Fairlawn House

Approaching a pretty Georgian house, you imagine a warm welcome and a friendly chat, but check-in and out are digital and no-one is there. I was astonished to return to the room at the end of the day to find that it had not been cleaned and the bed had not been made. There was someone around the next morning, who said they don't go into bedrooms without permission(!) and if I wanted it cleaned I shoud have put the other side of the do not disturb sign outside - there was nothing to say this was compulsory. The small double room was adequate for one, but there is very little storage space and it would be cramped for two. The kettle didn't switch itself off and the lid kept popping open as it boiled which is a hazard. Despite my having checked out online and stated that I would be leaving at 10.30, someone came into the room at 10.00.

Liked ·Good size room, bathroom and bed. Huge TV on the wall which was good. Clean sheets and comfy bed. Fan provided in the room which was fantastic. Disliked · Lack of sockets in the room. Redecoration is required. Front door very noisy and can disturb. No human interaction throughout the stay. Breakfast was a huge disappointment, Bacon sandwich or small croissants, fruit juices on the final dregs, not the breakfast expected for a hotel or bed and breakfast.

This review is based on room 16. Overall it was an adequate B&B and we would go there again just ask for a different room. We had asked for a twin room and ours was described as ‘luxury twin’. The room itself was a decent size I would describe as shabby chic. The bed was a link 6ft one, not the type of twin we were expecting as there was no space between the beds and it was made up as a double. No bedside tables, instead a shelf too high up to reach in the night, tricky too with hot drinks which were provided. As a super king double it was comfortable with fresh white bed linen. Bathroom was modern and a good size with large walk in shower and good towels. The carpet in the bedroom has seen better days and I did not walk on it with bare feet. The room is on the ground floor at the front just inside the front door. You could hear the bell clearly, all the conversation in the tiny reception area and the front door was literally behind the bed head. Far from quiet. We were woken every time someone went in and out. A soft close mechanism might assist but you will still hear any talking and the bell. The staff were friendly and a room in the main house did seem preferable when reading the reviews about the annex. Parking is not on site but very close by. Breakfast was more than adequate for us. Hot and cold options were on offer. Coffee was fresh and for our taste perfect…not too bitter.

Big mistake doing away with the cooked breakfast. It was a great feature previously. Quality produce well presented. The new continental is a poor comparison in a tiny space. Also I booked and paid for the room with no notification of the change of ownership and breakfast offering. Doubt I will be back unless it returns.

We stayed overnight at Fairlawn in a very comfortable, well appointed room. Quite a lot of stairs and no lift, which was difficult for my husband, but worth the effort. Parking is a short walk away. Plenty of places nearby to have an evening meal, we chose The George Hotel. Our breakfast at Fairlawn was excellent, lots of choice, very pleasant staff in a basement restaurant. We would recommend this nice, well run hotel to anyone. and hope to return soon.