The review
After what seemed an eternity, the hotel was finally finished, the pool, sauna and jacuzzi's already had a reliable client base, the addition of a small gym contributed to this. Thanks to the trend coming over from America, women were now taking their fitness quite seriously. So a workout room was quickly incorporated into the plans. Thanks to Paula, who's keen eye for detail and knowledge of food, kept the restaurant, bar/lounge busy and already we had many advance bookings. The hallway leading from the reception to the stairs and lift, was lined with brightly lit glass cabinets, displaying the wares of local businesses, everything from handmade crafts to the exotic and erotic lingerie available at Veronica's. The first floor I divided into two areas, the first contained a hairdressers, beauty salon, including a spray tan facility (another idea pinched from across the pond) and a masseurs. The second part of this floor contained five basic bedrooms, designed for short stayers, A small double bed, single wardrobe, dressing table, TV, tea and coffee making facilities, plus an en-suite shower room.
Ten bedrooms were situated on the next floor, much grander than the others, a pure opulence of silk and lace, a large claw-foot bath provided an alternative to a shower, a free drinks cabinet (they think it's free, but in reality it's paid for in the room rental). Those staying more than two nights were greeted with a bottle of sparkling wine and a box of chocolates.
On the very top floor resided my very special rooms, my secret project, something that no other hotel in the area could offer.
You see I had been in talks with Mrs Thomas (Julia), who planted the seed of an idea in my head, to incorporate a photographic studio within the premises. Before you shout, I know other hotels give you the opportunity to get photographs, but this was unique. Yes we would offer the usual portraits, but should the lady desire it, she could be transported back in time, to an era of pantaloons and chemises, whale bone corsets, thinning their waists, heightening their breasts, cotton stockings, held up with bows of ribbon. A period where a glimpse of a ladies laced up, little black boots was considered shocking, of bustles and petticoats, face powder and rouge.
Working together we had created a Victorian ladies chamber, a large wooden four poster bed, draped with layers of lace curtains dominated the room, on one wall, a tiled open fire glowed red (simulated with an electric fire), flames dancing in the hearth. A wash stand, with a bowl and jug, reflected back from the large wooden mirror, a simple chair, polished floor, a sheepskin rug. Oil lamps and candles provided a subtle light.
I hadn't forgotten about Deborah's idea, in catering for the needs of pregnant woman, once a month I planned to hold "A Mother To Be Day." Here expectant ladies, could partake in all the facilities I had to offer for free, they could have their hair and make up done, enjoy a specialist massage, learn about exercise and diet. Julia would take pictures of their blossoming, a monthly record of the new life growing inside them. How could I make it free? Simple, a new addition to a family requires new things, so you get relevant companies to pay to attend these days.
The grand opening was approaching and Angela persuaded the local paper to do a spread for me, to be honest persuaded is the wrong word, she threatened them if they did not, explaining she would terminate her ongoing contract with them, considering she paid them a lot of money to advertise several companies, there was no way they could refuse.
My initial conversation with the the reporter was over the phone, she sounded kindly and jovial and was very taken with my idea for the place, We arranged to meet at the hotel early in the morning, before anybody arrived, so that I did not contravene the women only rule. I did some research on her and found that, from reading some of her past articles, she wrote glowing reports about the things she liked but was scathing with her words about those she didn't. I knew I had to treat her like a V.I.P. When I met Jennifer Jones, my preconceived thoughts of how she may look, went out the window. She was rounder than she was tall, with a one shape body, her boobs, stomach and arse all the same size. She had shoulder length hair, left to grey, a portly face framed with round glasses. She wore very little make up, making no effort to hide the creases that came with old age. Her dress hid most of her legs, just revealing just a little of her large calves.
As we moved around the place, she asked questions, making notes, we stopped at the display cases
"Are all these from local shops?" She asked
I confirmed this and explained how I wanted to use the hotel to promote the village, she seemed to like this.
She stopped and laughed as we approached the door to the pool and other facilities,
"I don't think I would be a welcome sight in there." she giggled, pointing to the sign on the door which read,
"CLOTHING OPTIONAL BEYOND THIS POINT."
She smiled when I replied,
"I'm not sure about that."
She loved the idea of the first floor, where women could enjoy all forms of beauty treatment in one place but was concerned what impact that would have on local trade. She seemed to give a nod of approval when I explained that,
"It was merely an extension of their businesses, instead of my guest going to them, they came to the hotel. All I was doing, was providing the means for them to expand their trade. They would dictate the prices, keep every penny they earned, operating on an appointment only basis."
"So you will be charging them rent then?"
"No, the running costs of these rooms has been factored in to the cost per booking, so all they have to do is provide their skills." I told her.
She scribbled something down before we headed into the bedrooms, she liked the simplicity of the ones on this floor. Her eyes nearly popped out when we entered one on the second floor, she marvelled at the sheer opulence, looking in cupboards, feeling the towels, checking the linen. She sat on the bed and bounced a little before announcing,
