Douglas Vacations from $1,158

Great place to stay while waiting for college to start up

This is an old hotel that is being updated. My room was completely modern as was the bath. Both the room and bath had opening windows! The location is great, about 7 minutes walk from the train station, 5 minutes to the bus station and 5-10 minutes to the city center. The only glitch I encountered was when I tried to take the stairs instead of the one elevator - that's when I discovered that not all of the hotel has been renovated yet. The pathway to use the stairs was a bit disjointed and involved two different sets of stairs that seemed to be from two different eras.

So when I booked I didnt realise these are uni halls. Staff were very friendly. Room was very clean but what you get is a room in a shared apartment ie your room is private with private bathroom but you share kitchen and hallway with the others whove booked rooms in same apartment as you. It was well decorated and clean, just not what I was expecting. Not an issue for me but be aware there is no TV. Was very quiet the 1 night I stayed. Decent blinds on windows to block out early morning light. Location was very convenient in city centre, with supermarket nextdoor to buy breakfast etc. Felt a safe area. If youre parking be aware that Grande Parade multi storey car park is £30ish per night even with the discount offered by Lee Point.

The staff went above and beyond when I had a personal issue booking a train. All staff, restaurant servers and housekeepers were all very pleasant, helpful and just genuine. We loved the vinyl selection in our room and also the coffee machine.

No air conditioner