The Boleyn Hotel

The shower was the worst part of my stay. Even with the control turned all the way to hot, the water was only lukewarm, so I had to shiver through showers after a long journey. I assume the mixer was broken. I reported it at the front desk and was told it would be fixed after the first night, but nothing changed and no other room was offered. I asked for a partial refund, which seemed reasonable, and was told to email the manager. I emailed twice and got no reply. I was disappointed by the lack of communication and accountability from management, as well as the room’s condition and functionality. I booked online at the last minute after my plans changed. It looked fine on Booking.com, but the hotel was tired when I arrived. The staff were friendly and doing their best, though they seemed a little desperate in what looked like a failing business. The restaurant usually had only one or two customers when I passed, and was dark and closed by 9pm on Saturday. My room was called an “executive room,” but it was dark and claustrophobic, with a view of a brick wall in a narrow alley. It needed a deep clean: there was years of grime in the bathroom and on the walls, and the carpet and curtains smelled of cigarette smoke. I can’t recommend the place. The Swan across the road, right by the river, looked bright and cheerful and was much busier all weekend. I wish I’d stayed there.