Royal Athenaeum Suites

The location was great, and everything we needed was there for a pleasant stay away. Check-in at 4 pm was later than we'd have liked.

The room had a big, comfortable bed, though it squeaked a little, plus TVs in both the bedroom and lounge. The air conditioning worked well, and underfloor heating was available, though I didn't need to try it. There’s plenty here for the price, and the central spot makes it easy to walk to the train and bus stations, shops, pubs and places to eat. The kitchen was properly equipped, with a fridge and freezer, dishwasher, hob, oven, toaster, kettle, microwave, dishes and cooking utensils. There was also a washing machine, iron and board, clothes horse and hairdryer. The bathroom was clean, with a large shower, hot water from an individual tank, fluffy towels, and body wash, hand soap and shampoo. The staff were nice, but getting in for check-in was a problem. You had to call a phone number to be let in, which didn't work for me without a UK SIM, and WhatsApp couldn't call it either. After check-in, the key card gives you access.

The apartment was stuffy throughout our stay because the windows were broken and wouldn't open. The shower had a large crack across its floor, and the door had come off its track, so it wouldn't close. Customer service was abysmal. Our booking.com reservation said the suites were dog friendly, and we'd added a note that we were bringing a dog. The woman at reception insisted, “No, no, no you didnt,” then sighed loudly while moving us to a dog-friendly room. We were charged £25 a night for the dog, and cash wasn't accepted. Malmaison charges the same for a more upmarket stay, but provides a dog bed, treats and toys. It felt steep for a low-quality apartment. At 10am the next morning, a woman banged on our door to collect the rubbish. When we left, I said good morning to the receptionist and she just stared at me without responding.

I paid £76 on booking.com for a very quiet night in this historic building in central Aberdeen. It’s next to a Brewdog pub and a coffee shop, and an easy walk into town. The room was huge, with a great bed and two TVs, one in the lounge and one in the bedroom. The lounge remote was missing. The kitchen had a microwave, an under-counter fridge freezer, toaster, kettle, glasses and coffee cups. There was fast, secure WiFi, plus a huge shower with two heads, plenty of hot water and fluffy white towels. The floor is reached by lift, and entry to both the building and room is by key card. The single-glazed windows were dusty from nearby construction. There were roller blinds. I needed help from reception to get the air conditioning warming the room, but it was comfortable after that. I’d use it again.