Best Western Plus Hotel Lord Forrest

The hotel is highly regarded for its central location, making it an excellent choice for sightseers and business travelers who appreciate easy access to the city's main attractions, dining, and shopping areas. Guests frequently commend the spacious rooms and overall cleanliness, contributing to a comfortable stay. While couples can enjoy the convenient access to cafes and restaurants, families might find the room size accommodating, though they should be aware of potential issues with the pool. To ensure a smoother experience, it is advisable to confirm the operational status of the pool before booking, as its closure for renovations is a recurring theme in guest feedback. Additionally, guests should be prepared for potential inconsistencies with the Wi-Fi service.

Facilities & Amenities
Feedback on the hotel's facilities is mixed, with the pool being a significant point of contention. Many guests expressed disappointment as the indoor pool was frequently closed for renovations or found to be too cold, often without prior notification. The Wi-Fi service is a common source of frustration, with numerous reports of it being unreliable, slow, or constantly dropping out, making it difficult to stay connected. While parking is available, including secure underground options, guests noted that the parking bays are unusually narrow and that the elevators do not provide direct access to the parking area, requiring guests to use stairs. The air conditioning in rooms also received criticism for being noisy or ineffective, leading to uncomfortable room temperatures for some.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally praise the hotel for its clean rooms and comfortable beds, often highlighting the spacious nature of the accommodations. Many found the king beds very comfortable, though some reported issues with beds being too soft, uncomfortable, or consisting of two single mattresses joined together. Bathrooms are typically described as clean and spacious, with some featuring walk-in showers, though a few guests noted them as average or lacking an exhaust fan. Noise is a recurring concern, with reports of street noise, loud air conditioning units, noisy plumbing, and music from the lobby impacting sleep quality. While balconies are a welcome feature for enjoying the sea breeze, some guests mentioned a lack of outdoor furniture, lighting, or issues with dust.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining options receive varied feedback. Breakfast is often described as good, with a great selection, though some guests found the food to be cold or noted issues with the coffee machine. The restaurant experience is inconsistent; while some guests enjoyed their meals and praised the staff, others reported the food quality as poor, overpriced, or had issues with missing items from their orders. Room service availability was also a point of frustration for some guests, who were informed it was unavailable due to the kitchen being too busy, only to find the restaurant empty shortly after. The bar area is mentioned, but specific feedback on its offerings is limited.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently highlighted as one of its strongest assets, receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback. Guests appreciate being within easy walking distance of numerous cafes, restaurants, shops, and the beach, making it convenient for exploring the area without needing a car. Its proximity to the town center and various attractions is a significant draw for both leisure and business travelers. Parking is available on-site, including secure underground facilities, which is a convenience for guests with vehicles. However, some guests found the parking bays to be quite narrow, and the lack of direct elevator access from the underground parking to the hotel lobby was noted as an inconvenience.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel generally receive high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. Many guests highlighted positive interactions with reception staff, describing them as welcoming and efficient during check-in and check-out. Housekeeping is frequently commended for its excellent work, ensuring rooms are clean and serviced daily with fresh towels. While the majority of feedback on staff is positive, some guests reported isolated instances of unhelpful or rushed service from certain reception or restaurant personnel. Overall, the dedication of the staff to providing a positive experience is a recurring theme, contributing significantly to guest satisfaction.

Additional Information
A prominent theme in guest feedback is the hotel's outdated appearance and the ongoing renovations, particularly concerning the pool, which was frequently closed and caused considerable disappointment for guests who booked specifically for this amenity. It is often noted that these renovations were not clearly advertised prior to booking. Guests should also be aware of the hotel's policy of holding a $100 deposit upon arrival, which can take several days (typically 7-10) to be refunded. Furthermore, many guests expressed surprise and dissatisfaction that complimentary water bottles are not provided in the rooms, a common amenity in many hotels.