The George and Dragon

This is a copy of an email I sent to the George and Dragon, Dent following a less than satisfactory stay. I didn't even get a reply! For the attention of the proprietor. I was responsible for organising a recent one night stay for myself and 8 other adult friends (all pensioners) on 8th September. We were all cycling the Pennine Cycleway from Derby the previous few days. We arrived in Dent late afternoon, wet, cold and tired. Space was made available to store our bicycles in a basement room which was great. We then made our way to our allocated rooms, to shower or bathe, warm up and change clothes ready for dinner, booked for 7pm in your restaurant area. Rooms were cold, we asked for the heating to be switched on. There was only enough hot water for 5 of us. 4 of us had to make do with cold water. Unacceptable to say the least. This was pointed out to staff who said that the hot water system had to have time to recover. A verbal appology was made. There was no advance warning that there wouldn't be enough hot water for us all. It was hours later when the water temperature had recovered. That evening, before dinner, I personally reminded the young lady at reception that we weren't happy. And invited her to do whatever she could to help make amends. After meeting up in the bar for a drink, we all ate dinner, even tipping the restaurant staff, and then retired to bed. After breakfast, we all checked out, paying for our rooms in full. The reception staff seemingly having no authority or the will to make amends for the lack of hot water. It's surely a given fact that a 3 star establishment such as the Georgia and Dragon, with 10 rooms should have a hot water system that is at least adequate. I am a retired heating engineer and couldn't help noticing the hot water facility in your basement where our bikes were stored. There seemed to be plenty of room for additional hot water storage vessels, an easy way to increase capacity and intermittent high demand. Although I also suppose that investment may not be a priority if the establishment is currently up for sale. Other things pointed out to me were the following. Radiators full of dirt and debris. Stuck radiator valves. Faulty hairdryer. Loose water tap needing 2 hands to operate. Bedside light not working. Rooms generally requiring upgrading & decorating. The bathroom in my own room looked like the white silicone sealant had been applied with a toothbrush or trowel. Given that the nine of us have paid around £70 each. Apologies only go so far and we feel nothing but ripped off and ignored.