ENGLISH HOTELS
[ To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.]
Sia,—One reads with interest the article by Sir W. Beach Thomas in your issue of September 5th, and with sympathy the previous article by " Scadavay." Each writer is correct in his point of view—England is a beautiful country for those who may take the trouble to see it, but how little is done for the comfort of-those travellers willing to take such trouble ! Surely the reason may lie in partly the inherent conservatism of the provincial hhteliers and transport organizations who may be unwilling to provide amenities unless assured that such provision would prove profitable to them. In fact they do prefer to cater for the regular rather than the chance cus- tomer, though I fancy they would be willing to supply any demand, were they not restricted by the mass of laws, by-laws, regulations, and restrictions with which England is obsessed, and which the English, a servile nation, seem to find comfort in observing.
It seems odd to me that in England I ought not to want a draught of good ale before a certain hour, or a bite of food after a certain hour, when in most fair-sized towns on the Continent I may obtain food and drink till nearly midnight, and good food too !
Perhaps this is the reason why so many foreigners who visit England leave that beautiful country so quickly. No doubt they are welcome to stay, but only on English terms ; and these terms and restrictions are very irritating to a traveller who wishes to enjoy his visit in comfort.—I am, Sir, &c.,
C DE GRENI ER.
Belt al Mudir, Bahrein, Persian Gulf.
[We- believe that British hotel keepers are stirring to meet criticism, and they cannot be blamed for the State inter- ference which annoys them and their guests.—ED., Spectator.]
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