The Pilgrims Hotel

The rooms were clean and warm, and the staff were friendly and easy to approach. The central location was handy. There were a few little things to fix, like the glass on the bedside table sliding around. I’d recommend using park and ride.

The receptionist we spoke to was lovely and very polite. I’d booked a deluxe room because it was described as larger and having a walk-in shower, but apparently not every deluxe room has one, so I’m not sure what the extra charge got me. Given the price and the deluxe label, the damaged bath enamel, cracked tiles and holes that could easily have been filled were disappointing. It is an old building, though.

The location in central Canterbury is very good and the accommodation was clean, though on the small side. Breakfast is self service and continental only. When we needed help, there weren’t any staff around to speak to.

We’ve stayed here several times and it’s normally very good. This time the room was great as usual, but water started dripping through the ceiling in the morning. At breakfast there was no food being replenished, and I left hungry. I didn’t fancy the tray of black croissants either. The same staff member was working alone, after having been tied up at the bar the previous day and leaving us waiting about 10 minutes before I made myself known, then a while longer for reception. The place needs more staff. He looked run ragged, and I hope he wasn’t also covering overnight.