Ivy Mount Boutique

The room was comfortable, and I got a good night’s rest. Breakfast was the real highlight, everything about it was perfect. Paul, the owner, was very welcoming and cooked breakfast too. And the coffee was one of the best cups I can remember. Well worth another visit.

The room was warm, clean, and nice, and the breakfast was great. It’s a handy location for the city centre, about £9 by cab, and the on-site parking is useful, though a bit cramped. I hardly slept, unfortunately. The walls are so thin you can practically hear other guests breathing, and an enthusiastic couple upstairs kept me awake. The bathroom also felt tired. They should consider soundproofing.

For what we paid, the room wasn’t great and wasn’t very clean. The beds were uncomfortable too. If you moved, it felt like the bed was launching you out of it. We raised all of this with the man at the desk, but each time he was rude and extremely unhelpful. We were there in September for a conference, sharing a room with a friend who was attending too. The staff made us feel as if we’d arrived without warning and were a nuisance, which isn’t what you expect at a guest house. When we asked about dinner, we were told there wasn’t enough, even though we were the first people in the restaurant that evening. The huffy man who works at the desk and in the kitchen said they don’t make much food in case nobody eats there. That’s no way to run a business if you want to satisfy guests. It could be a lovely hotel with some time and effort, but I wouldn’t stay again or recommend it. Such a shame.

Breakfast by Paul set me up for the day, and the residents bar has a fantastic choice of drinks. The place was spotless, with bright, nice decor and rooms that aren’t just big standard ones. We felt secure, and noise from thin walls or night owls didn’t keep us up. By far the best place I’ve stayed. I’d recommend it to anyone.