The Hotel Inspector – III
And just to make it clear that I don't think our weekend hideaway is completely above criticism: There's one little detail that they apply which drives me mad. And it's sugar.
When ordering tea after dinner, a nice pot with proper leaves and a strainer arrives, with cup, saucer, teaspoon and a little biscuit. And a single sachet of sugar. Now I know there are rules about sugar bowls and the like, but if you're going to do sachets, at least provide a few of the things. I take sugar in my tea. Just the one, but when I've got a pot in front of me I'll probably have multiple cups and therefore need multiple sachets. Getting up to ask for them interrupts my post-meal relaxation and wastes staff time getting them. People who take more than one sugar will clearly have further issues.
I know it sounds like a tiny, almost pointless detail, but when everything else is so good then those tiny things are what one focuses on. And it's the pointlessness of being so apparently mean with it that irks.
June 8th, 2007 - 13:23
I had the alternative experience when on holiday recently. I don’t tend to take sugar in my coffee but there are occasions where the coffee is improved. I worked out that half a sachet was ideal for one cup, so when the staff came with a replacement cup they always put two sachets on the saucer taking away the half sachet I was trying to save for the next cup!
I love it when they have sugar lumps with tongs!