Plas Yn Dre self catering holiday cottage

Open a Padlock with an Aluminum Can [Video]

Open a Padlock with an Aluminum Can [Video]:

Most us who've had school lockers or rental storage units know that lots of people trust inexpensive padlocks to secure their belongings. Tactical studies weblog ITS Tactical proves that this trust is a false sense of security by opening the two most popular type of padlocks with shims cut from an aluminum soda can. More »

Less Tax More Business

http://www.instituteofhospitality.org/news/june-issue-2011/Why-is-uk-hotel-vat-so-high

Will the hospitality industry back Jacques bid for lower VAT?

Complaints against big six energy firms soar by 26% as anger grows at bill hikes

Complaints against big six energy firms soar by 26% as anger grows at bill hikes:

'Energy companies have repeatedly said they want to rebuild consumer trust. Good customer service and complaints handling are key ingredients to building consumer trust but suppliers still have a long way to go.' The data is based on complaints that ... See all stories on this topic »

Daily Mail

New Year booking

The New Year is almost here, don't leave dinner reservations to the last minute. Lle Hari is filling up fast. Still a few tables left for a leisurely dinner, live music and lanterns. Call 01492 642111 to book.

Extortion alive and well at G. Lloyd & Sons equipment hire in Abergele

Extortion (also called shakedown, outwresting, and exaction) is a criminal offence which occurs when a person unlawfully obtains either money, property or services from a person(s), entity, or institution, through coercion. Refraining from doing harm is sometimes euphemistically called protection. Extortion is commonly practiced by organized crime groups. The actual obtainment of money or property is not required to commit the offense. Making a threat of violence which refers to a requirement of a payment of money or property to halt future violence is sufficient to commit the offense. Exaction refers not only to extortion or the unlawful demanding and obtaining of something through force,^[1] but additionally, in its formal definition, means the infliction of something such as pain and suffering or making somebody endure something unpleasant.^[2]

We hired a large digger from G. Lloyd & Sons for a weekend project last month.  The mates, Chris,  rates were £350/week plus £70 delivery.  We agreed on the terms and planned to have the digger arrive Friday.  G. Lloyd & Sons then asked if they could deliver the machine on Thursday.

After completing our project we agreed to have the machine picked up on Wednesday.  On Wednesday we were informed the the rate would be £550 cash for the hire or if we wanted an invoice it would have VAT as well.

We cut a check for £550 written to G. Lloyd & Sons.  Whereupon Chris asked the check to be written to C. Lloyd & Sons and wanted to know our address for the invoice which now read £650.  Not wanting an invoice or another rate hike we refused to rewrite the check.  Whereupon Chris said he would send the debt collectors here, pointed at Mary and the Hotel and said "You better watch out!" as he drove off.

Not accustom to extortion first hand I related the aforementioned incident to the local police who made a note of the events and offered a rapid intervention should the supplier act problematic in the future.

I'm surprised people can run a business and treat customers with such appalling behavior.

If you would like threats of physical violence against your family, your home and your business then call  G. Lloyd & Sons today and ask to speak to Chris.

A sad but true tale from North Wales

How to Choose the Right Mattress [Health]

How to Choose the Right Mattress [Health]:

A while ago we explained how important it is to spend your money where you spend your time, and considering we spend at least a third of our lives asleep or in bed, skimping on your mattress or sleeping surface can be detrimental to your health. At the same time, not everyone has the budget for the top of the line, state of the art mattress. We asked some chiropractors and orthopedists what they suggest you look for when shopping for a mattress. Here's what they said. More »

Simple energy tariffs find favour

Simple energy tariffs find favour:

"With widespread anger about price hikes and bad customer service, a much bigger shake-up is needed to guarantee that fair and affordable energy is available to all," Which? said. "Without more radical changes than those Ofgem is proposing, ... See all stories on this topic »

BBC News

Map of rail network or proof of parking appeal bureaucracy in slow motion... this is page 1 of 2. Good grief!

Park in Conwy for more than 4 hours and get a £25 fine. case proceeds to Traffic Penalty Tribunal for decision.

Parking fine provides a bitter end to a perfect day in Conwy

Five bedroom self catering holiday cottage versus a hotel

Let's do the math:

hotel
6 nights x 5 bedrooms @ £85 per double room = £2,550

self catering
1 week = £800

make the call.
www.plasyndre.com

Need a self catering cottage that sleeps 10?

If you have a group of hikers or bikers and need a cottage that sleeps up to 12 people check out the newly refurbished Plas Yn Dre Farm

Dates available for Christmas and New Year's 2011.

Walking distance to the many pubs, restaurants and cafe's in Llanrwst.

A multi line discount or at the very least a loyalty discount pleeeease

Multi line discounts:
You can't compare everything service related to the States but there are some lessons to be learned.  When I lived in NYC I used State Farm Insurance.  They covered my life, motorcycle, car, home and 2nd home insurance.  The more business I brought them the deeper the discount they could offer me.  Here in the UK I have four utility accounts.  Two electric and two gas.  Each has a separate contract with a different renewal date and the supplier varies from year to year.  When I explain the concept to the companies giving me the quotes each year they tell me it's not possible.
Really?
Loyalty discounts:
I used to have auto insurance through AA.  When the renewal letter came through the post the new premium was nearly double the year before.  Luckily NFU could give me a competitive rate.  Am I to presume AA was hoping I would forget to shop around and make a quick buck?   The government even stresses the importance of shopping for competitive rates as a means of savings for the taxpayer.
Thank you very little

Sneak a Peak

Sneak a Peak: Plas yn Dre Farm Be the first to sneak a peak at the newly refurbished Plas Yn Dre Farm self catering holiday cottage. The cottage is jus...

Parking fine provides a bitter end to a perfect day in Conwy

How not to encourage tourism in your town.

Parking fine provides a bitter end to a perfect day in Conwy

Would you like a smile with that? | | The Bulletin

Would you like a smile with that? | | The Bulletin

British Hospitality Association in talks with treasury over VAT | News

British Hospitality Association in talks with treasury over VAT | News

I rest my case.

Self Catering in the doldrums? | News

If VAT is going to change Wales should lead the battle.

VAT Rules | Blog

CONWY Valley GUESTHOUSE Near Llanrwst WINS AA GUEST ACCOMMODATION OF THE YEAR FOR WALES | Response Source

Congratulations!

CONWY GUESTHOUSE WINS AA GUEST ACCOMMODATION OF THE YEAR FOR WALES | Response Source

H from Steps and Llanrwst partner Craig Ryder to be dads - Rhyl - Local Welsh News - News from @walesonline

H from Steps and Llanrwst partner Craig Ryder to be dads - Rhyl - Local Welsh News - News from @walesonline

Hotel front desk management software

In my unending pursuit for simplification I keep looking at hotel management software.  eezeefrontdesk, roomaster2000, eviivo, hotel executive, the list goes on ... and so do the prices.  I have yet to find a simple app or shareware software that we can use to use in lieu of a Reservations Book/pencil.  If you have any good ideas I'm all ears as long as it doesn't cost an arm and a leg as I'm all out.

Recently I did discover a channel management site called siteminder.  https://www.siteminder.co.uk/siteminder/index.html

From £39/month they have a simple platform from which they will instantly update up to 25 different hotel booking platforms from around the world.  That suites my budget and my curiosity so I signed up today.  If you have any experiences with siteminder please let me know.  Thanks.

Taxes for Tourism?!...

Hospitality Guest News | 'Bed tax' can make sense, says VisitBritain

What's in a SMS message? The real cost & just how badly you're being ripped off

What's in a SMS message? The real cost & just how badly you're being ripped off: "Comments"

Institute of Customer Service - Brits holiday in the UK out of ...

Institute of <b>Customer Service</b> - Brits holiday in the UK out of <b>...</b>: "Majority (85%) of British holiday makers stay in the UK through choice, not necessity ... The top five regions for customer service in British tourism are: ...
www.instituteofcustomerservice.com/.../Brits-holiday-in-the-U..."

Call to make Switching Bank Accounts Simpler

Call to make Switching Bank Accounts Simpler: "By David Turner Portable bank account numbers are being urged by experts to allow consumers to move their account more easily and receive better customer service. The Financial Services Consumer Panel has called for the emergence of portable bank ...
See all stories on this topic »"

Call centre that came back from Bombay because it was cheaper in Burnley

Call centre that came back from Bombay because it was cheaper in Burnley: "

He says using British staff will also cut costs in the average amount of time taken to deal with customer inquiries. 'The average handling time in the UK is three minutes,' he said. 'But if you go out to India, you need to add another minute unless ... See all stories on this topic »

Daily Mail

"

Worst Laundry Service in Wales

As the owner of a small 10 bedroom hotel we decided it would be cost effective to use a laundry service rather than wash, dry and iron our own bed linen.  Based on the recommendation of a friend we called Monarch Laundry Services in Prestatyn.  On a Friday we called to setup the service and purchase additional stock to cover the rooms in between pickups.  I was assured the purchase linen would arrive Monday or Tuesday.  By Thursday 5:00pm no new linen or washed linen had arrived.  I had three rooms out of service and more to follow should nothing arrive.  When I called to inquire as to our linens whereabouts they said the driver had a late start and that the linen supply company may take a week to send the new linen.  When I suggested they hire me linen so I can stay in business the owner hung up on me.

A service I find truly shocking.  I'm sorry for anyone who has the misfortune to be involved with such a poor organization.

signed,

disappointed.

Cheap Flights with subtitles

Yankee Challenge

Tripadvisor review

New review of The Meadowsweet Hotel on Tripadvisor
The Meadowsweet Hotel in Llanrwst, North Wales ranked 17 out of 268 hotels in North Wales on traveler reviews.

Someone fancy a challenge? - @LleHari #Llanrwst

Someone fancy a challenge? - @LleHari #Llanrwst

The Meadowsweet Hotel Llanrwst: The Yankee Challenge

The Meadowsweet Hotel Llanrwst: The Yankee Challenge: "Lle Hari in Llanrwst is offering a Yankee Challenge to anyone in North Wales and beyond. Finish any starter, any main and Ffion's special 7..."

The Meadowsweet Hotel Slideshow

The Meadowsweet Hotel Slideshow: "TripAdvisor™ TripWow ★ The Meadowsweet Hotel Slideshow ★ to Snowdonia National Park and Llanrwst. Stunning free travel slideshows on TripAdvisor"

Daddy I have to go pee.....

Yesterday I started out on a wonderful day.  Despite the blistering wind and torrential rain ad an appointment in Llandudno for my little girl and then off to B&Q for some DIY shopping.  My wife phoned and said we could take our time as she had things covered back at the Meadowsweet Hotel in Llanrwst.  We had a big trolley and the store was our oyster until my daughter uttered that tension building phrase that can place the calmest of parents in a tailspin.  No worries, I told my daughter to follow me as we looked down the aisles towards the rear of the store for the toilets and/or a sales assistant for directions.  In our quest my daughter pointed out the multitude of toilets on display and said, "Daddy there's a toilet".  I smiled and told her those aren't real toilets as we continued our search.  Locating a sales assistant first we inquired where the toilets were and she replied that there weren't any.  Seeing my apparent shock she suggested I try the public swimming pool a quarter mile down the road. Did I mention the wind and rain?...  Needless to say we left our shopping and headed hastily for the exit.  As we passed the toilet displays once again the thought of encouraging my daughter to relieve herself crossed my mind as a token of our appreciation.  Instead of aiming for the swimming pool as suggested I gambled on Richard Williams.  Richard Williams is an old school DIY store with less selection than B&Q but plenty of the essentials including a restroom for staff and customers alike.

Why, must I ask, is providing such a basic service for a customer such as a toilet "old school".  Yes we know that councils across the UK are shutting down public restrooms due to a lack of funds.  Lack of public toilets in the UK should put us right smack dab on the bottom of most tourist guides.  If the Lonely Planet thinks our UK attractions are over priced and overvalued just wait and see the calamity posed by no restroom facilities.

Regardless, I regret not being able to spend my time and money in B&Q.  I'm surprised a store that size doesn't have a zoned responsibility or a customer compliance policy that requires them to provide services for those needing to "spend a penny".  Worse yet, if there is no policy in place I'm surprised at the British public for accepting this abdominal treatment as the norm.

Next time you happen to be in a B&Q be sure to ask when the toilets are, not where.

signed,
one sad Dad


      or maybe.....    

Llanrwst group aims to save closure-threatened toilet

<b>Llanrwst</b> group aims to save closure-threatened toilet: "

The community group says there is huge potential for improvement of the toilets in LLanrwst. A community group is getting together to save public toilets in ...

BBC News

"

Overcrowded, overpriced and overrated: welcome to Britain

Overcrowded, overpriced and overrated: welcome to Britain: "We've just returned from a trip around California where hotel suites were booked for less than £100/night, and staff were cheerful and understood the value of customer service. We did a similar excursion around Devon and Cornwall last year. ...
See all stories on this topic »"

Latest from TripAdvisor

“Birthday & Easter simply perfect”

Date of review: 29 Apr 2011 - New

Staying at the Meadowsweet over Easter was a great idea. My girlfriend booked this as a present for 2 nights in a standard double just in case. We will be returning in a deluxe/suite moving forwards.
The people are so friendly, very accomodating, happy to help and very warm making you feel very welcome. Nelson and Mary clearly promote their ethos amongst their staff. Mary helped us settle in very well and we're very grateful.
The food in the restaurant is just scrumptious - great choice - well cooked - you can see why it's open to the public.
Nelson as a Bar Manager is simply great. Made us feel very welcome, very comfortable and helped us out with dinner on our first night when town was booked out and got us a table at the hotel (we didn't want to swap our bookings around however - Sirloin steak fantastic - chocolate box dessert fantastic !) Thanks again for the Lagavulin 16 yr birthday drink, i'm already sourcing a bottle !!
It's the little touches that make all the difference - that coupled with the stunning backdrops, this is a no brainer, we're coming back again for sure.
Thanks Nelson and Mary !!

• Reviewer ratings for this hotel:
  • Value
  • Rooms
  • Location
  • Cleanliness
  • Service
  • Sleep Quality

• Date of stay: April 2011
• Visit was for: Leisure
• Travelled with: spouse/partner
• Member since: 04 July 2009

Wetherspoon founder ramps up expansion plans

Wetherspoon founder ramps up expansion plans: "

Despite that, he still feels Wetherspoon can navigate its way through the challenges facing the industry by continuing to focus on customer service and competitive pricing and believes the company's expansion plans should not be affected. ... See all stories on this topic »

Reuters UK

"

It's official – most people can't taste the difference

One thing will make the difference perfectly clear... service.

It's official – most people can't taste the difference: "

In a blind taste test, volunteers were unable to distinguish between expensive and cheap wine

An expensive wine may well have a full body, a delicate nose and good legs, but the odds are your brain will never know.

A survey of hundreds of drinkers found that on average people could tell good wine from plonk no more often than if they had simply guessed.

In the blind taste test, 578 people commented on a variety of red and white wines ranging from a £3.49 bottle of Claret to a £29.99 bottle of champagne. The researchers categorised inexpensive wines as costing £5 and less, while expensive bottles were £10 and more.

The study found that people correctly distinguished between cheap and expensive white wines only 53% of the time, and only 47% of the time for red wines. The overall result suggests a 50:50 chance of identifying a wine as expensive or cheap based on taste alone – the same odds as flipping a coin.

Richard Wiseman, a psychologist at Hertfordshire University, conducted the survey at the Edinburgh International Science Festival.

'People just could not tell the difference between cheap and expensive wine,' he said. 'When you know the answer, you fool yourself into thinking you would be able to tell the difference, but most people simply can't.'

All of the drinkers who took part in the survey were attending the science festival, but Wiseman claims the group was unlikely to be any worse at wine tasting than a cross-section of the general public.

'The real surprise is that the more expensive wines were double or three times the price of the cheaper ones. Normally when a product is that much more expensive, you would expect to be able to tell the difference,' Wiseman said.

People scored best when deciding between two bottles of Pinot Grigio, with 59% correctly deciding which was which. The Claret, which cost either £3.49 or £15.99, fooled most people with only 39% correctly identifying which they had tasted.

In 2008, a study led by Adrian North, a psychologist at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, claimed that music helped boost the flavour of certain wines. North, who was commissioned by a Chilean winemaker, reported that Cabernet Sauvignon was most affected by 'powerful and heavy' music, while Chardonnay benefited from 'zingy and refreshing' sounds.

• Psychology
• Food science
• Wine
• Food & drink

Ian Sample

guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2011 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds

"

Casa de mi Padre trailer

Not my standard blog of fare but to be true, I think this movie will do comedy a service. Enjoy.

Wetherspoon founder ramps up expansion plans

Wetherspoon founder ramps up expansion plans: "

Despite that, he still feels Wetherspoon can navigate its way through the challenges facing the industry by continuing to focus on customer service and competitive pricing and believes the company's expansion plans should not be affected. ... See all stories on this topic »

Reuters UK

"

Llanrwst welcomes Tesco (?)

http://www.tescopoly.org/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1

  

Heron's Reach, Blackpool

Stayed here two nights and shot a round of golf.  Really nice.  Couldn't walk past a member of staff without hearing a polite greeting.  Nice job Heron's Reach.

Heron's Reach (Linford Romance Library (Large Print))

Expedia, TripAdvisor Plan to Split into Two Companies

Expedia, TripAdvisor Plan to Split into Two Companies: ""

Hard-up Britons planning holiday cutbacks

Hard-up Britons planning holiday cutbacks: "... but as many as 45 per cent are planning a British beach break, with Devon, Brighton and Blackpool being the top spots. Two in three of those polled said they would be demanding better customer service and better value for money this year, ...
See all stories on this topic »"


 

Middle Britons to forgo holiday abroad

Middle Britons to forgo holiday abroad: "

It found that 68% of middle Britons will demand better customer service and value for money while on holiday from now on. Nigel Wilson, managing director of Experian Marketing Information Services, UK & Ireland, said: "Our latest analysis sends a clear ... See all stories on this topic »

The Guardian

"

Bad restaurant service results in eat-and-run, finds survey

Bad restaurant <b>service</b> results in eat-and-run, finds survey: "

The reason most frequently cited for restaurant runaways was poor customer service, with 39 per cent of consumers blaming waiting staff for not returning to take payment, 26 per cent saying they were dissatisfied with their food, and 2 per cent ... See all stories on this topic »

BigHospitality.co.uk

"

The Online Travel Agency Conundrum

The Online Travel Agency Conundrum: "The Online Travel Agency Conundrum"

North Wales libraries and museums get grants boost - Topix

North Wales libraries and museums get grants boost - Topix

Expedia, TripAdvisor Plan to Split into Two Companies

Expedia, TripAdvisor Plan to Split into Two Companies: "

"

'Just' a hotel

How not to speak to a customer.  I recently called a bathroom accessory supplier, www.waterbury.co.uk, to get a price quote.  The sales rep asked if my company was part of a chain.  No I replied we are sole traders with a 10 bedroom hotel.  "Oh" she says, "you're just a hotel".

"Yes, 'just' a hotel."

I hope their products are better than their service.

Bad restaurant service results in eat-and-run, finds survey

Bad restaurant <b>service</b> results in eat-and-run, finds survey: "

The reason most frequently cited for restaurant runaways was poor customer service, with 39 per cent of consumers blaming waiting staff for not returning to take payment, 26 per cent saying they were dissatisfied with their food, and 2 per cent ... See all stories on this topic »

BigHospitality.co.uk

"

Service standards: Why is British service so poor?

<b>Service</b> standards: Why is <b>British service</b> so poor?: "

A survey of UK consumers undertaken by the Mystery Dining Company (TMDC) found that 53 per cent of diners almost always choose where to eat based on a past customer service experience. “It's all too easy to tell people abut a bad experience than a good ... See all stories on this topic »

BigHospitality.co.uk

"

TripAdvisor Reveals 2011 UK Accommodation Owners Survey

TripAdvisor Reveals 2011 UK Accommodation Owners Survey: "Most are seizing the opportunity to connect with prospective guests, demonstrate their commitment to customer service and, ultimately, provide the vital online community with an accurate and attractive picture of their business. ...
See all stories on this topic »"

Special guest Pete Kay performing at Mick and Phil's open mic at Lle Hari

Thinking culture: the best pub business ideas

Thinking culture: the best pub business ideas: "

“I look to world-class brands such as Innocent Drinks and the customer service of Southwest Airlines and try to make what they do work in pubs. “I also think you need the kind of creative tension you get between Lee Cash (Peach's other founder and a ... See all stories on this topic »

Morning Advertiser

"

“Great hotel, great food” - Tripadvisor.com

“Great hotel, great food” - Tripadvisor.com: "

Date of review: Feb 16, 2011 - New

We had a really good weekend, we stayed for two nights and had two eveing meals in the restaurant, both were excellent. The quality and quantity were outstanding. The first evening we had starters and main course but couldn't manage a sweet and so the second evening we had a main course and sweet, it was all great. The staff were very friendly and helpful. We requested an extra heater in the bedroom and it was there within minutes. We had booked before a special offer for Valentines weekend was available but still got the weekend at the reduced price. We will be going again.

"

Sex in the City: Spearmint Rhino pulls bankers bearing bonuses

Sex in the City: Spearmint Rhino pulls bankers bearing bonuses: "Specht reads out sections of the code of conduct for the dancers: never give out personal information, or swap telephone numbers; hand back business cards before you leave the club; but you are allowed to tell the customer when you are next on shift. ...
See all stories on this topic »"

How to use apprenticeships to drive hospitality business

How to use apprenticeships to drive hospitality business: "

People 1st has launched an apprenticeship strategy aimed at helping hospitality businesses meet their staff needs and improving the long-term performance of the sector.

"

Pontin's rescuer Alex Langsam plans to bring Disney-style resorts to Britain

Pontin's rescuer Alex Langsam plans to bring Disney-style resorts to Britain: "

New Pontin's owner Alex Langsam wants to add a touch of Disney to the Bluecoats tradition in revamp of holiday camps

California, Florida, Paris and … Prestatyn Sands? Disney-style resorts could be on the way to Britain under plans to revamp the struggling Pontin's holiday camps as themed seaside destinations for children.

Alex Langsam, whose Britannia Hotels empire includes the Adelphi in Liverpool and the Grand in Scarborough, reportedly paid £20m to rescue cash-strapped Pontin's from insolvency last week, averting a threatened closure of the business founded by Fred Pontin in 1946.

Langsam, who accuses Pontin's previous management of 'tremendous arrogance' and of starving the business of investment, is promising a £25m makeover. He wants to supplement Pontin's famous 'bluecoat' entertainers with Disney-style cartoon costumes and attractions.

'There are things we don't manage to do so well here that the Americans do so well,' Langsam said. 'If I go to the Disney site in Florida, I'm back to being a child – I see all those individuals dressed up. It's the adults that enjoy it as much as the kids.'

Insisting that Pontin's five remaining resorts are in 'wonderful' locations, Langsam believes he can spark a revival by aiming for the pre-teen market: 'The most important thing for me is getting some of the kiddie generation in, getting the kind of stuff kiddies like into parks on a large scale. The bluecoats will stay, because if it ain't broke, you don't fix it. But there will be people dressed up in all sorts of different ways, too.'

During its heyday in the 1960s and 1970s, Pontin's had 24 sites, but today only Brean Sands in Somerset, Camber Sands in Sussex, Pakefield in Suffolk, Southport in Merseyside and the Welsh resort of Prestatyn Sands remain.

Demand for domestic short breaks and so-called 'staycations' has been relatively strong as holidaymakers cut back on foreign trips during the recession. But Pontin's struggled to compete with the likes of Butlins, Haven Holidays and Center Parcs. Its troubles were aggravated by a BBC Watchdog investigation that highlighted shabby conditions, poor cleanliness and tatty rooms. The business went into administration in November, owing £40m to the high-street bank Santander.

Langsam accused former managing director Graham Parr, who led a management buyout of Pontin's in 2008, of 'milking it for money' in order to repay loans and of failing to invest: 'There's been tremendous arrogance – that you don't have to control costs, you don't have to control service, you don't have to control staff.'

These allegations were flatly rejected by Parr, who said any money taken out of Pontin's was used to service hefty borrowing taken on to refinance the business in 2008. 'We did everything we possibly could to keep the business afloat. We were just beaten by the amount of money we borrowed in the good times to buy it.'

• Travel & leisure
• Family holidays

Andrew Clark

guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2011 Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions More Feeds

"