Travelodge Hickstead

The car park was my main concern. There were rats running around outside, and it looked like a spot where drug dealers or users gathered, with kids messing about around the cars. As a woman travelling alone, I didn’t feel safe. There was an overwhelming smell of weed inside and outside the hotel. The rooms have apparently been refurbished, but they were still very grubby and dated, especially the bathroom.

Basic, as you'd expect from a 2-star hotel, but the room was very clean. The TV, heater, fan and soap and shower gel dispensers all worked, and there were extra pillows if needed. You could choose the lighting too. The staff were amazingly friendly and helpful. I couldn't fault it.

The rooms were spacious, and I understand it’s a 2-star hotel, but the black mould in the bathroom is unacceptable. There was mould on the tiles and bath, and silicone had been left in the bath, so it felt safer to wash at the sink rather than step in. The heating is just a unit on the wall, with no air conditioning or fan. Even after I turned the thermostat down to 15°C, it kept pumping out heavy heat as if set to 25°C. The unit shuts down with a warning to close the window if you open the door or windows. The bathroom needs better ventilation and a proper clean.

The internet is a bit rubbish, even the paid version, though most hotels are rubbish for Wi-Fi. The staff here are always very, very polite and helpful, and the rooms are clean and tidy.