Belgrave

The location near the train station and amenities was good, and the price was reasonable, but even at £30 a night I found the standard unacceptable. The place is dated and run down. I was given a twin room, presumably because no doubles were left, which I could live with, but the beds and mattresses were in such poor shape that I've slept better on a carpeted floor. The bathroom was tiny and claustrophobic, smelled of stagnant water and damp, and the toilet was wedged between two walls. It would have been unusable for someone larger. The shower had almost no pressure and getting the temperature right was nearly impossible. The TV was taped to its wall bracket. Window frames were dirty, and the carpets were worn out and unclean. The door had a huge crack and several botched repairs, so it didn't seem secure. I won't stay here again.

Great spot opposite the station, and very good value. The staff were welcoming and friendly, and the room was warm, clean and nicely arranged. The decor and furniture are really dated, but that doesn't matter much for a practical hotel.

Helen was lovely when I arrived, but after that the stay was horrible. My twin room was small, damp and very dated, and the other staff were awful. They wouldn't let me have a guest in the room and actually shouted at us, which was embarrassing. They said it was because of a previous theft. I also had a single workman touching up paint, so the place stank of it. They need to refurbish the whole place instead of painting over the mold. My friend stayed at the quartz, which was modern, cheaper and had friendly staff. I wish I'd stayed there. I wouldn't come back.

The room was okay, though the mattress definitely needs replacing. There wasn't any breakfast available, but The Town Crier is only 100 yards away and serves a fab breakfast at a reasonable price. Handy if you're going to a gig at the Live Rooms.