Singles table at the Spa

[LimberlostGirl]

Just returned from a 2 night stay at a spa (thank you DH, lovely late Christmas present). When I went down for dinner the first night I was told that I would be sat at the ‘Singles’ table as this was what people liked. I said I would prefer a table on my own to be told this was not convenient as the place was already laid for me. I spent a rather tedious dinner making small talk with people I didn’t know or wish to know. Lots of discussion about treatments they were having. I won’t go into detail but the words colonic and irrigation came up at one point. Also debate about a couple of celebrities staying there, all ‘Oo she looks awful without make up, blimey isn’t she fat’ etc. As I left the dining room I found the room host or whatever they call them and said again I would like to sit alone for future meals.

Following morning placed again at the singles table so I said no and reminded the staff member of our conversation and another table was laid up for me with a lot of huffing and puffing. Every meal time was a battle between me and the room host dragon over seating.

As I checked out I was asked how my stay had been so I said about the meal arrangements and the receptionist said ‘Oh yes we heard that someone had been very difficult about our seating policy’.

What do others think? WIBU to ask for a table to myself? I have complained about the receptionist’s attitude already.

Royal Goody bag, lucky you never saw one of those. What did you get given. The map I understand was an oversight, I was told I should have been given one. A tour is a walk round the facilities, not standing at reception pointing and saying the dining room is that way, the pool that way........

And apologies OP - didn't mean to de-rail thread but wanted to refer to said spa's crap customer service - YANBU. Singles table sounds AWFUL for those who don't want to sit there. I sometimes go to the really good Center Parcs spas and part of the fun is sitting in a corner having a nice meal and reading my book on my own.

Catkin I don’t blame you for not wanting to go back after that.

I remember it was pretty basic about 10 years ago, there wasn’t any wi-fi and the spa itself was limited.

It has change a lot since then though (new owners) and the food is amazing! Huge range of treatments too.

That would drive me crackers!

Royal you say:

15:22 it is years since guests have been allowed to keep the slippers.

15:29 the slippers are always given as a gift.

How bizarre.

Hi Limber

Yes, the slippers are always given as a gift now. Years ago it was not the case, I think, but for ages now it has been standard to be offered a pair of flip flops upon arrival and you are not expected to return them.

Gutted thought I was special being offered them!

Bad customer service, especially the “huffing and puffing” and suggestion that you had been “difficult”.

Presumably their “policy” isn’t on their website? Because it’d be really unpopular.

They probably do it to reduce the number of tables used.

I’d definitely write to complain in any case as it does seem your experience was not the norm.

I have stayed at "Damp Knees" a number of times over the past 20 years ... most on my own. I have been offered the table for lone guests (I can't remember what it's called but it's not singles) and have always declined. Never any problem. It has never been an expectation just an option.

I think it’s called the Champney’s table and you are offered it as a solo guest, but it’s definitely a choice and not obligatory. You are offered a free glass of prosecco too if you choose to sit there, presumably as an ice breaker!

Also, you are asked upon arrival what time you would like dinner and whether you would like to sit on the Champney’s communal table. You’re not supposed to rock up at any old time, you have to reserve your table beforehand.

None of your experience sounds in keeping with the standard practice there so I would definitely raise it with management.

Prosecco! And I got the cats bum faces for asking for a glass of wine.

Yep, there’s always a bottle of prosecco for the communal table. I’ve on occasion been tempted to sit there just for my free glass

Seriously Limber you should complain. I have a feeling management would definitely want to know that your stay was below standard.

How many people were on the 'singles table'? I was just wondering if it was quiet/had a lot of couples in, and whether this was why they were more forceful with you than other posters - if there are, say, only 4 people at the singles table and one sits alone then pretty soon - especially if this inspires someone else to ask for the same! - you don't have a singles table at all. Which doesn't excuse it at all - it's not your responsibility to provide a singles table! - but might explain why they seem to have been so keen on your sitting there.

I am used to hotels where you do rock up to eat anytime the dining times are valid. Suppose I have different expectations from others.

Margaret, about half full the night I sat there. Rest of the time I didn’t notice as wasn’t anything to concern me any more.

Well, I think it is a little entitled to not keep to your reservation time in general. But that is your prerogative.

There's not a hope in hell I would sit at a singles table. This has put me off Champneys FOREVER

Op, I've been to Champneys tring quite often and they ask you at check in what time you want your dinner.
Could it be that you rocked up at a different time and it was then difficult for them to accommodate a single table? (Not necessarily because there wasn't one available, but because of something else)

I did not make a table reservation, said I didn’t know what time I wanted to eat and they seemed fine with me going down when I was ready to eat.

This table stranger sharing gets on my tits. We do a lot of cruises and in Club dining option passengers are asked to select a table for 4,6 or 8. Tables for 2 are not so easily available. We gave tried the 8 a couple of times but its such bloody hard work and makes me tense. I want to enjoy my food not have to endure several conversations with strangers. The final shitty table was a women who rambled on about her ailments and allergies and who made a great show of injection g herself with insulin each mealtime. A welshman who spoke to the waiters like they were dog muck and another who produced a laptop.. We changed our dining options and now gave a table for 2

They did not seem that busy, like I have said though the food was lovely.

Ragdale offer you the choice of a single table or the social table. I like one evening of each.

I’d be writing to complain - and about the receptionist’s comment. I don’t know about you but I spend my life with people - mainly my children, asking questions, talking about themselves and other people - so the chance to get away and not speak is what I want!

I'd have been fucking furious and asked to see the manager then and there and complained online whilst I was still there. That excuse for service should never be tolerated. I've stayed in umpteen discount chains and had far, far better service.