Just about managed to get in an overnight stay to see the lovely ancient town of Stamford before seemingly the country locks down again, and chose The Crown based on reviews.
Clearly these are challenging times for all, and it really isn't easy for the hospitality industry to find a way to make it work, particularly when working with very old buildings and inflexible layouts. The Crown has done well to devise a one-way system, but unfortunately not all stick to it, staff included.
Check-in was quick and efficient, and the lady kindly showed us to our rooms. The rooms were good enough, with comfy beds, and a very good, powerful shower. We would have preferred better ventilation though. Windows didn't seem to open at all, and the room got very hot and stuffy. Interesting to see a floor fan set up at the end of October, but that doesn't provide the fresh air we wanted.
We booked for dinner and the spacing of the tables towards the back of the restaurant made us feel safe. Unfortunately our waiter wasn't very warm and personable which grated a bit. Food was very good in general, but the supposedly "twice-cooked chips" were barely cooked once and I had to leave them. Didn't complain because I didn't mind saving the calories, but as part of a 30-quid main course, you expect better without having to say something.
Best part was breakfast. It really...Just about managed to get in an overnight stay to see the lovely ancient town of Stamford before seemingly the country locks down again, and chose The Crown based on reviews.
Clearly these are challenging times for all, and it really isn't easy for the hospitality industry to find a way to make it work, particularly when working with very old buildings and inflexible layouts. The Crown has done well to devise a one-way system, but unfortunately not all stick to it, staff included.
Check-in was quick and efficient, and the lady kindly showed us to our rooms. The rooms were good enough, with comfy beds, and a very good, powerful shower. We would have preferred better ventilation though. Windows didn't seem to open at all, and the room got very hot and stuffy. Interesting to see a floor fan set up at the end of October, but that doesn't provide the fresh air we wanted.
We booked for dinner and the spacing of the tables towards the back of the restaurant made us feel safe. Unfortunately our waiter wasn't very warm and personable which grated a bit. Food was very good in general, but the supposedly "twice-cooked chips" were barely cooked once and I had to leave them. Didn't complain because I didn't mind saving the calories, but as part of a 30-quid main course, you expect better without having to say something.
Best part was breakfast. It really was fantastic, generous and delicious, and served by a friendly and cheerful lady. This absolutely makes all the difference. She should perhaps have a word with the chap who did the dinner service on the Wednesday night.
Overall it was a good stay, but might just try the George or go back to the William Cecil next time.More
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