248 Halls

At around £35 for one night, the room did the job, and the location is excellent. It's a short walk to the university and about 10-15 minutes from Middlesbrough Station, so I can see why students would like it. The room had the basics, though it felt designed for students rather than people booking a hotel-style stay. There were hairs left in the wash basin and a small mark on the bedding. Getting in was the main problem. The listing said I'd receive lockbox instructions on arrival day, but none came, and neither of my two messages got a reply. Reception was staffed, but nobody answered the entrance buzzer, so someone without a mobile could be left waiting outside. I got in only after calling the number on the wall. Check-in felt chaotic from the start, which is why I gave it three stars. Once inside, the receptionist first said the room assigned to me on the second floor was already booked, then moved me to a room on the first. That replacement was functional, if a bit rough around the edges. For a single night it was adequate, but the communication, cleanliness and confusing arrival process let the stay down. With a few basic improvements, it could be a decent budget choice. Three out of five feels fair.

The location made things easy, with shops, transport and other amenities close by. Staff were friendly and helpful whenever I needed anything. My room was clean, comfortable and well kept, with what I needed for a pleasant stay. For the price, 248 Halls Accommodation is great value if you're on a budget. I'd happily stay again and recommend it to anyone looking for an affordable place that still feels comfortable.

I can't comment on the inside, but the parking and the company that owns it have caused me plenty of frustration. It's private parking, and you can be fined just for dropping someone off. The entrance door is quite a distance from the car park and has an intercom, so if you're helping someone with luggage, you have to pay.

The surrounding area felt quite rough, so you need to watch yourself. The Nepal restaurants were excellent, and Ava restaurant is well worth a visit for Kurdish food. For a stopover, the price was very reasonable. Parking cost a bit much and spaces were limited, but I managed to find one. Reception was excellent, with Cindy especially outstanding. The room was basic, though the bed was comfortable. Internet was free but not brilliant, and the television kept stopping because the connection was limited.