The National Hotel

The hotel offers a central location that serves as an excellent base for exploring the surrounding area, particularly for sightseers and football fans attending local matches. Its historic charm and traditional decor appeal to guests seeking a characterful stay, though some areas are noted as being dated and in need of refurbishment. The hotel is also a practical choice for budget-conscious travelers and those on short business trips due to its convenient position and value. Couples and families appreciate the accessibility to local amenities and transport links, making it easy to explore the town and beyond. Guests consistently highlight the friendly staff and the overall cleanliness of the rooms as significant positives, contributing to a pleasant experience despite some minor issues. To enhance your stay, it is advisable to communicate any specific room preferences, such as bed size or noise concerns, directly with the hotel upon booking, and to be aware that while the hotel is clean, some areas reflect its age.

Facilities & Amenities
Most guests appreciate the convenience of the on-site bar and restaurant, which provide a modern space for drinks and meals, though some note that the bar or restaurant may occasionally be closed, redirecting guests to an affiliated pub nearby. Parking is generally available and considered safe, with options for street parking or a dedicated area at the rear of the hotel, including an EV charger in some instances. While free Wi-Fi is offered, a few guests experienced difficulty connecting. Some rooms are uniquely equipped with a kitchenette, including a fridge, stove, and toaster, adding convenience for longer stays. However, a recurring point of feedback is the hotel's dated interior in certain areas, and the absence of an elevator is frequently mentioned as a challenge for guests with mobility issues or heavy luggage, particularly for rooms on higher floors.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently praise the cleanliness of the rooms, often describing them as spotless and well-maintained. The beds are frequently noted as comfortable, ensuring a good night's sleep for many. However, feedback on room comfort and condition is mixed; while some rooms are described as spacious and well-equipped with necessary amenities, many guests find the decor to be tired, dated, or in need of refurbishment. Specific issues include small rooms, narrow or three-quarter size beds, and occasional lumpy mattresses or creaky beds. A significant and recurring concern is the hot water supply for showers, with numerous reports of no hot water, cold showers, or water taking an excessively long time to heat up, sometimes with low pressure. Additionally, some guests experienced heating issues, with rooms being either too hot with no control, or too cold, and occasional noise from adjacent rooms or upstairs.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel’s dining options receive generally positive feedback, with many guests praising the quality and value of the food served in the restaurant and bar. The bar area is often described as lively, offering a good range of drinks and amenities like Sky Sports and a pool table. Breakfast experiences are varied; some guests found it to be a good selection, delicious, and freshly prepared, while others noted it as basic, with limited choices or issues with food temperature. There were instances where the on-site restaurant or bar was closed, leading guests to an affiliated pub nearby, which also offered discounts. While the overall food quality is appreciated, some specific dishes received mixed reviews, such as dry burgers or onion rings with an unexpected taste. A coffee shop within the hotel also provides convenient access to drinks and cakes.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently highlighted as a major advantage, placing guests within easy walking distance of the town center, shops, cafes, and restaurants. Its proximity to the train station makes it an excellent base for exploring the wider region, including connections for ferries or trips to the Far North. For football fans, the hotel is conveniently close to the local stadium. Guests appreciate the ease of access to public transportation and the vibrant local area. Parking is generally available and considered safe, with options for street parking or a dedicated area at the rear of the hotel, sometimes including an EV charger. However, a significant accessibility point mentioned by many is the absence of an elevator, which can be challenging for guests with heavy luggage or mobility concerns, particularly for rooms located on the upper floors.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive high praise from guests, frequently described as friendly, helpful, efficient, and accommodating. Many reviewers highlight their willingness to go "above and beyond" to assist guests, whether it's with directions, late check-ins, or addressing concerns. The check-in process is generally smooth and informative, with staff often available even for very late arrivals. Guests appreciate the attentive service provided, contributing significantly to a positive overall experience. While the majority of feedback is overwhelmingly positive regarding staff demeanor and helpfulness, a few instances mentioned perceived staff shortages, particularly during busy periods like breakfast, which could lead to slower service. Despite these isolated comments, the dedication and pleasantness of the hotel team are a recurring theme in guest reviews.

Additional Information
The hotel is frequently described as having a traditional or historic character, which some guests appreciate as "shabby chic," while many others note that it appears dated or run-down and is in significant need of refurbishment and a "spruce up." Guests should be aware that the main front entrance door may be locked at certain times, requiring access through the bar or a key box code for late arrivals. While the hotel generally maintains a clean environment, some specific room issues like a non-working internal door lock, curtains that don't close properly, or minor cosmetic damage such as cracked tiles have been reported. The hotel offers a pet-friendly policy, though finding suitable outdoor areas nearby for pets can be challenging. Some guests experienced issues with a compressor making noise near their room or a general lack of staff presence at certain hours.