“Don't normally give feedback but on this occasion feel may be useful to do so, but will detail the "good" and the "bad" for balance.”
First the good. Could park easily in the little courtyard - probably enough room for 4 cars. Keys were available a bit earlier at 3.30 (when we turned up) rather than 4pm. So that was a bonus. Views are spectacular - sea views every window and the sound of the sea was lovely! Size of the apartment also huge and spacious and great for families. Kingsize bed is in what feels like a separate "wing" to the left as you go through main door and includes en-suite with shower. Across the landing (but within the accommodation) is a huge lounge/kitchen and a further double bedroom with separate bathroom that has both bath and shower. Lovely wooden bannisters and well equipped kitchen. Nice touch of telescope in the lounge. The slate/stone effect tiles in the one shower were lovely. Rock sink/bowel also unusual but nice. Now sadly the "bad" and appreciate some of this is just personal taste/preference so apologies if cause offence. The entrance/hall way up to the penthouse is quite dark and lights come on by sensor. The carpet and decor looks "tired" and dated and could do with a deep clean. Some noise from one of the other apartments and the key safe was a tad fiddly. The stairs themselves whilst top floor are short flights and easy to manage (and I am fairly unfit!) so don't let it being top floor put you off. BUT at the top as you go to enter the accommodation there is only what I would describe as a "suggestive" and "inappropriate" painting. Not suitable in our view for children or indeed people looking for a romantic seaside escape. We are not prudes but that sort of painting should be in a personal space of meaning to the artist. Off putting before even entered the apartment. On entering, lovely landing and period wooden bannisters that branches left and right but again the decor (personal taste) was tired looking and "odd". A black and silver girraffe head on the wall greets you outside one bathroom, feather tassel light pulls in the bathroom that I could not help feel were unhygienic (not easy to clean) and lots of black and dark furniture. We only used the smaller bedroom as only the two of us, and as the larger bedroom just felt really dark. When we stripped the bed on leaving (a day early) there were stale blood spots on the duvet itself and yellow stains. The furniture in lounge was a bit saggy (again preference) but not so good for those who need something more supportive to sit on. The dining table was set with rather dated tableware and the chairs themselves were cracked faux leather which had seen better days. Leather type lounger in the one window looked worn and ideally a couple of chairs for two people to comfortably sit would be better idea? As I say "tired" is how would describe it and in need of a refresh. The art work in general and the ornaments were a bit mismatched and no general theme. Nothing really sat very well together. There were what appeared to be stains in the bottom of the copper bath. Don't think it was dirty - just worn - but put us off using. Energies in the apartment were not great for us - but appreciate maybe that's just us and others may not be so sensitive to such things. Not helped by someone with a drone hovering it right in front of the lounge window!, hope for others that's a one off! Having stayed in a beautiful apartment in Devon with panoramic direct sea views, white and fresh neutral seaside theme, and immaculate, the benchmark was high already, so perhaps our expectations were a little too high. We were hoping to find similar in our favourite part of the UK but sadly not for us. In any event, we stayed only one night and left the following morning as neither of us felt very comfortable. General reviews we could see have been excellent so we appreciate we are outliers here, but such a shame as the place has such potential to be something really incredible and light and fresh, and is in a fabulous part of Wales. Just an additional note if of use - large ornaments/artificial flowers in the windows - just dust traps and unnecessary as those views don't need "dressing". The really are amazing. Also if visiting note that the roof top cafe next door to Blue China, no longer does any cooked food - not even chips. We had a sandwich each, a diet coke and my husband had a pint, and a piece of bara brith and it was nearly £30! Anyway - Criccieth was as beautiful as ever whatever the weather, but this accommodation didn't work for us but may well suit others. Didn't leave a review in the guest book in the property as noticed a couple of pages ripped out - assume may have been visitors or owners if poorer reviews.
I'm so pleased you managed to enjoy the stunning location of The Penthouse at Vista Marina, it is truly a beautiful spot, and we've had several sightings of both the seal and dolphins this year!
Regarding your views on the decor, there's no accounting for taste as the phrase goes! however I was surprised with your comments regarding the original artwork of Kate Bush, I sent your comment to the artist, her response was 'Art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable. Quote: Cesar A. Cruz.
All items in The Penthouse are of a very high standard including the Axminster in the hall, the antique leather chaise lounge and the copper bath but unfortunately not to your taste, you didn't like the nickel beaten chargers and Poole Pottery by Iris Tchalenko which I think is gorgeous, again, that is personal taste. I have checked the photographs to see they reflect the property accurately and spoken with the Sykes representative who also confirmed this as so.
I'm not quite sure how to respond to your comment as to the larger bedroom just felt really dark, the room is massive, double aspect with large windows and stunning views, but surely you want it to be dark when you sleep?
I have spoken with my ladies who care for Vista Marina regarding the bedding, it is very unlike them to miss anything, sometimes guests have accidents and don't advise us so they have to be super vigilant... but they are human, I'm sorry if on this occasion they may have missed something, thank you for notifying us, we will double check every duvet this changeover.
With regard to cost of food at The Blue China, having just spent £4.00 on a cup of coffee I totally agree with you, eating out is expensive. Thank you once again for taking the time to comment I'm sure potential guests will find it very useful. With best wishes, Chrissie. Ps. I think it more likely that a piece of paper was taken from the comment book for writing paper?
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