‘BASIL FAWLTY’ victim Betty Bailey has told of her joy after being offered a free weekend in Guernsey. The pensioner will be coming to the island thanks to Vazon Bay Hotel boss Tony Gover.

Betty was one of a group of guests who suffered ‘shoddy’ treatment while staying at the Berkeley Hotel in Weymouth.

The 74-year-old, who lives in Luton, was told to ‘wash in the sea’ by proprietor Joe Doyle when she complained there was no hot water in her room.

One guest was told she couldn’t have grapefruit and porridge in separate bowls because there was not enough room on the breakfast table, while another was refused his soup starter after being five minutes late for dinner.

The Dorset hotel has now been dubbed ‘Fawlty Towers’, with Mr Doyle accused of being ‘a real-life Basil Fawlty’ by the national press.

And it was after reading of Betty’s plight that Mr Gover stepped in and offered her and a friend a free weekend in Guernsey, travelling with Condor Ferries from Weymouth.

‘What a lovely thing to happen. It is a fantastic offer, a very kind invitation that I graciously accept,’ said Mrs Bailey.

‘I’ve been to Guernsey once, about 10 years ago, when I came over on a horticultural holiday to view private gardens.

‘It is an enchanting place, absolutely wonderful. I went on a day trip to Herm as well and that was marvellous. I have some wonderful memories of Guernsey and will be so happy to come back.

‘I am so grateful to Mr Gover and Condor Ferries. This is such wonderful news and I am quite speechless.’

She added that Mr Gover’s offer would more than make up for her nightmare stay in Weymouth.

‘After our treatment at the hotel, I made a complaint to Dorset tourism.

‘I have been shocked by the response it has got and all the media coverage.

‘I am not one to complain often – I’m far more likely to compliment someone – but I thought the treatment was unacceptable. I was never rude to Mr Doyle and did not lose my temper, I just explained my grievances to him.

‘The whole point of me staying in the hotel was so I could see friends I have in Weymouth without imposing myself on them for the whole trip. I thought Mr Doyle was joking when he told me to wash in the sea.’

She said she had been in touch with Mr Gover and would be visiting the island in the coming months.

‘I fell in love with Guernsey when I was last there and, if it was easier to get to, I would come over more often.

‘But this is such a kind gesture and it has made my day.’