FOR years we'd driven past the almost-derelict Midland Hotel in Morecambe and every time I'd say, "I wish someone would buy that and do it up, it's such a shame," writes Keris Stainton.
And then Urban Splash did buy it and they did do it up and so I started saying, "I'd love to stay there one day." Earlier this year as a joint birthday present and first night away from the new baby celebration (if you know what I mean), my husband booked us a night there.
We left our two boys with David's parents and drove up to Morecambe, giggly and a bit hysterical. Would we be okay, just us? What would we talk about? Would we miss the kids too much and have to leave early? And, more pressingly, since I was breastfeeding Joe and had been pumping for days, would my boobs explode?
The Midland looks beautiful. Built in 1933, it hasbeen restored to its Art Deco glory and stands, white and gleaming, with views over the water and as far as the Lake District. But the car park was full so we had to park in Morrison's. So much for a glamorous arrival. But undaunted – okay, very slightly daunted – we wheeled our bags through the outdoor market and presented ourselves at reception. The lovely guy on reception (whose name I wish I could remember) apologised immediately for the parking situation – they had a conference on and there'd be space later – and sent us up to our room.
David had paid £120 for the room and, for that amount of money I had, perhaps unrealistically, been expecting a bit of a wow factor, so when we were faced with a stylish, but rather tired looking room, I was disappointed. There'd also been some confusion about whether we had a bath and/or a balcony. There was no bath and the balcony was reminiscent of the access balcony of a council block. I phoned down to reception and complained. Can I just say that I never complain. Okay, almost never. But this was our big night away. We were there to, you know, get back on the horse post-baby. We were going to be spending pretty much all our time in the room and this room just wasn't up to snuff.
The staff could not have been more helpful and fairly swiftly offered to move us to a suite (there were no other double rooms available) for no charge. The suite definitely had the wow factor. And more. Just as stylish as the original room, but with an entire wall of windows, a huge balcony, amazing view and, in the bathroom, the bath of my dreams (big enough for two… or more). We couldn't believe our luck.
We did leave the hotel, but not for long. No, not because we couldn't keep our hands off each other, but because – gorgeous as the Midland is – it's still in Morecambe and, though things are improving, Morecambe is still a bit rough around the edges. If we go again (and I really hope we do) we'll get room service and a couple of bottles of wine. And we'll definitely book the suite.
(In case you're wondering, the boys were absolutely fine without us and we did quite well without them too. And, while my boobs didn't actually explode, I did have to wake Joe up and force him to feed so as not to crush my own ribs.)
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