Helix Hotel

The receptionist was a lady. The power went off in the middle of my wash, otherwise the service would have been five stars. The rooms could be cleaner. There was only tea for the kettle, and instant coffee would have been nice too.

I spent about two weeks here while working in Glasgow and Edinburgh, and the location was ideal, more or less between the two. From the outside it looks run down, and the surrounding area has a bit of a "shamless" vibe. But once I went to the local pub, the dundas, I found the locals really friendly and welcoming. I still talk to a few of them, five months later. Inside, the hotel was clean and presentable. There’s a washing machine and dryer contractors can use for their belongings. The restaurant and bar were closed at the time, but there’s a great little pub just around the corner that does Monday and Friday club. I’m half tempted to book a few days just to get away and see the locals again.

The receptionist was great, friendly and helpful, and the wifi was excellent. The shower was hot and powerful, and the town centre shops are nearby, with a few restaurants within a 15 minute walk. But I wouldn’t stay again because of the mattress. I paid £130 for a room with a very lumpy, springy old bed. I had to use the duvet from the small bed, then half of that duvet as well, just to avoid feeling the lumps. If a hotel charges over £100, the mattress needs to be sleepable. There was no fan or hair dryer either. There’s no car park, just street parking and a shop car park around the corner. The hotel looks very run down, and you have to call a number to be let in. The view from the window wasn’t scenic, as you can see in the photo. There was no food in the evening or at breakfast, and no bar. The shower room had no blind, and light came through the curtains so I woke early at sunrise. Such a shame, because the receptionist was lovely.

I went to see the hotel before paying for a double room. The place looked nothing like the online photos, with wooden boards up, a run-down appearance and an awful area. I turned around and left without staying. Absolutely disgraceful.