Park Inn by Radisson Palace Southend on Sea

Breakfast was adequate, though there didn't seem to be enough staff. Parking also costs extra: I had to use the Royal car park across the road, at £25 a night. I brought slippers, thankfully, because I wasn't willing to let my clothes or feet touch the carpets. I can't believe Radisson has its name on this place. The bathroom is in terrible shape. The floor is giving way under newer lino, the shower tray won't drain, the water flow and temperature are both like being peed on by a drunk, the sink is cracked, and the loo won't flush. The seat just rests on top instead of being attached. The bathroom door has swollen from water and won't shut properly. There's also no information in the room, and the TV doesn't work. Carpets all over the hotel are rank. The windows let the sea breeze whistle straight in, and the heating was broken, so I was given a tiny portable heater for a room about the size of an average two-up, two-down terrace. Might be the second-worst hotel I've ever stayed in.

The Halloween party for the kids was a huge plus, and we had an amazing view of the parade and fireworks from the family room. It was a good size, and the hotel always smells lovely. The toilet was a bit dirty and didn't really flush, though. I've stayed here a couple of times and, yes, I'd come back.

The staff were very friendly and helpful, but I wouldn't stay again for what I paid. The room needed repairs: the carpets were badly stained and destroyed, and the bedsheets were stained too. The bathroom itself was clean, though the shower glass was green. The key cards kept causing problems.

The event was a disaster. Food meant for eighty people wasn't enough for twenty, and the drinks we'd ordered weren't there. The sound system kept failing, then the backdrop computer system failed too. All the electrical systems seemed poor quality. The bar staff were loud during the event and not at all apologetic. Drinks were pricey, £3.60 for a Coke or a cup of tea. Staff didn't show us where the safety or fire exits were, which might be a breach of health and safety standards. Basically, this was a very unsatisfactory public venue.