We stayed at Crystalbrook Kingsley as we were attending a show at the Civic Theatre next door. This was our second time, and we had fond memories of having pre-show drinks at Rombards on L9, watching the sun go down with amazing views over the harbour. This time we were to be sadly disappointed. After travelling up to L9 and disembarking the lift, we were met with a staff member telling us the bar was closed to hotel guests as there was a private function on! Seriously?
We then went down to the G level bar, which was full of hotel guests unable to access the L9 bar and had to sit outside with our drinks - which if the area had atmosphere - we would not have minded at all. Disappointingly, it did not. For an establishment that prides itself on luxury accommodation, this outside area looks like an afterthought - or no thought at all.
We thought we would have a post-show drink, only to find that none of the bars in this five-star hotel were open! We thought that if there is a show on at the theatre next door, and quite a few of your hotel guests are there for that show, why wouldn't you accommodate your guests? Underwhelming, oversight, disappointing.