Just occasionally we find a company, enterprise or individual who blow us away with the great service they provide, in fact they excel!. Well, I've decided it's high time I gave those people a bit of a plug. My experiences have been positive, so I can only hope that if you should venture to meet those recommended that you enjoy their great service too. If you don't find them as service orientated as I do, then...well...it could be you, so I can't accept any responsibility...sorry about that!
a new addition...
The Grand Hotel Europe - St. Petersburg
Folks...it doesn't get much better than this in St. Petersburg. If you're looking for top quality accommodation (albeit fairly expensive), where the staff truly know how to give great service, and this is not reserved exclusively for the front line staff working in reception or the restaurants and bars, then look no further! Housekeeping is outstanding, and the rooms are just what you'd expect of a hotel with a name like this. I cannot recommend this hotel enough, with it's Jazz & Piano Bars, it's exquisite dining room and superb ambiance this is a must for the most discerning of travellers!
The Swan Public House - Little Totham Essex
This tiny but friendly Real Ale pub is a rare find, and Jill the barmaid really does understand what great service is all about, always welcoming and nothing is too much trouble. Lunchtime food is both reasonably priced and extremely tasty. This pub is a regular winner of CAMRA Real Ale awards and the choice is always extensive, they also have a great selection of Ciders (my preference). I'm often caught in the pub mid week enjoying a lunchtime snack (well actually a huge plate of food), and a pint of perfectly squeezed apples!
S7 Airlines - Russia
We love S7 Airlines here at JeremySpake.com. This is one airline that is really making a difference in the battle to find great service in the air. The modern crisp look is echoed in the attitude of the staff with their 'lets get it right' approach to service. The growing network of routes combined with the introduction of brand new aircraft makes S7 a hot favourite.
Kalinka Food Store & Cafe - Bayswater London
Telephone: 020 7243 6125
Ever fancied sampling some Russian Chocolate, or perhaps sipping the odd glass of Vodka, or perhaps trying your hand at making Borshch? Well, Boris Gofman, and his top team have just the answer in Bayswater London. The Kalinka store, and it's sister Cafe tucked just inside the shopping arcade next door, offers great value Russian/East European food and drink. Boris is a traditionally warm Russian host, and can often be caught entertaining guests in the Cafe with traditional folk songs...this is definitely one place to visit if you are intrigued by all things Russian. Sadly, the shop doesn't yet have a website, but give Boris a call if there's something specific you're after.
Hotel Le Germain - Montreal Canada
This is without doubt one of the nicest city hotels I have every stayed in...in fact I'd go as far to say that it is almost as good as the Grand Hotel Europe in Saint Petersburg. This former office block has been turned into one of Montreal's finest boutique hotels, where the staff excel at giving great service that is natural, discreet and distinctive. The rooms are exceptionally well equipped and the down feather pillows and quilts make a night in this hotel an experience to remember. Oh, forgot to mention, a couple of minutes walk from the entrance and you're slap in the middle of the shops, restaurants and cafes. A truly wonderful hotel, well worth that little extra to make your visit to Montreal memorable.
