Search for Hotel Perfection

As we continued our journey back to home base Las Vegas, we decided to spend a few more days in Bedford, England with our Daughter Ramona and Granddaughter Ricarda.

Fortunately the weather had cleared considerably from our visit a few weeks earlier. As we only had a few days we decided to make the most of it and headed off to the Woburn Safari Park, a short half hour drive from Bedford. It was hardly the African experience I had hoped for but never the less we did get to see Lions, Tigers and a host of 'wild' animals roaming free, if not in anything like their natural habitat. One particularly friendly Ape decided to dismantle our car! (Check out the pictures above.) Needless to say my Granddaughter loved every minute of it! I must also add the park was extremely well maintained and truly is a great day out.

However as usual I digress!

What, you might be expected to ask, has this got to do with my never ending quest for outstanding Hotels?

Well I'm getting to that.

My Daughter, as usual with the best intentions at heart, had been given the task of locating an overnight accommodation near London's Gatwick Airport on the eve prior to our early morning departure on Virgin Atlantic, who by the way fly direct London to Las Vegas.

"I found a great bargain," she declared! "a quaint old hotel only 15 minutes from the airport. The amazing rate of GBP 39.00 (British Pounds = $ US 61.00) includes a coach ride to the airport."

"Great", I responded.

"It has Wi-Fi, two restaurants and a bath, not just a shower!"

If nothing else my daughter understands my needs.

As it happened a friend had agreed to drive us down on the evening in question for the cost of the gas ($6.00 a gallon would you believe.) That tacked an additional $75.00 on to our overnight stay.

For directions he relied on a GPS on his phone! Big mistake! I swear it took us on a one hour detour around the West Sussex countryside.

When we did eventually arrive we were told by a highly amused receptionist, "that happens to everyone!"

"Could I get a trolley for my bags" I inquired, seeing no Bell Staff?

"I'm sorry Sir, but we don't have trolleys, but I can get someone to help you with your bags," she smiled. "You are on the second floor and I'm afraid there are no lifts"

"Food" I inquired.

"Yes Sir, the restaurants on the second floor and closes at 10pm."

I checked my watch; it had just turned 8.30 so no problem there.

The restaurant proved to be a buffet, and was priced at GB 12.50 per head. At first glance this was not too expensive, that was until we actually saw the food! Whilst the Pork roast and Turkey was fine the remaining choices, veggies etc were dried up and looked like they had been sitting there for an hour or two!

The real shock came when the host showed us to our seat. The upholstery was ingrained with dirt and stains of an indeterminable nature - to the extent that they offered to cover the seat with a tablecloth so my wife could sit down! They did have tomato soup, my wife's favorite, so we ate in silence and then retired to discover our room.

No Wi-Fi - reception area only, I was informed.

The TV remote didn't work, the bell man apologized and told us we would have to change channels (all 5 of them) manually.

The room appeared clean and the coach in the morning was on time, so you could say all's well that ends well?

Sorry, Europa, but this traveler won't be back!

Travel safely and pick your Hotel carefully.

Dr. Peter J Shield PhD (http://pjshield.com)