Castle Hotel

The room was nicely decorated and clean, but the stay was infuriating. I had booked the more expensive sea view room, directly above the hotel pub, and the noise was ridiculous. Expedia contacted the hotel for me; I was told the noise would ease in 30 minutes, but it didn’t. The room was advertised as soundproof, yet I could hear everything. The TV was also advertised as digital with 300 channels, but only about 10 worked. It didn’t function properly, and the picture was all bright colours and unwatchable. In my photo, that really is the TV picture, not a sunset. Someone was supposed to fix it, but by 10:18 pm nobody had. False advertising really grates on me. Please book somewhere else, trust me.

The bar staff were brilliant. I’d definitely recommend watching the rugby here with friends!

The city view from Room 4 was just walls and the back of the pub, and noise was a real problem. I barely slept because a fan unit of some sort outside kept starting and stopping. It was over 20 degrees, so we needed the window open; then any breeze rattled the wooden Venetian blinds, which had to be shut to block some daylight. The doors needed a hard pull to close, so we heard everyone coming and going. The bed creaked and was uncomfortable. The dimmer lights often gave a strobe effect when adjusted, the shower had a dirty shoeprint, and water from the top control leaked down onto the controls. The TV was small and mounted so high it was uncomfortable to watch. We chose a last-minute two-night stay to visit family nearby, and this was the most expensive hotel we’ve ever stayed in. Booking direct would have cost £20 more per night than Booking.com. I found the stay very disappointing, and it made me quite sad. I understand the idea and appreciate the work involved in making rooms in a pub, so that’s why I’ve given the stars, but for the price it was a basic stay. There was no reception or signposting for check-in, and the entrance to the rooms was beside the ladies’ toilet. At check-in, the staff member stopped getting our key to pour a regular a pint in the pub. I expected a little better treatment at that price. I didn’t expect luxury, but based on my hotel and Airbnb stays, I’d put this room at around £80 a night, and even then some guests might complain. We won’t stay again.

We stayed one night while dropping our son at university, and I can’t praise the place enough. The staff were lovely, and the room was spotless and laid out perfectly. The bathroom was perfect too. You enter through the beautiful pub downstairs, then, once you have your key, can use the side door. We were shown up the beautiful grand staircase to our room. I’d give it 10 stars if I could, but 5 is all I can give.