INN-CHARGES.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE SPECTATOR.
United Sen ice Club, 27th September 1842.
Sue—Having just returned from the Continent, I was much pleased with the perusal of the letter of "An Old Subscriber," and your own observations on the subject alluded to. Certainly nothing can be more correct than your remark on the characteristic servility of both landlord and waiter in England; and you might have added, the frequent insolence of manner, if not correspond- ingly remunerated. I could find no one on the Continent, or on board the steamer, who could inform me of any hotel in London combining comfort and moderate charges; and in order to avoid exorbitant extortion, I left my baggage with a friend until I should provide myself with lodgings, though only for a few days. Innkeepers in this country have still to learn that two and two do not always make four; and the press would render an essential service to the public at large by opening their eyes to this truth. About ten days ago, I arrived with Mrs. B. at the Preussischer Hof Naum- burg shortly after the table-dUte hour; but I walked in and ordered dinner, which was presently served, and good, with half a bottle of wine. On ordering our carriage to the door, we were accompanied by the master and waiter, with every mark of attention; and the bill on this occasion was 38. lOci. for both, including about 4d. to the latter; and I should add, that we had some fruit after dinner. Again, at Gotha, the charges were also very moderate : we had an excellent double-bedded room, coffee with bread and butter in the evening, and the same in the morning ; and our bill was 5s. 2d. So much for some of the attractions of travelling and contrast of expenses. It is true there is occasionally an apparent familiarity of manner on the part of the servants abroad, not quite to the taste of those who visit the Continent for the first time ; but I must confess that their "Eon jour, Monsieur," is not disagreeable to tny ears, and I never fail to reciprocate their salutations in the same tone.
As you mention that hotels have been established in London with "mode- rate and fixed charges," perhaps you would have the goodness to give their names ; and, with many others, oblige your very obedient servant, B.
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