Ambassador Hotel

Good value for a budget stay in Kemptown, close to the sea, town center, shops and restaurants. The beds were clean and the mattress was comfortable, so I got a good night's sleep. There was a kettle and tea bags, plus a Freeview TV, though I'd have preferred a sea view. The shower room was okay, but hot water took a while. There are three or four floors, so be ready for several flights of stairs, some of them tilted. If you don't need a bar or dining facilities and are happy with a clean, simple room, it's a good deal. I'd call it three stars by international standards, if that.

It's basic, but has everything you need: clean rooms, a good shower, WiFi, and tea and coffee making facilities. The team were very polite and helpful, and the hotel is close to the pier. Parking out front is available, though it can get very busy.

The room was awful and in terrible condition. This was possibly the worst experience and customer service I've ever had. I booked through Booking.com at around 11pm at the last minute because of train trouble, and there was no mention that late check-in wouldn't be possible. I wasn't refunded, was refused the room, and the person there called the police on me. When I arrived at 2am there was no receptionist. I buzzed for about 20 minutes before another guest let me in. A so-called security guard was there and said he couldn't help. He made up a £20 late fee on the spot. I told him I couldn't see it in the terms and hadn't known about it. The next morning I found out he was the receptionist too. He told me to pay cash or leave. I said I'd pay by credit card and dispute the charge. He refused to let me check in, said there was nothing he could do, and told me to leave. I wouldn't go until I got a refund, but he still refused and accused me of trespassing. I filmed the whole thing for proof because I couldn't believe it was happening. He called the police and lied, saying I'd threatened him. I hadn't, I was polite and just challenging the random fees he'd made up. After about half an hour wasted, he finally charged me £20 for late check-in. He also asked for a £100 deposit, not just a hold, and charged it because of the inconvenience. He refunded it and said it would take up to 3-4 working days. Disgusting, awful person.

The hotel was a bit run down, but clean and inexpensive. It seemed odd that check-in required photo ID from every adult guest as well as a credit card. They had this written on a piece of paper, which didn't feel very secure.