The Unicorn Inn

George was friendly and helpful, and the room was clean with a comfortable bed. Still, the closed pub and restaurant mean there’s no breakfast, which was a real disappointment. Luckily, there are a few other pubs nearby. The rooms need an upgrade, and it could be a much nicer place after renovations. I’d consider returning if they did that.

We spent a lovely, quiet spell relaxing in the large garden at the back. There are plenty of benches and comfortable chairs, and it gets sun all day. The Unicorn Inn is in the beautiful village of Deddington, in a quaint, ancient building. George welcomed us warmly when we arrived. Our room was small but very clean, with crisp white bedding and towels, a good-sized TV, and a view over the garden. Tea and coffee were provided, the double bed with its memory foam mattress was extremely comfortable, and the bathroom had a roomy walk-in shower.

It was shocking from start to finish. There was a big ‘To Let’ sign outside, building materials and unfinished decorating everywhere, and no staff around. A cleaner handed us the key. The bathroom had no soap, the blind was broken, and there was nowhere to hang clothes. The stairs had trip hazards. The bar and restaurant clearly hadn’t been operating for a long time. The whole building should be closed down. I only gave it one star because the review form wouldn’t let me give less.

The place was badly run down, and it felt like it hadn’t been renovated since it was built in the 1700s. My room was dirty when I arrived, the bedding was dirty, and they don’t clean during your stay. There were bugs and spiders in the room every day even with the windows shut. The shower didn’t work properly and the hot water was unreliable. There were holes in the bathroom walls and uneven floors in the room and throughout the hotel. If I could, I’d give it less than one star.