We needed a little break from the norm during COVID so managed to secure a two night break away at The Marlborough. We was greeting by a friendly gentleman who went through all the covid secure processes and checked us in efficiently. We had a double and a single room, the double looked recently refurbed and was clean and comfortable. The single was very small, but as this was just for two nights it wasn't a problem, any longer and it would have been too small in my opinion. Rooms had a clean and spacious bathroom and each rooms had tea and coffee making facilities. The hotel was quiet given the situation with COVID but the bar was open and despite being the only ones who seemingly used the bar, the staff were always on hand to serve us drinks as we required. We found the two members of the evening team we encountered to be very friendly and chatty... friendly and welcoming staff make all the difference. The hotel is fairly dates yes, but its clean and comfortable so its no problem. We did find one or two negatives... The hotel were kind enough to reserve us a car parking space at the rear of the hotel, the spaces are VERY tight and have steel bollards folded into each space which I know damaged a fellow guests tyres. Simply remove a space and allow for 4 cars to park comfortably rather than 5 cars far too close. The lift was an experience. We could not get the 3 of us in the lift with our little cases, and we are not big people. It was very cramped and the lift was old a rickety and didnt quite reach the third floor - it feel short by around 8 inches. I never used the lift again as i didnt trust it but my mom did as she would have struggled with the stairs. Lastly, my biggest gripe was breakfast. I always feel that in a Bed and Breakfast, the breakfast is a real opportunity to shine. Sadly the Marlborough allowed this opportunity to pass. The full English breakfast is ok... there wasn't a lot of anything on the plate and what there was on the plate, was obviously cheap. Really disappointing. As you couldnt self serve, you was issued a tiny glass of juice of your choice and of course tea or coffee. The whole experience was underwhelming and prevented us from making dinner reservations with the hotel for that evening. Also the service in the breakfast room was quite over bearing. You couldn't sit and enjoy your coffee and toast, you had everything thrown at you the moment you walked in and then cleared away the moment you swallowed the last bite. Far too much and really spoilt things. 4 stars given here due to the staff we encountered in the evenings being so nice and for the hotel and rooms being clean and comfortable. For the money paid, it represented good value despite the odd negative. I would return but eat out for breakfast and park elsewhere.
111 Reviews