“Relax and enjoy the great service”
Bell Rock Hotel
catbirdKent 5 contributions Kent
30 Aug 2010
We arrived at the hotel after the journey from hell, to find that they had kept the dining room open for us until nearly 10 pm. They were equally obliging when we needed to leave before the normal breakfast service time in order to get the helicopter.
I don't think I've ever seen staff work so hard. They all multi-task and nothing is too much trouble.
Food is well cooked and plentiful but I am mystified why chef serves a raw tomato garnish with every dinner, even when it has got gravy on it?!
Our room was comfortable and we had a full bathroom, though I think others in our group were not as lucky. Ask for Room 4 if you are booking a double and would like to be in the main part of the building.
The small pool is a bonus.
Standards of cleanliness are high.
Journey from hell? The helicopter was cancelled due to poor visibility. We were put on the ferry, which took 3 hours and lots of people were ill. We arrived on the quayside in rain and darkness. The luggage had been put in containers and they guys were trying to sort it all out with only the lights from their head lamps. If you have a system, try sharing the details with your customers.
Date of stay August 2010
Would you recommend this hotel to a friend? Yes
***Footnotes from Daniel*** This travel delay was a particularly bad visibility day with thick fog stopping all flying. The Steamship Co. put on a 2nd sailing of the ship to enable passengers to depart & leave the islands on their correct day of travel. It was an unfortunate start to this wildlife/walking group we had arriving this day. We kept the kitchens open and were keen to see the group were catered for and looked after on their late arrival at the hotel... but obviously we hadn't realised that tomatoes are that offensive?! Seems a bit of a random comment to me I'm afraid. We are a 2 star hotel, and therefore don't go down the fancy garnish route of nouvelle cuisine. I shall however pass this comment on to the chef.
All rooms are en suite with toilet, basin, and either shower, bath or both. I am presuming the rooms with pod style bathrooms are being refered to which are fitted in 4 rooms out of the 23 we have which enable space saving.
***2nd Footnote*** I have had a chat with Chef about garnishes. He likes to add a touch of colour in the presentation. He is open to suggestions as to what people may consider an alternative to a wedge of tomato for this purpose... any answers/suggestions to the hotel email please?!
Tuesday, 31 August 2010
Monday, 30 August 2010
Bank Holiday Bliss! - Sunday 29th August 2010
St Martins Flats with the tide very low & the view over towards Tean with Hedge Rock on the left of picture
Saturday, 28 August 2010
Saturday 28th August 2010
The clouds were interesting this afternoon, so I couldn't resist snapping a couple of pictures! :)
Saturday 28th August 2010
What a contrast from last Saturday's weather... We have clear blue skies and the sun is shining! You can just make out the moon still high in the sky this morning in this picture.
Friday, 27 August 2010
Thursday, 26 August 2010
Strange Potatoes!
We had a strange potato incident the other day... I don't know if you remember the classic children's TV show "Fraggle Rock" with its puppet characters? We had a potato pulled out of the bag which resembled one of the charaters from Fraggle Rock. So here's a picture of our bizarre potato & also a picture of "Boober" the Fraggle.... See what you think?
Guest Review Extracted from TripAdvisor
“Delightful!”
Bell Rock Hotel
HornblowerWarwick 2 contributions Coventry, United Kingdom
25 Aug 2010 | Trip type: Couples
We so enjoyed our recent holiday on the Scilly Isles but what made it so special was knowing that each day we would return to this wonderful hotel.
Everything was delightful. The room was immaculate and the food in the restaurant was of a very high standard and there was always a good choice of local foods for both a meat eater and my vegetarian wife. The sweets were particularly "yummy" whether opting for an unhealthy sponge and custard or the fresh, juicy and plentiful fruit salad.
Staff require a special mention; they managed to combine a high level of efficiency with warmth and humour. Nothing was too much trouble and we always felt special.
Date of stay August 2010
Visit was for Leisure
Travelled with With Spouse/Partner
Would you recommend this hotel to a friend? Yes
Bell Rock Hotel
HornblowerWarwick 2 contributions Coventry, United Kingdom
25 Aug 2010 | Trip type: Couples
We so enjoyed our recent holiday on the Scilly Isles but what made it so special was knowing that each day we would return to this wonderful hotel.
Everything was delightful. The room was immaculate and the food in the restaurant was of a very high standard and there was always a good choice of local foods for both a meat eater and my vegetarian wife. The sweets were particularly "yummy" whether opting for an unhealthy sponge and custard or the fresh, juicy and plentiful fruit salad.
Staff require a special mention; they managed to combine a high level of efficiency with warmth and humour. Nothing was too much trouble and we always felt special.
Date of stay August 2010
Visit was for Leisure
Travelled with With Spouse/Partner
Would you recommend this hotel to a friend? Yes
Monday, 23 August 2010
Guest Review Extracted from TripAdvisor
“Don't judge a book by its cover”
Bell Rock Hotel
W0rthyTraveller 2 contributions Sheffield, United Kingdom
21 Aug 2010 | Trip type: Family
From the outside the Bell Rock appears like another ordinary hotel in St Mary's.You would be wrong tho'! The reality provides one of the most pleasant & friendly experiences in the whole of the Scilly's. Whilst not cheap, the Bell Rock is outstanding. The rooms are not spectacular, but after a while this really does not matter. All is there that you need. Eg clean and comfortable beds, en suites, and the usual facilites. The atmosphere in the hotel however is its key. The proprietors & staff are most friendly. Indeed, I found eager to help in every way. All seem genuinely anxious to make your stay at the Bell Rock happy. The food is outstanding for a small hotel. The breakfasts are freshly pepared (save for cereals & juice) and are ready within minutes. So impressed was I with the Kippers, that I had them two days running. The best kippers I have ever had! That says a lot because I stay at a number of 4 stars regularly. The hotel is also full of the most interesting people. Who appear to go year after year because it suits them & would not go anywhere else. That is real commendation. Do not miss this hotel if you have to stay in St Mary's, even for a few days. It represents excellent value for money in a convivial & comfortable atmosphere. Many 4 star hotels would be put to shame by the standards it offers. Do not be fooled by the 2 stars on the door. Well done. Strongly recommended.
Date of stay August 2010
Visit was for Leisure
Travelled with Family with Teenagers
Would you recommend this hotel to a friend? Yes
Bell Rock Hotel
W0rthyTraveller 2 contributions Sheffield, United Kingdom
21 Aug 2010 | Trip type: Family
From the outside the Bell Rock appears like another ordinary hotel in St Mary's.You would be wrong tho'! The reality provides one of the most pleasant & friendly experiences in the whole of the Scilly's. Whilst not cheap, the Bell Rock is outstanding. The rooms are not spectacular, but after a while this really does not matter. All is there that you need. Eg clean and comfortable beds, en suites, and the usual facilites. The atmosphere in the hotel however is its key. The proprietors & staff are most friendly. Indeed, I found eager to help in every way. All seem genuinely anxious to make your stay at the Bell Rock happy. The food is outstanding for a small hotel. The breakfasts are freshly pepared (save for cereals & juice) and are ready within minutes. So impressed was I with the Kippers, that I had them two days running. The best kippers I have ever had! That says a lot because I stay at a number of 4 stars regularly. The hotel is also full of the most interesting people. Who appear to go year after year because it suits them & would not go anywhere else. That is real commendation. Do not miss this hotel if you have to stay in St Mary's, even for a few days. It represents excellent value for money in a convivial & comfortable atmosphere. Many 4 star hotels would be put to shame by the standards it offers. Do not be fooled by the 2 stars on the door. Well done. Strongly recommended.
Date of stay August 2010
Visit was for Leisure
Travelled with Family with Teenagers
Would you recommend this hotel to a friend? Yes
Thursday, 19 August 2010
Guest Review Extracted from TripAdvisor
“A friendly, comfortable, well-appointed and well-located hotel”
Bell Rock Hotel
janetdanson 1 contribution Bristol, United Kingdom
18 Aug 2010 | Trip type: Couples
The rooms were comfortable and thoughtfully-decorated, and had all the amenities that we could wish. The service from the hardworking staff was cheerful, friendly, polite and always helpful. They were not intrusive, but always available to offer ideas for actvities and general advice. Had the weather let us down, there were plenty of games and books to use and the hotel had a pleasant swimming pool decorated by an island artist to show the gig racing for which the Scillies are famous.
The location was ideal. The hotel was in a quiet spot less than two minutes walk from either the harbour or a sandy beach. However, it was no more than three minutes walk to the shops in the centre of Hugh Town and about five minutes to the quays from which the ferries to other islands left. Bell Rock is a lovely hotel providing the basis for a great holiday.
Date of stay August 2010
Visit was for Leisure
Travelled with With Spouse/Partner
Would you recommend this hotel to a friend? Yes
Bell Rock Hotel
janetdanson 1 contribution Bristol, United Kingdom
18 Aug 2010 | Trip type: Couples
The rooms were comfortable and thoughtfully-decorated, and had all the amenities that we could wish. The service from the hardworking staff was cheerful, friendly, polite and always helpful. They were not intrusive, but always available to offer ideas for actvities and general advice. Had the weather let us down, there were plenty of games and books to use and the hotel had a pleasant swimming pool decorated by an island artist to show the gig racing for which the Scillies are famous.
The location was ideal. The hotel was in a quiet spot less than two minutes walk from either the harbour or a sandy beach. However, it was no more than three minutes walk to the shops in the centre of Hugh Town and about five minutes to the quays from which the ferries to other islands left. Bell Rock is a lovely hotel providing the basis for a great holiday.
Date of stay August 2010
Visit was for Leisure
Travelled with With Spouse/Partner
Would you recommend this hotel to a friend? Yes
Wednesday, 18 August 2010
Guest Email of Thanks
----- Original Message -----
From: M ROGERS
To: bellrock.hotel@btclick.com
Sent: Tuesday, August 17, 2010 9:28 PM
Subject: Thank You
Good Evening Daniel,
A big thank you to you all at the Bell Rock for a brilliant stay on St Mary's. The hotel was just as described on tripadviser and more. It was a very special holiday with special memories and has now made us want to come back to the Scillies as often as we can. We have already started discussing dates for next year. We decided to do a report for Tripadviser as we think you rightfully deserve to be number 1 on the Islands! We have just checked the site and see that you are now back at number 1!!! Rightfully deserved!
Thank you once again to you all.
MIKE & MARION ROGERS
From: M ROGERS
To: bellrock.hotel@btclick.com
Sent: Tuesday, August 17, 2010 9:28 PM
Subject: Thank You
Good Evening Daniel,
A big thank you to you all at the Bell Rock for a brilliant stay on St Mary's. The hotel was just as described on tripadviser and more. It was a very special holiday with special memories and has now made us want to come back to the Scillies as often as we can. We have already started discussing dates for next year. We decided to do a report for Tripadviser as we think you rightfully deserve to be number 1 on the Islands! We have just checked the site and see that you are now back at number 1!!! Rightfully deserved!
Thank you once again to you all.
MIKE & MARION ROGERS
Cuisine & Swimming Pool at the Bell Rock Hotel
The guest review made on TripAdvisor titled "A Lovely Stay" is posted below. It has spurred me to post up a new photo gallery which offers sample menus for reference (namely from this last week 12th to 18th August). Once clicked on, the menus can be zoomed in.
The cuisine at the Bell Rock Hotel is of a traditional slant with traditional roast dinners etc. We also have world cuisines, such as Thai or Indian curries; Bolognese; Chilli; or even Hungarian Beef Goulash.
Whatever the menu, there is always meat, fish & vegetarian options available. The menu changes daily, and there is the option to pre-order a steak for a small supplement Monday to Saturday.
We have had the same chefs now for 3 seasons, and this being their 4th season. They source as much local produce as feasible depending on the season, and take pride in their home made dishes.
If you are looking for good value, excellent food & varied choice, then I am sure you won't be disappointed. We also welcome non-residents for evening meals: 2 Courses is only £17.50 per head and 3 Courses is just £20.00 per head. We even offer coffee or tea afterwards at no extra charge.
The Swimming Pool is indoors, and heated... A rare facility on the islands and warmer than the sea any day!! The dimensions are approximately 9m x 4m.
The cuisine at the Bell Rock Hotel is of a traditional slant with traditional roast dinners etc. We also have world cuisines, such as Thai or Indian curries; Bolognese; Chilli; or even Hungarian Beef Goulash.
Whatever the menu, there is always meat, fish & vegetarian options available. The menu changes daily, and there is the option to pre-order a steak for a small supplement Monday to Saturday.
We have had the same chefs now for 3 seasons, and this being their 4th season. They source as much local produce as feasible depending on the season, and take pride in their home made dishes.
If you are looking for good value, excellent food & varied choice, then I am sure you won't be disappointed. We also welcome non-residents for evening meals: 2 Courses is only £17.50 per head and 3 Courses is just £20.00 per head. We even offer coffee or tea afterwards at no extra charge.
The Swimming Pool is indoors, and heated... A rare facility on the islands and warmer than the sea any day!! The dimensions are approximately 9m x 4m.
Guest Review Extracted From TripAdvisor
“A lovely stay”
Bell Rock Hotel
Dangerf55 2 contributions Bristol, United Kingdom
17 Aug 2010 | Trip type: Couples
Hi just spent 3 nights here, lovely place, fantastic location and very good value.
If you want 5 star dining go BB and eat out, if you are happy with normal food the restaurant is fine.
Swimming pool is OK, but the beach is fantastic....!!!!
Date of stay August 2010
Visit was for Leisure
Travelled with With Spouse/Partner
Member since 01 June 2009
Would you recommend this hotel to a friend? Yes
Bell Rock Hotel
Dangerf55 2 contributions Bristol, United Kingdom
17 Aug 2010 | Trip type: Couples
Hi just spent 3 nights here, lovely place, fantastic location and very good value.
If you want 5 star dining go BB and eat out, if you are happy with normal food the restaurant is fine.
Swimming pool is OK, but the beach is fantastic....!!!!
Date of stay August 2010
Visit was for Leisure
Travelled with With Spouse/Partner
Member since 01 June 2009
Would you recommend this hotel to a friend? Yes
Tuesday, 17 August 2010
Guest Review Extracted From TripAdvisor
“Perfection”
Bell Rock Hotel
marmik43 - Newquay, United Kingdom
17 Aug 2010 | Trip type: Couples
This trip was a birthday present from my husband. Booked this hotel last December after checking tripadviser reviews when hotel was rated number 1 on th islands. Could not fault the hotel in any way. It was spotlessly clean, food choice was excellent, especially desserts and quality was as good as any 4* hotel we have visited elsewhere. Staff were extremely friendly and were multifunctional. The owners were often around ensuring everybody was o.k . They are very fortunate to have an excellent manager in Daniel Lawson.We cannot wait to go back next year either in May or September to see different wildlife on the Islands. The holiday was one of the best we have had and this was helped by the great people and service at this Hotel. We can quite see why so many people return again and again.
Date of stay August 2010
Visit was for Leisure
Travelled with With Spouse/Partner
Age group 50-64
Would you recommend this hotel to a friend? Yes
Bell Rock Hotel
marmik43 - Newquay, United Kingdom
17 Aug 2010 | Trip type: Couples
This trip was a birthday present from my husband. Booked this hotel last December after checking tripadviser reviews when hotel was rated number 1 on th islands. Could not fault the hotel in any way. It was spotlessly clean, food choice was excellent, especially desserts and quality was as good as any 4* hotel we have visited elsewhere. Staff were extremely friendly and were multifunctional. The owners were often around ensuring everybody was o.k . They are very fortunate to have an excellent manager in Daniel Lawson.We cannot wait to go back next year either in May or September to see different wildlife on the Islands. The holiday was one of the best we have had and this was helped by the great people and service at this Hotel. We can quite see why so many people return again and again.
Date of stay August 2010
Visit was for Leisure
Travelled with With Spouse/Partner
Age group 50-64
Would you recommend this hotel to a friend? Yes
Monday, 16 August 2010
Looking Through the Roads towards Bishop Rock Lighthouse
The sun was very bright and combined with the heat, gave a hazy view
Guest Review Extracted from TripAdvisor
“A suberb hotel and an excellent holiday!”
Bell Rock Hotel
magrant2009 15 Aug 2010
Trip type: Couples
We had an excellent holiday at the Bell Rock Hotel - the facilities at the hotel were excellent and all of the staff, without exception were very friendly and helpful throughout our holiday.
Date of stay August 2010
Would you recommend this hotel to a friend? Yes
Bell Rock Hotel
magrant2009 15 Aug 2010
Trip type: Couples
We had an excellent holiday at the Bell Rock Hotel - the facilities at the hotel were excellent and all of the staff, without exception were very friendly and helpful throughout our holiday.
Date of stay August 2010
Would you recommend this hotel to a friend? Yes
Guest Review Extracted From TripAdvisor
“Faultless”
Bell Rock Hotel
Vexillologist 9 contributions Trowbridge Wiltshire
9 Aug 2010 | Trip type: Couples
We booked 'on line' only viewing the hotel from the outside on a previous visit to the Scillies, reading the Tripadvisor comments convinced us it was worth a try, and we were not disappointed. Everything you expect from a 3 or 4 star hotel was packaged in this neat tidy and extremely well run 2 star establishment. It is a very rare occurrence to see all the staff in a hotel seemingly content with their chosen vocation, but to a man and woman the staff appeared very happy working there. The meals were excellent and a good choice, not too much and not all doused in some strange sauce, that seems the current way with some restaurants. One problem, we only booked 7 nights, so have now booked 12 for next May.
Date of stay August 2010
Would you recommend this hotel to a friend? Yes
Bell Rock Hotel
Vexillologist 9 contributions Trowbridge Wiltshire
9 Aug 2010 | Trip type: Couples
We booked 'on line' only viewing the hotel from the outside on a previous visit to the Scillies, reading the Tripadvisor comments convinced us it was worth a try, and we were not disappointed. Everything you expect from a 3 or 4 star hotel was packaged in this neat tidy and extremely well run 2 star establishment. It is a very rare occurrence to see all the staff in a hotel seemingly content with their chosen vocation, but to a man and woman the staff appeared very happy working there. The meals were excellent and a good choice, not too much and not all doused in some strange sauce, that seems the current way with some restaurants. One problem, we only booked 7 nights, so have now booked 12 for next May.
Date of stay August 2010
Would you recommend this hotel to a friend? Yes
Friday, 13 August 2010
Guest Email of Thanks
We were pleased to be able to assist a couple of our guests on their departure day in retrieving a misplaced item in the nick of time before their flight left. All's well that ends well:
----- Original Message -----
From: G Webster
To: bellrock.hotel@btclick.com
Sent: Friday, August 13, 2010 6:18 PM
Subject: Many thanks
Daniel and staff
Liz and I would like to thank Daniel, Adrian and all the other staff (sorry, we never knew the name of the housekeeper!) who retrieved and then safely delivered to the airport the camera we left at the Dibble and Grub. It was amazing how contacts contacted contacts and highlighted the amazing friendliness of the Scillonians. So again very many thanks.
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Bell Rock Hotel and it was made all the special by the attention from all the staff.
Regards,
Graham and Liz Webster
----- Original Message -----
From: G Webster
To: bellrock.hotel@btclick.com
Sent: Friday, August 13, 2010 6:18 PM
Subject: Many thanks
Daniel and staff
Liz and I would like to thank Daniel, Adrian and all the other staff (sorry, we never knew the name of the housekeeper!) who retrieved and then safely delivered to the airport the camera we left at the Dibble and Grub. It was amazing how contacts contacted contacts and highlighted the amazing friendliness of the Scillonians. So again very many thanks.
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Bell Rock Hotel and it was made all the special by the attention from all the staff.
Regards,
Graham and Liz Webster
Thursday, 12 August 2010
Saturday, 7 August 2010
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