The Ruskin Hotel

The entertainment was a highlight. Bingo Bonanza was in the theatre showroom, which looked stunning, and the compere, Sean, had us proper belly laughing throughout our stay. We also enjoyed breakfast, a very normal but good buffet. My partner left his jacket in the theatre the night before, but after a frantic search it turned up in lost property. He had at least £100 in pound coins in the pocket and nothing was taken. I spoke with a lot of the staff and, I think, the owner Gary. He was brilliant, professional and really nice. We had all inclusive, with breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks included. Lunch was a choice of standard cold sandwiches. For an extra £1, AI guests could get a few extras, such as JD, or drinks like Fosters and San Miguel that weren’t included. At dinner, though, the service felt muddled. The waiter said he’d bring a menu and take our order, then didn’t come back. We helped ourselves to some salad as a side, since nobody had explained otherwise, and he said it looked like we’d had our starters. My partner wasn’t ready to order because his throat condition makes talking difficult. The waiter said he’d come back after taking mine and my friend’s order, then a lady came over and took it instead. It felt like everyone was working the restaurant and no one knew what was happening. Maybe having staff assigned to particular table numbers or sections would help. This is meant as constructive feedback, not a complaint about the team. On arrival, we were shown to the garages and where to park. The locked garage around the back felt very secure. We arrived around 1pm, before the 3pm check in, and reception told us we’d been selected for a free upgrade. We’d booked a double club room. The room was clean and the bed ultra comfortable, though the bedroom was quite small. We couldn’t work out what the upgrade meant: the cleaner said it was a club room, with hot chocolate instead of coffee, while reception said it had changed from category ‘club’ to ‘premier’ because it had a kettle and coffee machine. We couldn’t see a coffee machine, but the hotel looked for one and put it in the next day. The restaurant was busy for a weekday, and despite the mix ups, staff kept smiling and got us anything we asked for. The hotel and its people are out of this world friendly, and I’ll definitely return. Gary, a huge shout out to all your staff, and a massive one to Shaun and the entertainment team. Absolutely brilliant.

We only stayed one night, but I’d definitely go back. The hotel and its public areas were spotless, and everyone we met at reception, the bar and breakfast was attentive and very friendly. The food was well priced with good portions. There was a small issue with our prebooked parking, but it was sorted out really well.

I’m due to leave tomorrow after four nights here, and I’m genuinely sad to be going. The management and staff have been outstanding, the other guests delightful, and the breakfast superb. This hotel has been remarkable in every respect.

Just got home after three nights at the Ruskin. The staff were great, the rooms spotless, and the 60s week entertainment was fantastic. I loved dancing to some great music. I’ll definitely be back, highly recommended.