Late night last night, trying to fix a wireless issue. Now resolved, but meant leaving the office about 3 hours later than I would normally to get back to London. On the plus side, the drive home was bliss with no traffic on the M25 at all, so did it in record time: and no, I wasn't speeding officer! I had cruise set the whole time. Bit of chilled out music on the stereo (Zero 7 and then some Beth Orton) and all was good in the world.
I actually changed the CD's in the autochanger yesterday for the first time in ages. Zero 7 is a great CD to have in the car on evening/late night drives where you just pass the miles by on the motorway and I forgot just how good it was. It got me thinking about bands I'd seen live with my other half as we'd seen Zero 7 and loved it. I've been to more gigs in the last few years in London than ever, in fact I'd only been to about 5 before that (although, that included REM at Murrayfield, Oasis at the same place and U2 at Celtic Park which was just brilliant). It also included Neil Finn, who is one of my favourite musicians who I've seen a couple of times now as well. We've had to cut down on gig going at the moment as all the money we would normally spend on gigs is going into the wedding fund, but one we had to get is Beth Orton with Bert Jansch and Bernard Butler at Somerset House. It's going to be such a summer highlight for me. Can't wait.
Friday, May 18, 2007
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Baa
A most enjoyable game of squash last night, although we must both have been tired (or fitter?) as I was not nearly as purple as I was after the last game. This was followed up by a meal in Amigos, where as always, the food was good buut we had to wait for it. At least you know it's fresh!
Our new office is taking shape with people settling into where they are supposed to be. One collegue has decided he wants to stay in the old office as the new office has a few connectivity issues. His rants over processes and paperwork are pretty annoying, and have led me to ensure the reason he isn't in the correct place (wireless access) is resolved quickly so I can get on with my work and not listen to bleating all day long.
Wedding update: the current search for a photographer is ongoing. There is however now a shortlist, and so some meetings need to be setup to meet with them and look over their work in more detail. There is so much more to it than you'd imagine, with the current big debate being if we should go digital or film. Film has an appeal for old times sake, although as my other half and her sister have an issue with photos in that they always have their eyes shut in them, there is a risk that all the photos have me grinning like a goon and her with her eyes shut.
Decisions, decisions....
Our new office is taking shape with people settling into where they are supposed to be. One collegue has decided he wants to stay in the old office as the new office has a few connectivity issues. His rants over processes and paperwork are pretty annoying, and have led me to ensure the reason he isn't in the correct place (wireless access) is resolved quickly so I can get on with my work and not listen to bleating all day long.
Wedding update: the current search for a photographer is ongoing. There is however now a shortlist, and so some meetings need to be setup to meet with them and look over their work in more detail. There is so much more to it than you'd imagine, with the current big debate being if we should go digital or film. Film has an appeal for old times sake, although as my other half and her sister have an issue with photos in that they always have their eyes shut in them, there is a risk that all the photos have me grinning like a goon and her with her eyes shut.
Decisions, decisions....
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Another day, another game of squash. Played again last night with a collegue, and we are definitely getting better! I'm a little worried as at some point his fitness will improve and I could be in trouble then, but the shots are beginning to come back now. Have semi mastered the forehand off the back wall, but still struggle with the same shot on the backhand. I mean, I know the theory on how to do it, just need to practise it!
Playing again tonight, see if the body will hold up as last night was a hard game that took it out of me (few aches and pains), tonight will be the same if not more so.
Work have gone admin crazy. They have implemented a new system to track holidays and probable hours that you'll work. Which is rediculous, as there is already a system for booking holiday, the resource people know when you project end date is, and for the majority of people, the hours are pretty standard throughout the year. So a nice way of creating more work while already having the information available.
Playing again tonight, see if the body will hold up as last night was a hard game that took it out of me (few aches and pains), tonight will be the same if not more so.
Work have gone admin crazy. They have implemented a new system to track holidays and probable hours that you'll work. Which is rediculous, as there is already a system for booking holiday, the resource people know when you project end date is, and for the majority of people, the hours are pretty standard throughout the year. So a nice way of creating more work while already having the information available.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Football chat
So, the feeling I had has happened - Sheffield now want to get the Premier League to be 21 clubs next season. Never going to happen. I mean, fair enough, Tevez has saved West Ham single handed and Sheffield may not have got relegated had West Ham not had him, but it's over.
As with all these things though, there is too much money riding on it for them to let it lie...
Silly season has started with Aberdeen now as well, with claims Garry O'Conner could be coming to Aberdeen. Get a grip - he's on 17K a week. The highest paid player at Pittodrie is on about 3K a week so you can see if that'll come off...When we can't sign a player from Holland because his transfer fee is 70K, you get the idea of Scottish football finances.
As with all these things though, there is too much money riding on it for them to let it lie...
Silly season has started with Aberdeen now as well, with claims Garry O'Conner could be coming to Aberdeen. Get a grip - he's on 17K a week. The highest paid player at Pittodrie is on about 3K a week so you can see if that'll come off...When we can't sign a player from Holland because his transfer fee is 70K, you get the idea of Scottish football finances.
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Apologies for lack of posting, it's been hectic!
Wedding was superb, absolutly brilliant. Venue was lovely, the hotel the bride & groom were staying in was very nice indeed. We however where in a room with a sea view, I think the closest I've ever stayed to the sea (across the road). However, the hotel itself hadn;t seen much redecoration since the 70's, but we were there for such a short time it didn't matter.
Saturday was spent recovering and sleeping. Watched King Kong on DVD, which I thought was brilliant, but WAY too long. Sunday we went to a bbq (yes, I know it was very wet in the south!) with the people from the wedding and to send the bride & groom on their honeymoon. Was a really nice afternoon, chatting, catching up.
All in all, a happy weekend :-)
Wedding was superb, absolutly brilliant. Venue was lovely, the hotel the bride & groom were staying in was very nice indeed. We however where in a room with a sea view, I think the closest I've ever stayed to the sea (across the road). However, the hotel itself hadn;t seen much redecoration since the 70's, but we were there for such a short time it didn't matter.
Saturday was spent recovering and sleeping. Watched King Kong on DVD, which I thought was brilliant, but WAY too long. Sunday we went to a bbq (yes, I know it was very wet in the south!) with the people from the wedding and to send the bride & groom on their honeymoon. Was a really nice afternoon, chatting, catching up.
All in all, a happy weekend :-)
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Kilts and weddings
Off to a wedding in the kilt today, very exciting, so I'll leave you with this...
A man was driving down the road and ran out of petrol. Just at that
moment, a bee flew in his window.
The bee said, "What seems to be the problem"?
"I'm out of petrol."
The bee told the man to wait right there and flew away.
Minute later, the man watched as an entire swarm of bees flew to his car and
into his petrol tank. After a few minutes, the bees flew out.
"Try it now," said one bee.
The man turned the ignition key and the car started right up.
"Wow!" the man exclaimed. "What did you put in my gas tank"?
The bee answered..."BP"
A man was driving down the road and ran out of petrol. Just at that
moment, a bee flew in his window.
The bee said, "What seems to be the problem"?
"I'm out of petrol."
The bee told the man to wait right there and flew away.
Minute later, the man watched as an entire swarm of bees flew to his car and
into his petrol tank. After a few minutes, the bees flew out.
"Try it now," said one bee.
The man turned the ignition key and the car started right up.
"Wow!" the man exclaimed. "What did you put in my gas tank"?
The bee answered..."BP"
Bleating Wigan...
A wonderful evening in a new place for us, Singapore in Worcester. Good menu, good food, but the company was, as ever, on good form. Conversation ranged and we covered everything from politics to "Sponge Bob Square Pants", which says it all really.
Another day, andother document to write. It's non-stop excitement at the moment ;-)
Quick word on football. Wigan are seriously beginning to annoy me. Stop your bleating man! If you had actually beaten West Ham three weeks ago you wouldn't be in the mess you are now, and very likely not caring if Tevez played or not.
He seems fixated on getting West Ham losing points as they fielded an player without the suitable registration. Now, this in itself would be a valid reason for a points deduction. However, he was properly registered with the FA. The problem is that West Ham broke the leagues rules on 3rd party ownership, which does not have an automated points deduction - however it is one of the options available to the FA.
All in all, I think the FA have made a right balls up of this as it should have been nailed weeks ago leaving this weekend as a definite end state in the season. As it stands, I can see a legal battle ahead for the next few weeks which will leave a bad taste in the mouth, and detract from the football. To the footballing gods, for the sake of football, please let West Ham get relegated and save us a summer of Dave Whelan going on and on about the injust of his team being relegated. Failing which, send Wigan down so he doesn't get so much TV time. Just please, let football win out of this. Can't see it though...
Another day, andother document to write. It's non-stop excitement at the moment ;-)
Quick word on football. Wigan are seriously beginning to annoy me. Stop your bleating man! If you had actually beaten West Ham three weeks ago you wouldn't be in the mess you are now, and very likely not caring if Tevez played or not.
He seems fixated on getting West Ham losing points as they fielded an player without the suitable registration. Now, this in itself would be a valid reason for a points deduction. However, he was properly registered with the FA. The problem is that West Ham broke the leagues rules on 3rd party ownership, which does not have an automated points deduction - however it is one of the options available to the FA.
All in all, I think the FA have made a right balls up of this as it should have been nailed weeks ago leaving this weekend as a definite end state in the season. As it stands, I can see a legal battle ahead for the next few weeks which will leave a bad taste in the mouth, and detract from the football. To the footballing gods, for the sake of football, please let West Ham get relegated and save us a summer of Dave Whelan going on and on about the injust of his team being relegated. Failing which, send Wigan down so he doesn't get so much TV time. Just please, let football win out of this. Can't see it though...
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Squashed....
OK drive up today, with a diversion to drop off the missus at Heathrow. Heathrow traffic is never a pleasure - it's the only airport I've been to late at night where there is always a traffic jam!
I think I'm in real trouble. I've arranged to play one of the girls in the office at squash. She had played someone else last week who has just helpfully told me she "gives it a good wallop". Suddenly I'm thinking body armour would be a good shout as this is the same person who said she liked to play to "get the aggression out".
I'm buggered. If anyone needs me tomorrow, I'll be the one in the corner with the black eye.
I think I'm in real trouble. I've arranged to play one of the girls in the office at squash. She had played someone else last week who has just helpfully told me she "gives it a good wallop". Suddenly I'm thinking body armour would be a good shout as this is the same person who said she liked to play to "get the aggression out".
I'm buggered. If anyone needs me tomorrow, I'll be the one in the corner with the black eye.
Monday, May 07, 2007
Weddings and football
Well, Saturday was spent in the pub mainly, with a walk around Cannizaro Park in Wimbledon in between. Good fun, beautiful surroundings and good company.
Sunday was lazy, as we were all knackered, although we ended up going out with some friends in the evening in Wimbledon. One of the couples are getting married on Friday so we spent most of the night winding them up, along with the best man who I think may be a nervous wreck now! Much fun....
So glad United won the league yesterday, as I've said a few times they have played the best football this season and it's good to see it vindicated. Could it be bye bye Jose? I'm slighty happier though for non-football reasons - Sky were hoping to "engineer" the league decider for this week and it's a complete nothing match now - Fergie will likely rest key players between now and the FA cup final, as will Jose, although there will be a will to beat them just for old times sake.
However, I think the bigger story is Newcastle. Are they never happy? They winge that Roeder is manager, he resigns and they are likely to get Big Sam, who has been a success in every job he's had. Granted, maybe not the most exciting football, but you don't here Bolton fans complaining too much. All the Newcastle fans are saying "Don't like him, don't want him" and "We want Hiddink". Now, no offence, but get a grip - Hiddink would never go to Newcastle. They have amazing fans, but need a spell of stability with a manager who can get them into Europe (UEFA cup) on a regular basis, with a good cup run in there every now and again. Spurs are the model here (although with a couple of better players and being able to keep Berbatov, they could get Champions League).
So Newcastle, get real, be sensible. Your not going to win the league again, your squad is mid table and not top 4 with Owen the exception, though he's hardly played. Be happy with what you've got, get behind them and don't pre-judge - you might just get a surprise...
Sunday was lazy, as we were all knackered, although we ended up going out with some friends in the evening in Wimbledon. One of the couples are getting married on Friday so we spent most of the night winding them up, along with the best man who I think may be a nervous wreck now! Much fun....
So glad United won the league yesterday, as I've said a few times they have played the best football this season and it's good to see it vindicated. Could it be bye bye Jose? I'm slighty happier though for non-football reasons - Sky were hoping to "engineer" the league decider for this week and it's a complete nothing match now - Fergie will likely rest key players between now and the FA cup final, as will Jose, although there will be a will to beat them just for old times sake.
However, I think the bigger story is Newcastle. Are they never happy? They winge that Roeder is manager, he resigns and they are likely to get Big Sam, who has been a success in every job he's had. Granted, maybe not the most exciting football, but you don't here Bolton fans complaining too much. All the Newcastle fans are saying "Don't like him, don't want him" and "We want Hiddink". Now, no offence, but get a grip - Hiddink would never go to Newcastle. They have amazing fans, but need a spell of stability with a manager who can get them into Europe (UEFA cup) on a regular basis, with a good cup run in there every now and again. Spurs are the model here (although with a couple of better players and being able to keep Berbatov, they could get Champions League).
So Newcastle, get real, be sensible. Your not going to win the league again, your squad is mid table and not top 4 with Owen the exception, though he's hardly played. Be happy with what you've got, get behind them and don't pre-judge - you might just get a surprise...
Saturday, May 05, 2007
Dancing
A most enjoyable wedding was attended last night. A combination of a Scotsman marrying an english girl (there is trend here, as there are three weddings I'm going to in the next year where this is a scenario - including my own) involving drinking, dancing and laughing. Much fun was had, including teaching my other half some Scottish dancing.
This is one of the dances we did - of course we executed it in exactly the same standard! Link
Off for some lunch now, which will involve a bar and some more fun and games with some friends who are staying. Suspect it'll be a late night again.
This is one of the dances we did - of course we executed it in exactly the same standard! Link
Off for some lunch now, which will involve a bar and some more fun and games with some friends who are staying. Suspect it'll be a late night again.
Friday, May 04, 2007
Randomness
I apologise for the randomness of todays posting.
Happy Star Wars day (think about it...)
And in honour, some Star Wars humour:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAL7w2ybTfQ
All that is wrong with X-factor - who gave this man a contract? Track 7 - Chasing cars...
http://www.myspace.com/shaunofficial
Happy Star Wars day (think about it...)
And in honour, some Star Wars humour:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAL7w2ybTfQ
All that is wrong with X-factor - who gave this man a contract? Track 7 - Chasing cars...
http://www.myspace.com/shaunofficial
Thursday, May 03, 2007
United they fall...
Oh what a sad state of affairs it is to see United lose like they did yesterday. The best footballing team in the Premiership, the most exciting going forward, looked utter pants last night.
So what can we learn from it? I think they have played some awesome football this year, however they lacked a bit of knowledge of European football. There are a lot of young players who need someone there to calm them down a bit. Uniteds away form in Europe has been patchy to say the least in the last few seasons, that needs to be stopped.
What needs to change? Well, they are missing a strong central midfielder to protect the defence (step forward, Mr Owen Hargreaves), who can play alongside Carrick in the centre of midfield. Scholes will play less in the next few seasons, Carrick will develop into his replacement. They need a replacement for Van Der Sar, who is getting on. They need to sort out the defence - the first choice of Vidic, Ferdinand, Neville and Evra are brilliant, it's when you introduce others it falls apart (Brown for example). Heinze needs to sort himself out as he was awesome until his injury last season.
Amazingly, I think they also need another striker, an out and out scorer of goals with a clever touch. Now, this may not go down well, but I think the answer is at Spurs - Berbatov. Fergie doesn't like buying outside the Premiership if he can avoid it and Berbatov is a prefect fit for them.
So what can we learn from it? I think they have played some awesome football this year, however they lacked a bit of knowledge of European football. There are a lot of young players who need someone there to calm them down a bit. Uniteds away form in Europe has been patchy to say the least in the last few seasons, that needs to be stopped.
What needs to change? Well, they are missing a strong central midfielder to protect the defence (step forward, Mr Owen Hargreaves), who can play alongside Carrick in the centre of midfield. Scholes will play less in the next few seasons, Carrick will develop into his replacement. They need a replacement for Van Der Sar, who is getting on. They need to sort out the defence - the first choice of Vidic, Ferdinand, Neville and Evra are brilliant, it's when you introduce others it falls apart (Brown for example). Heinze needs to sort himself out as he was awesome until his injury last season.
Amazingly, I think they also need another striker, an out and out scorer of goals with a clever touch. Now, this may not go down well, but I think the answer is at Spurs - Berbatov. Fergie doesn't like buying outside the Premiership if he can avoid it and Berbatov is a prefect fit for them.
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Cats
An interesting phenonemon seems to be occuring on the net which I'm not sure I like. Cats are taking over.
I was in Flickr the other day and for some reason some photos were getting blocked. Turns out the privacy settings had kicked in and Flicr thought photos of my Dad's X5 were porn - random enough in itself. Then it asked me if I was sure I wanted to view it which I assured it I did. It then showed the photo and a button called "show me the kittens" which immediatly showed a lot of kittens on screen. Now, these were undeniably cute (if you like that sort of thing - my other thought it was brilliant), and has a sense of humour about it, it fuelled my thoughts that cats are taking over - hundreds of photos of cats!!! You Tube is the same.
So if I start sneezing while at my desk, the cat allergy has kicked in via the medium of the screen...
Also, I was sent this great link which which lets you see runs people have done in your area, and allows you to create your own as well (although, you need to sync your ipod nano to it first). Neat use of google maps from Nike.
I was in Flickr the other day and for some reason some photos were getting blocked. Turns out the privacy settings had kicked in and Flicr thought photos of my Dad's X5 were porn - random enough in itself. Then it asked me if I was sure I wanted to view it which I assured it I did. It then showed the photo and a button called "show me the kittens" which immediatly showed a lot of kittens on screen. Now, these were undeniably cute (if you like that sort of thing - my other thought it was brilliant), and has a sense of humour about it, it fuelled my thoughts that cats are taking over - hundreds of photos of cats!!! You Tube is the same.
So if I start sneezing while at my desk, the cat allergy has kicked in via the medium of the screen...
Also, I was sent this great link which which lets you see runs people have done in your area, and allows you to create your own as well (although, you need to sync your ipod nano to it first). Neat use of google maps from Nike.
Dull
Ah great joy. Another week, another early start, another 145 mile motorway journey. Uneventful and boring, although it was glorious weather.
Up for a few days in the midlands, fighting to keep a desk (although it's well marshalled), a few meetings, hotel, and a couple of games of squash.
Same as ever really...
Up for a few days in the midlands, fighting to keep a desk (although it's well marshalled), a few meetings, hotel, and a couple of games of squash.
Same as ever really...
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Going Orange
So the Dutch season finishes with a bang!
Going into the last day of the season and three teams can win the league. AZ are top of the league on goal difference, followed by Ajax and PSV. All have the same points, only seperated by goal difference. AZ having a goal difference of 53, Ajax 5 behind, and PSV 1 behind that.
AZ lost 3-2, which ruled them out, although a bit gutting having led and having a much better goal difference. Ajax score two, which means they have a plus 3 goal difference which you would think is enough. Except PSV scored five and let one in, to win the league by one goal.
Amazing!
It's brilliant, and what football is all about. If you've not read it, I recommend reading "Brilliant Orange" which describes the Dutch football culture and why they play the way they do - perhaps we should not be surprised the season finished like that!
Going into the last day of the season and three teams can win the league. AZ are top of the league on goal difference, followed by Ajax and PSV. All have the same points, only seperated by goal difference. AZ having a goal difference of 53, Ajax 5 behind, and PSV 1 behind that.
AZ lost 3-2, which ruled them out, although a bit gutting having led and having a much better goal difference. Ajax score two, which means they have a plus 3 goal difference which you would think is enough. Except PSV scored five and let one in, to win the league by one goal.
Amazing!
It's brilliant, and what football is all about. If you've not read it, I recommend reading "Brilliant Orange" which describes the Dutch football culture and why they play the way they do - perhaps we should not be surprised the season finished like that!
Friday, April 27, 2007
Cars and football
A nice drive back last night, although a bit late. But at least it gives me time to consider the next car (about a year away, but with a weekly 2.5 - 3 hour drive, your mind wanders). I'd thought of another BMW, but they cost so much money, so may not do that. Audi is similar, I like the A3 but why would you buy one when it's a rebadeged Golf and they are cheaper? Volvos new C30 looks interesting but would the missus let me get another 3 door when we've just got married? Can't see that one lasting long if we did go for it. So it needs to be a 4 door. Saab 93 is an option, but it's getting on a bit now. VW Golf is the same - 4 years into this run, will be replaced in 3 years. New Passat has a stunning interior, and with the new 170BHP TDI it would be in with a good shout. However let me throw a wild card - new Mondeo. By all accounts, it's as good as anything BMW and Audi have made (if not better), but it's 5K cheaper. I've seen one on the road, driving up the M40 (in a wierd traffic jam - between an Aerial Atom and a couple of supercars - AM DB9 and a yellow Gallardo). When they are officially released I'll need to have a closer look. Thing is, I like the RWD the BMW gives you, and you sit low in it which I like, so will see.
On another matter, for those who love football, isn't this a bit too scary?
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1r5c9_comparativa-gol-de-messi-y-marad
Messi, being argentinian, probably knew the goal was similar and has even celebrated in the same way. It's magical to watch, almost as good as the Rooney goals for Utd this week (as if - this beats them easily!)
On another matter, for those who love football, isn't this a bit too scary?
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1r5c9_comparativa-gol-de-messi-y-marad
Messi, being argentinian, probably knew the goal was similar and has even celebrated in the same way. It's magical to watch, almost as good as the Rooney goals for Utd this week (as if - this beats them easily!)
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Well, managed to get thorugh yesterday without upsetting anyone (well, not to my knowledge anyway!)
Went to the hotel last night only to find they didn't have Sky Sports. So I put in a complaint card saying it wasn't there. I mean, why do hotels only give you 6 channels? (the standard 5 plus a sky channel, either Sky News or Sky Sports News?) I mean, it's not that hard to supply more channels, and would make me stay there again.
However, I suspect the reason is so that they can try and get more money from you as your bored and decide to buy a film instead.
It's not as though the place is cheap. I noted from the menu that a large glass of wine cost £7.45. You can buy a nice bottle for that!!
A long day of meetings ahead, with a late departure home. Great joy.
Oh, and happy minus 1 wedding anniversary to the missus - a year today I'll be getting married. Not that it's looming large over us at all...
Went to the hotel last night only to find they didn't have Sky Sports. So I put in a complaint card saying it wasn't there. I mean, why do hotels only give you 6 channels? (the standard 5 plus a sky channel, either Sky News or Sky Sports News?) I mean, it's not that hard to supply more channels, and would make me stay there again.
However, I suspect the reason is so that they can try and get more money from you as your bored and decide to buy a film instead.
It's not as though the place is cheap. I noted from the menu that a large glass of wine cost £7.45. You can buy a nice bottle for that!!
A long day of meetings ahead, with a late departure home. Great joy.
Oh, and happy minus 1 wedding anniversary to the missus - a year today I'll be getting married. Not that it's looming large over us at all...
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Grumpy
Dear lord, I've been up for hours. It feels like I've not slept. For some bizarre reason, I just could not get to sleep last night. Eventually got off at some time after 1, and then was up again at 5:45 to drive to Worcester.
Suspect I may be a tad grumpy today.
Suspect I may be a tad grumpy today.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Travelodge hell
"Travelodge - Everything you need, nothing you don't"
How apt. That doesn't seem to include customer service.
So I'd booked a room with them for two nights this week, as at the time that was all I needed. Turns out I now only need one night. No problem, as I've got a flexible rate I can change it up until 12 on the day. You try it...
Turns out, the way it does this is by making you a new booking, then cancelling the existing one. This works great unless the hotel is full, which it was. So the only way I could do it was to cancel my room and make another booking, with no guarantee I'd get a room. This was only explained after 25 minutes of hold music as the automated system couldn't do it either. Great customer service - you cannot break the phone system to talk to someone either. The phone system has to realise it can't help you either.
So I cancelled it, went to the Hilton up the road. Two minutes, talked to a really person, and I'll bet I get a room upgrade as I've got Silver VIP membership on their reward cards. And it's only £20 more expensive a night, which includes breakfast, so in all it's only about £10 more expensive as at the Travelodge it's extra.
In the days now where everybody wants cheap and easy, there are times when it goes too far. I'm sure Travelodge save a fortune in labour costs this way, but it doesn't exactly endear you to the brand does it? And when brand is all powerful, is that really something they can ignore?
How apt. That doesn't seem to include customer service.
So I'd booked a room with them for two nights this week, as at the time that was all I needed. Turns out I now only need one night. No problem, as I've got a flexible rate I can change it up until 12 on the day. You try it...
Turns out, the way it does this is by making you a new booking, then cancelling the existing one. This works great unless the hotel is full, which it was. So the only way I could do it was to cancel my room and make another booking, with no guarantee I'd get a room. This was only explained after 25 minutes of hold music as the automated system couldn't do it either. Great customer service - you cannot break the phone system to talk to someone either. The phone system has to realise it can't help you either.
So I cancelled it, went to the Hilton up the road. Two minutes, talked to a really person, and I'll bet I get a room upgrade as I've got Silver VIP membership on their reward cards. And it's only £20 more expensive a night, which includes breakfast, so in all it's only about £10 more expensive as at the Travelodge it's extra.
In the days now where everybody wants cheap and easy, there are times when it goes too far. I'm sure Travelodge save a fortune in labour costs this way, but it doesn't exactly endear you to the brand does it? And when brand is all powerful, is that really something they can ignore?
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