Whites Hotel

The reception team were helpful whenever we needed them, and we slept comfortably. We didn't hear the bar, though traffic from the busy road was audible without keeping us awake. The room was clean but looked rather tired. Reception said it was due for redecorating and a new bathroom, so hopefully that'll improve things. The shared areas also need attention. Breakfast was included and did the job: cereal, juice, toast, fruit, packaged croissants, and tea or coffee to help yourself to. A cooked option cost £7.50 if booked the night before. Parking is free in the gravel lot behind the hotel as long as you register your number at reception. You can reach it from Osborne Road down the lane to the hotel's right, or from the lane off Queen's Road behind the hotel. Decent value for the price.

We were left without a usable door handle on the bathroom, so there was no privacy, and the bedding was dirty, with little black hairs from whoever had stayed before on the sheets and quilt. When I asked downstairs for fresh bedding, staff said there were no spare sets and I had to make do. We kept the manager informed because we were worried about losing our security deposit, but it still hasn't been returned. We hadn't damaged the room and had pointed out what was wrong as soon as we arrived. It was a horrible Valentine's stay, and I wouldn't recommend the place to anyone.

The toilet in room 202 was the main problem. There was so little space in front that it wasn't possible to sit on it properly. Maybe installing it at an angle or against the other wall would give it more room. There was some noise at night, but that was expected. Otherwise, it's a friendly, clean, well-located cheap hotel with very good value, even if there's nothing fancy about it.

I've stayed here over the past few years, and there have been noticeable improvements as this budget hotel tries to get better. The rooms still need much more upkeep, though. Lights, towel rails and other fittings are loose, and the cleaning often falls short. The carpets should be next on the refurbishment list.