Meadow Farm, Redditch by Marstons Inns

The bar, food, and other facilities were perfectly fine, and I had no complaints about the staff. But it was often frustrating to find nobody at the front desk when I wanted to raise an issue. I’d stayed about a week earlier while my partner was in hospital for surgery. That room was dated, but clean and looked after. This time I booked an accessible room so she could spend time with me while recovering, as she needs an accessible bathroom. The room hadn’t been vacuumed, and the hair dryer gave off a strange smell. The bathroom would have been completely unsuitable for someone with greater accessibility needs. The emergency pull cord had been cut and tied up, so it didn’t hang freely down to the floor as required. The shower hose connection leaked, and the shower head mount was snapped, so we had to hold the head while showering. This accessible room was nowhere near the standard of the room I’d stayed in the week before, and that’s not acceptable. The accessible rooms need attention.

Room 207, in the Farmhouse annexe, was very quiet, and the bed was really comfortable. The room was spacious and bright, with windows on both sides, a heater, and tea and coffee facilities. The receptionist was friendly and efficient, moving us from an accessible twin to a double with a bath. The replacement room had no towels, but that was sorted quickly. The bathroom door wouldn’t shut properly, though I’m sure that would be an easy fix and it didn’t bother us. Watch the ceiling beams if you’re over 6 feet tall. Breakfast in the bar and restaurant next door had a good choice and was good value. There’s a Sainsbury's nearby, and we had a pleasant walk to the nearby abbey ruins. We’d definitely stay again.

We were glad to break up a horrible drive in horrendous weather with this short stay, and we’d come back for the price. The rooms were clean, the bar facilities were good, and the breakfast was hearty. The bar seating is looking worn in places, with some ripped and taped areas, and could use renovation. The bottom of our bath was slightly rusty, so it wasn’t very appealing for a proper soak. Still, it was a great stopover at a very reasonable price.

The shredded pork and fries came out cold, so I sent them back to the staff. They asked if I wanted something else, but I declined. I waited for a refund, but it never came. Very disappointed, and I won’t be going back.