Days Inn Maidstone

Kerry was so welcoming when we arrived and even booked us a table at a nearby restaurant. She stayed friendly and helpful for the whole visit. We were here for one night with friends and would come back.

The staff were friendly and helpful, but the noise made it nearly impossible to sleep. The walls between rooms are so thin that I've stayed in quieter nightclubs. I wouldn't recommend it.

Leeds Castle is right beside the hotel, which suited the next part of our trip perfectly. We booked the family room after a late shuttle back from France. It was clean, comfortable and fairly spacious, and the receptionist was very friendly.

We left around midnight and drove the four hours home rather than stay in rooms that felt unsafe, especially with our toddler. After about two hours at the hotel, it was clear they weren't suitable for us. We had booked two rooms for one night, arriving on Saturday 20 December, and the reception area already smelled strongly of cannabis. The hotel knew we had a two-year-old, but checked us in without warning, apology or any effort to sort it out. The smell was even stronger in both rooms. When we complained, a staff member said management already knew a guest in the room below was smoking cannabis. We were told the ventilation was linked between rooms, which explained why it spread through our accommodation. This was apparently an ongoing, known problem, yet guests, including families with small children, were still being put in those rooms. The room's condition raised further concerns. The electric kettle had no visible PAT testing sticker, so I wondered whether basic electrical safety checks were being done. Since leaving, we've tried several times to reach the hotel and booking platform and have had no response. We've now contacted Trading Standards, Environmental Health and the local press, and have video and photos as evidence. I'm extremely disappointed and angry that the hotel knowingly let people stay in those conditions, particularly families with young children. Think carefully before booking. Avoid.