OOh dear
Oops. I lived in Hartlepool as kid and passed the Douglas everyday, nicknaming it the 'Doglas.' Had people stay there years ago who really liked it. Sadly, , my mother got mugged outside in 1999. Haven't heard of any similar incidents.
Working in the area last weekend, with near tragic closure of the lovely Grand Hotel I decided to give the Doglas a go for a two night stay.
NOT A GOOD START
Arrived, shattered at 8.45 were was no-one from the hotel to be seen, only a customer pacing the floor complaining about (someone else's) sock in their room. Normally you just get tea and coffee.
The Douglas employs a policy whereby you ring a number on arrival and receive a pass code to get into the building, along with your room number. The key is sitting on the bed. I bounded optimistically upstairs.
In the room was indeed something on the bed - the occupant who had been allocated the room earlier, Thankfully he was very nice about it.
I rang the main number.... no response. Emergency number, No response, Any advice from free sock recipient? No. Finally a ringback, and room 18.
Ah well. A hearty breakfast would set me up for a busy Saturday. Nope, no breakfast or explanation, either day.
The owner did apologise and I enjoyed the Sunday carvery (40 min wait). The room was acceptably clean and bed comfortable. Wasn't expecting Claridges!
Feel bad about chatting amicably then sending a downer review, but incidents like this could surely impact the future of any hotel.