Lakeside Hotel And Conference Centre

I've been back many times since at least 2017, and I still like staying here. The rooms are large, with a couch, and the rates have usually been good compared with the city. Parking is free, there's a self-serve coffee machine in the lobby, and from a western-side room you can get a lovely view over the grass and duck pond. It's always been peaceful for me as a light sleeper, without road noise or thin-wall problems. Cleanliness has been the same issue for years. The rooms often smell musty, especially downstairs, and they regularly seem dirty somewhere. The bathroom is usually worst, with grime around the shower, dirty flush buttons and power points. One old kettle was green inside. I don't know why management can't give cleaners more time to do a proper clean sometimes. If this improved, I'd rate the place much higher. The coffee machine is also often out of hot chocolate. Getting around the property can be awkward. Parking is at least 140 metres away, via pebbles, grass and a slope, or doors and steps, and sometimes a flight of stairs if you go straight to or from your room. The reception drop-off cul-de-sac can work, though everyone else thinks of it too, and there are still steps. Having a driver at least means you can be dropped off. With stairs to reach the bottom level and room requests only assigned on arrival, this isn't suitable if you have mobility issues. A top-floor or quiet room isn't guaranteed. The Metro station and large shopping centre, with plenty of places to eat, are about a 15-minute walk through the university, or a five-minute drive. I managed to lose my car in the car park there ;) The Metro takes about 25 minutes to Central Station, which could be a good option given city parking prices. Despite all the downsides, I still enjoy staying here ;)