Thistle Hotel

The hotel is primarily known for its lively pub and bar, which serves as a central social hub and a popular dining spot for both guests and locals. This signature feature creates a vibrant atmosphere, making it an ideal choice for socializers and those who appreciate a traditional pub experience. While the hotel offers a convenient base for exploring the city center, its environment is less suited for families or business travelers seeking a quiet retreat due to the significant noise levels. Guests consistently praise the quality of the pub food and the genuinely friendly demeanor of the staff. To ensure a comfortable stay, especially if sensitive to noise, it is advisable to bring earplugs, and guests should manage their expectations regarding the hotel's self-proclaimed star rating, as many reviews suggest it aligns more with a 2- or 3-star establishment.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel's most prominent facility is its integrated pub and bar, which is a major draw for many guests seeking a vibrant social scene and excellent pub fare. This area is consistently praised for its atmosphere and affordability, offering daily specials that are highly recommended. However, the presence of this lively establishment also contributes to significant noise, particularly in rooms located above or near it. Regarding parking, feedback is mixed; some guests found it secure and convenient, while others reported full lots or concerns about safety. A recurring point of concern is the lack of air conditioning in many rooms, leading to discomfort, especially during warmer periods, with guests suggesting the need for more fans or proper cooling systems. While some rooms offer Netflix, general amenities like Wi-Fi are mentioned less frequently.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally find the rooms to be clean and spacious, with many appreciating the comfortable beds that ensure a restful sleep. However, a significant and frequently mentioned issue is the pervasive noise, stemming from the downstairs pub, street traffic, and other guests. This noise often continues late into the night, severely impacting sleep quality for many. Room amenities and condition also receive mixed feedback; some guests note issues with windows not closing properly and thin curtains that allow early morning light. Bathrooms are a particular point of concern, with complaints about poor shower drainage, lack of basic toiletries like hand and body wash, and the absence of bathroom mats or places to hang towels. Additionally, some guests reported dirty bar fridges, non-functional TVs, and unpleasant smells from carpets or bedding.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining experience receives varied feedback, with a clear distinction between breakfast and the pub's offerings. The pub food and bar fare are overwhelmingly praised, consistently described as delicious, high-quality, and affordable, with generous portions. Many guests highlight the excellent steak, egg, and chips and beef curry as standout dishes, contributing to a great atmosphere in the restaurant and bar area. In contrast, breakfast receives mixed reviews. While some guests find it good and generous, others report a lack of variety, with limited options often consisting only of eggs, bacon, and toast. Issues with breakfast service are frequently mentioned, including long waiting times, rude kitchen staff, and a lack of basic items like cereals, fruits, or even butter for toast. Some guests also noted cold milk and burnt eggs, and specific dietary needs, such as avoiding pork, were not always accommodated.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location elicits highly mixed opinions from guests. While many acknowledge its central position within the city, providing easy access to the city center and nearby convenience shops and fast-food outlets, a significant number of reviews describe the immediate surroundings as "dodgy" or a "downtown slump area." This perception often creates an initial negative impression, despite the hotel's interior being generally well-regarded. The proximity to public transport, including readily available taxis and ride-sharing services, is a positive aspect for accessibility. Regarding parking, some guests found it secure, while others reported issues with full lots or concerns about safety, indicating a need for clearer information or more consistent availability. The hotel's setting is best suited for those who prioritize central access over a pristine neighborhood environment.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and accommodating nature, with many guests feeling a sense of being treated like family. This positive interaction is a recurring highlight in reviews, contributing significantly to guest satisfaction. However, the efficiency and professionalism of certain services, particularly at reception and during breakfast service, are frequently criticized. Guests report long waiting times at check-in, a lack of staff presence at the front desk, and unhelpful or even rude interactions. The breakfast service is often described as slow, disorganized, and sometimes accompanied by poor attitudes from kitchen staff. Furthermore, a notable concern for several guests was the issue of overbooking, leading to rooms not being available upon arrival and a lack of adequate assistance in finding alternative accommodation, causing significant inconvenience.

Additional Information
A prominent theme in guest feedback is the discrepancy between the hotel's self-proclaimed four-star rating and the actual guest experience, with many suggesting it aligns more closely with a two- or three-star establishment. This mismatch in expectations is a frequent source of disappointment. Another significant issue is the pervasive presence of smoking within the hotel, with reports of rooms smelling of smoke and the general environment being described as catering to smokers, which can be off-putting for non-smoking guests. Furthermore, some guests noted a lack of clear information regarding halal or non-halal food options, and issues arose with dietary restrictions not being properly accommodated, particularly concerning pork products. These points highlight areas where the hotel's policies and communication could be improved to enhance the overall guest experience.