The Parklands Hotel

This hotel is highly regarded for its outstanding food and the exceptional service provided by its staff, creating a welcoming and memorable experience for guests. Its prime location next to a beautiful park and the train station makes it an ideal choice for sightseers exploring the city on foot, business travelers needing convenient transport links, and especially dog owners who appreciate the pet-friendly amenities and direct park access. The hotel consistently receives praise for its cleanliness and comfortable, often recently renovated, rooms. To make the most of your stay, be aware that some older parts of the building may have creaky floors or thin walls, and consider dining outside for breakfast if you prefer more flexibility or value.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests frequently commend the hotel's general facilities, particularly the beautiful garden and outdoor space which provides a relaxing area, especially for those with pets, as it leads directly onto the adjacent park. The hotel also offers free Wi-Fi, ensuring guests can stay connected throughout their visit. While there isn't a dedicated fitness center or pool, the presence of a bar is noted, though some guests mentioned it closes relatively early. The hotel provides a car park, which is a significant convenience for those traveling by car. The overall ambiance of the property is often described as charming and well-maintained, contributing to a pleasant stay for many visitors.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel consistently receives high praise for its cleanliness, with many guests describing their rooms as spotless and well-maintained. Rooms are often noted for being spacious and featuring comfortable beds that ensure a restful sleep. A significant highlight for many guests is the modern and often recently refurbished bathrooms, frequently equipped with large walk-in showers and sometimes even heated towel racks. However, some guests reported issues with poor water pressure or tepid water in the showers. Due to the hotel's older building structure, some rooms experience creaky floors and thin walls, leading to occasional noise from adjacent rooms or from above. A recurring point of feedback is the absence of tea/coffee making facilities and complimentary bottled water in the rooms, which some guests found inconvenient.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining experience is a standout feature, with guests consistently praising the outstanding food quality for both breakfast and dinner. Many reviews highlight the delicious and imaginative choices available, with the hotel having won awards for its cuisine. Specific dishes like beetroot risotto and fish and chips received commendation. While the food itself is highly rated, the breakfast system requires guests to pre-order their choices the night before, which some found inconvenient. Additionally, both breakfast and dinner are frequently described as pricey, leading some guests to opt for dining at local establishments instead. Despite the cost, the overall consensus is that the food is of excellent standard.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent and central location, making it highly convenient for guests. It is situated within a short walking distance of the city centre, allowing easy access to various attractions, shops, and restaurants. A significant advantage is its close proximity to the train station, often described as just a few minutes' walk away, which is ideal for travelers using public transport. The hotel also benefits from overlooking and having direct access to a large park, providing pleasant green space for relaxation and walks. Furthermore, the availability of free on-site parking is a major draw for those arriving by car. However, some guests noted that the hotel's entrance can be hard to find initially, as GPS directions may lead to the rear of the property.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive overwhelming praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. Guests frequently highlight their willingness to go "above and beyond" to ensure a comfortable stay, with many recounting instances of exceptional service, including assistance during a medical emergency. The check-in process is generally described as quick and easy, contributing to a smooth arrival experience. The hotel's dog-friendly service is also highly appreciated, with staff making pets feel very welcome. While the vast majority of feedback on staff is positive, a few isolated comments mentioned instances of perceived unfriendliness or staff being away from the desk, but these are rare exceptions to the otherwise excellent service.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of several specific policies and characteristics of this older property. There is no lift to access upper floors, which might be a consideration for guests with mobility issues, though staff are generally helpful. A notable policy is the requirement to pre-order breakfast the night before, and some guests also mentioned the bar closing early. Furthermore, room cleaning is typically done only upon request, rather than automatically daily. The hotel is notably pet-friendly, offering amenities and access to the adjacent park for dog owners. While the property is described as charming and well-maintained, its age means some areas, like stairways and halls, might appear slightly run down, and creaky floors are a common characteristic.