Dolphin Rooms

I had paid for four nights, but when I explained that a family emergency meant I would be driving up from London and arriving late, the staff member said I couldn't check in that night. He said he'd been working since 7am and was alone. I told him that as a customer his hours weren't my problem and that hotels can arrange late check-ins with other staff. He still refused. I asked for a refund for that night so I could book somewhere else and come back for the remaining three, but he wouldn't give one. I had to pay for another place for the night without getting my money back. The staff were rude, discourteous and unprofessional. Utterly despicable and diabolical.

I asked Kristian for more help and he responded that he'd been working since 8am, as if that excused the way he treated me. He was extremely rude, unhelpful, and the service was very poor. They don't allow refunds either, which felt unfair. This is a family-run business, and my experience left me feeling they don't care about service. It also makes me wonder, if I need help outside working hours, is anyone available?

The outside looks plain, so don't let that put you off. Inside, my room was spacious, lovely and clean, with comfortable beds, a good shower room, tea and coffee, Sky TV and free WiFi. It's on a quiet residential side street just off the main promenade. Breakfast was a good English one, served in the nicely set up main hotel across a tiny road. The staff were cheerful and friendly. I'd stay again.

The location was good for getting into town, and the house itself is a converted terrace that's a little tricky to find. My room was clean and big enough for me and my niece, but the bathroom was very small and had lots of limescale or marks that didn't look clean. The maid service was very good and the staff were friendly, though you don't see much of them unless you go to the main hotel. Parking was difficult: despite the free parking claim, I couldn't find a space on the street and ended up paying each day.