St James Hotel

The hotel offers exceptional value for money due to its central location and free, secure parking, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers and those seeking a convenient base for short stays. While guests consistently praise the hotel's cleanliness and the friendly, helpful staff, many note that the decor is significantly dated and in need of modernization. The hotel's proximity to the Minster provides a unique view, though this can also contribute to noise. For sightseers and explorers, the central position makes navigating the town effortless. To enhance your stay, consider requesting a room away from the Minster side if you are sensitive to noise, and be prepared for a traditional, albeit clean, aesthetic.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides a restaurant and a bar on-site, which many guests find to be good value and quality, with the bar offering affordable drinks. While the hotel generally offers free Wi-Fi, some guests have experienced issues with the availability and placement of plug sockets within the rooms, making it challenging to charge multiple devices or use appliances conveniently. A few rooms are equipped with a fan to help mitigate the heat, and tea and coffee making facilities are provided, though their accessibility can be affected by the socket layout.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally commend the hotel's cleanliness, noting that rooms are well-maintained despite their age. However, the room decor is frequently described as tired and dated, with common observations including stained carpets, peeling paint, and mould around bathroom fixtures. While many find the beds to be comfortable, some report them as being too firm or creaky. A significant recurring issue is the excessive heat in the rooms, often exacerbated by a lack of air conditioning and windows that either do not open or are single-glazed, leading to uncomfortable sleeping conditions. Furthermore, many guests report problems with hot water in the bathrooms, including scalding temperatures or a complete lack of hot water, alongside observations of small and dated fixtures. Noise levels are also a concern, stemming from both external sources like street activity and internal disturbances such as door banging and thin walls.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's breakfast receives mixed but generally positive feedback, with many guests appreciating the buffet style offering both cooked and cold options, often highlighted as good value. Some guests specifically enjoy the option for eggs cooked to order. However, a few reviews mention issues with the hot food buffet being empty or items like sausages being undercooked, and the coffee quality is occasionally criticized. The on-site restaurant is frequently praised for its good quality and value for money, with specific dishes like chicken supreme receiving positive mentions, though one guest had a very negative experience with a specific curry dish.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a highly central location, making it exceptionally convenient for guests. It is within easy walking distance of shops, bars, and the town centre, and is also very close to the rail station and bus stops, providing excellent access to public transport. A significant advantage is the free and secure parking available on-site, which is highly valued by guests. While the location offers convenience, some guests express concerns about the surrounding area, noting the presence of noisy individuals and disturbances outside, particularly near the Minster, which can impact sleep due to noise.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and politeness. Guests frequently highlight the welcoming reception team, noting their efficiency during check-in and check-out processes. Many appreciate the staff's willingness to go "above and beyond" to assist with requests and provide local knowledge. The cleaning staff are also commended for their attentiveness, ensuring rooms are well-maintained. Overall, the hotel's team is seen as a significant positive aspect, contributing greatly to a pleasant guest experience despite any physical shortcomings of the property.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that while the hotel offers free parking, the layout can sometimes lead to vehicles being blocked in, requiring assistance from other guests or staff. The hotel's proximity to the Minster means that rooms overlooking it may experience noise from external activities, including early morning disturbances. Some guests have noted that the hotel's key system uses traditional physical keys rather than key cards. The hotel has been observed to host private parties which can result in loud music impacting guest comfort, and there have been reports of unusual sounds from smoke detectors.