voiletdog

Hello,
I was hoping that I could get some inside info on the 2 properties: Breadsall Priory Hotel, Derby or Marriott St. Pierre Hotel, Wales. I am planning a surprise weekend away for my 72 yr old mothers birthday & her friends at one or the other. Quality of rooms is important (room numbers & locations you would recommend if possible as well as those to avoid), local sights for the voyeur as I am not sure many will participate , general service levels & experience with platinum upgrades. I would appreciate any information / advice you could provide (& yes, I promise I did a search 1st). Thank you, Sarah :-:

SanDiego1K

Hi violetdog. Read this post for an extensive review on the Priory, Derby. It's just been posted tonight.

USAflyer

I have never received worse service at any Marriott (or any other hotel) as I received at the Breadsall Priory. I'm a Platinum member, arrived at the property in early afternoon, and was given a "non-smoking," room that reeked of smoke, with a view of an alley containing the fire escape and loading docks. When I asked for a different room, the front desk called me an "Ugly American." That is also the only time I've walked out of a Marriott. I would strongly urge you to choose a different hotel.

voiletdog

Thank you both - SCARY But due to time constraints (it is for this Monday) it is too late for me to rearrange the group from Breadsall........ I'll be crossing my fingers between now & then & post a full report at the end of the trip. I have called & requested rooms in the Priory as opposed to the out buildings (let me know if this was a mistake) & i'll get there early so i can warn the Priory of my high expectations. No a/c, limited internet, stairs & latent smoke smells are part of the parcel in rural England so this won't phase me - but room comfort, quality of food & service excellence are non-negotiable in my book...... I'll let you know how it goes - say a prayer for me that my mums surprise B-Day trip doesn't become a shocker! And thank you both very much :-:

NWA-PLAT

See if you can get a room on the 1st floor of the "Mews". This is a small 2-story building off to the side near the car park. I doubt if they will give you one (I'm MR Gold and only got it when I payed extra for it), but it would mean no stairs and be a lot easier on your mum.

voiletdog

Thank you so much for all of your comments. I hope that you will be pleasantly surprised by my review I should start by confessing that i am a little particular - i like things to be just right, so on booking, which i did directly with the hotel, i was clear on the fact that i really wanted as lovely a rooms as possible. I did not try to go for the cheapest but simply said that i wanted my mum to feel as if she were a princess. The front desk all gave their 2 cents & decided upon 3 suites in the main building. Prior to our arrival i called to check on the rooms & Vanessa verified we had 3 suites overlooking the fountain - room 306 (a four poster room) room 308 (with a beautiful bay window - my very fav of the 3) & room 303 (with a sitting room). The check in was a brease & the rooms were as lovely as promised. They were 130 pounds a night & i used a 100 premium pounds against each room & so for 2 nights each, the 3 rooms totalled 480 pounds ($850) & they were great value for money in my opinion. Re the lack of elevator - it is a Priory built in 1210 & it would be a crime to put one in! There was no ac but their rarely is in rural England & the buildings were built so that an open window can cool the entire room. It was 90 degrees outside & the room was perfect temp-wise as long as the windows were cracked. The building itself is charming & the grounds breathtaking. We played golf (a golfers paradise!), used the driving range & had multiple Clarins spa treatments (cheap!!!!! $60 for an hour, $80 for 90mins). We ate in the restaurant & as all English hotel restaurants it was pricey (the exchange rate really hurt!!!). The service was "passionless English" but the food presentation excellent, the food quality good (i am a Director for a restaurant Co in the US) & the wine selection decent but again pricey. There was wireless on the groundfloor of the priory & we were able to use it from our rooms (3 floors up but above the lobby) with no problems for 15 pounds a day. I really was impressed with the care of the staff & everyone was kind & helpful. The common areas could do with some new antiques & the comment above on the lack of door closers was a valid one but apart from these two points the Breadsall Priory exceeded my expectations & i will plan my next trip with excitement ^ This really is a lovely property & with just a little attention from Marriott could be a spectacular one!!!!!

SanDiego1K

violetdog, what a great report. I'm glad that this worked out so nicely for your mother. Thank you for the room numbers; that's helpful information for any of us who might try this hotel.

rickCT01

SkiAdcock

Thanks for the review; much appreciated.

Cheers.

Johnny Rocket

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