Queen's Hotel

Perfectley Adequate

I stayed at the Queens for two nights on my return from Morocco and it was a considerable improvement compared to the Cannon, at which I stayed before my departure for Tangier. It was quiet and clean with full English breakfast or two toast for vegetarians, tea, coffee and fruit juice were also available.

Eating was really at the back of my mind, having just recently contracted food poisoning at a Moroccan restaurant in Tangier; this must have been due to eating salad which even I know should be avoided.

The Queens hotel is close to the busy centre and to the main traffic flow from Queensway which runs from the border with Spain all the way to the entrance to the Upper Rock on the south of the pennisula. Also close to the hotel are the Alameda Botanical Gardens for horticultural and wildlife enthusiasts and the cable car is but a short walk for access to the Upper Rock. Main Street is close by for restaurants and duty free shopping although electrical items are mostly quite expensive. The interior of the hotel is somewhat dark and dated with a Spanish feel to it, almost like being in a church.

The front of the hotel has a view of the Rock and as this is slightly away from the hotel is more impressive as this can be seen in its entirety without cranking your neck upwards.

The staff try to be friendly although this was somewhat of a strain on them and helpful up to a point. English is widely spoken by most hotel staff, with the exception of the cleaners. There is a lift which does work adequately although is slow and confuses one as you enter one door but exit through doors set at a right angle.

The room rate was £26.00/$52/€40 per night for just a single bed with just a wash basin, wardrobe, aircon and TV although bathroom facilities were shared with other guests on the same floor. Lately the hotel has undergone a change and rates are now £60/120/€90 for room with ensuite bath/shower although my room had a view overlooking the rear of adjacent buildings. This room rate reflects on the rates at all decent hotels in Gibraltar and is not based on tourist needs but seems to be more business oriented.

Breakfast is served in the spacious dining room overlooking Main Street.

Rooms are cleaned daily by Moroccan ladies so if you have any leftover Dirhams from a trip to Tangier or other city in Morocco, you can give these as a tip.

Unique Quality: Large dining room overlooking Main Street. Newspapers in lobby. Fairly quiet. Close to Botanical Gardens and cable car. Dinig room has waiter service.