The journey down was fine. I got to the hotel about 2:30, on the way I saw the Oriana waiting to leave on her cruise. On my way from the car park (£10 a night ) the strap on my laptop bag broke. It had only been put on the bag for the first time this afternoon. I checked in, eventually, only to find that my room wasn't ready, sigh. So I drove back the way I came in, to find a garage and fill up the car, ready for return tomorrow. I got back to the hotel about 3.15, and it still wasn't ready. I was told to go and grab a free drink from the bar. Well free is my best price, so I ordered a Bombay and tonic and played Bejewelled on the iPad. The receptionist found me in the bar and gave me my key.

My room overlooked the Port and directly in front of me was the Queen Elizabeth. As I type this I'm waiting for her to leave. To keep up the tradition of a well run hotel, my bathroom had no shampoo, soap or shower gel. That has just been delivered. On the plus side, my room rate apparently includes breakfast, so that's a couple of bob saved!

I need to take the car back and call in at M&S tomorrow morning. Both places are about 5 minutes from the hotel, so that will be easy. Yvonne, from the cruise has just texted me, to say I should go to their hotel, which is a couple of minutes away and we can all go to the pub together.