Britannia Aberdeen Hotel

We only ended up at this hotel because it was a mystery tour and we didn’t know where we’d be staying. If we’d known, we definitely wouldn’t have picked it. The sheets were clean, but the rest of the place was filthy, with staff who looked miserable and overworked. The first room had mould on the window sills, no heating and a terrible damp smell. The corridors smelled damp too. We were moved to another room where it wasn’t as strong, but the rooms need gutting and the whole hotel needs a serious makeover. Food was a whole other problem. I never saw anyone checking temperatures, and new food was tossed on top of what was left. I watched a staff member put out pâté, picking up bits that had been knocked off an earlier plate and were lying in the chilled cabinet, then adding them on top of the new batch. Someone should be supervising the food service so the kitchen knows when things need replacing and spills need cleaning up. In the morning there was just one toaster, and calling it working is generous. You had to put the bread through once, take it out and turn it over because only one side toasted. We also waited 30 minutes at the bar because there were no glasses. Someone needs to step up and manage the teams. I could go on, but I don’t expect this feedback to make any difference.

What an unbelievable thing to find in a room: a whole birds’ nest behind the door, with feathers and droppings everywhere. The windows were shut and there was no bird in sight. We were told the room had been cleaned that day, so I can’t see how anyone missed it. Feathers had spread into the corridor, and I wondered if a bird might still be roaming around in there six months later. They changed our room straight away and seemed genuinely shocked, to be fair. I was heavily pregnant and waddling around the hotel in a rage. We’d booked at the last minute after I went into early labour, so we could wait and see before heading to the maternity unit. The staff were very accommodating and said we could book extra nights if needed. We also walked in on what looked like cult-style karaoke. I’m sure it might have been fun if we’d given it a chance, but I wasn’t in the mood, and that wasn’t anyone’s fault. We didn’t try the facilities, so I can’t comment on them. But I couldn’t just let that birds’ nest slide.

The restaurant deal was fantastic: fine tomato soup, steak and chips, and a beer for £16. It was great value, and very tasty. People complain a lot about this place, but I can only speak to my own experience. When I had problems in my room, they dealt with them decisively. I wasn’t looking for compensation; I know some people want blood over very little.

Rian and Scott were wonderful, always ready to help and very entertaining. The rest of the staff were lovely too. I was there with my friend Fay on 30 December for New Year, and it was fantastic. Brilliant service, great food, a lovely room and amazing entertainment. A great New Year, and I’d go back. Thank you all, you were amazing!