Why did it take me so long to stay at Thatchers Hotel? The answer is simple. The name.
Every week the Jag or Range Rover brings me south from Shropshire for work and two nights in a Surrey hotel. There are 3 or 4 favourites I bounce between depending on price, availability and mood at the time of booking.
Thatchers has never been on that list of favourites. And never would be if I hadn’t chanced across a great room rate, held my nose and muttered ‘mmm, might as well then.’
Why the resistance? I hadn’t heard anything negative and it’s as convenient as the others. The rooms are freshly refurbished, the staff friendly and the food good. They replenish your room biscuits every day – nicely done – and there’s free parking. I hate paying for parking. Yes, Talbot Inn, Ripley. This means you.
Could it be that ‘Thatcher’ is a divisive name to someone my age? The Iron Lady – Margaret Thatcher – was Britain’s Prime Minister for almost my entire childhood. And although I’m not rabidly political… it left a mark. At the very least her name doesn’t scream hospitality. Quite the opposite.
This negative name association has done me out of some great stays at a worthy inn. Thankfully now rectified through lived experience.
I shall remember that next time.
Andrew Greenhalgh 