The Willows

This hotel is primarily chosen for its excellent location near the seafront, making it ideal for short-stay visitors and budget-conscious travelers who prioritize proximity to attractions over extensive amenities. Many guests find it suitable for one or two nights, serving as a convenient base for exploring the city. However, a recurring theme is the significant discrepancy between advertised images and the actual condition of the property, leading to widespread disappointment. Guests should manage their expectations regarding the hotel's overall state and be aware that ongoing external renovations, including scaffolding, may impact views and general ambiance. It is advisable to confirm specific room details and any potential disruptions prior to booking to ensure a more satisfactory experience.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel's facilities often fall short of guest expectations. Many reviews highlight issues with Wi-Fi connectivity, with guests reporting it either not working or lacking clear instructions for access. Similarly, in-room televisions frequently receive complaints about poor signal or missing batteries for remotes. While kettles and basic tea/coffee provisions are generally available, some guests note a lack of essential items like spoons or sufficient milk. A common concern is the absence of adequate storage options, such as wardrobes or drawers, making longer stays challenging. The building lacks a lift, which can be problematic for guests with heavy luggage or mobility issues, as rooms are spread across multiple floors. Furthermore, the heating system is sometimes reported as insufficient, leading to cold rooms, and some windows are not properly fitted, causing drafts and noise.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Cleanliness is a major and consistent point of contention among guests, with numerous reports of rooms being dirty, containing dust, stains on carpets and bedding, and visible mould in bathrooms. Many describe a general sense of grubbiness and an unpleasant smell, sometimes likened to dampness or sewage. Room size is frequently criticized as tiny or cramped, with some feeling more like a closet than a hotel room. While some guests find the beds comfortable, a significant number describe them as hard or creaky, impacting sleep quality. Noise levels are a pervasive issue due to thin walls, allowing sounds from other guests, slamming doors, and even creaking floorboards to be easily heard. Showers are a particular source of frustration, with complaints ranging from a complete lack of hot water or inconsistent temperatures to low pressure, falling shower heads, and flooding due to poor drainage.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is its most consistently praised attribute. Guests appreciate its close proximity to the seafront, Brighton Pier, and the beach, often just a short walk away. The hotel is also conveniently situated within easy walking distance of the main city center, offering access to numerous shops, restaurants, and nightlife options. This makes it an attractive choice for those looking to explore Brighton on foot. However, parking is a significant concern for many. The hotel has very limited on-site spaces, often only three, which are frequently unavailable or require pre-booking and come with a substantial overnight fee. Guests often report confusion regarding parking availability and costs, sometimes being directed to park on the pavement or finding their cars covered in debris from above.

Staff & Service
Feedback regarding staff and service is notably mixed. Some guests describe the staff as friendly, helpful, and polite, particularly during check-in or when addressing specific requests. However, a considerable number of reviews highlight issues with staff responsiveness and demeanor, with some encounters described as unhelpful, argumentative, or even absent from the reception desk. The check-in process can be problematic, with reports of confusion over bookings and unusual requests for ID, including asking guests to email photos of their identification to an external address, which raises privacy concerns. Communication is often cited as poor, with guests not being informed about ongoing scaffolding work, parking policies, or basic room information like Wi-Fi codes. The lack of a consistent 24-hour reception presence is also a frequent complaint, leaving guests feeling unsupported during late hours.

Additional Information
A prominent theme in guest feedback is the ongoing scaffolding and external renovation work, which has significantly impacted the hotel's appearance and, for some, obscured sea views. Many guests feel that the pictures advertised online are highly misleading and do not accurately represent the current state of the property, leading to disappointment upon arrival. The hotel's policy regarding non-refundable rooms is a point of contention, as guests who are dissatisfied with the conditions find themselves unable to secure a refund. There are frequent mentions of the hotel feeling more like a hostel than a traditional hotel, particularly due to the perceived lack of professional management and amenities. Guests often advise that the hotel embodies the sentiment of "you get what you pay for," suggesting that its lower price point comes with significant compromises in quality and comfort.