Thomas Arms Hotel

This is my 2nd time to come to this hotel, although the first time to stay over night too. Let’s start with the hotel itself: located in a very good area close to many shops, barber, tattoo shops, close to Selwyn Samuel Centre and manageable walk or short drive from the beach too. It has a limited car park in the back, close to the reception. Seems like the bar and the reception was refurbished to some extent. The hotel has function room, and the buffet type of restaurant, and plenty space to sit inside or outside in the bar garden. Sadly, it’s a place where people come drinking excessively, so until the bar opening hours it was very noisy, and seemingly the bar staff didn’t do much about it, or maybe they are not trained well how to diffuse noisy people. My room was number 4, which has no air conditioning or any fan coolers to tackle with the immense heat in the summer, therefore, my comfort was impacted by this. The windows cannot be open much, so not even a cross-wind attempt helped to sleep well on this occasion. The room seemed like refurbished though! The furnitures and material used in the room has a very nice and calming feeling, yet, modern and stylish. The fridge was filled with a pre-filled cool water. I wasn’t able to use the TV, the remote controller seems like broken or not working properly. The room is equipped with a water kettle and Nespresso machine, with different type of sugars and sweeteners, selection of tea and coffee. The bathroom is small, but very clean and practical, and the towels were clean, and soft too. On the other hand: as you walk to the rooms you can sense that it is under refurbishing or maybe an under-managed staff, because the carpet or rug on the floor is incredibly dirty, even the vacuum cleaner was left there. Some decorations, or door steps also show that some works are underway. Not sure if that side of the building is in use or not where the rug is uneven but be careful, the rug at places isn’t even, a really serious trip hazard. When I came to the reception to check out, it took a total of 13 minutes to talk to someone. I rang the bell multiple times, once the young gentleman who checked me in originally walked by told me he is getting his colleague to help me. I paid 85 for a single night here, no breakfast, no room entertainmens, no air conditioner or fan cooler, while my friends stayed in a different hotel close by at a much better price and amenities, so I don’t think I will return here.

The Staff were lovely. New rooms recently decorated really high standard. Food amazing both breakfast and dinner. Portions were great right down to having a proper glass of OJ in the morning, food was fresh not out of some freezer. I would say the steak was the best I have ever had. Clean tidy, friendly place can’t fault them. They are still hard at work renovating a few areas however making fantastic progress. Would definitely stay again. I wish them every success in the future and have no hesitation recommending this hotel & team. You can find them on Facebook under the New Thomas Arms

The curtains were half hanging from the slider, a lot of light came through. The room was very noisy from the traffic from outside, I could hear people talking in the other rooms. The carpet had every kind of stain you can imagine. Every day I was there there were piles of bed linen and towels in the hallways, very messy. In the bathroom the bath was broken, the sealant seams were coming loose and were cracking. The mattress on my bed felt like it had never been replaced. There was also a very oppressive smell and a strong sewage smell for the last 2 days. Finally, all rooms are the same, whether you take a normal, family or suite, the suite is more expensive but was exactly the same as a normal room of my traveling companion. I feel ripped off and cheated. Please let me know if there is a way to get all or part of my money back. I don't like coming here anymore. The Travelodge in the center was better than this hotel.