by Raymond Singleton-McGuire | Jul 8, 2019 | SMGBlog
Raymond Singleton-McGuire states; Excellent! Excellent! Excellent! Excellent!
Raymond Singleton-McGuire reports; What can I say? Hotel Venezia has it all; serenity; location; presentation; excellent service & clientele.
Raymond Singleton-McGuire states; the location of the Hotel Venezia could not be more perfect as when sunbathing on its waterside decking you are not overlooked by any of the other nearby hotels and therefore makes the Hotel Venezia somewhat exclusive.
Raymond Singleton-McGuire reports; Ridiculously, you are only some 200 yards from Malcesine town centre yet the solitude and relaxing ambience of the hotel is truly amazing.
Raymond Singleton-McGuire states; there are of course, the constant ferries passing along Lake Garda but somehow this just adds to the incredible scenic views encapsulated in the tranquil mountainous setting of Lake Garda.
Raymond Singleton-McGuire reports; the hotel is run by Father and Daughter who appear to be there morning, noon and night and who are always willing to help, advise and recommend …… honestly, this place could not get any better!
Raymond Singleton-McGuire reports that; there is a large jacuzzi to the front of the hotel and also one of the Superior Rooms has its own large balcony for sunbathing, as well as its own private jacuzzi. The hotel also supplies pushbikes free of charge on a 2-hour per day basis. Amazingly, when we booked the hotel they arranged our airport transfers for £25.00 per person each way from Verona airport directly to the hotel.
Raymond Singleton-McGuire states; to all those thinking of booking, it is well worth paying the extra money to have a Lakeside room with your own balcony, the views are simply stunning and the sunsets are out of this world.
Raymond Singleton-McGuire reports; I can only give this hotel 10/10!
by Raymond Singleton-McGuire | Jul 8, 2019 | SMGBlog
Raymond Singleton-McGuire states; Staggeringly Worth A Visit!
Raymond Singleton-McGuire states; worth every cent of the €6.50 entrance fee. Has fantastic views of Lake Garda, surrounding area and don’t forget to climb the tower, which gives sensational views not only of Malcesine but also of the lake and surrounding mountains.
Raymond Singleton-McGuire reports; the castle also conducts wedding ceremonies however, I understand you have to allow at least 6 months for the Italian authorities to issue you with the marriage licence.
Raymond Singleton-McGuire states; those wishing to visit the castle, wear suitable footwear as all pathways are cobbled.
Raymond Singleton-McGuire reports; I can highly recommend this as one of the top tourist attractions in the area.
by Raymond Singleton-McGuire | Jul 8, 2019 | SMGBlog
Raymond Singleton-McGuire states; Not As We Had Expected!! & Not the Friendliest of Places!
Raymond Singleton-McGuire states; The Red Lion is in a beautiful and idyllic setting in Revesby, Lincolnshire – a place we had previously used as a ‘watering hole’ when passing.
Raymond Singleton-McGuire states; on this occasion we decided on the Red Lion for Sunday Lunch. We were offered two sittings, 12.00 – 12.30pm or 2.00pm – 2.30pm; we took the later sitting arriving at 2.15pm. We received no greeting or pleasantries on arrival and found there was no table service. The same waitress who was now pouring our drinks at the bar, came to our table to tell us she had left our drinks on the bar if we wanted to fetch them! We later had to do the same for the bottle of wine and water.
Raymond Singleton-McGuire highlights; the management operate a table-by-table rotary system of serving food from the carvery, however, at the time we declined our ‘slot’ still wanting time to chill-out and relax before eating having rushed to get there in time. We were disappointed to be ‘shouted’ at 5 minutes later from the other side of the restaurant by again the same waitress ordering us to collect our food from the carvery now! As we declined the invitation, we were then confronted by a very grumpy chef who attended our table rather loudly telling us we should eat now, as they don’t have all day!!!
Raymond Singleton-McGuire states; clearly, we failed at every hurdle to appease the staff and management on how they expect customers to behave. We appear to have got it so wrong right from the start, which made the whole anticipated relaxing event of going out for Sunday Lunch completely uncomfortable. A few pleasantries might have helped with the seemingly unexpected basic ‘self-service’ type of approach.
Raymond Singleton-McGuire reports; whilst this type of Sunday Lunch might be ok for some, who want to consume food immediately they step over the threshold; for ourselves, Sunday Lunch is a ‘quality’ time to take things easy and relax over a bottle of wine, rather than consume our food as quickly as possible. Incidentally, it was very apparent that we were overlooked when everyone else in the restaurant was given a dessert menu apart from ourselves!
Raymond Singleton-McGuire reports; What can I say! The roast beef, which we both agreed was excellent, however, the rest was disappointing.
by Raymond Singleton-McGuire | May 31, 2019 | SMGBlog
Raymond Singleton-McGuire states; Brilliant Show – Average Food!!!
Raymond Singleton-McGuire states; this Theatre Company has won numerous Trip Advisor ‘Certificates of Excellence’.
Raymond Singleton-McGuire states; the two hour show whilst dining is brilliant.
Raymond Singleton-McGuire reports; disappointingly, having been a patron of the local venue where the show was performing we were disappointed with our meal. Whilst we are regular customers at the Petwood Hotel in Lincolnshire, we have always been happy with the high standard of both presentation and preparation where their food is concerned.
Raymond Singleton-McGuire states; unfortunately, unsure if this was a ‘one-off’, but we remain disappointed as we felt the food was not up to the usual standard. Whilst realising they were dealing with a large number of people at the same time, we have been on other events of a similar magnitude and by comparison the food has been far superior.
Raymond Singleton-McGuire reports; hopefully, this was a ‘one-off issue and in no way should reflect on the excellent 2½ hour show, or indeed our future visits to the Petwood Hotel.
by Raymond Singleton-McGuire | May 31, 2019 | SMGBlog
Raymond Singleton-McGuire states; Service With A Smile, Dignity, Respect, Honour & Enthusiasm
Raymond Singleton-McGuire reports; almost treated as if you are royalty in a 5 star restaurant! Yet most of the staff are volunteers and dedicate their time to serve you free of charge. Unbelievable – this is our second time on the East Lancashire Railway and it just gets better.
Raymond Singleton-McGuire states; it is difficult to say how grateful we both were to enjoy the delights of the ‘Dining With Distinction’ event which was a black tie evening dress affair. Believe me, you will not be ripped off with typical over inflated prices. It was truly an enjoyable, entertaining evening starting with aperitifs, champagne, canapes for at least one hour before you even step on to the train.
Raymond Singleton-McGuire reports; the train staff and driver are more than welcoming for you to stand on the footplates before the train leaves to take advantage of a photo opportunity.
Raymond Singleton-McGuire states; there are musicians on the platform. Once on the train it is as if you are the only person in the restaurant (carriage). The service is impeccable in fact, better that some restaurants we have visited.
Raymond Singleton-McGuire states; setting this aside, there is the fact that you are actually travelling on an aged steam train being pulled having a meal in a historic Pullman restaurant car, which simply just adds to the ambience.
Raymond Singleton-McGuire states; what more can I say? There are a number of steam railway companies that offer this same service, but to date, the East Lancashire Railway really takes the cherry on the top!
by Raymond Singleton-McGuire | May 31, 2019 | SMGBlog
Raymond Singleton-McGuire states; First Time In Nandos!!
Raymond Singleton-McGuire states; Location Good! Food Good! Service very good and as you would expect from Nandos loads of chicken!
Raymond Singleton-McGuire reports; whilst perhaps nothing exceptional, there is certainly something about Nandos which makes we want to return!
Raymond Singleton-McGuire states; menu is a bit confusing at first, especially for someone in their 60’s! But, the children connected to the menus straightaway and help us navigate around the lists!
Raymond Singleton-McGuire states; furthermore, perhaps not what I am used to but very casual, relaxing and staff gave attention to detail.
