The Tontine Hotel

Clean and well appointed

Too many stairs .

Good selection of breakfasts

There is two dedicated disabled parking spaces at the front of the hotel.

I feel that the young waitresses could benefit from some extra training. They are very polite however.

Reception on arrival was very good although I had to repeat information given a couple of days earlier by 'phone. The 'phone call had an excellent response too. There was a good selection of food and drink. It wasn't busy. Our room was good. Bathroom excellent. The hotel was perfectly situated for access to the high street and the park and riverside. Internal decor was satisfactory although externally a coat of paint to window surrounds would be useful.

There's a proviso here. My comments are made to help the hotel management improve their services. I have many years experience in customer facing management as an employer and user. Our first evening meal was good. We were attended by a very young lad who was clearly very nervous. I suggest that he would benefit by working alongside a skilled member of staff. The food was lovely and delivered in good time. Lighting in the dining room was a little subdued but adequate. Upon leaving the dining room afetr the meal I checked out with another young lad to sign for drinks additional to our paid for meal. He too seemed new to the job and required guidance by yet another young man dressed in a suit who perhaps had some more senior responsibilities. His guidance was peremptory and rather too casual as was his manner and dress. He was leaning against the desk and showed no positive input. I concluded that the staff have no "presence" which would be easily improved with some professional training. Our second evening meal produced a problem. I ordered pork fillet but what I received was more akin to a bacon chop. It was quite edible as such. I made no complaint as, in view of the age and observed capabilities of staff, I decided that there was little to be gained and much to be lost by doing so. Had I been asked if "everything was alright" at the end of the meal I may have broached the subject. I intended to make my thoughts known at checkout the following morning. However I was stymied at that point. Checkout was surrounded with two members of staff at the desk, one a young man seemingly observing desk processes. Two other members of staff were there chatting. I felt again that my comments would have been embarrassing to junior staff and would be better delivered quietly and measured in this manner. I sincerely hope that staff are given the opportunity to give a better service.