Quay 8

I loved it and would be back in a heartbeat. I reluctantly knocked off a star because our room was on the top floor. If you have mobility issues, rooms 9 to 14 might not suit you.

The central location was handy for shops, restaurants, facilities and the walking tours. We knew it was unstaffed, and had no trouble getting through the main door or into our room. Reception and the stairs were nicely carpeted and decorated with canvas prints of local sites. The room, number 13, was a bit of a letdown. The worktop beside the sink hadn’t been cleaned between visits and was covered in food crumbs. The self-catering setup was extremely basic: a microwave, fridge, kettle, two mugs, teaspoons, plates, bowls and basic washing-up supplies. Tea and coffee were basic too, and most B&Bs offer more. The sink plug was stuck and couldn’t be pulled out, but it also wouldn’t hold water. The toiletries weren’t great, and the TV and other furnishings weren’t fantastic either. This isn’t really a full self-catering place, or a good alternative to a B&B without breakfast.

If you’re happy with somewhere simple and small, this is a great place. The location is perfect for a city visit, with shops and cafes close by. Foyleside East has 24-hour parking.

The room and bathroom were very clean, and there was plenty of space. The room was a good size with tea and coffee available; the bathroom was roomy too, though the shower felt a bit small. We requested an early check-in and were very grateful that it was arranged. It’s self check-in, and the location is quite central, but up a steep hill. The bed was too soft for a good night’s sleep, and noise from people leaving the bars was an issue. The earplugs provided didn’t help.