Ruskin Hotel

The rooms were spotless and the staff were great during our three nights at the Ruskin. The 60s week entertainment was fantastic, and we loved dancing to the music. Just got home, and we’ll definitely return. Highly recommended.

The friendly staff and the entertainment team made our stay, especially Shaun, who was brilliant. Gary, who I think was the owner, was professional and really nice. We were all inclusive, with breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks included. Lunch was a standard choice of cold sandwiches; AI guests could pay an extra £1 for certain drinks such as JD, Fosters or San Miguel. Breakfast was a normal but good buffet. Dinner service felt muddled: one waiter didn’t come back with the menu, and after we helped ourselves to salad, we were told we’d had our starters. My partner has a throat condition and was struggling to speak, so the order was taken in a confusing way. Perhaps staff could be assigned to sections or table numbers. Everyone stayed smiling and got us what we asked for, and I put the disorganisation down to a busy weekday. The hotel itself felt outstanding, more than its three stars, and we’ll definitely return. Parking felt secure in a locked garage out back, and we were shown where to leave the car. We arrived around 1pm, before the 3pm check-in, and were told we’d received a complimentary upgrade from a double club room. Our small, clean room had a very comfortable bed. We were told it was changed from category ‘club’ to ‘premier’ because of a kettle and coffee machine, though there wasn’t a machine at first. Reception said they’d look for one, and one was put in the room the next day. At lunch the restaurant table we’d been allocated was occupied, so we were moved near the salad bar. It took ages for anyone to ask what we wanted from the menu. The theatre showroom for bingo bonanza was stunning, and compere Sean had us belly laughing throughout. My partner left his jacket there, but it was handed in to lost property with at least £100 in pound coins still in the pocket. Huge shout out to all the staff, and a massive one to Shaun.

We had a pleasant stay and the room was good value, though the beds weren’t as comfortable as home. We didn’t eat at the hotel. It’s very central, a couple of blocks from winter gardens and coral island, and a few blocks from madame Tussauds and tower ballroom. There are some on-street parking spaces. We’d stay again.

The food was well priced, with good portions, and a small problem with our prebooked parking was handled and sorted out really well. The hotel and its public spaces were spotlessly clean. Every staff member we met at reception, the bar and breakfast was super friendly and attentive. We were only there one night, but would definitely return.