What our guests have said
Is it really 21 years since we did our first tour to the London Marathon?
So many things have changed since then including the race sponsors and race directors, the hotels we use, the range of options that we can offer and the number of guests that we take.
Tour No.1 saw a group of just 14 (12 of them runners) in a minibus which founder John Joyner drove both ways from Weston-s-Mare … as well as running the race himself and organising all arrangements. The group stayed in a small hotel just outside London. We booked just 10 rooms
Two decades later WRP uses 6 major four star hotels in central London, has a staff of 28 over the weekend and on Sunday morning will have a fleet of over 30 coaches going to the start…. And will have over 700 rooms available. How things can change!
What has not changed is the genuine interest WRP Tours take in the welfare of every single guest and so whilst positive feed-back may be flattering, more importantly it can often contain germs of ideas or truths which can be incorporated into the next tour so that, year upon year, the standard of what we can offer our guest can not just be maintained but improved.
WRP’s two prime aims remain simple and identical to those in our first year:
Feedback is both encouraged and carefully reviewed and, where appropriate, shown to both the hotels and coach firms. Any adverse comment or criticism is assessed and discussed. If necessary we go back to the guest and ask for further details or comment.
We are especially proud of our 25 strong staff team – both for their commitment to give top quality service but also for the responses they generate from our guests who universally praise their marathon expertise and advice as well as their unflagging efforts – even when a number of them run the marathon and then come straight back to work! The Walking Tours and Race Clinics that they run on both Friday and Saturday win universal praise. Many say that they will recommend WRP not only to other runners but also their charities.
We are proud to offer, below, just some of the many comments from customers who have been with WRP in the last two years.
For your ease, we have broken it down into sections dealing with different aspects of the weekend.
Dear John, As we live “out in the sticks” and it was our first London Marathon, I do not think that we could have coped without your invaluable help and advice, particularly about registration and, as we had never used the Underground before, it was lovely to be accompanied. Peace of mind! The tours to the start, finish and registration were very well organised, and informative and your tour guides were brilliant… as was the transport service to the start of the marathon on Sunday. Our hotel was excellent and your staff based there all weekend were helpful, courteous and very well informed – nothing was too much trouble for them. Thank you very much WRP. Yours sincerely, David and Surinder |
“How did we rate the trip? Better than excellent! “ GH
“Another great weekend. Superb from booking to check-out on Monday morning.” AS
Just to say thanks for an excellent service. Nice to receive such good service and information in an age when the term “customer service” is used without though. Makes a superb long weekend.
“This was my first ever marathon and it went so perfectly. Your staff were so friendly, reassuring and gave excellent advice. The whole WRP package was first-class and we found the three-day stay ideal. Thank you very much for contributing to a memorable weekend – we will be back next year.” SE. (Sense)
“The trip was made stress free by WRP because of the fantastic location of the hotel, lovely food, excellent service. I think you have “cracked it” this time. Brilliant !!! Back next year.”
“I have a guaranteed place for next year. Can I reserve accommodation in the same hotel as this year – but have 3 more rooms for now I see how your tour is organised for spectators as well as runners I want to bring the whole family for a long weekend.”
“I stayed with WRP at Novotel Waterloo. I should like to say “well done” – the weekend was flawless.”
“I really wish I had heard about WRP on my two previous marathons.” DJ
First timers in the London Marathon – what did they think of our tour?
I am an anxious person by nature so to have such efficient and friendly WRP staff around me was brilliant. I even woke up on Sunday feeling excited rather than nervous! AH
My husband was running the marathon for the first time and found the help of your two staff at our hotel exactly what he wanted – they gave him invaluable technical support and lots of support. Faultless. AR
This was my first marathon and I had no idea what to expect. WRP were fantastic! From the minute that we walked into the hotel everything was planned and organized for me. The staff in the hotel took away any potential stress, fears and worries. I will definitely recommend you – and use you, again. KG (Scope)
Thank you so much for all the help and advice for my first marathon. I had an absolutely fabulous weekend. I enjoyed it so much I would like to do it again… but only knowing that I’m with your company!
This weekend has been my first experience of running in a marathon and the whole experience was brilliant! Everything happened just as you explained and I’ve left London wanting to do more! I can’t thank you enough for all the excellent information, hotel, walks, jottings and the team in the office beforehand. Over the weekend itself your staff who were so kind, helpful and full of really good advice. Thank you for making it such a thoroughly enjoyable experience and will recommend you to others.
Being a first timer I thought your service was invaluable, especially having a young family in tow! I would definitely use WRP again. JG
For a first-time marathon runner, WRP staff explained everything we needed to know. Overall the organisation was fantastic.
Thank you to all for a wonderful service, especially for a marathon novice. ES (Meningitis Trust)
Thank you so much for all your help. Everything went according to plan, thanks to you. I cannot fault the service you provide. The documents supplied by WRP were brilliant and you made my first London Marathon memorable, enjoyable and stress-free. Thank you.
If it had not been for going with WRP I would have been totally lost. With just the two of us and without any running club contacts we found that the information that you sent was excellent. Though I took over 5 hrs the WRP staff made me feel as if I had won it! Thank you so much. (Neuroblastoma Research Fund)
My first London Marathon was a fantastic experience for myself and the rest of the family. WRP took all the stress out of all the logistics of the weekend which are almost as hard as the race itself. A huge Well done and thank you to all WRP and the hotel staff. I had a ball! YC
I found the service provided by WRP to be excellent. It was my first marathon and the opportunity to talk one to one with your staff and other experienced marathon runners really helped to put my mind at ease. (Cancer Research UK)
Many, many thanks to the excellent WRP staff at Novotel City South. They were welcoming, informative, and reassuring to the first time marathoners amongst us. They were always ready to give us their time and were a great support throughout the weekend. (JG)
Made my first marathon (and time in London) a truly emotional and memorable day by your professionalism and taking all the hassle out. Great bunch of staff and I’d recommend you anytime.
…. and some comments from those who have been before
x12 Just a quick note to the WRP team to say THANK YOU for a job well done. My family and I stayed at Novotel Waterloo which was great and your two staff members could not have been more helpful. It was my 12th London. One huge logistical nightmare but WRP triumphed yet again.
x6 This was the sixth year that I have used WRP for the London Marathon – and it won’t be the last. When are you taking bookings for 2010?
6 I have just run my sixth London Marathon and depend upon the existence of WRP for the marathon weekend. They just make the weekend so easy to deal with and I emphatically recommend it to anyone I know who is a first-timer. Thank you very much. KR (Educaid)
x4 I must thank your staff for treating us as if we were the only ones in your party – sentiments voiced by other members of the group as well. You did a grand job and we will be sure to enter our thoughts on the internet. This was our 4th stay with you and as long as we run marathons we will continue to do so. See you next year.
x3 This was my third time with WRP and once again WRP tours excelled. I’ll certainly book with you again. (Hearing Dogs for them Deaf)
x3 For some of our group it was our third trip with WRP. However, four of the eight in our party had not used WRP previously; all commented that the arrangements were excellent and would definitely use WRP again. GH
x3 Once again WRP tours excelled. This was my third time with WRP and I will certainly book with you again.
x3 Just had to say thank you for another great long weekend break. This was our third year with you and your team. We decided this year to have a change of hotel and went to City South for the first time where we found your team to be, as always, very friendly and helpful. The hotel was lovely and the food delicious. It was nice being nearer town and we even made time to go and see a show. Well done to you and your team for all the hard work that went into organising this and making our stay so enjoyable and hassle-free…. 10/10. p.s. Please reserve for places for 2009.
x2 This is the second time that we have been with WRP and I will not hesitate to recommend you to other marathon runners. The service you provide is exceptional and takes away the worry of getting to the start, where to eat Saturday night etc. The spectator service you also provide is very useful and the location of the hotel in central London is just ideal.
x2 Our second trip with WRP and again very impressed – will be back again next year. Elaine and Jim can’t do enough to help. An extremely enjoyable trip.
x2 Another excellent marathon experience – I can’t see how you can improve it! Well done to all involved and see you again next year.
x2 Our second time with WRP and again you made the whole experience (apart from the running) very relaxing. Absolutely brilliant. Thank you very much. I will recommend you to everyone interested in running the London Marathon and on that basis any other of your events. (Victa)
x1 Thank you very much. This was our first experience of WRP tours and we couldn’t fault a thing. NE
x1 This was my third London Marathon but the first time using WRP services and I was overjoyed by the services offered and that I was able to have my husband come to the start on the same bus with me. (I’ve been unable to do this previously with other operators.) The WRP staff at the hotel seemed genuinely interested with the needs of the runners and interested in how everyone did- whatever time. Also before our drive back to Dorset the staff made sure that I took a bag of fruit and sandwiches for the trip and made sure we had drinks. Thank you.
What about those who made it a long weekend?
Next year we’ll definitely book for a long weekend – offers better value and more relaxing.
This was my first ever marathon and it went so perfectly. The WRP staff were so friendly, reassuring and gave excellent advice. The whole WRP package was first-class and found the three-day stay ideal. Thank you very much for contributing to a memorable weekend – we will be back next year. SE. (Sense)
Many thanks for yet another wonderful marathon weekend. We all enjoyed our 2 night stay and the organisation was excellent – as usual! The hotel was very comfortable, the staff most helpful and the food was very good. Special thanks to your staff for guiding us through the weekend and their ever helpful advice. We fancy 3 nights next time!
I wanted to write and express my thanks to you and your staff for making my London Marathon debut so enjoyable and stress-free.
From arrival on Friday until departure on Sunday night your staff made sure that every concern was addressed, every worry eased and every angle covered. The first-timers clinic was invaluable and handed down tips that I would never have considered. The Saturday night meal was fantastic value and an excellent social occasion. It’s amazing when you find everyone feels the same as you – it really settles the nerves and the atmosphere is great. The Sunday morning coach is invaluable from the hotel to the start. Being able to sit back and relax is marvelous and I could not imagine doing it on public transport.
I had a thoroughly fantastic time and would recommend WRP to everyone doing the London Marathon. Pass on my thanks to your staff for their time, patience and efforts- they’re a true asset to WRP.
Thank you –we will travel with WRP again.
Another great weekend. Thank you all. Superb from booking to check-out on Monday morning. AS
Just wanted to drop you a line to say “thank you” for the superb arrangements and support we received at the London Marathon weekend. We stayed at Novotel Waterloo which was an excellent location and your staff were great. Nothing was too much trouble – from initial booking, the comprehensive notes etc – was absolutely spot on and took so much stress out of what could have been and even more stressful time. Our thanks to everyone who helped make this a fantastic weekend.
Just a line or two of appreciation for the service/ guidance given by the WRP team this weekend, Having worked in logistics for more years that I care to remember, I am only too aware of how much goes into making sure so many people are happy and informed. In that, as with all the excellent literature sent prior to the tour, WRP is most impressive.
Just a note to say thank you very much again for your help in providing such a great weekend. Going with WRP takes away a lot of the stress and worry of an already fretful event. Knowing that WRP will take care of us – from the coach to the start, the post-race reception as well as a fantastic venue such as the Novotel at Tower Bridge just makes it so easy. Please convey my special thanks to your staff at the hotel – they were great. I would like to reserve 8 rooms – for 3 nights next year please – people were so impressed that I will have larger party of runners next year.
Previously we have just stayed the one night but it has always been a rush. This year we added the Friday night and it transformed the weekend and made it so much more relaxed. Great value too!
Some comments about both the overall weekend organisation
You made the whole experience (apart from the running) very relaxing. Absolutely brilliant. Thank you very much. I will recommend you to everyone interested in running the London Marathon and on that basis any other of your events. (Victa)
Fantastic weekend – WRP staff as good as ever. You really do help to make the weekend that extra bit better… and I got a p.b. too! SU-M
We used the service in 2004 and think both the new buffet service and arrangements for the after-race food were even better. Overall, a good package by WRP and one I would use again and recommend to others. (Alzheimers Research)
Fantastic weekend – WRP staff as good as ever. You really do help to make the weekend that extra bit better… and I got a p.b. too! SU-M
What I appreciated most was WRP taking all the organizational worries out of my hands so that I could focus on the run and relaxing prior to the race. Well done! SW (Phab Kids)
Many thanks for a great weekend – will see you again next year J & MP
I found nothing to criticize but do want to say “thank you” for all your excellent service and support. Marathon running is not easy but, thanks to your company, the running was all I had to worry about! AG. (Hospice)
We all felt that our stay was very enjoyable and will recommend WRP to anyone planning on a similar stay. Tower Bridge hotel was excellent in every respect. Thanks for all the help. (Anthony Nolan)
Overall we had an enjoyable stay and staff at the hotel were top class.
Using WRP makes the marathon a fully enjoyable experience. HN (McMillan)
Excellent organization! If I get a place in 2009 I will be sure to book again with WRP. Extremely enjoyable. NB (WellChild)
Excellent in every respect. (Breakthrough Breast Cancer)
You made the whole experience (apart from the running) very relaxing. Absolutely brilliant. Thank you very much. I will recommend you to everyone interested in running the London Marathon and on that basis any other of your events. (Victa)
You provided an excellent service – thank you. SB (CRY- Cardiac Risk in the Young)
Had a great weekend. Good hotel, food excellent and would use your company again. MF
Very impressed with WRP’s organizational skills. Great to have so many knowledgeable staff on hand – and so friendly! Hotel food was first class and excellent value. Thank you for making this a no hassle-informative trip. JH (Phab Kids)
Using WRP was a great success. Everything was taken care of which meant that I only had to worry about running. The hotel has good facilities which made it easy for my family and myself. (NSPCC)
The service provided by WRP was excellent – they offer great organisation and we loved the friendly way they answered questions. We will use you again! (MS Society).
Friendly and helpful all the way. Much appreciated. (St John Ambulance)
Another fantastic trip to London with WRP. From start to finish the tour was excellent and very well organised. Your representatives in the hotel were fantastic – friendly and helpful I would have no hesitation in recommending WRP to anyone.
Overall, a good package by WRP and one I would use again and recommend to others. (Alzheimers Research)
Many thanks for a great weekend – will see you again next year J & MP
We all felt that our stay was very enjoyable and will recommend WRP to anyone planning on a similar stay. Tower Bridge hotel was excellent in every respect. Thanks for all the help. (Anthony Nolan)
Using WRP makes the marathon a fully enjoyable experience. HN (McMillan)
Excellent organization! If I get a place in 2009 I will be sure to book again with WRP. Extremely enjoyable. NB (WellChild)
The Friday walking tour
This was my first marathon and I found all the hints and tips on both walking tours and in the Saturday evening briefing so useful. The organisation on Sunday was brilliant and Mum really appreciated the guided spectator service. See you all next year.
Many thanks to all the staff who took part in the Greenwich Walk on Friday. I first used WRP back in 2005 but there’s always something new to learn and John’s anecdotes were excellent. I never heard the one about climbing a 20 mile mountain and then thinking of the last six miles as downhill.
I used the advice and can report that it was the fastest section of the race for me. And how many did I overtake during those last six miles – I gave up counting when I got to 180! PT (Coeliac UK)
I don’t know London so your tour of the start was extremely useful and great to chat with other runners. Thanks for a memorable weekend! RS
Thank you for the wonderful hospitality. Lectures were brilliant. (Victa)
Saturday – using Tower Bridge as a transfer point en-route to ExCeL.
I would be happy to use WRP again & recommend WRP to other runners. It was great to be able to drop luggage at Novotel Tower Bridge en route to the Excel Centre on Saturday. So much easier. The information sent by WRP was comprehensive. Looking forward to next year! (Children with Leukaemia)
Saturday Race Clinic
The WRP Race Clinic is a must for all first timers. Found the Run Text 83322 a great way for supporters to track the progress of their runner – and I only found out about that at the Clinic! (SIA)
Although I have run the London Marathon previously I attended their Race Clinic and was delighted to learn a number of new and valuable things. Well done!
Very helpful pre-race clinic. Would use you again – well done! (Parkinsons)
I would like to say that your staff made this experience for us. They were organized, understanding, friendly and very clear in their explanations of every stage. Geoff’s Saturday Race Clinic calmed my nerves and his detailed yet gentle approach was perfect and I loved my “26 Mile Street Party!” Thank you. (Children with Leukaemia)
We still attended the race clinic, despite this being my third run, as I felt I would learn something new. I’m glad I did as I wasn’t aware that spectators were no longer allowed into the red start.
The pre and post race facilities and assistance were very good.
The race clinic that your staff member did on Saturday afternoon was super for first-time marathon runners. He gave us some really helpful tips. WRP helped to make our whole marathon experience fantastic.
Helpful knowledge and reassuring support. Great to know advice is there if needed. Also great service from hotel. Would definitely use you again.
Sunday coaches
The coach to the start was, for me, a Godsend – I would not have wanted to make my own way there. You offer so many facilities over the weekend that I did not get to use them all – but that was down to me! I think that your organization and all that you offer as the marathon package is excellent. Many thanks. (Cancer Research UK)
I would recommend you to others who would like a hassle-free marathon experience. Your coach service to the start was THE most important reason for me to book with you – plus the fantastic location of Novotel Tower Bridge. (Hospice)
We wanted to say thank you very much for a well organised weekend in London. I have to say the early coach to the start for the elite women is great and I had plenty of time to warm up and stretch before the 09.00 start. I hope this arrangement continues for years to come. We shall definitely be back next year and certainly booking with you.
Spectator Service
My wife wanted to see the start and I was so relieved to know that when I left she was in good hands and not left to fend for herself.” CH
Without your ever helpful guidance, coach to the start and, in particular, the invaluable spectator service the whole weekend would have been so stressful. DF
Your tour is invaluable in reducing pressures. In particular my husband was very impressed with your spectator service – so, much easier than having to move around using the tube. MG (Parkinsons)
Late check out
Once again WRP excelled. This was our third time with WRP Tours. This time we opted to pay the extra for a late room check-out which was a huge benefit and made a massive difference. We didn’t have to rush packing and vacating the room first thing in the morning and I was able to take a leisurely shower.
We also loved the new buffet meal on Saturday evening. Both the hotel and WRP staff were very efficient and approachable. Next time we plan to take advantage of their long-weekend break. KH (Macmillan Cancer Support)
Being able to have a meal at the hotel on Saturday night was ideal as we did not have to search for somewhere to eat. Post-race refreshments were excellent – as was the race video that had been recorded for us … and being able to have a late room check-out…. especially as it was complimentary at our hotel!
What did last years guests think of the WRP staff team?
Another fantastic trip to London with WRP. From start to finish the tour was excellent and very well organised. Your staff representatives in the hotel were fantastic – friendly and helpful. I had an injury and they were concerned and asked how I was on numerous occasions and checked on me after the race to see how I had done I cannot rate them highly enough. I would have no hesitation in recommending WRP to anyone. (Oasis)
Your team leader is an excellent host – plenty of time for everybody. Would definitely use your company again – and would advise other runners to do so too.
Many, many thanks to the excellent WRP staff at Novotel City South. They were welcoming, informative, and reassuring to the first time marathoners amongst us. They were always ready to give us their time and were a great support throughout the weekend. (JG)
WRP service and welcome was excellent; your staff were always available and supportive to both runners and supporters. Overall an excellent weekend.
We had a fantastic weekend and the help and guidance from WRP staff was brilliant. It saved some much work! If I am lucky enough to get in again I will come straight back to WRP.
Excellent in every respect. (Exc)
I had one of the best weekends of my life and the WRP staff and the hotel made it extra special – they were brilliant! The hotel is in a perfect location and the facilities brilliant.
Just want to thank everyone at WRP and the Novotel Tower Bridge for a wonderful weekend. Your staff there were just fantastic and nothing was too much bother for them…. And no, they haven’t paid me to say that! Could you please reserve two rooms again for 2009 – in the Tower of course.
The facilities at this hotel are excellent. We were really well looked after by your staff who were friendly, helpful and efficient. Almost looking forward to next year already.
Your staff made the experience easy and hassle-free. Excellent support, very friendly and helpful. (British Heart Foundation)
I had such a great time with the event and WRP. Organised superbly and your staff were excellent. An enjoyable experience for both participants and spectators. (Leukaemia Care)
A pleasure to book with and have WRP staff at the hotel to make a completely stress-free marathon weekend. Thank you once again. CM (Leukaemia Research)
WRP proved to be the perfect hosts who catered for all our needs. Thank you. Are you considering doing overseas marathons – we would prefer to use your company over others. MP & DT ((Hospice)
Your staff made the experience easy and hassle-free. We were really impressed by their excellent support and gave us full confidence that everything would be looked after. (British Heart Foundation)
Our WRP staff team were excellent – as last year. They worked so hard and were professional in sorting out any problems. They have time for everyone. (British Heart Foundation)
So we’ll finish by saying how much we enjoy meeting you and helping in whatever way we can to ensure that your weekend with us is genuinely memorable …and these two kind and much appreciated comments…
“Thank you for the great service you provided for our trip to the London Marathon. We would most definitely use you again and recommend you to anyone else. Your service is exemplary.”
“The whole family would like to thank the WRP staff team at our hotel for all their help before, during and after the race on Sunday. You made us so very welcome …and we will definitely be back next year.”