Lauriston

The staff and service were very friendly, and the location is handy for the sea front. Parking is very limited, though, if you can get a space at all. The decor and furniture felt like stepping back into the 70s. Our room was basic, the carpet threadbare and dirty, and there was dirt under the bed and in other areas. There were cobwebs in the room that looked as if they’d been there a while. The room and decor badly need updating.

The staff made our day, especially the breakfast man and the receptionists, who were all so kind. After checking out at 11am, we had a train at 11pm and came back when it got really cold. They let us sit in the bar even though we were no longer staying there. The view was lovely too. A million out of ten, we'd stay again.

The room was clean and the staff were really friendly, which made me wish I could leave a fully positive review. But it got extremely hot, and there was no air conditioning. The curtains didn't block out the sunrise, so I woke up very early. The place looks dated and a bit rundown, and I also found ants near the TV and kettle.

The shower didn't work, and the bed was so uncomfortable that I was in too much pain to have breakfast. In room S35, the window was broken and the old, worn mattress had wires sticking out underneath. When I sat on its edge, one pinched my leg. There was only one socket, and it was being used by the TV and kettle. The two points beside the bed had blanking plates where sockets used to be. I was told there wasn't a spare mattress and that I could change rooms the next day. They said someone would call after my breakfast in bed to check whether the mattress was okay, but nobody called. I waited all morning and afternoon, then went out for a pint at 9pm. When I got back, I raised the problems again and explained that I'm disabled with COPD (emphysema). They still said there was no spare mattress, though I could move rooms then, at 10:30pm. I'd also seen a proper double mattress through a basement window, but they said there were no spares. When I left, I asked for a partial refund. They weren't happy and offered me £20. No manager or anyone else came to my room or spoke with me. Downstairs, they were very rude. It's really just like the Savoy, only with worse beds. I'll be taking the complaint further.