The Grand Hotel

The room was small but adequate, clean and nicely decorated. There were plug sockets on both sides of the bed, which was handy. Great spot just across from the train station, with a large multi-storey car park around the corner. Would recommend.

The lift light flickered, then was removed altogether during our stay. Once the doors shut it was pitch black, so we had to use our phone torches to see the floor numbers. The coffee machine worked only when it felt like it, and the lunch menus in every room were no use since lunch service wasn’t available. After travelling four hours, we didn’t want to drive around looking for a restaurant and pay for parking each time we went out. The air fresheners were overwhelming from the entrance all the way to the room, and I’m not sure what they were covering up. The bedside tables were so far from the bed that you had to get out of bed to reach them. There was mould on the shower sealant and tiles, and the fixed shower head soaked the bathroom when switched on. The mirror light didn’t work, and the room lighting was so dim it made getting ready difficult. I wouldn’t book here again.

The staff were attentive, and I hope the managers recognise how hard they work. Apparently the chef and kitchen staff were making 240 lunches that afternoon, so congratulations to them. We had Sunday lunch and it was well worth a visit. The cauliflower cheese had a thick, delicious sauce, the beef was tender enough to shred, and the vegetables were tasty and cooked al dente. The swede came in a bowl and was delicious, and the stuffing under the pork was amazing. We started with garlic mushrooms and French onion soup, then had the three-meat lunch. We were too full for dessert and took leftovers home. The large Yorkshire pudding hides a lot of the food in the photos I attached. It was definitely worth the money. I’m looking forward to dinner with Santa on 21st and to trying bed and breakfast in the new year.

Being so close to the station is ideal, and I’ll certainly stay here again. The staff were incredibly polite and friendly. I especially enjoyed dinner in the restaurant area: it was relaxing, with music that wasn’t too loud, and the portions were generous, even for starters.