Leamington Spa, Best Western Falstaff Hotel

The staff were efficient upon arrival. However, it must be noted that the usual 'extras' offered in most hotel chains such as alarm call, newspaper and even the breakfast times, were not offered. Not a particularly good start.

The rooms advertised on the Website look clean, fresh and well presented. The reality is quite different. I booked a single room, at a cost of £80 for Bed and Breakfast. The room was very small. I think the last time I was in a room of a similar size would be when I lived at home!

I didn't see a lift and the room was located on the 1st floor. There was a small writing desk immediately upon entry into the room. This was pushed right into the corner and had the small portable TV placed on the end, facing the bed. The bed, of course, was a single. No down pillows, though, as foam seemed to be the order of the day! A small bedside table, with a side lamp on top. A good-sized wardrobe for clothes was available, too.

One small step takes you into the shower room, accessed through swing doors, as locks are not deemed necessary. A basin, toilet and shower in a corridor, with little room to manoeuvre. Difficult for a large person to towel off after a shower!

The d cor was tired and looked as if the woodwork hadn't seen paint for a few years, although the cleanliness was good.

There was only a metal-framed, single-glazed window, which meant that the room was quite cold near this end of the room and also, quite noisy. There was no adjustment on the room temperature, as there were old-style metal radiators.

The room was located above the bar, and the soundproofing was poor, as fairly loud conversations in the bar, late into the night, were quite clear. Also, the staff would need to sort all the glass bottles into the large bins outside the bar, and these were located under the room window. I would have thought that this job should be performed when patrons are likely to be awake and not in the early hours of the morning.

The restaurant was well appointed, but a little warm, especially for breakfast. The staff were very helpful and efficient. The kitchen staff were not able to rustle up pancakes, even though these were on the menu and are basically flour and water! The breakfast was good, with a range of cereals, fruit and four fried items, followed by tea or coffee.

This hotel is awarded a 3-star rating, but I have stayed in better, more modern facilities. It is very unusual to have such a cramped room for that price. I previously stayed in a 3-star hotel in the Lake District and this room offered a double bed, table and chair as well as a writing desk and a bath and shower, with room to swing a cat for £70!