Ashley Court Hotel

There was no hot water in the morning, and I’d been woken at 7:30 by someone working in the room above. When I raised it with reception, the man just said, “Sorry, I’ll sort it.” The staff weren’t very friendly or helpful, and told me I’d have to go into town for food. I’d checked in at 7:30 and asked where the restaurant was, since the website and the sign above the lounge both said “Bar and Restaurant.” Apparently it’s only a breakfast restaurant. Breakfast itself was poor, with few choices and just beans, bacon and tomatoes for hot food. I definitely won’t stay there again.

The staff were very friendly, and we had a nice deluxe room, though it could use a little TLC. The disabled access was awkward: there are double doors, but opening both would leave you at risk of falling down the steps. My husband had to get off his scooter while I manoeuvred it around. I’d go back, but £357 for three nights without breakfast felt a little pricey.

The cleaning staff were efficient and considerate, unlike the rather miserable and unhelpful duty staff. The hotel itself is looking run down. The bar was supposed to open at 5, then 5:30, then 6, but never opened at all. Breakfast is best skipped: basically toast, cereal and an egg if you’re lucky.

The food was the worst part. Breakfast was all they served, and it was awful. The cooked choices were fatty streaky bacon, boiled eggs and beans, with no sausages or fried or scrambled eggs, for example. There was cheap, dry bread, cheap juice and only three cereals. For what we paid, it was terrible value. I’d avoid it and get breakfast somewhere in town. The rooms were clean but badly needed updating and brighter decor. The beds were uncomfortable, the pillows flat and the LED lights harsh. Staff were friendly, though not especially engaging, and the outside looked run down and miserable.