The Golden Lion Hotel

The room was a good size and lovely and warm, with tea, coffee and a kettle, though there were no glasses. Three of us stayed one night in family room 13. It was cheap, but you get what you pay for: the walls were so thin we could hear our neighbour searching through a plastic carrier bag, and the plumbing was very audible. The double mattress was knackered, leaving my legs much higher than my bum. There was a lot of dust on the tile trim and other bathroom fixtures, so cleaning didn't seem to get much close attention. Good location and OK for a night, but a basic clean and new mattress could make it a 4/5, if you can put up with hearing water from elsewhere all night.

I stayed there for four weeks, with the charge taken from my card automatically each week, which was fine. But when I cancelled the next week's stay more than 48 hours before check-in, they didn't refund me, despite many texts. The rooms aren't clean either. They send self-check-in details with your room number when you book, but when I arrived once, someone else was already in my room and I had to wait for someone to come and open another one. I stayed because it was the cheapest place at the time. Paying more would have meant less hassle. I don't recommend it at all.

Our family room had a double and a single bed, with plenty of space for the three of us. The ensuite was handy, and there was also a communal bathroom if needed. We stayed in a building opposite the pub itself, with a quaint, welcoming feel, and the communal kitchen was a nice extra you don't usually get in a Travel Lodge type place. The staff member was friendly and helpful, and the local area is nice, with plenty of small shops. We were well catered for overall. The boiler could be turned down in the morning, though, as the water was scalding even at its lowest setting. A small issue. Two good nights for a very fair price. Thank you.

Just after midnight, water started pouring into the room through an electrical fitting in the ceiling, then the power went out. I tried calling the contact number several times without success. The water eventually stopped, but the floor was soaked and there was no power, so I ended up sleeping in my car. The room itself was basic but seemed OK for the price. Booking in by phone was awkward. My daughter made the booking, and neither of us has had any reply to numerous calls and emails since. Management has truly gone to ground. If I could, I'd give zero stars.