Great Victoria Hotel. Bradford, England
February 24, 2007 by Chris | permalink
i had no idea where Bradford was. my heart sank as i strolled out of the fairly tatty train station and saw the sandstone edifice accross the street. it was indeed the hotel. i made my way to the other side and attempted to enter. the door was not to be found, nor any indication where one might find it. i surmized that it could only be the only side that i had not tried. i walked around thinking of my escape strategies. then the entrance dispelled almost all of my misgivings. it was actually renovated almost to its former glory. a fine property that is oh so close to being a fine hotel. check in was easy with the friendly staff. i went up to room 207 at the end of the hall. the hall was well lit with dozens of 50w halogen lights recessed into the ceiling. you could feel the heat in the corridor....what a waste. i wonder how they will retrofit that with lights which dont fry the planet? the room was small. enough space to walk around the bed, but no place to put the roll-on. it just fit on top the tiny writing desk.
i was moved to room 212 a bit later. a wonderful room overlooking the parking lot in between the hotel and the court house. four-poster bed and still no place to put a luggage bag. nice black leather LeCorbusier knock-offs did fine. pity for the leather. the cold water tap didn't work in the bath, but everything else did - including the four TV stations.
it seems that someone looked in a lot of magazines but forgot that in the end, it is the guest experience that really matters.....if i have to put my luggage on the floor and brush my teeth with hot water....at least there is room for improvement.
http://www.thevictoria-hotel.co.uk/Great_Victoria_Hotel_Home.html
