Travelodge Stoney Cross Lyndhurst

For the price, I thought it was pretty good, and I'd definitely stay again. The staff were lovely, the bed was great, and the place was clean with the basic amenities and adequate parking. It's next to a petrol station, and our room faced the main road, but the extra sound protection kept the noise down. I use earplugs because my partner snores, though I think I'd sleep fine here as a light sleeper. In summer, it could be annoying if you need to open a window. The shower pressure was terrible, and there was only hand wash in the shower. I also had to ask for a hairdryer, and got a tiny, feeble travel one that looked like it was from the 80s. It took 25 minutes to dry my hair, which normally takes 10 at most. My friend asked for an iron, and the one brought to the room came with a very worn ironing board. I wasn't keen on not being able to control the heating either. The room started far too hot on the first night, so we opened the window while we were out and then it got too cold with no way to warm it back up. At 4am, my friend in another room and I both woke feeling hot, so I can only assume the heating came on then, but I can't say for sure. I'd bring my own hairdryer, shampoo and conditioner next time.

There was enough space in the room, and the road noise was acceptable. The place has an older Travelodge feel, even though it seems to have had a recent update. The shower was the weak point, with low pressure and a temperature that kept changing.

Being close to the New Forest was a nice bonus. We were out every day, but the room was a good size for our stay, and it was quiet at night. The building is beside a dual carriageway, though with the windows shut we had no trouble from it. Tea, coffee and fresh towels were replenished regularly.

The state of the grounds says a lot: old rubbish was scattered around the car park and grassy areas, including things thrown from the Travelodge windows. Inside, the carpet by the bed had several questionable stains, and I wouldn't have walked on it barefoot. The bathroom was worse, with a mouldy shower curtain, a heavily stained bath and a big rusty chip in the steel. Compared with other Travelodges we've stayed in, this one felt dated and dirty. It seems more like neglect of maintenance than a housekeeping problem. We won't be back.