Thanington Hotel

The hotel offers a memorable stay, distinguished by its charming historic building and the significant amenity of an indoor swimming pool, providing a relaxing escape for guests. Many visitors highlight the exceptionally friendly staff and the excellent breakfast as key elements contributing to a positive experience. Its convenient location, within walking distance of the city center, makes it an ideal choice for sightseers and families looking to explore the area without constant reliance on transportation. Couples also find the cozy atmosphere and available spa treatments appealing for a relaxing getaway. Guests consistently praise the hotel's cleanliness and comfortable accommodations, making it a strong option for value-conscious travelers. To enhance your stay, consider requesting a room away from the main road if you are sensitive to noise, and be aware of the limited on-site parking, which is a common point of discussion among guests.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests frequently appreciate the presence of an indoor swimming pool, which serves as a significant bonus, particularly for families. While the pool is heated, some guests noted it could be a bit chilly, especially during colder months, though many still enjoyed having the option for a swim. The hotel also features a spa offering various treatments, which many found to be an excellent addition for relaxation. A small bar is available, though some guests found the stock to be limited or the staffing inconsistent. Free Wi-Fi is provided, but its strength can vary in certain rooms. The hotel also boasts a pleasant outdoor garden area, offering a quiet spot for guests to relax. It is important to note that the building is older, and there is no elevator, requiring guests to navigate stairs, which might be a consideration for those with mobility issues or heavy luggage.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room comfort and cleanliness is generally positive, with many describing rooms as clean and comfortable. The beds are frequently praised for being very comfortable, ensuring a good night's sleep for most. However, some rooms are noted as being a bit tired or dated in decor, showing signs of wear and tear, though efforts have been made to refurbish some areas. Bathrooms are typically spacious, but some guests reported issues with shower pressure, inconsistent hot water, or older fixtures like rusty radiators and non-draining sinks. Noise can be a concern, particularly from the busy road for front-facing rooms, though secondary glazing helps mitigate this. Some guests also experienced noise from other rooms or creaking floors due to the building's age. Fans are often provided in rooms to help with warmth, as there is no air conditioning.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast consistently receives high praise from guests, often described as excellent and a significant highlight of the stay. It typically features a comprehensive buffet with both hot and cold options, including a full English breakfast with good quality items like sausages and freshly cooked eggs. Guests appreciate the variety, which often includes cereals, yogurt, fruit, and toast. While most find the hot food to be well-prepared and replenished, some noted occasional issues with items not being hot enough or certain choices running out, like wholemeal bread or marmalade. The breakfast staff are frequently commended for their attentiveness and willingness to accommodate requests, such as meat-free sausages. Beyond breakfast, the hotel does not offer extensive dining facilities, with only a small bar available for drinks.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a highly convenient location, situated within an easy 10 to 15-minute walk of the city center, including popular attractions like the Cathedral and various shops and restaurants. This proximity allows guests to explore the area on foot, reducing the need for public transport. On-site parking is a significant advantage, particularly given the high cost of parking in the city, and is often provided free of charge. However, the car park is described as small and can be tight for larger vehicles, with limited spaces that fill up quickly, especially when the hotel is busy. Guests are sometimes advised to use nearby street parking or a park-and-ride facility if the on-site spaces are full. The hotel is also conveniently located near local shops and bus stops, offering good accessibility to other parts of the city.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive overwhelmingly positive feedback, with guests frequently describing them as friendly, helpful, attentive, and professional. Many reviews highlight specific individuals who went above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay, from warm welcomes at check-in to assisting with luggage and providing local information. Guests appreciate the staff's willingness to accommodate requests, such as providing fans for warm rooms, resolving issues like a mistaken parking fine, or promptly addressing maintenance concerns like a broken bathroom light. The breakfast service is also frequently commended for its efficiency and the cheerful demeanor of the staff. Overall, the dedication of the team to providing excellent customer service is a recurring theme, significantly enhancing the guest experience.

Additional Information
It is important for guests to note that the hotel has recently undergone a name change and is now known as the Thanington Hotel, which can sometimes cause confusion upon arrival. The property is an old building, contributing to its charm but also meaning there is no air conditioning in rooms, though fans are typically provided. Some guests mentioned a lack of comprehensive information in rooms regarding hotel facilities or local dining options. The hotel offers spa treatments on-site, which are highly recommended by those who utilized them. While generally quiet, the older structure can sometimes lead to noise transfer between rooms, particularly from footsteps. The hotel also has a pet-friendly policy, welcoming dogs, including at breakfast time, which is a notable convenience for pet owners.