A deeply uninspiring hotel, at best described as functional, at worst overpriced and dull.

The plus points were that it was a short walk from the station (and it was close to the function we were attending, so it was an obvious choice for us). Our room was fine, if small. It was quiet enough, and we slept ok.

The downsides were just lots of little annonying problems - the bar staff couldn't speak english; only one of the lights in the bathroom worked (so we showered in the dark); the safety catch on the door was hanging off its hinges (room 9, in case any hotel staff are reading this); there were no glasses for juice anywhere to be seen at breakfast - and we had to ask for spoons; it took them ages to seat us a breakfast... like I say - no one thing, but just lots of little things that led to mounting frustration and disaffection. I was a little surprised to see 4 AA stars outside the hotel. If it really is 4*, it is the poorest 4* I've ever stayed in.

Disappointing, but nonetheless functional.

My wife and I stayed for a long weekend mid September and found the hotel, staff, food and location very good. Drinks are expensive but that's a fact of life in UK hotels and it did not detract from a super weekend.

Stayed there for a conference and was not paying my own bill, but everything seemed very pricey for what it was. Reception a little offhand. Could not get into room until 7p.m.. Was told it took 35 minutes to clean it......A ground floor disabled-friendly room had been requested. I was allocated a first floor room with no effective air-conditioning. It was roastingly hot - the curtains had been drawn back all day The window was about 2 inches open. Hotel said they would open the window further if I signed a disclaimer! When asked about a ground floor room, Reception said "ladies were not allowed on the ground floor"! Were they making "Fawlty Tower" rules up as they went along? Eventually got ground floor room facing the car park. It was slightly grubby and rather shabby and, though allegedly non-smoking, had a strange smell of cigar and drains. It was barely o.k. for one night.
Food was good, though waiting staff were inexperienced (I got rissotto down my neck) but cheerful and helpful. There were some muddles over orders and strange substitutions,e.g. Brie for goats' cheese, but overall for UK, good enough.
Location is quite near centre, but along towpath and then steps,
or v. main roads. I should have felt uncomfortable using both routes at night.
I would not stay there of my own choosing or at my own expense.

Booked this at the last minute just by turning up at the hotel. Room was clean and adequare for one night, although noisy as it was above a huge air con unit! I think the rooms would be better with a refurbishement as they seem quite dated and hot - no air con or fans in the room. The hotel is really handy for walking along the canal to the city centre. Breakfast was great - lots of choice, although the service was quite slow. Bar area fine, but drinks quite expensive. The really positive thing about this hotel is its location.