Northcote

We got a room at short notice after a farce at Grand Hotel. This is a great little B&B. The owners seemed a bit stand-offish at first, then later took time to come chat with us. The room was very clean, and the wet room was a blessing since some shower cubicles are tiny. The bed was really comfy and we slept well. We skipped breakfast because we wanted a long lie-in. I’d book again if I was in the area.

I’m glad we only stayed two nights. It was a horrible place overall. The man who works there was grumpy, and the woman wasn’t much better. Our room and bathroom were dirty, and when I turned my pillow over there seemed to be a bloodstain. I complained and was moved to another room, but its bed was the most uncomfortable I’ve ever slept in, and the room was still a bit dusty and dirty. Breakfast was cold on both mornings. The couple who owned the place wore the same clothes the whole time we were there.

For £100 a night, I expected better. The room was dirty, and there was hair all over the bathroom floor and shower. The sink taps didn’t work, the shower was poor, the curtain was hanging off a dirty rail, and the window wouldn’t close. Breakfast was included, but we left first thing and couldn’t wait to get away.

We paid about £81 for two adults and two children, continental breakfast included, which was by far the cheapest. I was after a small, inexpensive place to sleep for one night, and that’s what we got. Some of the reviews I’d read before booking made it sound as if people expected somewhere more upmarket. I thought it was okay for the price, around £20 per person, and wasn’t expecting the Ritz. We arrived at 10:30 and waited about 20 minutes for the owner to return with supplies. I hadn’t expected to check in straight away, and he was more than happy to let me leave the car until check-in. The toilet could have been cleaner, though my five-year-old isn’t the best at aiming either. The owner gave us a map. My wife went two doors down for a relaxing 75-minute full-body massage while I explored Peasholme Park and the North Bay. Later, I asked if we could check in early so we could spend longer out, and we got in at 14:00. I was nervous about the room after reading the other reviews, but it was okay, with clean bedding and towels. It had tea and coffee, an iron and board, a hairdryer, and a TV with UK Freeview. We took a few donkey rides and went to LUNA PARK, the fun fair, then headed to the South Bay for the sea, arcades and shops. The kids were a bit wet, so we returned for a shower before tea. The en suite was small, but big enough for a pregnant woman and her son to shower and get dressed. The bar in the dining room was closed, but the owner opened it when we asked. They had lager, bitter, ale and spirits, though not a huge selection. There’s a shop across the road if you’d rather buy your own. The owner suggested places to eat and for entertainment, and taxi companies to get us there. There’s also a bus from the North Bay to the South Bay. For a family ticket, the blue and yellow bus was cheaper than the Scarborough District one: £7 for two adults and two kids, all-day return, and it ran more often. We were knackered after going out that evening. The beds were comfy and we all slept well. Breakfast started with continental cereal, which could have been a bigger serving, then a yoghurt, a hot cross bun and toast, with tea, coffee and orange juice. At £2 per head, it wasn’t too bad. We would have preferred paying another £2 each for the full English that other families were having, as those looked nice and big. After breakfast and checkout at 10, I asked whether leaving the car in the car park all day would be a problem. The owner said no worries. He was a sound, generally nice guy who couldn’t have done more to accommodate us. The things I’d ask for are a lick of paint in the halls, internet, and pull handles on the inside of the room doors. I understand the steelwork in the building’s foundations blocks the Wi-Fi signal, but with the right kit he could easily run Ethernet cables. Maybe I’m being too picky. The general feel was okay. Just don’t book because it’s cheap and expect the Hilton. In my experience, the owner’s hospitality made up for the negatives others had listed. Thank you.