The Dukes Head Hotel

The rooms at Dukes were lovely, and the restaurant staff were attentive, though the food itself wasn't up to par. We were there for the weekend and the stay was okay overall, but there were some issues. We hadn't researched the room carefully and found there was no air conditioning. A fan was available, but it was still hot, so we kept the windows open and could hear a lot of outside noise. The bigger concern came after we asked for the room to be refreshed. When we returned that evening, the door was open and the things we'd left in the room were gone. Nothing had been stolen, thankfully, but anyone could have entered. We told reception right away. They apologized and said they'd look into it, but nothing more happened. We weren't happy and wanted reassurance that it wouldn't happen again. There doesn't seem to be hotel security, and anyone can walk in or out. Parking is first come, first served, and costs £15 for 24 hours. I'd probably give them the benefit of the doubt, but this was a 6/10 stay.

The food was very good once it arrived, but the wait was far too long. We had Sunday lunch today, and the hotel's lovely restaurant wasn't open, so we had to eat in the bar. There were plenty of staff, but they stood behind the bar chatting instead of serving. The place needs better management or it may soon stop being viable.

I had a positive stay at this friendly, decent hotel for a business trip. It's right in the town centre, with rear parking for £15 for 24 hours and two EV charging points that use the Roam app. The reception was warm, and the staff were friendly. The restaurant service was especially good. There were two menus with a wide choice; I had calamari to start, then a burger with upgraded fries. The food was okay, and the service was exceptional. Breakfast was perfect, with fresh hot food to serve yourself, proper quality sausages and a fried egg instead of scrambled. The service there was friendly and professional too. The room was clean, the bed comfortable, and there was a shower but no bath. One problem was being woken at 5:45M by Johnsons Laundry Service picking up the linen. The driver dragged 2mX1m plastic containers out of the building, across the street, then into the truck. If you're in the rooms above that area, it's impossible to stay asleep or get back to sleep. Management may not know about it, but it's worth asking for a room on another side of the building if you can. Apart from that, it was a positive experience, whether you're visiting for business or local sightseeing.

Great value, and I'd definitely stay again. We had the Small Double, Room 407, which had plenty of space, tea, coffee, and biscuits. The room was lovely, and the hotel had real class and style. The staff were attentive and lovely. Recommended.