Highfield House Hotel

Room No 4, a Superior double, was spacious and comfortable, with a large bathroom. The hotel is well positioned, and I managed to get a parking space. But it was disappointing, especially for the price, to be right above the noisy bar. The thumping music meant there was no chance of sleep until the early hours. There are also outdoor seats right below the room, so I'd hate to be there in summer when people are using them.

We were accommodated at very short notice, and for the price I can't complain. The room was large and tidy, reception service was lovely, and the bed comfortable, though the bathroom is quite tired. The lockable safe has a mains socket inside, which is a nice touch. Breakfast from the buffet is £9.50, rather pricey for the quality, especially with a Wetherspoons just across the road. Look at comparison sites for the best room deals.

The receptionist who helped me was so kind, polite, and helpful that I'm giving this one-night stay four stars. My small one-bed room wasn't five-star, but I got what I paid for. It was clean, with a bathroom and shower, a table for making tea or coffee, a TV, safe, and clothes hangers rather than a proper cupboard. Getting there meant walking through lots of corridors and stairs; some arrows pointing to reception would help, as only some doors say reception. There's a restaurant, but it was closed when I went at 8pm, and there's a bar next door if you fancy a drink. The place is clean, though it could do with an update.

The double room was dull and outdated, with just one electric socket by the kettle, far from the bed and chair. There was nowhere nearby to charge my phone or laptop while sitting or lying down. The room wasn't fit for purpose or as described, and I believe a substantial refund should have been offered, especially after I took the time to email the hotel. The hotel should refund a large part of the stay's cost. The room stank of tobacco smoke, and I left with the smell on my clothes and still lingering in my nose. The hotel was full for my first two days, so despite raising it with reception I couldn't move rooms. On the third day, the night porter didn't pass it on to the day staff; I was busy and didn't return until 11pm, by which point nothing had been arranged. They made no effort to change my room and didn't seem to care. One evening I was also locked out because the front door card reader failed, and the main entrance is shut after 10pm. Staff communication and customer service were poor, with a lack of management and leadership. I wouldn't recommend it unless you're a smoker and feel at home with tobacco fumes. I've also noticed reviews by some people who must be hotel staff or friends, trying to cover up faults and mislead people. That lacks integrity.