THE HOTEL SUITE

Poet Paul Farley spends 3 nights in 3 different hotels. During his time he speaks with fellow travellers, hotel staff and phones friends to discuss their memorable experiences whilst staying at hotels.

Hotel No1, Malmaison Oxford

• Built in old prison building

• Visual clues of former function

Paul phones writer Joe Queenan who comments that hotels are a

"Break from your life...if I could I would live in hotels" and recalls a story of meeting Elvis Costello in his favourite hotel old The Bel Age Los Angeles

• Paul comments that there is something special about having contact with someone in a city that you don't know and they probably don't know either.

• However that eating breakfast in the space where you have over indulged the night before can be pretty strange.

Hotel No2, Waldorf London

• 1920's, tasteful Art Deco vibe

• You can't open the hotel windows fully.

• Network of concierges to offer best deals for guests

• Paul comments that this is a reminder that "for many people (hotels) they are lonely places"

• Bar man comments that J.K. Rowling famous for locking herself in a hotel room to finish her last book

Hotel 3, Holiday Inn Preston

• View of Preston bus station "Brutalist monstrosity or gem of modernist architecture take your pick"

• Own allure and its own beauties.

• Paul gets speaking to fellow travellers in the bar and the night staff

• The staff explain that Monday - Thursday they have regulars who they see each week.

• Where as on weekends they can act almost as front line staff!

• Cutomers mention there need for function

Relevant Link:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/b048jmy7