The Diary likes…

The Diary likes to see the cause of European unity furthered and so was delighted to join luminaries such as thespian Steven Berkoff, representatives of M&C Saatchi and most of the Croatian cabinet at the reopening of the Dubrovnik Palace Hotel last week. However, the best-laid plans (and timetables) of builders and architects can go awry and while the British Airways travel arrangements went as smoothly as expected all was not quite in readiness for the gala opening. In fact, the Diary was found running round the lobby 30 minutes before the opening ceremony trying to find one of only four irons in the vast hotel after showering in cold water and then being plunged into darkness with a power cut. The Fawlty Towers experience deepened when desperate calls to room service and housekeeping revealed all the phones were down and reception staff tried to maintain their savoir-faire when faced with increasing tirades from grumpy guests. The Diary is sure that in six months the Palace Hotel will be a fine property but it is going to have to work hard for those coveted five stars.