Menzies Carlton - Bournemouth, United Kingdom     

We stayed for two nights. Michael, a member of the management team was quick to resolve an issue we had on the first night and went that 'extra mile' to make sure we had a superb room with views that couldn't be bettered. His calm and reassuring professionalism was in stark contrast to other members of staff. There seemed to be two new bar staff working together during our stay - they were unable to do a white wine spritzer so we ordered white wine, soda, glasses, and made our own. The next guest had similar difficulties. To be fair, there are plenty of bars within fifteen minutes' walk of the hotel so it doesn't have to be an issue. Breakfast staff were similarly poorly trained - no attention to the guests, cold toast, food that had spent too long in the bain maries, no orange marmalade on either day, tables uncleared. Menzies Carlton you really should have a close look at this part of your operation, it lets you down badly. Front desk staff were efficient but uncaring, at least some of them being new too. Maybe we should return later in the season when they've all had chance to improve. The hotel is in a great location with superb views, good sized rooms, decent facilities, ample free parking. As others have said, it probably was a bit pricey, but that has to be taken in the context of the surrounding hotels and the time of year of one's stay. We thought it was ok. Michael thank you, you made our visit to Bournemouth! With just a bit more staff training and a better breakfast offering, you have the feeling this could be a top hotel.

I was booked into the hotel for a conference and whilst the hotel is nice enough, a bog standard 3-4 star I cannot believe how much it cost! It was booked through our works travel agent so i expected that we would pay a bit over the odds but I calculated we were charged ?80+ more than the quoted rates in the hotel. The public areas have obviously had a lot of money spent on them but my bedroom was a let down. It was reasonably comfortable with some nice touches ( 'jellybelly' jellybeans in the room etc) but it was let down by a poor refit. It was as if they got halfway through and ran out of money. For example the bathroom had cheap vinyl wood effect flooring, and the carpet in the bedroom hadn't been replaced so didn't match the new decor. The breakfast was one of the worst it have had in a while (and i stay in a lot of hotels!!) Again some one had made an effort, they served cafetiere coffee but the cooked breakfast was grim and alot of the continental breakfast eg cheese and meats wern't available. That said on a positive note the staff were friendly and helpful and the room service burger i had was excellent( pity the room service menu was so limited!) I know these arn't major points but just be warned don't go expecting the luxury experience you might expect from the price.