Arnos Manor

The staff were really nice, but the room was worn out and dated. The furniture was stained, there was no phone, and dead flies were stuck in the light fitting. The bathroom had broken, unused sanitary equipment left behind, a bath plug that wasn’t attached to its chain, and sealant crumbling around the sink and the steps up to the bathroom. Would I stay again? No chance.

At £39 for two with breakfast on the Black Friday deal, it was such good value that I can’t really complain. Breakfast had a great range, and the public rooms had lovely high ceilings and original features. Room 001 felt worn, especially the bathroom. A few details could help a lot, like putting frosted glass in the repaired ground-floor bathroom window instead of clear glass.

The meals were the letdown for us. Quite a bit of the menu wasn’t available on the first night, and what we did order could have been better. That’s just how we felt, though it might suit someone else. We ate out the second night, even though we’d have been glad to dine at the hotel if the food had been better. The room was lovely, and the staff were amazing during our two-night stay. We weren’t bothered by the sirens or lights, but it is in the city centre, so anyone worried about sleeping well should look into that. We’d definitely stay again.

The building is lovely and maze-like inside, and the room was cosy. Parking costs extra, though the bill wasn’t huge, and there are plenty of nearby shops for snacks. I even managed a little wander at night in Arnos Vale Cemetery next door. I’d booked an executive suite but was moved to a King suite when I arrived, which confused me at first. Then I remembered I’d asked for a ‘haunted room’ when booking because I like that sort of thing. I looked up room 160 and they’d switched me to what they call ‘the most haunted room’, haha, thank you! The hotel was lovely, the staff fantastic, and the latte was lovely too. I skipped breakfast since I’m not a morning eater. The spooks didn’t show up that night, so I’ll be back to try again!