Apollo Hotel Basingstoke

The shower had great pressure and very hot water, much better than in some other hotels, though the shower head was broken. The hotel has an old feel, but the smart TV was a nice surprise. The sockets are old, there’s nowhere to charge a phone beside the bed, and the heating is timed. Mat was kind and supportive when I needed help charging my phones, which were essential for travel and train access. He treated me fairly and made that day much easier. The lady opposite, “M@'ce,” wasn’t at reception and said she didn’t want to speak to me. People should still be treated kindly, even if you don’t like the look of them.

Breakfast was good, though after we arrived at 8am and each took a fried egg, they weren’t replenished. Later guests had to settle for scrambled eggs. My son likes Nutella, but it was served from a large tub with bits in it, presumably left by other people’s spoons, so I wouldn’t let him have any. The TVs also sit precariously on cabinets just large enough for them, which worried me with children around. We spent two nights in two Ambassador rooms. The rooms were comfortable and spacious, and the stay was good in the end, but we first checked into 433 and 435, where Harlequin ladybirds were crawling over the walls near the ceilings and windowsills. We were moved across the hallway to 430 and 432, which seemed clear. I was still unsettled, and then two huge black moths appeared at night in room 432, seemingly from the bathroom. This is concerning, especially at the end of December. There’s ample parking and a lovely neighbouring park. It was convenient for us, and K thought the lobby and bar looked cosy, though we only passed through.

The Christmas party we attended this weekend was great fun. The decorations looked pretty, the food was tasty and just the right amount, and the music was great. The team were friendly and helpful again. I also used the venue for a wedding fayre in October. Booking was easy, the team replied quickly, and the bright, clean rooms can be adjusted to different sizes. Their neutral decor should work with any colour scheme. The staff were attentive and very helpful on that visit too. I’d use the venue again for wedding fayres and parties. Thanks, guys.

The changing area was communal and very dirty, with hair all over the floor, and the bathroom doors wouldn’t lock. The hairdryers weren’t working either, with just one available. The pool room needs a full refurb: there’s concrete on the floor near the bridge, the window finish is peeling, and chewing gum was stuck to the windows. The sauna door wouldn’t close, and neither the sauna nor steam room looked clean enough for me to sit in. I brought my mum and children for a spa day as a treat, but the welcome was rude and unfriendly. We waited ten minutes for staff to let us in. Before we arrived, we’d been told by phone that towels were included. When I explained that, staff initially said absolutely not because we weren’t hotel guests, then reluctantly agreed to get towels. We had to ask again later when we needed them, as none had been put by the pool as promised. The facilities didn’t feel child friendly. It seemed like the staff saw the children as an inconvenience and kept watching them to make sure they behaved. I’ll avoid the place in future unless money is spent improving it. Save your money and book somewhere else, especially if you’re bringing children.