The Dorrington

The staff were great, very helpful and accommodating, and I can't fault the value for money. The room was on the ground floor of the annexe, away from the pub. Still, we could hear everything through the thin walls from both neighbouring rooms. The bed was uncomfortable, with the springs noticeable, and perhaps a topper would help. Getting out of the shower felt slippery without a towel mat. TV reception never gave us a decent picture, and there were no hooks for clothes or jackets. The green fire exit sign over the front door was so bright it lit the room, so bring an eye mask. I slept badly and ended up putting socks over my eyes. Not great.

We were visiting friends in halstead for New Year's Eve and stayed at the hotel. Our room was spacious, with a really comfortable bed and a large bathroom with both a bath and shower. The carpet could probably do with replacing, but that's my only room quibble. The staff were friendly and welcoming, and we'd stay again.

I wouldn't recommend staying here. The pub felt tatty and noisy, more like a locals' pub, and I hadn't realised they don't serve food at all. My first room was okay, but WiFi was hard to connect to, so I had to move. In the next room the washbasin had no hot water, the TV didn't work, and I couldn't connect to the WiFi at all.

We only lasted about 20 minutes before leaving, and I wouldn't recommend the place. The man who showed us to the room was polite, and the bedding was very clean, but that was about it. The bar was dingy and dirty, with four people drinking, talking loudly and spitting beer on the floor. The entrance to our room was filthy, with daddy long legs in every corner. The door had a large gap and didn't feel secure, the drawers were broken, and the bathroom ceiling and tiles had mould. The windows were filthy too, and there was only one rail for hanging clothes.