Messages

1

Feedback / Re: It seems that somebody didn't like us.

« on: May 31, 2014, 16:24:55 »

Yeah, but his comment really shouldn't be used to criticise the hotel. After all, his grievance comes mostly not at the hotel, but at the people staying there. I think it's silly he gives the hotel a low score just because he just didn't get us.

I think it's a fair criticism to make if you weren't informed that you'd be staying there during an event. You review your experience on Trip Advisor, not just the hotel itself.

2

Feedback / Re: It seems that somebody didn't like us.

« on: May 31, 2014, 14:49:42 »

I do think it's important to look at his opinion while stepping back from the fact that we have personal involvement in the furry fandom.

If you have no experience or knowledge of the fandom, or what we do, wouldn't you find it a bit strange? If you went there for a quiet stay but instead found a hotel full of excitable people in strange costumes, wouldn't you think it was a bit odd?

A lot of us have been very quick to label this guy as a hater or a dick, to be honest I can understand his perspective. Especially as he wasn't told what would be happening while he was there.

3

Feedback / Re: 2014 feedback

« on: May 30, 2014, 21:51:53 »

Thanks for the thoughtful reply mate - much appreciated.

The areas that I felt were a little dark were mainly the floors with accommodation - the corridors themselves. The main corridors downstairs (mirrored areas) also seemed dimly it, though I do understand that this may be difficult to address due to the way the space is built.

And ditto! All of the points I have made are things that can be improved on.

4

Feedback / 2014 feedback

« on: May 29, 2014, 18:17:00 »

Here are some of my thoughts/some general feedback about CFz 2014.

The Convention

Positives

- The atmosphere was brilliant.
- Staff were friendly and approachable and all teams had an excellent presence. Things felt organised and secure.
- The events were well run and I enjoyed everything that I attended.
- The nightclub was fantastic and I had a hell of a time whenever I was in there.
- The dealers den made good use of the space allocated for it.
- I LOVE the con shirt. I was disappointed with the one for 2013 so I'm very happy the design for this year was so wicked. Also the conbook/stickers/+ resident items were to a really high standard too. I can't wait to use the car sticker!
- There are a plethora of other things I could go on about - the whole convention, in general, was a lot of fun.

Negatives

- Some of the scheduling for events seemed off - there were a few odd clashes.
- Monday was a little dull - even though it's a wind-down day, it would have been more enjoyable if there was a bit more going on.

The Venue

Positives

- The staff were generally very friendly and helpful. They seemed glad that we were there.
- Breakfast was fantastic.
- It was really obvious that there was good communication between hotel staff and con staff.
- The pool and sauna were wonderful and I loved having access to those.
- Our discounted parking rate was much appreciated.

Negatives

I am going to type a fair bit here, please don't feel that I am making an effort to be negative, these are simply issues that I think need to be highlighted.

- I found the hotel to be dark and a little dingy. It isn't entirely realistic to compare the Hilton to The Hinckley (I appreciate that the con needed to expand and relocate, and that this was also the Hilton's first experience of us) but our previous hotel felt more pleasant overall. A few of my friends agreed that when we were shown photos of the hotel last year, they seemed to be of a completely different venue.
- It was a shame about the rain, but even if it was glorious sunshine, the outside spaces were lacking. Something I really enjoyed in 2013 was spending so much time outside - there isn't an opportunity to do this at the Hilton.
- The price of a glass of coke. Yes, we're paying Hilton prices. I understand why food from the lounge was pricey, it's because you were paying for quality. But that much for coke?
- I was disappointed with the food from Westminster. It was more affordable yes, but to be blunt it was greasy and stodgy. I ate it on two nights and couldn't go back again.
- Service in the lounge was poor. On more than one occasion the staff forgot about discounts. At one point my order was forgotten. When I was at the bar and the staff were preparing cocktails, one said to the other 'you can tell I don't know what I'm doing, can't you?' Yes, you could. Also orders were mixed up and incorrect orders were brought out to us. At times the staff were clearly rushed/stressed.
- As we didn't have exclusive use of the hotel, there were a few instances where things seemed uncomfortable between us and non-convention guests.

I am confident that the issues people have brought to light will be improved for next year - overall I had a great time.