Alton House Hotel

The breakfast was tasty and nicely cooked. The receptionist suggested the hash browns, which I normally don’t care for, but these were really good. This was my third visit, and I’ve found the place friendly, well located, and equipped with decent facilities each time. I’m hoping my next stay can be longer.

I left almost as soon as I saw Room 11. It was cramped and felt more like a cloakroom than a proper guest room, quite unlike what I thought I’d booked. The TV was advertised as a flat screen, but the one there was about 10 inches and placed so awkwardly that it was barely watchable. The welcome at reception was rude and arrogant from the start. I stay in hotels around the country four nights a week, and this was the worst one I’ve experienced. The service and facilities were far below what I expected, and I wouldn’t recommend staying here without significant improvements.

The location suited our plans, and the staff were a positive part of the stay. But at 4 AM, noise from the room next door woke me. I could hear someone showering through the walls for about 35 minutes. I’d called ahead about a special request and was told it would be arranged, but it hadn’t been done when I arrived. The room itself was disappointing: dated furniture, a tiny TV hard to see from bed, and an awkwardly placed dressing table mirror. Cracks, peeling lining paper and stains on the ceiling looked like signs of an old leak. There was a hole in the bath, excess silicone around the overflow with visible mould, an unvacuumed-looking carpet, and a cracked window. We stayed one night, and the room condition and maintenance problems had a big effect on the visit.

Issy helped the day run smoothly, and the buffet was exceptional. We held a small wedding reception on January 2nd, and it was just perfect. Even the garden looked stunning in January. Thank you, Issy.