After the mishap in weather over the last couple of days with wind & rain, the sun has come back, and summer has once again returned.
Saturday, 18 August 2012
Summer Has Returned!
Saturday 18th August 2012
After the mishap in weather over the last couple of days with wind & rain, the sun has come back, and summer has once again returned.
After the mishap in weather over the last couple of days with wind & rain, the sun has come back, and summer has once again returned.
Guest Review Extracted From TripAdvisor - Bell Rock Hotel St Mary's
“We will be back!!!”
Reviewed 17 August 2012
1person found this review helpful
We came back for a second time in July 2012 - we were not disappointed. Lovely informal atmosphere, spotless, comfortable rooms and bathrooms. Loads of hot water etc. Good choice of menu every evening and huge breakfasts with good quality ingredients. We were made to feel most welcome by every member of staff we met and the after-dinner sessions in the bar/lounge were great fun with all joining in. Daily visiting boatman Paul went out of his way to fix trips to suit everyone - even us old gals! Positioned between 2 beaches and near the High Street, the Bellrock cannot be beaten for location on St Marys. The Staff certainly "make" this hotel special. Well done everybody - we are definitely coming back next year.
Daniel Responded with:
The title says it all.... Thank you for your kind words. It really makes our day to hear that we have helped to make our guest's holidays an enjoyable one. We look forward to welcoming you back again.
Reviewed 17 August 2012
1person found this review helpful
We came back for a second time in July 2012 - we were not disappointed. Lovely informal atmosphere, spotless, comfortable rooms and bathrooms. Loads of hot water etc. Good choice of menu every evening and huge breakfasts with good quality ingredients. We were made to feel most welcome by every member of staff we met and the after-dinner sessions in the bar/lounge were great fun with all joining in. Daily visiting boatman Paul went out of his way to fix trips to suit everyone - even us old gals! Positioned between 2 beaches and near the High Street, the Bellrock cannot be beaten for location on St Marys. The Staff certainly "make" this hotel special. Well done everybody - we are definitely coming back next year.
Daniel Responded with:
The title says it all.... Thank you for your kind words. It really makes our day to hear that we have helped to make our guest's holidays an enjoyable one. We look forward to welcoming you back again.
Guest Review Extracted From TripAdvisor - Bell Rock Hotel St Mary's
“Home from home”
Reviewed 15 August 2012
1person found this review helpful
We arrived at the hotel after traveling on the ferry across a rough sea. We were instantly made to feel welcome. The room was ready and spotless, the pool is great for the kids, towels and robes are available from reception. Breakfast is excellent and at last a hotel that is child friendly and allows me to order smoked haddock instead of a fry up without charging any extra, kippers also available as well as "proper" poached eggs. They deserve there trip advisor rating as number 1 on the island from our experience. The staff have big smiles and treated guests like family, well done. The bar is well stocked at reasonable prices. If you are visiting the island it's definitely worth a stay. We will definitely return. The beds here are very comfortable and the location of the hotel is great for exploring.
Daniel Lawson, Manager at Bell Rock Hotel, responded to this review
17 August 2012
I am pleased that we were able to accommodate your family, and that you all enjoyed your brief stay with us after a not so smooth crossing on the ship. Unfortunately, the winds have been particularly strong over the last few days, and your plan to return home by fixed wing aircraft was probably welcomed by the rest of your family.
We regularly receive compliments on our freshly cooked breakfasts (rather than bain marie/hot cabinet style) and I'm pleased you have enjoyed this service.
Thank you also for your enquiry on your return home with plans to re-visit! I hope that we can accommodate you again soon.
Reviewed 15 August 2012
1person found this review helpful
We arrived at the hotel after traveling on the ferry across a rough sea. We were instantly made to feel welcome. The room was ready and spotless, the pool is great for the kids, towels and robes are available from reception. Breakfast is excellent and at last a hotel that is child friendly and allows me to order smoked haddock instead of a fry up without charging any extra, kippers also available as well as "proper" poached eggs. They deserve there trip advisor rating as number 1 on the island from our experience. The staff have big smiles and treated guests like family, well done. The bar is well stocked at reasonable prices. If you are visiting the island it's definitely worth a stay. We will definitely return. The beds here are very comfortable and the location of the hotel is great for exploring.
Daniel Lawson, Manager at Bell Rock Hotel, responded to this review
17 August 2012
I am pleased that we were able to accommodate your family, and that you all enjoyed your brief stay with us after a not so smooth crossing on the ship. Unfortunately, the winds have been particularly strong over the last few days, and your plan to return home by fixed wing aircraft was probably welcomed by the rest of your family.
We regularly receive compliments on our freshly cooked breakfasts (rather than bain marie/hot cabinet style) and I'm pleased you have enjoyed this service.
Thank you also for your enquiry on your return home with plans to re-visit! I hope that we can accommodate you again soon.
Guest Review Extracted From TripAdvisor - Bell Rock Hotel St Mary's
“Cosy guesthouse feel”
Reviewed 15 August 2012 via mobile
A Small hotel generally relaxed atmosphere, with the exception of the stressy rude porter/waiter. Diffident manager. Very kind and helpful housekeeper and friendly female restaurant staff.
Bedrooms are very small.
Reception desk rarely attended.
Daniel Lawson, Manager at Bell Rock Hotel, responded to this review
17 August 2012
Thank you for your review, of which I am concerned as it appears you were not totally happy with the service you received whilst with us. It is a shame that you didn't bring to my attention any details you felt were not up to your expectations whilst actually here. Our welcome pack in every room does request this if guests have any issues, and obviously in this case I was not given the opportunity to try and rectify your grievances.
With this in mind, I would not say I am a 'diffident' person. I can only assume by that, you mean that I am not loud, brash and in guest's faces all the time, but instead prefer a more calming, considerate and courteous approach, and being there to help whenever needed.
Reception is manned daily, Monday to Saturday my myself 8am to 1pm (at least), and in the afternoons, our housekeeper has the phone (Sunday is also staffed). I am unsure what you mean as 'rarely attended'? We don't have a 'dedicated' full time receptionist as I fulfil this roll as well as being manager, with the help of my team in the afternoons and bar staff of an evening. If there is not someone on reception or bar, there is a phone on reception to buzz a staff member who will be no more than a few seconds away. Inevitably, there will be times that I am called away from reception, such as taking guests to rooms, making a coffee for a guest, or helping in the restaurant, but again not far away.
The hotel has 23 bedrooms, and is staffed by just 10 people who all multi task between departments. This helps us to keep tariff's lower, and also create consistency by helping the staff know what our guest's require throughout the hotel.
***Footnote***
I have to follow certain guidelines when responding to reviews left on TripAdvisor. One of which is not identifying the original reviewer (if known). I do have a pretty good idea of who may have left this review, and it is a real shame they didn't alert me to any issues they had whilst here. If it is who I think, I had bent over backwards for them and managed to pull a few strings to help arrange alternative transport for them when the Scillonian III ferry was cancelled due to rough seas and strong winds. Seats on flights were like gold dust!
Talking with them, it was their first short break visit to Scilly, and I don't think the islands on the whole were what they were really expecting.
I guess sometimes you just can't please everyone!
Reviewed 15 August 2012 via mobile
A Small hotel generally relaxed atmosphere, with the exception of the stressy rude porter/waiter. Diffident manager. Very kind and helpful housekeeper and friendly female restaurant staff.
Bedrooms are very small.
Reception desk rarely attended.
Daniel Lawson, Manager at Bell Rock Hotel, responded to this review
17 August 2012
Thank you for your review, of which I am concerned as it appears you were not totally happy with the service you received whilst with us. It is a shame that you didn't bring to my attention any details you felt were not up to your expectations whilst actually here. Our welcome pack in every room does request this if guests have any issues, and obviously in this case I was not given the opportunity to try and rectify your grievances.
With this in mind, I would not say I am a 'diffident' person. I can only assume by that, you mean that I am not loud, brash and in guest's faces all the time, but instead prefer a more calming, considerate and courteous approach, and being there to help whenever needed.
Reception is manned daily, Monday to Saturday my myself 8am to 1pm (at least), and in the afternoons, our housekeeper has the phone (Sunday is also staffed). I am unsure what you mean as 'rarely attended'? We don't have a 'dedicated' full time receptionist as I fulfil this roll as well as being manager, with the help of my team in the afternoons and bar staff of an evening. If there is not someone on reception or bar, there is a phone on reception to buzz a staff member who will be no more than a few seconds away. Inevitably, there will be times that I am called away from reception, such as taking guests to rooms, making a coffee for a guest, or helping in the restaurant, but again not far away.
The hotel has 23 bedrooms, and is staffed by just 10 people who all multi task between departments. This helps us to keep tariff's lower, and also create consistency by helping the staff know what our guest's require throughout the hotel.
***Footnote***
I have to follow certain guidelines when responding to reviews left on TripAdvisor. One of which is not identifying the original reviewer (if known). I do have a pretty good idea of who may have left this review, and it is a real shame they didn't alert me to any issues they had whilst here. If it is who I think, I had bent over backwards for them and managed to pull a few strings to help arrange alternative transport for them when the Scillonian III ferry was cancelled due to rough seas and strong winds. Seats on flights were like gold dust!
Talking with them, it was their first short break visit to Scilly, and I don't think the islands on the whole were what they were really expecting.
I guess sometimes you just can't please everyone!
Guest Review Extracted From TripAdvisor - Bell Rock Hotel St Mary's
“Highly Recommended”
Reviewed 13 August 2012
2people found this review helpful
We stayed at the Bell Rock Hotel between 6th August 2012 and 13th August 2012 half board. The hotel is 2 Star but should be much higher. It is spotlessly clean, all the staff without exception were friendly and helpful and the food was excellent. The restaurant was very well staffed, well furnished and decorated. There is a great menu choice each day and a really good wine list. We have stayed at 5 star hotels around the world but have to say this hotel equals some of the best. We stayed in room 5. The rooms are not very large but perfectly adequate, the en suite is small but again perfectly functional. Daniel the Manager was very helpful and attention to detail was much appreciated. The hotel has an indoor swimming pool which is nice when the weather is bad, the hotel provides towels and robes, however the pool is the only part of the hotel that would benefit from some up dating. The hotel is ideally situated just 5 minute level walk to the quay. The prices are reasonable for the quality and level of service. We will definitely stay there again in the future.
Daniel Lawson, Manager at Bell Rock Hotel, responded to this review
17 August 2012
Thank you for your kind review. I am really pleased you enjoyed your holiday on Scilly, staying at the Bell Rock Hotel as your base to explore. Our staff have obviously left a great impression and have helped to make your stay an enjoyable one. I'm pleased you enjoyed our food and wine (it was unfortunate that weather problems delayed the special order bottle of wine I was getting for you. Hopefully someone else can enjoy it now it's finally arrived! Receiving goods on an offshore island can sometimes be problematic).
We look forward to welcoming you back again in the future.
Reviewed 13 August 2012
2people found this review helpful
We stayed at the Bell Rock Hotel between 6th August 2012 and 13th August 2012 half board. The hotel is 2 Star but should be much higher. It is spotlessly clean, all the staff without exception were friendly and helpful and the food was excellent. The restaurant was very well staffed, well furnished and decorated. There is a great menu choice each day and a really good wine list. We have stayed at 5 star hotels around the world but have to say this hotel equals some of the best. We stayed in room 5. The rooms are not very large but perfectly adequate, the en suite is small but again perfectly functional. Daniel the Manager was very helpful and attention to detail was much appreciated. The hotel has an indoor swimming pool which is nice when the weather is bad, the hotel provides towels and robes, however the pool is the only part of the hotel that would benefit from some up dating. The hotel is ideally situated just 5 minute level walk to the quay. The prices are reasonable for the quality and level of service. We will definitely stay there again in the future.
Daniel Lawson, Manager at Bell Rock Hotel, responded to this review
17 August 2012
Thank you for your kind review. I am really pleased you enjoyed your holiday on Scilly, staying at the Bell Rock Hotel as your base to explore. Our staff have obviously left a great impression and have helped to make your stay an enjoyable one. I'm pleased you enjoyed our food and wine (it was unfortunate that weather problems delayed the special order bottle of wine I was getting for you. Hopefully someone else can enjoy it now it's finally arrived! Receiving goods on an offshore island can sometimes be problematic).
We look forward to welcoming you back again in the future.
Guest Review Extracted From TripAdvisor - Bell Rock Hotel St Mary's
“Friendly hotel with lovely staff”
Reviewed 13 August 2012
1person found this review helpful
We stayed at this hotel because of it's fantastic reviews and certainly the welcome and friendly staff couldn't be faulted. The food was very acceptable too. As the hotel only had 1 room left when we booked, we had the smallest one I think and although it was very clean and had all the items we needed, there was nowhere to open our suitcases or put out our toiletries. The decor in the main areas could also do with a little bit of love and updating. There's probably no time to do the work as the hotel is very busy! Pricewise the hotel compares with St Mary's Hall Hotel over the road and in our opinion (as we have stayed there) the welcome beats them but we moved on to the Star Castle Hotel as this hotel didn't have a third night available and although considerably more expensive, the luxury there both in the rooms, service, views and food is in a different totally superior league. You get what you pay for on St Mary's as you do anywhere!
Daniel Lawson, Manager at Bell Rock Hotel, responded to this review
14 August 2012
Thank you for your kind words about our staff. I'm pleased that everyone made your short stay a welcome & friendly visit. We do pride ourselves on being a friendly team.
I've just been looking though our bookings, to try and determine the room you may have been in, as I'm a lttle puzzled as all bathrooms have a toiletries shelf?
Each room has a fold away luggage rack to place suitcases on to make packing and unpacking a little easier; sometimes this is in the wardrobe for storage.
It's good that you have stayed in various places to be able to make a comparison between hotels. As you say, the Star Castle is a totally different set up, and being a 4 star hotel, you would expect prices and accommodation to be comparable to that star rating. The Bell Rock is only 2 star, but regularly exceeds expectations of the star rating through our customer service, delivered by our hard working team.
Maintenance and refurbishment programmes go on during winter months, as it would be impractical during a busy season, as you point out. We have a rolling schedule of refurbishments. The restaurant was redecorated and refurnished during the 2010/2011 winter period. This winter we aim to refurbish the bar lounge.
Maybe we will be able to welcome you back again in the future. The hotel & bedrooms can be viewed on our blog website, which can help in deciding the type of room you would prefer. Booking early is always recommended if at all possible.
Reviewed 13 August 2012
1person found this review helpful
We stayed at this hotel because of it's fantastic reviews and certainly the welcome and friendly staff couldn't be faulted. The food was very acceptable too. As the hotel only had 1 room left when we booked, we had the smallest one I think and although it was very clean and had all the items we needed, there was nowhere to open our suitcases or put out our toiletries. The decor in the main areas could also do with a little bit of love and updating. There's probably no time to do the work as the hotel is very busy! Pricewise the hotel compares with St Mary's Hall Hotel over the road and in our opinion (as we have stayed there) the welcome beats them but we moved on to the Star Castle Hotel as this hotel didn't have a third night available and although considerably more expensive, the luxury there both in the rooms, service, views and food is in a different totally superior league. You get what you pay for on St Mary's as you do anywhere!
Daniel Lawson, Manager at Bell Rock Hotel, responded to this review
14 August 2012
Thank you for your kind words about our staff. I'm pleased that everyone made your short stay a welcome & friendly visit. We do pride ourselves on being a friendly team.
I've just been looking though our bookings, to try and determine the room you may have been in, as I'm a lttle puzzled as all bathrooms have a toiletries shelf?
Each room has a fold away luggage rack to place suitcases on to make packing and unpacking a little easier; sometimes this is in the wardrobe for storage.
It's good that you have stayed in various places to be able to make a comparison between hotels. As you say, the Star Castle is a totally different set up, and being a 4 star hotel, you would expect prices and accommodation to be comparable to that star rating. The Bell Rock is only 2 star, but regularly exceeds expectations of the star rating through our customer service, delivered by our hard working team.
Maintenance and refurbishment programmes go on during winter months, as it would be impractical during a busy season, as you point out. We have a rolling schedule of refurbishments. The restaurant was redecorated and refurnished during the 2010/2011 winter period. This winter we aim to refurbish the bar lounge.
Maybe we will be able to welcome you back again in the future. The hotel & bedrooms can be viewed on our blog website, which can help in deciding the type of room you would prefer. Booking early is always recommended if at all possible.
Guest Review Extracted From TripAdvisor - Bell Rock Hotel St Mary's
“Amazing Hotel in an Amazing Place”
Reviewed 26 July 2012
5people found this review helpful
A wonderful hotel, great staff, ideal location, excellent food, warm and friendly atmosphere, spotlessly clean,
nothing too much trouble. My 11th visit need I say more. Will be back next year, can't wait.
Daniel Lawson, Manager at Bell Rock Hotel, responded to this review
14 August 2012
There's not much I can say here, other than a big thank you! It's great that you are consistently pleased with the hotel and the service you receive. We certainly look forward to seeing you again!
Reviewed 26 July 2012
5people found this review helpful
A wonderful hotel, great staff, ideal location, excellent food, warm and friendly atmosphere, spotlessly clean,
nothing too much trouble. My 11th visit need I say more. Will be back next year, can't wait.
Daniel Lawson, Manager at Bell Rock Hotel, responded to this review
14 August 2012
There's not much I can say here, other than a big thank you! It's great that you are consistently pleased with the hotel and the service you receive. We certainly look forward to seeing you again!
Wednesday, 15 August 2012
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