Travelodge Shrewsbury Bayston Hill

The staff were friendly and really helpful, and there’s plenty of parking that felt safe. I found it a handy base for Telford, Shrewsbury and North Wales. It’s a no-frills hotel by the services, with no restaurant or breakfast room, though you can ask reception for a breakfast bag. They’re also fine with you bringing in your own food.

The location was handy, close to the services where you can get hot food, and the room was clean. But the heater was too small to warm the room properly. A staff member tried to turn it up, but it was code-locked, so we couldn't adjust it. Breakfast was an economy box from downstairs, which I didn't like. I wouldn't stay again.

The reception staff were brilliant, polite, friendly and very helpful. The other thing this hotel has going for it is the location. The rooms need a complete overhaul: stained walls and carpets, a stale smell, and mattresses, duvets and pillows that need replacing. It felt as if cleaning just moved the dust and dirt around. There was no one coming in during the week to empty the bins or anything like that. I stayed for five weeks, from January into February, and the heaters barely took the chill off. They only went up to 24°, and when I tried 29° or 30° in a few rooms, they reset to 24° within about ten seconds. The price also rose by over £120 for a four-night stay during those five weeks. Not an impressive Travel lodge.

I was there with my two toddlers in difficult circumstances, and all the staff, including the lovely manager, made us feel welcome and supported. They helped with all my luggage and provided an immaculate baby travel cot. The room was warm and inviting, with fluffy pillows, extra ones in the wardrobe, plenty of towels, and lots of complimentary tea and coffee. There’s an Asda Express across the road, along with a Burger King. Thank you to everyone who looked after us.