De Salis Hotel

The room itself was clean, comfortable and perfectly fine, and the chap at reception was very nice and helpful, though he seemed quietly stressed. The Hotel cat Mimi was sweet, and being able to leave the car there for 5 days was handy. But it was a strange stay, and luckily my comedy job helped me see the funny side, just about. The extra £20 each for the airport transfer annoyed me. So did the £60 parking ticket I got for unloading where I’d been told to pull in. I contested it and got it reduced to £20, but still. The giant artwork was wild, and whatever was going on with the kitchen staff made things really uncomfortable. We only ordered fries, but they were out of regular ones and had sweet potato instead, plus a small salad each. It took over an hour. The other two couples also waited an hour for simple pasta and pizzas. The whole thing felt unpleasant and sketchy, with massive tension in the air. Eat beforehand or bring a packed dinner and your stay might be better. I also had to spend another £28 on an Uber from the airport to pick up my car when we got back, so I could have put the £110 in extra charges toward a much nicer hotel.

The room had a sticky tea spoon and the shower curtains really needed a clean. Coffee was only available in instant sachets. The reception arrangements weren't clear, and neither the desk nor the shuttle bus runs 24/7, with the shuttle stopping at 6pm. Check the local number 7 bus times and Uber before spending on taxis. Airport transport adds £30, and there are closer options at that price.

For what we paid, it was very good, and I wouldn't rule out staying again, though I wouldn't give it five stars. The rooms were functional and the location is ideal for Stansted airport, with plenty of parking. I did worry about the rear parking area, which didn't look especially secure. Check-in felt odd: staff weren't in uniform, so it wasn't always clear who was a guest, an employee, or someone else.

It looked clean and pretty from outside, but indoors it was dated and grubby, with a seedy motel feel. They also wanted £15 each way to get to and from this Bates Motel. I'd pay more to stay closer to the airport. I can't see how anyone who's actually paid to stay here could rate it above two stars; those reviews must be fake.