Back from Norfolk and already on my soapbox

Just back from a few nights in Norfolk with our younger daughter Elizabeth.
Yes thanks had a lovely time.. We made full use of our Senior Railcards and journeyed from Devon and back for just £64.90 (for 2 of us return !! bargain)
Back at the desk now with fresh inspiration and keen to get under way with my new website which should be in place in time for Easter.

Just before I went away I visited The Welcome Stranger, a pub on the very edge of Dartmoor not far from Trago Mills. Slightly off the beaten track, but nice and friendly, well priced and I think perfect if you want to see all that Dartmoor has on offer, not be far away from the south coast, and keep within your budget too.
At long last accommodation providers are getting their acts together as to what the customer is looking for, nay what the customer now expects from a holiday in the UK.
Number one on the list - they expect en-suite facilties or their own private adjacent bathroom.
Most of us don't mind a second or two on the landing twixt bedroom and bathroom, but there are a few who will only book if the bathing facilities are able to be entered from the bedroom without the threat of prying eyes. As a great many of us have this luxury at home, it's only natural that we don't want to have to dodge fellow guests in any likely toilet queue.
So top marks to Petra at the Welcome Stranger. She has installed brand new up to the minute shower rooms with her 2 bed and breakfast rooms. Click the picture and you will see the quality fittings. Good space and good heating. I applaud you Petra.
Last year I was asked to build a website for a charming B&B, again on the south of the Moor, with the most dreamy garden and very nice interior. They had worked hard at bringing the property up to date, BUT the letting rooms all shared a bathroom. Not only that but the bathroom backed onto the bedhead in the best room, and I instantly made a mental note to only recommend the place to families.
Early this year the owner rang to say that they were closing.


Next on the list of what I consider to be priorities, is the open house rule. Way back in the past poor souls at popular seaside resorts might be expected to leave the 'digs' by 10 and not come back until 5 o'clock, but nowadays guests expect to be able to come and go during the day.
Reasonable people will understand if homeowners have an appointment at the dentist and have to lock up for the odd hour or two. But for the rest of the time, these days visitors might well want just to lie on the bed all day watching the television if they so wish. They can do that at the large national chains such as Premier Inns and the like. ( which I hope all visitors will waive aside in favour of a real experience) Once in this beautiful part of the country, they will soon be itching to venture outside, and it is up to the host to provide information on what it going on in the area.
Good hosts will make sure that visitors can pick up a file with up to date menus from local eating houses too.
Oh dear the post has just arrived.... a week's worth to deal with. I had better get off my high horse at this stage and go and do some real work.
Nice talking to you though.... sorry this entry is rather disjointed.... my life is at the moment.
When the new website comes on line, Tom tells me that I will be entering the world of Tweeting.
I'm finding it hard to keep abreast of popular technology as it is....
Nice to be home.... Jilly

Oh yes, here's the link to my food review of the Welcome Stranger