Hardmead Holidays

Very friendly host.

The hotel is clean although some of the public area carpets could do with updating. The rooms are clean and well-maintained by professional and curteous staff. The hotel is a bit old and some features in the rooms show their age. The beds and pillows are hard and the duvets are heavy, in the winter, the latter would be fine, but in the summer a lighter option would have been preferred. The bedframes creak with every movement. The rooms are hot and the windows do not open much; good job there's a fan in the rooms for some air. There is ample space within the Executive Double room for work, with a large desk and sturdy chair, but I recommend bringing some seat or back support if you need it. It's worth noting that the 24hr business centre mentioned on Expedia, is only available if you book a conference room, so if work is the focus then this extra space in the room is an added bonus. The bar and restaurant are very limited in both choice and opening hours. While there are some takeaway venues on campus and 2 pubs offering bar food nearby, there is very limited choice for dinner, so think about investigating places to go in the city centre. The continental breakfast is overpriced at £11, and the cooked (full) option is better but book it at reception the night before to get it for £15, not £18 on the door. The gym and pool are great and included in the stay. The staff are the heart and soul of the place. They have kind, professional, attentive and they follow up on things.