Pinegrove Hotel

I can't understand people saying to ignore the bad reviews. They must be bots or have some kind of stake in the place, because this is easily one of the worst hotels I've stayed in. I've had better stays in budget hostels for a fraction of the price. The smell hits you as soon as you walk in: overpowering body odour mixed with stale curry being cooked at the bar, though it isn't even served to guests. Grim. Then there are the uninvited guests, and I don't mean noisy neighbours. Large rats scratched in the walls all night and kept me awake. One even got into my room once. I stayed several nights, so this wasn't a one-off. To top it off, the hotel seems to double as a place for £ex work, with rooms clearly being used at all hours depending on when clients book. Save your money, stress and sleepless nights, and stay well clear of this absolute cesspit.

What a frightening and disappointing waste of money. There were drug addicts walking down the passage and drunk people coming and going. The room itself was clean, but smelled of cigarettes. The headboard was broken and the bed was rock hard. I couldn't eat the disgusting breakfast, which seemed mostly microwaved. The photos don't show what the hotel looks like, and the whole property smelled of stale oil. Every 15 minutes all night, the pipes made an awful noise, so sleep wasn't an option.

Breakfast was amazing and the service was just as good. The chef can really cook: best poached egg I've ever had, almost as good as mine! The staff were super friendly and very helpful. The room was clean, with a great bathroom and a very comfy bed. It was surprisingly quiet being so close to Carlisle. It's an old property with beautiful original features, and the owners are doing their best to update it. Stick with them. Fabulous place.

The only snag was the small car park, where finding a space could be tricky when it's busy. Once parked, the rest of the stay made up for that. The hotel is conveniently placed near the city centre and main routes, so it works well for both business and leisure. I recently stayed at the Pinegrove Hotel in Carlisle and had a really pleasant time. The rooms were clean and comfortable, and great value for money, one of the better budget-friendly options around. The staff were welcoming and helpful throughout, and the restaurant food was lovely, especially breakfast. Good value, cosy rooms and friendly service. I'd happily stay again.