Travelodge Chester Central Bridge Street

We booked because the hotel is central, but ended up in an accessible room since it seemed to be the only twin room available. It was spacious and clean, with a view over the road. I noticed ground-in dirt at the edge of the shower chain and a permanent mark on the toilet seat, like nail polish. The staff were helpful, though we were disappointed there was no secure place to leave luggage.

The room is basic but clean, with a comfortable bed and USB ports by the bedside. There’s a desk and chair, tea, coffee and a kettle. They provide one towel per person, and there’s no bath mat. The heater was adequate, and liquid soap was available in the shower and by the sink. It’s right in the middle of things, close to the old town centre, restaurants and shops. Perfect for a weekend getaway!

Our room was lovely, spacious and tidy, with a really comfy bed, plenty of towels and an easy to use shower that wasn’t slippery. We had breakfast there too. The hash browns were a bit bland, and we ran out of bacon and sausages, which was a shame. There also wasn’t much seating space. I couldn’t understand the man who greeted us as we went in for breakfast.

I’d used Travelodge for years and had never had a problem, so I chose it because I had my two small dogs with me and expected the usual friendly, kind service. I was staying for three days. That morning, while I was out, a chambermaid went through my room and saw an unopened packet of cigarettes and a vape plugged in. They treated that as evidence of smoking, put all my things in my case and left it at checkout. When we came back at 11pm, I was rudely told I was being thrown out. The staff were patronising, arrogant, nasty and rude. They refused to identify themselves or give me the name of a manager, and insisted I call the booking line, which did nothing. They wouldn’t discuss it reasonably and kept the booking money. I had to call around trying to find another room, doubling the cost, while standing in the dark on the street. I’d had two glasses of wine by then, so I couldn’t drive. They thought leaving me there at 11pm was an adequate response. Their notices say there’s a fine, not that guests will be thrown out late at night, and they had no evidence. They backed the actions of an unknown chambermaid, never called me, and acted as if they’d found me chain smoking and doing crack. They showed no concern for my safety as a woman alone on the street. I was disgusted. They searched my room illegally, took my payment, were abusive, packed my belongings and dumped me outside in the middle of the night for having a vape in my room. If you can’t afford or find somewhere else, you could be left in the cold and dark, and they don’t care. My friend was staying in another room, but they expected them to stay while leaving me out alone. They kept the cost of both rooms for our three-day mini break, while we paid another 600 somewhere else. Staffed by toxic bullies. Avoid, avoid, avoid.