I was in search of a budget hotel near-ish to Brighton for me and my little son to stay at the night before we went to see Bob The Builder LIVE! Don't ask.
As I had my toddler with me I wanted somewhere with easy parking (plenty of that here), family friendly (nice big room with a double and a single bed), clean (this has not long been built so it's all really nice) and within easy reach of somewhere to get dinner and breakfast (co-built with a restaurant next door).
On arrival I found a parking space easily, checked in with minimum fuss and received my first pleasant surprise - a free sports shoulder bag for my son with colouring pencils, books, stickers and games. It kept him busy for a while and was a nice touch. The room was immaculate, and had a very well stocked tea tray. The TV had all of the freeview channels that kept little 'un happy too.
The beds were super-comfortable, very clean and had just the right thickness duvet for the season. In the (very clean) bathroom there were towels a-plenty, and fantastic wall mounted shower gel and hand soap - these kind of things make me happy, I'm sorry - and had a great, powerful shower.
The reception area has a drinks / snacks machine and lots of leaflets for local attractions. You can also buy toiletry sets (male and female) in case you have forgotten something.
My only complaint - and the reason this hotel doesn't get five stars, for the price, you couldn't fault it - was the noise. People came in at all times through the night and were really bloody loud. With my little 'un sleeping I couldn't go out and see what was going on, and even though the reception is manned 24 hours I think the employees probably don't get paid enough to want to risk going and asking people to be quiet when there are so many nutters around just waiting to be given the excuse to snap. read more