Travelodge Carlisle M6

The room was spotless and the bed really comfortable. There was plenty of tea and coffee available, and the receptionist was very helpful.

Our room was just right for a short stop on the way down. My mum’s room was clean and tidy, but had a horrible musty smell. Staff were happy to move her.

There are shops and places to eat on both sides of the services, joined by a footbridge over the M6. We got stuck there waiting for a tow, and Travelloge gave us somewhere to stay. The staff were friendly and helped us avoid a parking fine. Our room was clean, though the bed was uncomfortable, but usable.

The bathroom was in awful shape: rusty bath handles, peeling floor covering and a toilet seat that barely fit. The shower was almost useless, with water coming out like a tin can with five holes in it. The rooms were tired and basic, and that damp, musty smell from reception followed us down corridors piled with dirty laundry. The walls and woodwork looked like they hadn't been painted in years. The reception area itself was in a terrible state. The young woman at the desk seemed resigned to spending her shift there. On our second visit we waited ten minutes before calling for help to check in. We had booked two separate stays, heading to and then returning from Scotland, and both left us feeling miserable. We considered cancelling the second night and staying at a Premier Inn, but couldn't. Would we recommend Travel Lodge or stay there again? No.