MOR Lodge

We found Mor Lodge much cleaner and better kept than on our previous visit in 2012. The staff were helpful, and there’s a nice bar and gaming area. It’s an interesting hostel/lodge, with basic rooms that were as expected: usually four bunks and a compact bathroom. Handy for a budget stay, about a five-minute walk from the town centre. This was our second visit.

It’s handy for both the beach and town centre, just a few minutes’ walk away, and the smoke-free rooms have their own bathrooms. Groups may find the rooms useful, as they sleep up to eight. That said, I’d give it only two or three stars. The bathrooms are tiny and not accessible, with awkwardly placed sinks and toilets, cold-only showers, and doors that don’t lock. There’s also a shared bathroom on the third floor, but its lock is broken and there’s no sink or mirror. No mirrors in the rooms either, so you have to use the one downstairs in the bar. The lack of air conditioning is a real problem in summer. Windows only open about an inch, and radiators in most rooms are stuck on. Wi-Fi was free but barely usable during my three-day stay: it worked twice, both times on the last day. Most of the food was okay and included with the room, though I’d bring my own. Drinks at the bar are massively overpriced, and the downstairs vending machine was always broken.

We booked at short notice after getting an unexpected extra day off work, and the beach and Headland Hotel view from our double room was excellent. The place was clean and comfortable, and the staff were welcoming. We’re clearly not the usual guests for this surf hostel, which caters to stags and hens. There was some noise when people came back from revelling, but that was to be expected and didn’t put us off. My husband really enjoyed the bar, and we’d stay again.

It’s a small hotel, but the reception staff were really friendly. The room was tidy, the bed comfortable, and there’s a fairly large car park across the road. I’ll definitely be back soon.