Came here with a large group for a friend's hen weekend and stayed the Saturday night. Knew it was a budget hotel- paid just over £30 for b&b so wasn't expecting too much.

We were lucky and managed to park right outside the hotel (you have to pay for the daytime but it's only a few quid) but you may well need to look for an alternative if you're driving.

My single room was much like a study bedroom in a hall of residence, a bit battered round the edges but nice enough. However, the cleaning could have been better (found the last person's soap in the shower), no teabags or hairdryer were provided, there was no way of getting the window open (to be fair, I was on the first floor), and the shower temperature dial appeared to be broken so it was stuck on cold. On the Saturday evening, I wished I'd had a shower at Spa 1877, a lovely place where we'd spent the afternoon- didnt cos it was throwing it down with rain outside and didnt want to spoil my new cleanliness... mistake, it was like being back in the plunge pool. BUT- the bed was the best part of the room, it was comfy and looked clean, which was the main thing. And the morning after, a cold shower wasn't the worst thing in the world.

There is a late night bar on the ground floor with DJ- and bouncers- so keep your key with you as you'll need to show it to get back in, and the atmosphere is great if you're out on the lash. It wasn't even too noisy when I went to bed. Tip however, if you have been drinking, borrow a glass from the bar for your late night water, as they only provide you with a little teacup in the room.

Breakfast wasn't great, I have to say- it runs between 9 and 10.30 at the weekends and even though we were down before 10 they had already run out of a lot of the items on the menu. Also be warned, you can't have much if you dont have the fry-up- it's only two items eg cereal or toast- assuming they've got what you ask for- if you like a piece of fruit as well. The service was slow with only one poor lad having to deal with all the diners. But it evoked nostalgia in that it was a bit like dining in a college canteen, and I understand the cafe is indeed popular with students.

Generally the staff- what we saw of them- were nice enough.

Overall- this is a great and atmospheric place to stay if you are here for a night out on the town, or if you are a traveller on a budget who isn't remotely fussed about luxury or snappy service. If you're expecting more, look somewhere else.