Southend Inn Hotel

It's an affordable hotel in Southend and a good option for a short stay. The location is great, and whenever there's a problem, reception is helpful in sorting it out. Call reception and you'll be welcomed very warmly.

The hotel isn't new, and it isn't charging £100 for a single room. The decor is from the 80s, but I had a great shower, clean facilities and a very comfortable bed. I had a wonderful stay and will absolutely come back when I'm nearby. After a long drive, I'd booked earlier that day and called reception to ask about checking in late. The man explained everything clearly and was understanding about my situation. When I arrived, he came out to greet me. One of the best hosts I've dealt with, maybe the best. Thanks so much, you're a diamond! I can't recommend the place highly enough.

The man at the desk was lovely, but this was easily the worst hotel I've slept in. We paid £400 for a double and two singles crammed into a room so small you couldn't swing a cat. The cleaners only changed the bed and emptied the bin. There was thick dust, the floor was vile, and we had to clean the bathroom before using it. We had no mirrors for getting ready. There were several in the hallway, but when we borrowed one, a cleaner came into our room repeatedly to take them back, even after we'd asked to borrow them. We'd also asked for privacy and no one to enter, but people came in several times anyway. The double bed had only half a mattress, with a rolled-up blanket along the side to fill the gap. Shocking. The furniture was rotten and looked like it had been dragged in from outside. Neighbour noise was unbearable, and we all left exhausted. Parking was a joke too, with only two spaces and never anything available on the street. Most of the road has dropped kerbs, so you can't park there either. I wouldn't recommend it.

It's cheap, so keep your expectations low. The reception guy was friendly, the room was clean and the bed comfortable. Fine for a night's stay if all you need is somewhere to sleep and don't care about luxury.