The Broadway Hotel

The food was lovely, and it was reassuring to see hot plates, clean glasses, and mark-free cutlery. My friend and I had a really nice meal with friendly, attentive service. My daughter is getting married here in May, so it put my mind at ease. I'll come back before then to see if it was a one-off. I think Stacey and Jack were on waitress and bar duty, and both were polite and very friendly. One thing caught me off guard: after the waitress seated me and gave me a menu, someone I assume was the manager came over to talk about the specials. I thought she was another customer who needed salt or pepper because I couldn't see a badge or anything showing who she was. Jeans and a casual top are fine, but she could have introduced herself or worn something that made it clear she worked there, an apron or badge, for example.

The bed was comfortable, the bedding and towels were very clean, and the staff were friendly. The location was excellent too. But our one-night stay in Room 106 was a great disappointment, and parts of the hotel clearly need renovation. There were cobwebs on the ceiling and all down the wall beside the single bed, and we had to clear them ourselves. Dust covered the wall behind both beds and the headboards, where it had built up along their whole length. The wardrobe top was filthy, with only a small patch apparently dusted. The curtains had large holes in their inner lining that let light through. The ceiling lampshade looked as though someone had crudely cut a circle into it, and it gave off very little light. An angle poise lamp was wired to it on the bedroom unit, with a pin round-hole connection that seemed fit for a heritage museum. I wondered whether it would pass a current PAT test. The bathroom door wouldn't shut properly and its hinges were discoloured. The shower head was mounted halfway along the bath, so the screen didn't stop water reaching the floor. The bathroom windows were draughty and couldn't be secured properly. The bedroom windows also wouldn't secure. On a windy night they banged, and only at 2am did we realise the noise was coming from the frames, not outside. We were glad to be there just one night. Our room wasn't fit for purpose, and the attached photographs show what I mean. The lift was also very small and claustrophobic.

I was there for two nights. After the first one, I realised one of my bags had gone missing. It held food and personal belongings. I reported it to the staff and duty manager, who checked with housekeeping, but they said they hadn't touched anything. I can't feel confident that the hotel is safe for belongings when someone may have got into my locked room while I was out. Staff insisted nothing like this had happened before, but that doesn't match my experience. I'd advise caution when booking, especially about keeping your things secure.

We had a wonderful time at the Christmas Day carvery, a three-course meal. I usually cook every year and am quite traditional, but went out this time for health reasons and wasn't disappointed. The food was homemade, amazing, and there was plenty for everyone. Service was exceptional, and the table was beautifully set. It was quiet too, so the atmosphere felt relaxing. The town-centre location is great, with plenty of parking. We'll make it a new tradition and come back next Christmas Day.