Ox Hotel Carlisle

The staff at the ox hotel, Hilltop heights were genuinely friendly, respectful and helpful, and I can’t fault them. The room was another story. Even with the radiator turned right up, it stayed cold, and I could feel air coming through the window and around the curtains. The corridors were very warm by comparison. We ended up getting our blanket from the car. The double bed was two singles pushed together, with the divan bases straight on the floor and no legs. It sat low, and the quilt was thin. The bath had hair in it and rust around the taps. The inside of the shower curtain was disgusting, and our towel was torn. I know I got the room for a good price, but I still expected better service. Again, nothing bad to say about the staff. Some photos attached.

We were travelling from Aberdeen to London and needed somewhere for one night. This was good value, with a comfortable bed, a kettle in the room, continental breakfast included and free parking. The rooms were fit for purpose, and reception were friendly. It seems to attract working guests like van drivers and salesmen. There’s also a bar with a pool table and darts. Nothing pretentious, just good value. Mind the potholes in the car park!

I was here for two weeks, and it was a big improvement on my stay last year. The room had recently been refurbished and housekeeping came every day. Everyone working at reception was friendly and happy to help or give advice when I needed it. I’ll be back.

The parking is what turned this stay into a real problem. A month later, Britannia parking group sent me a £100 fine because, apparently, the person at the hotel counter hadn’t validated my parking. My appeal was rejected with the explanation that staying at the hotel wasn’t a valid reason to park there and that there was plenty of signage. So I paid for the hotel and then got hit with another £100. What a joke. The room itself was dated and seemed to be maintained by the council. It’s not a great hotel, though it does what it says on the tin. Still, I’d say find somewhere else.