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Original poster

BBC The Grand Party Hotel

30 replies

icelolly99 · 26/09/2020 23:09

Anyone watching? I've worked in the hotel industry so I like watching anything related to hotels.

OP posts:
NorthernNic · 28/09/2020 11:27

I saw it! I really think they are onto something with the concept but by the end I'd decided I wouldn't want to stay there....not sure how clean those rooms could be?
I thought the new manager was brought in to really shake things up a bit and I think they missed a trick letting him go. What was your take on it as an industry insider?

Original poster
icelolly99 · 29/09/2020 17:36

I enjoyed it but it did seem more like a Channel 5 programme than BBC..... the manager seemed familiar but I dont know why. Personally I think he wasn't quite the right fit for that hotel; not knowing the #names etc. We were obviously only getting the entertaining bits for TV. The idea of a 700 person check in is a bit daunting!

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purpleme12 · 29/09/2020 21:51

Yes I watched it!
I have to say I didn't really like the new manager
It seemed like he was not picking the man in charge of parties for no particular reason, at least that's how it came across anyway
And at the end that woman saying are you happy? To him and he's like we'll I said well done. Well it's because you come across as the unhappiest and sternest man ever!
To me, it came across like they weren't saying the hotel was bad, just that they needed to get it up there a bit more and so it didn't seem like it watched his attitude?
But yes if he doesn't know the brands etc he surely wouldn't be the best fit

AstiniMartini · 09/10/2020 17:15

I watched it last night. I thought the staff and the owners were trying to come across as one big family but it seemed a bit forced and false.

CurlyhairedAssassin · 10/10/2020 19:55

the manager seemed familiar but I dont know why.

I thought that, then I realised that he reminded me of Mr Bates from Downton Abbey Grin

It's all very......gaudy, isn't it? Not exactly tasteful. But then, I don't think anyone goes there expecting tasteful and classy, do they? They go there for the over the top, ostentatious gaudy party vibe. Like an Ibiza weekender! I think people book it knowing exactly what they're going to get. It's like getting married by Elvis in Vegas. You know it's going to be totally OTT but memorable.

I have to say, I'd prefer to go to whatever hotel that was a match for "Mr Bates". He seemed to have the right mix of customer service and formality vs informality when it comes to mixing with your clients. I don't like any of this very informal "oooh, I've made a new friend!" false attitude of the Guest Relations Managers, sitting on the guest's bed as if they're having a pyjama party. That gossipy one being nosey about the divorced lady. She was there to try to move on and he was questioning her all about it.

When I'm in a hotel I absolutely love great customer service and will happily chat to waiters in quite an informal away etc and leave big tips for fantastic attention and going that extra mile, but the thought of them "gegging in" on the party, having a shot with the guests, asking deeply personal questions of the guests or making personal comments etc goes too far for me. Like a cross between a Butlins Redcoat and an Ibiza party rep.

I suspect I'm not their target market though. Grin

I have been there for an event and it wasn't that professional in my opinion and put me off the place. I was offered a free afternoon tea to compensate, apparently so that they could demonstrate what their "usual standard" is, but we decided against even that. Not for me, thanks.

CurlyhairedAssassin · 10/10/2020 19:57

Ooh just realised, I think they've tried to make it a big like the Crazy Bear hotels. And not quite got it right.

purpleme12 · 11/10/2020 01:25

It was just so sad and scary about that woman who had cancer 😞

Dontjudgeme101 · 11/10/2020 08:28

I watched it yesterday and had tear in my eye, about that lady with cancer. She was very brave and it puts a lot of things into perspective!

CurlyhairedAssassin · 11/10/2020 14:08

Oh dear, I haven't got to that episode yet.

Emma10702 · 11/10/2020 14:09

I’ve stayed at this hotel twice so am enjoying watching it. I would recommend it as a place to visit. Location is great, beds are really big & comfy and the brekkie is delish.

WotsitWiggle · 12/10/2020 00:47

Caught up with the first episode tonight, I was interested because we nearly signed their new Belfast hotel but the opening date kept getting pushed back.

I'm thinking the owners idea of luxury and my idea of luxury aren't really aligned! Lots of velvet and gold spray paint does not make a luxury hotel.

I was confused by the appointment of that GM. It was like he'd taken the job without actually knowing what the hotel was about.

I agree about the Guest Relations Manager, sitting on the bed having a chinwag is just odd. You're not part of the party!

Original poster
icelolly99 · 12/10/2020 23:41

Anyone know what the hotel is up to now; especially with the stricter lockdown in Liverpool?

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Iamthewombat · 13/10/2020 11:24

I know that since filming, the company that owns the Shankly has gone into administration, amongst much financial escandalo. Google Signature Living, Lawrence Kenwright and unhappy investors.

Rather than raising finance in the normal way, Signature (who owned the Shankly) took funds from individual investors. None of whom were particularly high worth. Those people were supposed to receive a return, and were also told that they could get their original investment back after X years. Guess what? They got neither.

Of course, you’d have to ask why the banks weren’t keen to lend to the company.

Google for the Liverpool newspapers, which are replete with stories about investors flying over from Ireland and other places to attempt to get their money back.

longwayoff · 13/10/2020 22:34

Terribly sad lady with cancer, awful. Poor family. However, the rest looks a bit iffy, all fur coat and no knickers. And they can keep their communal bathing, blecch, tub full of drunken hen party? I think not.

purpleme12 · 13/10/2020 23:09

Lol it's a niche hotel though I think isn't it

BigSandyBalls2015 · 17/10/2020 10:42

How sad, that lady with cancer. Tiny children.

Does anyone else think Kris is rather lovely! I am old enough to be his mother though so prob a bit inappropriate Smile

Original poster
icelolly99 · 17/10/2020 18:14

@Iamthewombat oh dear, that doesn't sound great. Will look up the local news for Liverpool.

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Southwest12 · 18/10/2020 17:09

It was filmed quite a while ago as the lady with cancer got married in November 2018 and died in January 2019.

Original poster
icelolly99 · 18/10/2020 22:29

Wonder why it took so long to get the programme on TV?

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Highlights12 · 18/10/2020 22:36

@icelolly99 the manager Kris was an actor in emmerdale. That could be why you think he looks familiar.

Original poster
icelolly99 · 18/10/2020 22:47

@Highlights12 not Kris....(never watch Emmerdale anyway...) the new GM that didn't last very long. Grin

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Highlights12 · 19/10/2020 08:02

Oh will have to watch it. Only seen a bit of it.

W3dontdoduvets · 19/10/2020 08:38

Interesting series but I can’t think of anywhere I’d rather stay less for a nice break away. Tacky, brash, loud. I’m not sure about the owners either, they don’t seem very genuine.

ssd · 19/10/2020 08:45

When we went there for a drink dh wanted to see all the football memorabilia and I thought the hotel was posh, but this programme doesn't mention the shankly connection, and it comes across as tacky rather than posh!!

ssd · 19/10/2020 08:46

It's like it's a one size fits all hotel, but I'm sure it's popular.

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