Responding to another thread about Portsmouth made me think about the worst hotel I ever stayed in.

Now I am not sure if it is good form to name such places so I will avoid doing that here. But it was a hotel chain charging about 70 quid a night. This is what happened:

1. First words of greeting from the legendary reception man “Jesus Fucking Christ…someone is definitely going to be punched today”. I said hello and that I was here to check in (9 year old daughter by my side) – he carried on his expletive-peppered story of his day so far. He asked if I had parked in the car park. Yes. He asked if I could pay the fifteen quid now – in cash. The online booking said it was free parking so I shared that info with him. Shrug. “OK” … “You can park for free, I don’t care”.

2. The room was comically tiny. I could not fit my whole torso in the shower. I am a big chap 6’5″ but I am not obese and this would have been a ridiculous proposition for anyone. Even for my normal-sized daughter child.

3. So » Continue Reading.