Dovedale Hotel and Restaurant

The hotel is consistently described as a small, friendly, and welcoming establishment, often referred to as a "gem" or "little diamond." Its signature feature is its dog-friendly policy, making it an excellent choice for pet owners who wish to travel with their companions. The hotel's central location near the seafront and town center is also a significant draw, appealing to sightseers and leisure travelers who enjoy easy access to local attractions, shops, and dining. For couples and families, the comfortable rooms and attentive service contribute to a pleasant stay. To make the most of your visit, consider booking breakfast as it receives high praise, and be aware of the parking situation, which, while available, can be limited.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of facilities designed to enhance guest comfort, including a bar area that is often described as smart, well-stocked, and recently developed, providing a pleasant space for evening drinks. Some rooms feature a jacuzzi bath, which is a popular amenity for relaxation, though some guests noted issues with cleanliness or functionality. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, ensuring guests can stay connected. While there is no dedicated restaurant for evening meals, the hotel does have a dining area primarily used for breakfast. Guests appreciate the availability of Sky TV in rooms, offering entertainment options. Some rooms also boast a balcony, providing an outdoor space. However, some guests mentioned the absence of a fridge in rooms and limited complimentary bath gels, suggesting areas for minor improvement.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Feedback on room cleanliness and comfort is mixed. Many guests describe their rooms as clean, comfortable, and well-maintained, with some specifically praising the comfortable beds and warm ambiance. Housekeeping is often noted for its attentiveness. However, a significant number of reviews highlight issues with cleanliness, including pubic hair in drawers, cobwebs, dust, sticky marks, and dirty radiators. Bathrooms, in particular, receive criticism for being dated, having mold in showers, rust, and unpleasant smells. Room comfort is also varied; while some found beds comfortable, others reported lumpy mattresses, squeaky beds, or hard pillows. Some rooms are described as small or cluttered, making movement difficult, and noise from outside or adjacent rooms was occasionally mentioned.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's breakfast consistently receives high praise from guests, often described as excellent, scrumptious, delicious, and of good quality. Guests appreciate the variety and generous portions, with many highlighting the attentive service from the breakfast staff. Options typically include a full English breakfast, though some guests noted that a "large breakfast" might incur an additional charge, and there were comments about the lack of cereal or fresh fruit options. The hotel's restaurant does not serve evening meals, which was a disappointment for some guests who had expected this service. The bar area, however, is well-regarded for its selection of drinks and pleasant atmosphere, though it does not offer food.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent and central location, making it highly convenient for guests. It is situated just a few minutes' walk from the seafront and the town center, providing easy access to shops, bars, and restaurants. This proximity makes it ideal for exploring the local area on foot. While the hotel offers on-site parking at the rear, it is often described as limited and can be challenging, with cars sometimes being double-parked. However, guests note that additional street parking and a public car park are available nearby, often free during certain hours. The hotel is also praised for being wheelchair accessible in some areas and for its proximity to the train station.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive overwhelmingly positive feedback, being described as friendly, helpful, polite, attentive, and welcoming. Guests frequently commend their willingness to "go out of their way" to ensure a good experience, from quick check-in to assisting with specific requests. The breakfast staff, in particular, are highlighted for their excellent service and pleasant demeanor. While most interactions are positive, a few isolated reviews mention instances of unprofessional or rude staff, or a perceived lack of warmth from reception. However, the prevailing sentiment is that the staff are a significant asset, contributing greatly to the positive atmosphere and guest satisfaction.

Additional Information
The hotel is notably dog-friendly, a feature highly appreciated by guests traveling with pets, with staff often going the extra mile to make canine companions feel welcome, even offering them sausages at breakfast. Guests should be aware that the hotel's restaurant does not serve evening meals, a change since the COVID-19 pandemic, which some found disappointing. While parking is available on-site, it is limited and operates on a first-come, first-served basis, often requiring cars to be double-parked; however, nearby street parking is an alternative. Some guests noted that the hotel's decor, particularly in bathrooms and some rooms, appears dated or tired, suggesting a need for minor renovations, though this did not detract significantly from the overall positive experience for many. The hotel does not have a lift, which can be a consideration for guests with mobility issues or those with heavy luggage.