At a cost of £80 a night for a double room off season, I confess that our expectations for the Wheeldale hotel were slightly higher than for your bog-standard B&B. However, bog-standard is exactly what it was.

Whilst we didn't really expect a sea view (which was just as well given that our room overlooked a wall), the skip, scaffolding and workmen were not a welcome sight upon our arrival. The rooms were basic at best, with an en-suite shower that had clearly been added as an afterthought and which was wholly impractical for anyone who may have indulged in a few too many Whitby fish suppers. The shower changed between ice cold and scolding of its own accord, whereas the heating in the room was almost unbearably hot. Perfect for eavesdroppers given that you could clearly hear people in adjoining rooms, and whilst the bed was adequate - the sheets were worn and, in one place, stained.

Whilst all of these issues were annoyances which we would happily lived with had the cost of the room not been so high, sadly the worst indictment of all is the overriding feeling you got from the staff at the Wheeldale that it was run for the management's convenience as opposed to that of its guests - you get 60 minutes for breakfast, and reception is closed at 7pm - so if you miss those times, you're on your own.

Whilst nice touches such as the honesty bar seek to add a spot of class, it is no more than your average B&B with a hefty pricetag, so ensure to lower your expectations to avoid disappointment.