Hotel Du Vin @ One Devonshire Gardens

The staff couldn't have done more for us, and the building itself is absolutely gorgeous, but the cleanliness and maintenance were terrible. In the first room, bathroom tiles were loose and wobbly, with raised sharp edges and screws that could catch your toes. The shower door didn't line up, the room was generally grubby, and the silicone finish looked like a toddler had done it. The windows were filthy on both sides, with greasy marks from people's foreheads and fingers, and the ceiling lights flickered. We were moved to a suite that was a little better maintained, but its ensuite had a strong egg or sewage smell. The mattress was poor quality and left me with back ache. We ended up leaving at 4:30am and cutting our trip short. One Devonshire Gardens needs to invest in its cleaning and maintenance. This beautiful building deserves better, and the staff shouldn't have to handle complaints about problems that are clearly long-standing management issues.

The room was stunning, and the food was first class, especially breakfast. What really stayed with me, though, was how attentive the staff were. They made me feel special with real five-star service, which is rare these days. We had a wonderful stay.

There are plenty of places to sit and relax, with cosy fireplaces, and we saw the ballroom transformed while repairs and upgrades were underway. We hadn't known the brand, so this hotel was a pleasant surprise and really top notch. The building has lots of character. Its furnishings mix antiques with mid-century pieces, and the combination doesn't quite work perfectly, but I'd highly recommend it.

The warm, comfortable atmosphere made this a lovely place to catch up with friends and family. We only spent time in the bar, where the festive cocktails and small bites were both made to perfection. It feels quirky but still high end.