The Samuel Ryder Hotel St Albans, Tapestry Collect

The room at the Samuel Ryder Hotel in St Albans was spacious and brilliant, with a very comfy bed and a nice, quiet feel. Check-in was easy, and the staff were super friendly. A few things in the room let it down: the coffee machine barely worked, the light switches seemed wired up wrong, and there was dust everywhere, possibly from the vents. Still, I had a lovely stay and would come back if I’m in the area.

Amie and Anvesh at reception were so kind and reassuring when I was stressed about an early flight. I needed something printed at the last minute late at night, and they went out of their way to sort it even though they didn’t have to. Everything else was closed, so they really saved me. Excellent service, and such lovely people. Thank you both!

The staff were friendly and helpful, and it’s a beautiful hotel with lovely rooms. I stayed for one night to break up a journey, and the location was handy, right in town and down the hill from shops and restaurants. The building was easy to find, and parking is free, though a little awkward. There’s a tiny attached car park where you can stop to drop off bags, then you get a pass for one of two other free car parks. One is a two or three minute walk away, the other a bit further. The rooms are modern, clean and thoughtfully laid out. There are USB and plug sockets by the bed, a small but nicely decorated bathroom, good water pressure, a shower that heats quickly, and effective air conditioning and heating. The towels are a good size, and there are biscuits, tea and coffee, a small ironing board and a modern TV. The bed was comfortable enough, though on the firm side. There’s no fridge, the wardrobe has no doors, and the bathroom doesn’t have things like a shower cap, but overall I was happy with the room. I have Diamond status with Hilton, and it wasn’t acknowledged at check-in. There was no upgrade offered or discussed, and no welcome pack or drink. In my view, that was a gap, especially as the hotel clearly wasn’t full. These small boutique hotels, including Tapestry and some others, often don’t have gyms or fitness centres, which makes sense given the space. Just mentioning it in case that matters to you. Breakfast was a letdown. It cost £18.95 for a continental breakfast, and it was the poorest selection at that price I’ve seen. There were croissants, including vegan raspberry and almond ones, cinnamon swirls, bread for the toaster, a few overnight oats and yoghurt pots, two coffee machines, bananas and oranges, four cereals and milk. No meat, eggs or cheese, no range of yoghurt flavours, and not even plain yoghurt. Hot dishes cost an extra £5 each. The room was freezing too, with people eating in their coats, and coffee or hot food went cold within minutes. It made for a poor experience, which was a shame.

The staff were friendly and efficient, and the location is great for getting around on foot. It’s a gorgeous old building now used as a Hilton Tapestry hotel, with a warm, calm boutique feel. The rooms are very spacious and have plenty of outlets.