Elstead Hotel

Good value for money, with free parking on site and a good location. The staff were excellent throughout. The place feels like a throwback to the 80s or early 90s. It’s definitely not modern, but it was comfortable, and the room was a decent size with WiFi, tea making facilities and a mini fridge. There was no safe, and the TV screen was tiny. Breakfast was very basic, and could use more choice, maybe ham and cheese.

The food was excellent, especially breakfast, and the staff were super friendly. Reception was good too. The hotel’s close to the railway station, and the beach was about a 20 minute walk away, easy enough to find. The room was the letdown. It looked dated and tired, the walls were very thin, and the shower barely gave any water and wasn’t hot. The hotel needs a major upgrade to feel more modern. Even so, it was a good stay.

The room was lovely and clean, with a king bed, lots of space, thick towels, and plenty of tea, coffee and two biscuits. There was a big wardrobe, an iron, hairdryer and trouser press. The plugs by the bed were great, unlike in many hotels where they’re across the room. I didn’t have much of a view, and the TV was small, probably 19 inches, which wasn’t great from across the room. The staff were welcoming, friendly and really informative, 10/10. I enjoyed the steam room, sauna and swim, finishing with the jacuzzi. The spa, gym, pool, sauna and steam room were all 10/10. Plenty of parking, including round the back. The price was excellent at £51 a night. There’s a breakfast and bar too, though I didn’t use either.

The hotel looks like it hasn’t been decorated since the 80s, but that gave it a nostalgic charm. We’d happily stay again. Everything was immaculately clean, from the shared areas to the bedrooms and bathrooms. The staff were polite, helpful and knowledgeable, the breakfast was delicious, and the comfy beds gave us a great night’s sleep. There was plenty of tea, coffee and biscuits in the room, plus an iron and ironing board and a hairdryer.