Holiday Inn Portsmouth

The changing rooms by the pool and gym were filthy, with hair and grime across the floor. Breakfast was disappointing too. There was plenty of food, but it had clearly been sitting out for hours: it was dry and chewy, and the fried eggs were going grey. With fewer than ten people eating, our plates, cups and glasses still piled up on the table, and no breakfast staff spoke to us. When we arrived, reception staff were polite. But our room hadn't been properly cleaned, with carpet that hadn't been vacuumed and marks on the bathroom door that wiped off. The shower didn't drain well, and the room stayed very hot despite the lowest setting and an open window. The mini fridge had half a bottle of water, a broken Kit Kat and two cans of Pepsi. We brought the water to reception and were told it would be replaced, but it never was. At checkout, I explained how disappointing the stay had been. The receptionist blamed housekeeping and didn't apologize. We've usually liked this hotel when visiting our son and other family, so this was a real letdown.

The steam room was good, and breakfast was good too. The pool is pleasant, though at just 1 metre deep it feels more like a paddling pool. One thing to know if you book half board: the dinner choices are a very limited selection from the menu.

We spend two days in Portsmouth every month, and this feels like money well spent. The location is perfect, and the food and facilities are good value. We especially appreciate being able to use the pool, sauna, steam room and jacuzzi.

I was in room 208 and reported the missing TV remote to reception three times. They said housekeeping would replace it, but nothing happened. I even left a clear note on the television, which was ignored. There were dirty room-service plates left on the hotel floors throughout my stay, and no one cleared them. The room was dark, dirty and cold, with poor lighting and heating that didn't work. It was also badly maintained and very outdated. Only half a curtain covered the window, so people could see inside. The room sits above the building sign, whose lights can keep you awake. I also wish they'd told me the restaurant would be closed Friday and Saturday evenings for Christmas parties. The service and standards were very poor. I wouldn't be surprised if there were rodents. Avoid this hotel.