The Portland Hotel

Where to begin… This hotel is next to a derelict building inhabited by vulnerable people, we had to book in via a karaoke bar, which was closed luckily. We were both very apprehensive about the actual hotel. Anyway the room we were allocated was ok. It was clean , with local artwork and thankfully not bland. There was a lobby with the bathroom and then the bedroom off it. Pillows were far too soft and the headboard was scrolled metal and just awful. Please replace it with a solid one. The radiator in the room couldn’t be turned off , so we had to have the window open. Quite noisy after midnight from guests returning to the hotel. Didn’t have a good nights sleep, again disturbed by the refuse collection quite early. This is definitely a budget hotel but actually better than others we have stayed at.

At £60 a night for a 4 bed room our hopes were not high and let’s say they were perfectly met. We had booked the parking by the Skuba bar for £6 a night which became a hilarious farce - every time we came back to the car someone was parked in front of it and every time we came back to park again there was a car in the parking space. Each time moved without complaint but really not the glorious convenience we imagined. The room was fine, good value for the money, the beds were comfortable enough and the bedding seemed clean. Don’t inspect the top of the wardrobe though. The staff were friendly but really Skuba bar on a Friday night is a bit Wild West. We couldn’t really hear the bar from our first floor room but it was definitely lively in there. There was no food on when we were there but staff encouraged us to order in which we did. The whole hotel is tired and a bit grotty in places but I think the prices reflect that. Out of our bedroom window we could see both the sea and a big pile of old mattresses and furniture. We enjoyed ourselves and were only sleeping there. If you want luxury and no dust on your wardrobe you need to pay more. But we came away with a feeling of mild affection for the place and relief that we had left.

The room we stayed in was lovely. It was clean and well equipped. The food was amazing. All the staff are friendly and go out of their way to ensure that our stay was enjoyable. Also is the perfect location as it is less than 5 mins from the beach. It is also dog friendly we unfortunately didn’t have our dogs with us on this visit We will certainly be paying another visit to this lovely hotel

Booked via a Buy a Gift Charming Escapes Box we unexpectedly ended up with a booking at this hotel despite having all communication via the Westward Ho! Hotel. Despite this we planned to go ahead in any case for a much needed weekend away. Whilst the staff were welcoming on arrival sadly the room was not. The entrance to the hotel had a missing glass panel leaving it insecure and the entrance hallway could do with some freshening up. The room itself, described as “the perfect place to stay”, could not be further from the truth. We found the poor standards of cleanliness and the general condition of the room unacceptable. We felt we were unable to stay in a room where there were bodily fluids on the pillows and general untidiness throughout. With my partners anxiety already high we decided to check out immediately and found alternative accommodation. Despite not speaking with staff at the time we later identified our disappointment and issues with the room at a later date to avoid this happening with other guests yet had no response at all.

Absolutely awful hotel, dirty smelly room, paid for breakfast, but when we went was told they don’t do breakfast and nothing was available, but yet they took our money, no apologies or refund, have tried to contact the manger but no response. Toilet didn’t flush , bed was about to fall apart , door to our room didn’t shut properly, glass missing from front door so anyone could walk in , in fact anyone could just walk through the bar to the rooms without being challenged. Had a terrible 2 nights couldn’t wait to leave .

Cheap and cheerful, dated but clean and quiet location with very friendly, helpful staff. The bar and garden are a bonus. On road parking £3. Ideal for one night stopover going to or from Dover ferry/channel tunnel.