Travelodge Dumbarton

We left after five minutes, even though we’d arrived late after a long journey. The whole place was filthy, smelled awful, and seemed to be in disrepair. There was also a clear smell of smoke inside. We’re usually not fussy, so it was bad enough for us to walk straight back out. Maybe we just got an unlucky room, but I’d give it zero stars if I could. Do yourself a favour and avoid it.

The rooms were clean and spacious, the staff friendly, and the location worked well for travelling. It’s easy to miss from the main road, though, and we drove past first. The entrance is behind the Esso garage. The night was one of the worst I’ve had for sleep. There’s no air conditioning, and it felt stifling once past reception. The windows barely open, and the room fan was noisy while just pushing the hot air around. Power sockets were awkwardly placed, with only two usable ones in the whole room, a problem when there are four people staying. The corridor also smelled of weed, so people must have been smoking in the building.

I never posted this a few months ago because I’d used another word for urine. As soon as I arrived, there was a smell I can only describe as urine. The rooms are the usual basic, poorly maintained Travelodge sort of place. I’d asked for the quietest room available and was told mine was at the back. That would have been great if the railway line wasn’t right behind it. The windows were strange too, with two PVC windows fitted back to back to make double glazing. I’ve never seen anything like it.

The reception staff were really helpful and friendly. The woman there even arranged a taxi for our evening out. The double bed was comfortable and we had a quiet night. Our room had what we needed and was very clean overall, which pleasantly surprised me. There was a hole in the sheet on one single bed, and the bathroom floor could have used another clean. The hotel is in a slightly odd spot, but you can walk to places for food and petrol, including Starbucks and londis, and there are local buses.