Regency Hotel

The view from the room was of overflowing bins, and the place was grim, nowhere near worth what we paid. Even half the price would have been too much. There was no bar or lounge, the quilt cover and sheet had holes, the mattress was dreadful, the drawers were broken, and the shower was hopeless because I had to kneel down. The extractor fan didn't work, neither did the TV, and the wallpaper was peeling. The fire doors were left open and propped up with fire extinguishers. Breakfast was a cold breakfast. I couldn't wait to leave for a proper, professional hotel, which actually worked out cheaper and included a full English breakfast.

The building looks interesting from the outside, and I can see why some older reviews are kinder. Inside, though, the whole place smelled of stale smoke and dirt, and it felt untouched for decades. Out back were two wrecked cars and heaps of rubbish. Staff were polite enough but seemed disengaged. Check-in started with a handwritten note telling me to call a number, which wasn't exactly welcoming. I also suspected it might be used for emergency homeless accommodation after seeing two women drinking wine and smoking on the front porch. I felt uncomfortable throughout my single night and would avoid it. Travelodge felt like Buckingham Palace by comparison.

I asked to move after seeing the first room, and was shown into room 5, but that one was dirty too. The toilet had stains in the basin, the bath looked badly worn and marked with what seemed like burns, and its panel and seal needed attention. The cupboard had hangers but no rail, and the wall light had no bulb. In room 2, there was a hole in the inside door, another in the bathroom door and one in the wall. The sink plug was missing, toilet paper was on the floor, the cupboard handle came off, and the window wouldn't open. The curtain rail was hanging loose, and the room smelled of smoke and mould. There were two vandalised cars and rubbish in the rear car park as well. At £63 a night, I'd go elsewhere. I wouldn't return or recommend it.

For the price, I got a clean bed and slept well, with very little noise from other guests. The room was large and clean, though the lampshade had some odd stains. The bathroom showed years of wear, and the TV was small, but I only needed somewhere to sleep. The hotel is run down, with a damp smell and bulging plaster, but it's an old, large Victorian building and those issues must be costly to fix. I needed a room for one night after a larger chain let me down, so I called on the off chance. Reception wasn't staffed, but someone came down after I phoned; he was polite and booked me in quickly. It's not a modern city-centre hotel, but I think people should be realistic about what the price gets you.