Self-service

Self-service check-in… Useful and convenient at airports, really not so nice in hotels.

I’m ok with travelling. Despite being away from home there’s usually enough ‘different’ about the whole experience to keep my spirits up. But arriving at an airport hotel in Manchester today, I came across self-service check-in for the first time.

It was a funny start to the stay anyway, as I realised moments after I walked in the door that I’d left my bag (laptop, tickets, passport) in the taxi. Managed to retrieve them before he got out of the car park. Phew. So I made my second entrance into the lobby to find the receptionist skulking away and myself faced with a pair of terminals. Enter your surname. Enter your postcode. Select your extras. Get your key card.

Go up to your room feeling unusually dejected and lonely.

Carry on living in a lovely, warm community in mid-Wales, and be thankful that (a) your usual life is very personable and rewarding and (b) this is just one night at an airport hotel.

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