"Currently service at the Thainstone House Hotel is falling far short of expectations and leaving guests such as ourselves disappointed.
The staff at the hotel work incredibly hard and are polite despite the pressures they are under. However too few staff meant that we encountered numerous service issues. For example, at breakfast there was a 10 – 15 minute wait for a table, food stuffs unavailable from the buffet, numerous uncleared tables and almost no staff around to take your order.
Staffing in the evening was similarly problematic. Perhaps the crowning glory of an underwhelming experience was when, on Saturday night we were told we could not order cocktails as there was no-one on duty who knew how to make them.
Although the hotel is taking bookings on its web site for its fine dining restaurant, it is closed to guests and all meals are served in the hotel bar. Ironically, after you have eaten in the bar, you receive an email asking you for feedback on your dining experience in the Green Lady. One reason we chose the Thainstone House was because of the restaurant. Knowing it is not available and to keep advertising it, is a questionable business practice.
Sadly nothing in this post appears new, other guests have made similar points - having now stayed there, I understand why it is compared to Fawlty Towers"