Mercure White Hart Hotel Salisbury and Apartments

The hotel is downtown, so shops, sights and restaurants were easy to reach. There was plenty of Council parking just behind it, and guests paid half the normal parking rate. Check-in was warm and easy, and Jack was especially helpful. With no lift in the ancient building, he carried one of our large suitcases up two flights of stairs. Checkout was straightforward too. My wife and I slept well for both nights. The room was clean, with a huge comfortable bed and a modern bathroom. Water pressure in the bathroom was a little weak, though that may be beyond the hotel's control. It was quiet overnight. Breakfast was a good English breakfast, with no fuss and worth what we paid. The restaurant wasn't open for dinner during our visit, so we couldn't eat there.

The breakfast was a highlight, served in a bright, colourful room overlooking the hotel's little private garden. It made for a calm, relaxing start to the day, and we loved it. The room was spotless, well kept and very comfortable, and the central location made it easy to explore Salisbury. From arrival to departure, staff in every department were warm and caring. JOHN and SHARON at the front desk deserve a special mention. They were so kind and welcoming, with a way of making guests feel special that really stays with you. My partner and I have just returned from a fantastic stay at the Mercure in Salisbury. It felt like a little home away from home. We'll definitely be back!

The location was good, and the bedrooms were generally clean. In our room, though, the kettle was very dirty and wouldn't shut, and the bathroom bin was dirty too. At 2.30am the fire alarm sounded briefly, with no explanation afterward. Friends staying with us said that on a visit a few years ago it had also gone off each night. In the breakfast area, just two staff were on duty, the coffee machine had no water, and tables were still covered in the previous guests' dishes. Having fewer people at reception and more in the areas that needed attention would have avoided these problems.

The only good part was the staff member who checked me in. She was lovely and got it done quickly. The rest of the stay was deeply disappointing for a four star hotel, and a poor start to our trip. This was our first UK night after more than 24 hours of travel from Australia. We were exhausted and just wanted a shower and bed before continuing our winter road trip. Coming from 38+ degree days, we were cold in the UK and hoped for a warm shower. At best, the water was lukewarm. The shower area was dirty and moldy, the toilet was dirty with bits left in it, and the linens and towels had holes. The room was cold, and the bed and pillows were very uncomfortable. I've been an ALL ACCOR member for over two years and have stayed at countless ALL hotels around the world. This was by far my most disappointing stay. I know my membership doesn't guarantee an upgrade if the hotel is full, but it wasn't full, and there was no welcome gift that should have been there.