Exford Vacations from $1,535

Breakfast was great, so I’ll start with the positives! Unfortunately that’s where the highlights end. It’s a cheap-ish hotel so I wasn’t expecting any kind of five star experience, but it is very run down and shabby throughout. I arrived late after an event in Birmingham, bar area was already closed at 10.30pm so zero food or drinks available, not even a vending machine. The receptionist was kind enough, and suggested using Just Eat but after realising it was a £10 delivery fee I ruled that out pretty quickly! Popped back to reception after checking into my room to find it in darkness and not a soul around. One decaf teabag in my room had to do! Bathroom smelled mouldy and was badly in need of renovation, bed was lumpy and the room was pretty chilly. I won’t be rushing back.

Very nice place to stay and relax.

Our room 204 was next to an alley. Not much natural light and youths/drunks congregated there at night and sometimes fights broke out so very noisy. Breakfast very badly organised. Plates and cups always run out. Milk in coffee machines not topped up. Juices not labelled. Baked beans always spilt into tomatoes, not everyone likes baked beans. Room service menu has very poor choice.

Upon arrival the room was relatively clean and straightened out nicely. Decorated to an OK standard. However, the room itself was absolutely sweltering and could've done with a fan or a portable air conditioning unit. I had to open both the windows wide to let some cool air in.....which unfortunately let the screaming and shouting from outside in too. But hey, I've booked something in the heart of student land so that's sort of on me as well! As far as cleanliness goes....look a little closer you'll see things aren't so great and definitely lacks attention to detail in that are. Not the worst but certainly not the best. It looks like shower gel, handwash and shampoo were provided once upon a time but now all that remain are empty containers. This is such a basic thing so either do it or don't. Kitchenette area was reasonably clean with utensils, plates bowls and a dishwasher provided. Overall, it was OK but could do better. It seems like somebody has lost interest in it!