated a little banter instead of some stoney faced business men dining there for a change.

Breakfast was also available there for £10.50 a head, but we didn't take them up on their offer as we were going to eat at the airport for half the price, that's a change isn't it?
I really think paying £10.50 is quite expensive especially when I don't eat much at this unearthly time of the day.
If you wanted it in your bedroon you could, at a supplement of another £3.00 on top.
Choice was Full English with Two eggs, fried or scrambled or even boiled, Back Bacon, Tomato, Mushrooms, sausages. There was orange, Tomato, grapefruit Juice, Melon, Prunes, fresh Grapefruit, Cereals, croissants, toast with preserves, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, the list goes on.
The price isn't bad if you could eat a lot in the morning, but I can't.

*FACILITIES*

There wasn't anything fancy like a Gym, or swimming pool, but the facilites they had were all adequate. You could send faxes,to the UK at £2.00 a page, Eire and Europe at £3.50 and the rest of the world was £5.00 a page.
You could access and retrieve voice mail, from your room free of charge, and if needing a doctor there was also a number provided.You could vacate your room at 12. 0 clock which was nice a
s sometimes 10 am is the norm.
The Stairlift, was an extra touch I've never seen before. The only thing wrong was the noise from the road and the make do brown tape for the window. I presume some of the other rooms are not near the road, and if we do it again, will be requesting a quieter room afterall there are 58 of them to go through. There are 19 Non Smoking Rooms to choose from, some with single beds, some with doubles.

There is air conditiong throughout and not once did I feel cold, it was heated just nice and comfortable.
There were several rooms for meetings, but I didn't need these, not this time, ha ha.
Including parking and the one night stay over it cost us £84 for the whole thing, car parking overnight was free, but if you just booked the hotel room and wanted car parking for the rest of your stay whilst you are on holiday, it was £3.50 a day.
It was very secure too. To book the hotel direct, please visit www.thistlehotels.com, prices range from £52 per room including breakfast right up to £125 per room.

I would definetly recommend this hotel, it's sister hotel in Manchester City Centre needs to take note, this hotel is much nicer. The first impressions when going into the reception, always count for me. Lovely throughout, without being overpriced.
Normally I wouldn't splash out this kind of money for a one night stay, but David thought spending £84 for the room and parking, and the £38 for the meal, plus tips and extra drinks was a little bit extravagant, to me it got the holiday off to a great start. He thought the money would have been better spent in Tenerife itself, tight git.

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