Review by N P Wood on 22nd February, 2010

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We cut our stay short in part due to personal circumstances but in the main as neither of us could face another poor night’s sleep. The parking on the front is for 4 cars, double parked. When parking I was waved right onto a concrete beam which scratched the underside of my bumper. I’m not car proud so I wasn’t that bothered. I drive a Skoda Octavia and even being over the concrete beam, my rear still invaded the rear parking spot. The parking is suitable for 4 minis or similar. Made me laugh though as it turned out we were the only guests and no other cars were parked on there whilst we stayed, so why were we encouraged to squeeze in? Our welcome was somewhat hurried as the owner wanted to go out. Warning signs rang when I was expected to pay for the rest of my stay in advance before seeing the room, despite 50% deposit already paid on booking. I asked about breakfast times 845-930 I was told but there would be further info in room. There wasn’t. We enquired about the internet but needed to go back down 4 flights to collect the passcode. As it was the signal was so poor we were unable to connect in our room. As I said we were 4 flights up, in the room with the balcony, as seem on website. As it is the only photo of a bedroom that appears on any web site I assume it is the best room. Excellent seaview. The ensuite though consists of a shower hidden behind a sliding wooden door in the alcove, a sink in the room and a toilet across (a private) corridor. The toilet has no heating and reminded me of my nan’s outside privy. The room itself has an electric heater and smelt damp but it was February and snowing in parts of the country. The bedding was clean but the quilt was as thick as a postage stamp which meant leaving the heater on at night. I normally sleep with my window open at home so I am quite hardy but I was so cold and the heater made such a noise my sleep was nonexistent. On reporting that in the morning we were told there was a spare blanket in wardrobe. Looked later -it wasn’t there. TV is modern with good picture and free view. Breakfast was freshly cooked to order but again dining room was like a fridge. A small electric fan was heater seen but not on. Cereal & fruit buffet poor selection, 3 cereals and either a Satsuma, tinned fruit cocktail or tinned grapefruit. We expected bar & dining room to be dated as seen on pictures on web site and it is. Full English was 1 bacon, 1 sausage, 1 eggs, 3 small potatoes, 1 mushroom & choice of beans or tomatoes. Host was very friendly and drinks and toast flowing freely. Had to ask for marmalade, though. I think bedroom was disappointing when paying £70 for a double per night I expect more. When I compare it to other B & Bs I have stayed in with similar rating and price, it was far below the standard. I think if I had been paying £40-50 I'd have thought you get what you pay for. Its definitely not worth £70 and I felt ripped off.. Hosts were trying to be nice but no offer of refund when we checked out at 11am after night 1, even though we had paid for 2 nights. Did offer my son a discount, he plans to return in the summer, as the balcony is a good vantage point for T4. Youth don’t mind roughing it but his mum likes a bit of luxury, so I wont be returning.. Liked — Sea View Disliked — no proper ensuite & cold

Date visited: Feb 2010