Chatsworth

We were put on the top floor and had to climb six flights of stairs, even though we’re both in our 70s. The room was dirty: sand residue in the shower cubicle, barely a trickle from the shower, clumps of hair on the bathroom floor when we arrived, and a thick layer of dust on the headboard. The mattress was very old and uncomfortable. Public areas were very dusty too.

The harbour view from our room was beautiful, and the bed was extremely comfortable. Parking was easy and convenient, and we got a lovely warm welcome when we arrived. Breakfast was excellent with plenty of choice.

The stay started badly: a master key had been left in our door, and the room clearly hadn’t been checked, with makeup and shoes still there. The view was the one bright spot, though we couldn’t enjoy it through the ill-fitting window. The shower had no pressure, the tiny basin was barely usable, and neither the TV nor the dressing table lights worked. There was a boiler humming right outside our door all night, so sleep was difficult. The old-fashioned layout didn’t help either, with angular chairs on the stair turns and 47 stairs to climb. We didn’t feel welcome. On arrival it seemed as if we were interrupting a children’s party, there was no sign of the landlady, and the landlord didn’t make eye contact when we paid. At breakfast the surly waitress didn’t ask whether I wanted extra bacon, sausage or egg with my smaller breakfast, offer more toast or tea and coffee, or check if everything was okay. She should also tie her hair back while serving food. We’d been told parking was free, but there were no spaces even in the rain, so we paid £13 for less than 24 hours. The place needs a major overhaul. We won’t stay again, and we’d tell friends to avoid it.

We had a lovely room, comfortable and looking out over the harbour. Dave was a great host, and both the gorgeous fish food and filling breakfast really hit the spot. We’ll definitely come back.