Hotéis em Balsall Common

Upon arrival I had major reservations about what I had booked. The photos on the booking site were nothing like what I was seeing. The car park was nealry rubble and the surrounding grounds were poorly kept. Reception was quite grand in appearance but that's the only good point this hotel has going for it. For the size of the place there is hardly any staff. The room I had booked wasn't available now so given another. Waking down the hallway I could see the carpet littered in stains, absolutely filthy Room was very dated and the furniture was a collection of random bits, our coffee table was missing a leg and was proped up by a chair. Some old 5 pin plug sockets by the beds for the lamps. Bar area was also tired in appearance although staff were very friendly. The whole place needs a major overhaul.

Yes, it is very worn and dated but it does have a retro 70's charm and provides very good value. Reception was polite and professional but could have been more supportive. We had a issue as our hotel booking site had not paid the hotel. The receptionist ask us to phone them to solve the issue. At better hotels, the reception would have offered to do provide this service. A lack of training? The location is excellent being in the centre of the city, across from the bus station and the transport museum. The views of the ruins of the old in the background and new in the foreground among other ancient and contemporary buildings is wonderful from the rooms at the rear of the hotel are wonderful. The balcony that some of the rooms to the rear have would be a very pleasant place to relax in good weather. The beds are very large and reasonably comfortable with clean beading. The carpet of our room was new, and others were being replaced as we were there. The state of the decor was adequate and past ready for a make-over. However, for the price and location, it was acceptable. The breakfast, which was included, was a pleasant surprise. The buffet breakfast room had a was cosy feel, there was a good selection of cereals, preserved fruits and yogurt. The full English breakfast was very well prepared and of good quality ingredients. The tea and coffee were also of a good standard. Service was professional and efficient, clearly aiming to provide their clients with a very pleasant start to their day.

The hotel is generally good and the staff are attentive, but we would suggest avoiding the restaurant.  The hotel doesn't warrant a 4* with areas showing wear and tear such as water-damaged wood, mouldy seal in the bathroom, broken window locks, etc.  Our room was not ready when we arrived, so we were given a drinks voucher. After being advised our room was ready, we arrived at the room to find the maid still cleaning the room. The room included basic tea and coffee facilities and toiletries.  The pool/spa is limited and has a cold pool, a steam room, a sauna, and a gym.  We had booked into the restaurant for an evening meal, but when we arrived there was a table complaining about the food. They had sent their food back to the kitchen twice, and the staff were suggesting they send it back again. They walked out of the restaurant. Based on this, we thought we would order something that was pretty safe, so we ordered a burger and a chicken. However, the meat tasted cheap and of poor quality. The restaurant is charging gastro prices, but the quality is nothing better than Wetherspoons or worse. Again, the puddings were basic, with a vegan coconut ice cream that had an odd texture to it and a sticky toffee pudding that was no better than a cheap microwave pud. In our opinion, the staff were inappropriately dressed, with one waitress having such a short skirt that every time she moved you got to see more than you wanted. The bar staff were assisting in the restaurant, and one barman was dressed in hip-style jeans, which kept falling down. Although all very attentive and polite, it seemed that the hotel as a whole had very limited staff, with everyone just mucking in.  The breakfast was not much better than our evening meal. We arrived at 9.30am to find the milk, pastries, hot water, etc. had run dry. There was a selection of hot food, but once again the meat tasted cheap. The main waitress was incredibly young and either didn't communicate or spoke so incredibly quietly that you could not hear what she said.  At check out, we were not asked how our stay had been, and we felt that everything was done to avoid such communication.

I cant thank the staff enough from check in to check out the service was excellent. The ladies on check in were very efficient and helped with car park charges. The staff were accommodating to provide extra toilet roll finished in room and nothing was an inconvenience for the staff. I will most likely visit again.

This apart-hotel is very centrally located, and it is easy to get around on foot for shopping, dining, bars, entertainment, and more. The property itself is in a pedestrianised area, which is great as you do not have to dodge traffic while getting back to your apartment in the dark! The reception area is very simple and minimalist, which is also great because you can head straight for the lift rather than having lots of distractions every step of the way. The reception team was always polite and professional. When we checked in, our room was not ready, but when we returned after lunch, they had already taken our cases up to the apartment for us. The apartment itself was lovely, very spacious and comfortable. We had a clubman apartment, which had the added bonus of a nice large bathtub. The bedroom was small but perfectly fine for our 4-night stay. The kitchen area had everything you need to cook for yourself if you wish, although we did not cook at all. There was a juicer and coffee machine but no instructions. As we are clueless about such things, we ended up using neither. The views from the apartment are stunning, particularly at night when everything is lit up. It was a lovely, relaxed stay and I would definitely stay at these apartments again for the comfort, convenience, and location.

The service of the hotel staff is satisfactory. There seems to be a slight musty smell in the room If you are not sensitive to smell, you may not be able to feel it. The elevator was broken and it was inconvenient. The location is also a bit difficult to walk to downtown unlike what it looks like on the map. There is an outdoor table next to the hotel, so it is good to sit and relax, and you can use Joshi. There is no refrigerator or air conditioner in the bar, ice water is prepared at the counter, and you can get ice for free at the cafe.

We arrived early & the nice gentleman on reception allowed us to park & check in early. Our room (number 2) was located on the ground floor next to the main road & was noisy all through the night. However, this was easily sorted the next day by the purchase of some ear plugs. The room was clean, well maintained & had a good sized en suite wet room. The carpark is small so it's on a first come, first served basis. There is a small parade of shops across the road which is very useful. A word to the wise on the location. It's true that it is close to the castle, but that walk is uphill so be prepared. There are, however, a fair few cafés, shops etc along the way. The lady who checked us out was very helpful & had a very pleasant demeanour. All in all a nice place in a lovely town.

In general, this hotel was worth booking. The staffs there were very kind and helpful. The foods served in breakfast were so far so good. The family room was tidy but could be a much better for the general hygiene condition. In view of the price for the room, it worth for a family to have a short stay in here

Shane was really helpful in suggesting food and drinks and it was a nice, relaxed environment at the bar for our food. The food was well presented and tasty. The superfood salad was really nice. Definitely have the extra chicken. The desserts were also excellent. Sticky toffee pudding and chocolate brownie were also great. Would recommend it for a relaxing drink and food. Great service. Shane and Jessica were really nice.

The castle hotel where Elizabeth I spent his childhood is really beautiful, the environment is beautiful, and the medieval castle hotel itself is classic and beautiful, it is worth visiting. Service is good, breakfast is good, as long as it is not a weekend, the price is super high, it is definitely worth a stay |