Hotel Imperial

The hotel was cheap, and some facilities were clean, but it needed more careful monitoring. The manager hadn't seen our online booking, even though we'd made it five hours earlier. One toilet was filthy and out of order, and stayed that way for all 18 hours we were there. There were missing lightbulbs and no printed information for guests. I was thirsty, but there wasn't a glass anywhere, or anything to drink in our room. It was a public holiday, so I imagine things may have been unusual. I can't blame the hotel for the strange guest who left her door open, played the radio loudly all night, and called out to everyone going to the toilet.

The food and drinks in the bar made our stay especially handy on a rainy night, so we didn't have to go back out. The meals were big, and both patrons and staff were friendly and fun. It was a wonderful stay in a beautiful old hotel in Thames, just as I expected. The rooms were clean and the staff helpful. Some quirky little things come with an old hotel, but they made the night more fun. We had a great time. Thank you, Imperial Hotel. I'd rate it a 4.

I booked a queen suite with an ensuite, and it was immaculately clean, renovated, and refurbished. The bathroom, shower, and toilet were extremely clean too. The linen and bedding looked brand new. I usually travel with disinfectant to kill germs, and it takes me ages to leave a bathroom or toilet because I wash my hands about three times if I accidentally touch something, like a wall, tap, toilet flush, or door without a tissue. Here, I only used the spray on the toilet seat before and after each use. Hotel Imperial has new management and renovations are still being done in stages. DJ, his family, friends, and employees were hospitable and accommodating, and seemed to anticipate what we needed. Nothing was too much trouble. My upstairs room and the hallway were very warm, but it was quiet and I slept without interruption. There's a bar with a pool table, a small dance area, and a private poker machine room. I don't use the poker machines because I'm germ and gambling phobic. Drinks and hot food are affordable, and there are outdoor spaces to hang out in. The central location is hard to beat for access to shops, restaurants, and other local amenities, and after searching online for Thames accommodation, I couldn't find better rates either. The cleanliness, service, location, and the Thames markets on the same street on Saturday morning make it a no-brainer if you don't like wasting money. Previous negative reviews aren't warranted. I almost forgot, it's family friendly and they treat you like family.

The caretaker, or whoever he was, made a bad first impression. He was rude and provocative in the way he spoke to us, and that was the biggest letdown. The rooms were cramped, the walls were thin enough that we could hear people in the hallway, and the floor creaked creepily every time I walked along it. This might have been an ideal hotel in the 19th century.