Goosepool Hotel

My stay was surprisingly quiet for an airport hotel, and it felt secure and secluded. The Goosepool is a good place for a night or two, with friendly, helpful staff. The price matches the décor and location, so it’s good value for money. Just don’t expect the Ritz.

The hotel’s remote, post-industrial setting felt unsafe to me. There was rubbish all around, including an old bath tub by the car park, and both guests and staff made me feel very uneasy. I’d tell families with kids and women travelling alone to avoid it. Later that night I checked in at Travelodge Darlington and finally got the peaceful night I needed after this awful experience. I’d booked through booking.com for a work trip, partly because the hotel’s Google rating was relatively high, 4.0 stars when I’m writing this. At 3:00 pm, refurbishment work was underway. I was told the recarpeting would be done in a few hours, but outside my room the floor had no carpet and was covered in glue, with rubbish and equipment everywhere. The glue smell seemed like a health hazard. I asked for a refund, but there was no manager available, so I called booking.com. They said they’d cancel for free and the hotel would refund me. The hotel then kept asking for more details, first my account number and then my credit card number, which I emailed, but no refund came through. After several calls where booking.com couldn’t reach a manager, they eventually refunded me. Credit to them for stepping in.

This is one of my favourite places to stop when cycling. The staff are great, and they serve proper food with lovely coffee or tea. The new Airport location isn’t opening until 24 Jan, but I’ll be there to wish this fantastic business well. Miriam does a great job, too, with a 5-star hygiene rating.

I’m here regularly for business and wouldn’t choose anywhere else. It’s the best value for money, with plenty of free parking, clean and comfortable rooms, free breakfast and good food. What’s not to like?