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Article from The Mail on Sunday Newspaper, 9th August 2009
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Returning to home territory
Having normally stayed with family or friends when visiting from Cyprus where I live permanently I had to find five days accommodation in a hotel. The Ilfracombe was available and was convenientlylocated for both Westcliff and Southend. I was cordially welcomed and advised clearly of times of meals etc. The decor is slightly old fashioned, which I did not mind, and my room was clean and well supplied with tea making facilities, fan, hairdryer, iron and board, plus a chair to relax in whilst either watching the televison or listening to the radio. All the staff were welcoming and extremely helpful. Would I go back again. Reviewed by L Hey, From Ayios Tychonas, Cyprus,
August 2011
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june 27th
Really friendly family run where nothing was a problem when you requested help.Room was big and. Very clean,television a bit small but not a issue Reviewed by Marion Healy From Fleet, England Who stayed in June 2011
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Big Brother's famous couple Lisa and Mario, September 2011
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Nice Place
I would give the service a 5 star rating. The staff are friendly, helpful and really great. The rooms are comfortable and big with nice big bathrooms. The boys said their beds were very comfortable while I found the mattress in our room a bit hard.
The breakfast room is a bit small and get very crowded if the hotel is full as it was when we were there. The breakfast wasn't bad but not great either. Again the men enjoyed it, so maybe I am a bit fussy,
The free broadband is great as some hotels have ridiculous per hour rates. Reviewed by A H. From Ilford, July 2011
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+ It was the first time I have had to travel and stay on my own and I felt safe and happy. The staff were all so very pleasant and helpful and I thoroughly enjoyed the good breakfast and the facilities in the room. The hotel is in an excellent location which enabled me to have a good look around Southend and to visit all the places that I lived in as a young child. Review by J. Lewis Sep 2011
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Thank you for a lovely stay at your hotel Bertie ,Michelle and all the staff were so friendly, polite, the food was lovely and the room was great, nice and clean, we will definitely be coming back. Review by Vanessa and David Rowley august 2011
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Thank you for a lovely stay , your staff we great , meals were great , very good service , looking forward to next year. Many thanks. Mr. & Mrs. David Hartford, July 2011
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Handy central hotel
Quite a bit of noise from the bar and thin walls but all quiet by midnight. Efficiently run hotel. Excellent breakfast with no fuss - just help yourself to good quality bacon, egg etc. Andrew B, Nottingham, May 2011

EastEnders Dot and Heather, June 2011 for 4 Weeks

"Excellent accommodation, would recommend to anyone"
I would recommend Ilfracombe House to anyone. The owner (Bertie) could not do enough for us. Unlike some places they served food until 9pm and has no problem with us eating our meal while watching the football. The quality of the room was very good and the breakfast superb, all this for a very reasonable amount. Kevin C, Blackburn, April 2011
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The decor is a little dated, but who sits and admires wallpaper all day. The hotel is great value, Reviewed by Paul M, KEIGHLEY, May 2011
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"basic honest and comfortable"
Although only a one night business trip, was impressed by the friendly and attentive service
Nothing pretentious, just good, honest, basic accommodation in a quiet location (good nights sleep) and a great breakfast, again with genuine customer service from the staff. OK the decor may be a bit faded and old fashioned but clean and tidy, and for the price what more would you want. If you are looking for Hilton then pay Hilton, I for one would definitely stay again. Reviewed by David S, PETERBOROUGH, June 2011
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Family ownership the best
The family ownership behind this hotel makes all the difference. What a lovely family who own it and work long hours yet still smiling every morning. Reviewed by P Heer, June 2011
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Newly Wedded Couple on their Wedding day

+ I loved the room- it was absolutely fabulous. As me and my boyfriend had our 3rd anniversary then i asked a buddle of champagne to be ready when we arrive and it was done. It was perfect.
- We had problems getting in first but it was jut wrong timing. Otherwise it was all good.
anonymous. 2011-06-22
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"Excellent value for money and very friendly service.” I booked a last minute rate on laterooms. I arrived at the hotel and they hadn't received my booking. The lady at reception swiftly resolved the issue and gave me an upgraded room. The hotel itself was comfortable and had everything I needed. I didn't spend a lot of time in the hotel apart from sleeping but it was quiet, friendly and comfortable. the really friendly woman at reception was there at checkout again, she does the hotel proud. All in all a very comfortable stay, not the most upmarket or luxurious hotel but for the rate I paid I was more than happy and if I return to Southend I would happily stay there again. Gregstaman, Stayed May 2011, travelled solo
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"Absolute Gem of a Hotel!” My friends and I found the Ilfracombe House Hotel at very short notice and found the staff incredibly accommodating both on the phone and at check in. The room was absolutely lovely and spacious enough for 3 of us, the hotel was very clean and we were given fresh towels daily. There is a small, well stocked bar (they even had my favorite cider!), and a lovely spacious dining room and breakfast room. Although we didn't have dinner at the hotel while we were there, the breakfast was AMAZING! A proper buffet with a large selection of cereals, yogurts, and hot food (I can highly recommend the hash browns! Yum!) and the staff were very happy to make fresh eggs to order.
The location is great, within walking distance of the pier and the Cliffs Pavilion, it has a small outside patio area, free wi-fi, DVD players and free view and the staff were all so friendly - we loved this place we decided to stay another night and we will be back again without hesitation! Superb value for money! Summer747, Stayed July 2011, travelled with friends

FC Twente from Holland, 2010

+ The staff were very friendly and help full. The room was not the most luxurious I have stayed in, but it had everything you needed.
- The only pick up point would be the channels on the TV, still not sure where bbc1 is even after a week there!!!!!!
Anonymous, stayed 16/05/2011
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+ my stay was really good there,the manager of the hotel was very sweet and friendly,in fact all staff was down to earth and friendly v a disable child with me but i get more than i expect, its hardly10min away from sea and pier ,overall experience was really great ,the small gardens around the hotel were beautiful ,smells so good that you forget about seaside ,and you really wish to stay there forever,it was like you are walking in heavenly love my stay in Ilfracombe house hotel,i would recommend it to all those who v families and want to relax , its simply one of my best stay ever,from Mrs. ajaib ,London
- the hotel was nice ,but there are no lifts secondly bathroom doesn't have any nice soaps as i get a dry rash on hands after using it for a day. otherwise its quite nice and almost like a 5 star hotel .just needs few small changes,otherwise service is quite good,a good value for money.
freeha ajaib, Romford,in London (GB). 2011-04-21
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+ Very friendly welcome. We arrived very early and they prioritized getting our room ready for us. Clean and comfortable room. Good buffet breakfast. Staff very helpful. Within easy walking distance of main sea front.
Amanda Finney, Birmingham (GB). 2011-04-12
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+ I Enjoyed My Stay At The Hotel,The Staff And Owners Were The Very best,To Help you in Any way that they could,If you Like a True Bed And Breakfast Hotel,Its The Place to stay,If You Have never been to Southend on Sea. Its The right hotel to enjoy Your visit,I Would recommend It To My Friends,
- No Complaints,I Came And Had a great Visit,I could not have Taken My Wife with me to that very nice hotel,, Because She has to use a wheelchair and that would not do very well at that hotel,
David Rosen, Warwick (US). 2011-04-05

Limo picking up the Newly Wedded from the hotel

+ The Ilfracombe House Hotel has a very friendly atmosphere. The staff are all welcoming and helpful. The room was both comfortable and airy. Quality bed and pillows ensured best nights sleep for a long time. Breakfast good, everything you could possibly want.
Elaine martin, Hoddesdon Hertfordshire (GB). 2011-04-05
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+ The staff were just so friendly, in fact, the whole stay was just so relaxed and homely... Loved it also because it was spotless. Great spot and I will be back with the whole family next time ..
ashling glover, drimnagh (IE). 2011-03-29
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"Thank You" I would like to thank all at the Ilfracombe for a comfortable and enjoyable stay, the staff were so friendly and made us feel at home. We only spent one night there on the 28 th August 2010 but it was like a home from home. The rooms we had were comfortable and clean , we ate both in the evening and the breakfast in the morning and it was all lovely. We would definitely come again and we will recommend you to all our friends.
Once again thank you. Joanne, Elaine, Marion, Debbie, Sinead, Leanne and Carol. Via Email, 28th August 2010
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Dear Bertie, Just a quick note to thank you for a lovely stay at your hotel, we were delighted with our apartment and it was wonderful for the kids to run around in and not be confined to one room. We would be very interested in staying with you again next August and hope you will be able to accommodate us. Thank once again for a most enjoyable stay.
Regards, Sarah,Dave,Josh,Harry and Charlie Cohan, by email on 30th August

Bertie's Table Tennis friends partying in the hotel, 2010

“ Fantastic ” We recently stayed at this hotel in mid Aug 2010 this being my first time however my Mum and Brother's second time as they came last year. On arrival the staff where very helpful and welcoming, We stayed in one of the apartments which we thought was massive, there was enough space for all the family. Everything was provided in the apartment cutlery, cooking utensils everything. The place was very clean, the hotel staff even came in half way through our stay and changed the bins and gave us new towels. The breakfast was was amazingly scrumptious, we where definitely well looked after by the staff... and are looking for dates for next years holiday at the Ilfracombe House Hotel. Thank you for an enjoyable stay! From jetsettrs, Tripadvisor.com 23rd August 2010
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+ i could not fault this hotel . very very clean and helpful.
colin paillin , melton mowbray (GB). 2010-08-16
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"Excellent" Me and 3 friends stayed in one of the self contained apartments and it was an absolute delight! except for the slightly dated decor in the bedrooms, we got all we hoped for and more. The breakfast was very good and staff /service was excellent.
The only down point was the deposit we were made to pay (£100 which was even more than the cost of the room) because we were three young ladies apparently that meant were were more likely to trash the place!
All in all it was a very pleasurable stay and i would definitely go back again! Kuadz, Tripadvisor.com, 16th August 2010
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+ The staff were very friendly & helpful. The hotel was excellent value for money & the luxury room were lovely,clean & with lots off facilities automatically provided,i.e. iron & ironing board etc.
- Nothing, everything was excellent!!
Nigel Langford , Birmingham (GB). 2010-08-10
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+ good friendly staff and they could do enough to make your stay more welcoming
Patrick Holland , Luton (GB). 2010-08-02
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“ Great service, great location and all the facilities you'd want to be comfortable" The apartments attached to the hotel are an ideal place for a family to stay, with great service from hotel staff, and comfortable rooms with all mod cons. The location is really convenient, being within just a few metres of the sea front and a short stroll to the town centre. Having a car parking space was a real bonus in this area. Wifel, Tripadvisor.com, 27th July 2010
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+ Zeer goed onderhouden, netjes en gezellig hotelletje, prima gelegen in hartje Southend, één van de meest gezellige kuststadjes in het zuid- oosten van het vk. Behalve de kraak-nette kamers, de gezellige inrichting en de voortreffelijke maaltijden, vallen vooral de vriendelijkheid van management én personeel op ! Een aanrader en uitstekende prijs/kwaliteit verhouding !
- Ik kan geen negatieve punten vinden... Dat alleen al is een punt dat zelfs bij de sterkste punten van het hotel hoort !
Raoul COECK , HALLE/ZOERSEL (BELGIUM). 2010-07-24

Southend Pier Train
+ The comfort, food, and friendly staff.
- We were on the top floor.We had not requested a lower floor so it was my fault. However, another handrail on the stairs would have been helpful for us olduns.
Sam GRICE , Burton on Trent (GB). 2010-07-19
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+ Room, Service, Staff.
Mac Mc Grath , LONDON (GB). 2010-07-19
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“ Friendly self-catering for families" We booked the self-catering apartment 5b for 2 weeks at 70 pounds per night and were very happy there. The owner was very helpful and even replaced one of the mattresses the next day after my wife couldnt sleep on it the first night. The location is great for families with kids because it is very close to the seafront and Adventure Island, which we frequented with our 4-year old daughter, also lovely views of the sea from the cliffs and within walking distance of the high street. Parking no problem behind the hotel or out the front of the appt. I would highly recommend it to families who want self-catering in a pleasant location. 2 bedrooms are provided. Only things we missed were a proper dining room table and a better shower - the fitting kept coming off the wall! Upstairs is better ;) From Niquito, Tripadvisor.com 18th July 2010
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“ Great Hotel ” Great hotel would highly recommend it. Nothing to much trouble for the staff and rooms well laid out and clean. stockley12, From Tripadvisor.com 1st July 2010

Southend Airshow, every end of May Bank Holiday

+ An excellent Hotel, the room was clean and facilities were just what i needed.The Hotel is run by very nice people who Were so helpful and pleasant. They made me very welcome and were considerate of my needs. Would highl;y recommend.
Angela Melanophy , Sittingbourne (GB). 2010-06-15
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“ Welcome - fabulous, Hotel - spotless, staff professional and friendly.
What a lovely stay we had at The Ilfrcombe House Hotel. What a welcome! Arrived very early but in no time our room was made ready and it was spotless and very comfortable.The cleanliness of all areas of the hotel was impressive to say the least. Nothing was too much bother for all staff we met and buffet breakfast was more than you could have hoped for. Top marks all round and I would certainly recommend this hotel to others. This was a place where you could see a team at work and all ready to go the extra mile to make a visitor welcome. Value for money was excellent also. Marion &Jimmy, 7/05/2010
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“Ilfracombe House Hotel was Home away from home” Many of my family members and friends stayed at The Ilfracombe House when we were in Southend-on-Sea for a wedding. I have never stayed in a Hotel that seemed as if I was in my own home. The hotel owner Mr. Bertie and his staff made everyone feel welcome, they were very friendly and eager to make the guests comfortable. It was a wonderful experience.
ben aaron 7/05/2010
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“ Excellent Customer Service. All staff very friendly and helpful. ”
Emailed several hotels in Southend to ask for availability at last minute - this one was the only to reply. Initially they did not have a room but kept my details and was contacted by Bertie on Friday who let us know a room had become available. Arrived on Saturday, greeted by Michelle (also very friendly and helpful). Stayed in Room 16, pleasant room and lovely bathroom, all clean and tidy. The door of room number 1 was open the next morning (also looked nice and I would ask for that room next time).
Had a few drinks in the bar on the Saturday afternoon and a meal in the evening before going to see Riverdance. Meal very nice - good price, total cost just over £30. for two courses each plus bottle of wine. Breakfast next day was good also. The people in this hotel are very hardworking and really deserve a good review - I have signed up to Trip Advisor today to write this! Watkins, Tripadvisor.com March 2010

Boats at Leigh on Sea

"GREAT HOTEL" This Hotel was a really good find. The rooms are comfy, the Staff are really friendly and the food is very nice. We had a nice dinner before going to see a show at the Cliffs Pavilion, which is just a short 5-7 minute walk away.
The car park is pretty small and is situated at the back of the Hotel. We park the car on the street and did not have any problems.
The Hot and Cold breakfast in the morning is buffet style and was really tasty. I would definately visit the Hotel again. Joseph, From Tripadvisor.com
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+ The staff were very pleasent and they could not do enough to help you. The breakfast was amazing and the room was in execellent condition will be recommending to all.
Philip Taylor , RUSHDEN (GB). 2009-10-02
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+ Location, friendly staff, good value hor money, perfect breakfast, complete privacy
anonymous . 2009-09-22

Friends from Aberdeen, Kevin, Frank, and David

+ The staff were extremely helpfull As a sigle woman I felt very safe lots off family around very nice friendly atmosphere Helen CUNNINGHAM,
West end Marazion Cornwall (GB). 2009-08-31
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"We recently stayed at the Ilfracombe for a romantic extended get-away weekend from London. We would definitely return to the Ilfracombe, as the staff were very friendly and accommodating, the apartment (Medieval) was very well appointed, and the breakfast was plentiful. The rooms were spacious and decorated with care. The back yard was great for the dog to play in. The location is also superb, as not in the center of town, but within walking distance, as is the pier. The sea is no more than a 2 min walk away. Needless to say, when we left, we wanted our little trip to start all over again. We would very happily recommend the Ilfracombe! sent by email from Richard and Till
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The Mail on Sunday Newspaper, 9th August 2009 
by John Nichol, stayed with his wife and daughter at the Ilfracombe House Hotel, June 2009
''Today, Southend is Essex's largest town and the population of some 175,000 host nearly three million visitors each year. Accommodation varies greatly in quality and price. An internet search found basic family rooms as expensive as £250 per night. But then I discovered a gem. The Ilfracombe House Hotel, a five-minute saunter to the beach, offers two-bedroom self-catering apartments from just £75 a night. And that included a sumptuous English breakfast for all three of us.
OK, it may not have been five-star luxury but it had a well equiped kitchen and the lounge and both bedrooms had TV's and DVD players. It was clean, comfortable and perfect for our family.
The beach was our main focus of entertainment. The sun blazed down and the sun gambolled in the sand. Once the sun went down, we relocated to Adventure Island and multitude of, in my opinion, terrifying rides. We spent most of the weekend in the open but there were enough covered activities, such as Sealife Adventure and Kids Kingdom, to cater for rainy days.
It was an exhausting few days but the Nichol family loved it. We enjoyed old fashioned seaside pleasures: sunhats, sand in our socks, melting ice creams drizzled in red goo and fish and chips laced with vinegar, washed down with fluorescent fizzy drinks. Southend provided a magical family holiday, we will certainly go back''. Read the full article online.

Laurel & Hardy fans
'Just wanted top drop you all a line to thank everyone for our most enjoyable stay last weekend. the freindliness and relaxed attitude shown by all your staff was a pleasure, not shown at a lot of hotels these days! we will be back again in the near future Thanks for everything Paul + Trish Kelly' weekend 7-8th August 2009
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+ Friendly service, excellent breakfast, very pleasant room.
David Mason , Ebbw Vale (GB). 2009-07-20
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+ Good location, quiet but close to water. Room was larger than expected, was advertised as compact but was quite spacious. Great breakfast. Attentive staff. Free Wi-Fi was a pleasant surprise. Free parking.
- Decor was tired looking and furniture a bit worn and stained but still comfortable.
Dilys Lichacz, Culburra Beach (AUSTRALIA). 2009-07-16
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+ Very friendly and helpful staff. The hotel has been thoroughly overhauled from the chimney pots and down. Delicious full English breakfast. The hotel is located within convenient walking distance from both the sea front and town centre. Excellent value for money.
Stefan Lund , Stockholm (SE). 2009-07-16
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+ Although some of the furnishings were not brand new i.e. bathroom suite, all were in very good condition and immaculately clean. The owner was very attentive and pleasant and even cooked my pasta supper. The location is also in an elegant part of the town.
- Nothing to dislike but it would have been nice to have some bottled real ale in the bar e.g. London Pride, Spitfire etc.
Rodney Cure , Earl Shilton (GB). 2009-07-10
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+ The staff were really friendly & helpful. They put themselves out to resolve a problem with our room - which was an error on my part when booking.
JOSIE SMITH , Flitwick Beds (GB). 2009-07-05
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+ the hotel was ideally placed about a five minute walk from the town centre and about a two minute walk to the beach and pier.
anonymous . 2009-07-05
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+ Friendly helpful staff. Good breakfast.
Louisa Forrest , London (GB). 2009-06-28
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+ The staff were very friendly the room was great the food and wine were tasty altogether good.
- Breakfast was limited. More cold buffet would have been appreciated
catherine thompson , fareham (GB). 2009-06-27
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Business visitor one night
Convenient and friendly. Reviewed by TOM L From Huddersfield, England Who stayed in June 2009
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Stay at Ilfracombe House in Southend
Very nice friendly staff. Comfortable room Reviewed by J Carling From England Who stayed in June 2009
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Does exactly what it says on the tin
Comfortable accom with free WIFI and sky sports all as described
Parking is first come first served in the car park but there are plenty of other spaces available Reviewed by Ian Howlett From Haydock, England Who stayed in May 2009
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+ All of the staff at the hotel were very helpful and friendly. they were also very knowledgeable about the local area, which in many hotels these days is somewhat lacking. Overall was a good experience and we would go back there if we were in Southend again. Reviewed by A White From Havant, England Who stayed in May 2009
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+ absolutely amazing, the staff were excellent and always polite, the room was lovely and comfortable, breakfast was very good. Will definitely come back, was a wonderful,a peaceful and relaxing stay.
Holly Zwager , Hatfield (GB). 2009-06-12
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+ all the staff were very polite and helpful the room was lovely and the whole hotel throughout was spotless will defiantly go back again
kelly watson , chelmsford (GB). 2009-06-09
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+ The owner and staff were very friendly and helpful. The English Breakfast was very good, buffet style, as much as you like. Staff always on hand during breakfast.
Colin Baker , Peterborough (GB). 2009-06-04
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+ The hotel is friendly, the rooms are spacious and clean and the buffet breakfast was good quality fresh food.
Ian Mason , Shrewsbury (GB). 2009-06-02
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+ When we arrived at this hotel, we thought it looked ok, so we were surprised when we went in and our room was fantastic. The food was great, with plenty of choice. All the staff seemed really nice too.
- Windows rattled a during the night because of the wind.
Mick Klein , York (GB). 2009-05-30
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+ a very good experience,cannot praise michelle enough,breakfast was superb.we had such a good time we forgot to leave a tip.when we come again(and we will) we will sort it then.many thanks for a great time. the spencers
george spencer , dunstable (GB). 2009-05-21
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+ Comfortable accom with free WIFI and sky sports all as described
Parking is first come first served in the car park but there are plenty of other spaces available. Reviewed by Ian Howlett, From Haydock, England Who stayed in May 2009
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+ The hotel had a pleasant ambiance, the rooms were spacious, and although the hotel was full, the atmosphere was quiet and peaceful
- Nothing not to like
Susan owen , London (GB). 2009-05-13
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+ We loved this hotel because breakfast is until 11:30 and we usually miss it
carol fairbairn , Mill Hill (GB). 2009-02-03
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+ The staff were very pleasant and couldn't do enough for us.
Susan. 2009-04-16
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