I have just returned from a two night stay at the Nightingale in Swindon - and I can't say I was impressed.
I had read that the Nightingale is a 3 star hotel, and that it is a converted 18th century vicarage - sorry, but I really didn't see anything 18th century! The hotel looks like a purpose-built sixties motel - not very inviting, especially as the rest of the village it's set in is actually quite picturesque!
There's a pub on-site (dark, slot machines etc), half of which is supposed to be the restaurant, but it's not really working. A few tables with white tablecloths and all that in the middle of a big, noisy pub? There's also a cafe, but that's mainly used by users of the on-site leisure centre / gym, so be prepared for people in sweatpants etc.
The room was large, but worn. The carpet was stained in places and the sofa just looked dirty - think someone had spilled coffee on it... I didn't feel like sitting down on that, honestly.
The wireless wasn't working in my room -- another minus as I found it too noisy in the cafe to be able to do any serious work.
The bathroom was large enough, but not clean either - hair that belonged to god-knows-whom, soap-scum and limescale... not nice.
The bed was comforable, the mattress nice and firm, and it was very quiet so I slept well - definitely a plus.
The staff were nice as well. They definitely tried their best to make me feel welcome and comfortable. They offered me a hand with my luggage and were generally helpful.
I didn't get to use the gym that's on site, so I can't comment on that - the class programme sounded tempting, though, as did the list of massages etc. that were on offer.
I don't think I will be staying at the Nightingale again - it was ok but I am expecting more from a 3-star hotel... some Travelodges I have stayed in were a million times better!
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Would I recommend this hotel to my best friend?
Probably not
I recommend this hotel for:
Young Singles, People with disabilities, Older Travellers, Great pool scene, Families with Small Children, Families with Teenagers, tourists
I do not recommend this hotel for:
Young Singles, An Amazing Honeymoon, A romantic getaway, Girlfriend getaway, Families with Small Children, Families with Teenagers
I selected this hotel as a top choice for:
Business meeting / Event