Brampton Court Hotel

Fantastic meeting Ben today, showed me around, and was extremely professional, the teacups were clean, the napkins were white. From start to finish it was just immaculate, Go and see Ben, he’s lovely, the other chap Turk I think his name was is quite stand-off ish and had a sarcastic manner about him.

For a 3 night stag do Brampton is perfect. The hosts are extremely accommodating considering we spent our weekend plastered and frequently came in when the sun was coming up. Location is less than 10 minutes from the town centre on foot and it's a short cab ride home! A cosy, well priced and well stocked bar with lovely views from the beer garden. The most memorable feature of this hotel is the Adams family that run it. The manager is bilingual- English and Garbage. From the moment we arrived he never stopped with the dreadful jokes despite not a single person in our group finding anything he ever said funny. He thought he was hilarious. The breakfast was consistently poor, although I've had worse. Ordering the breakfast was an unenjoyable experience as Uncle Fester preferred to practice his wise cracks instead of relay the breakfast orders to the kitchen. He was oblivious to the fact he was getting on everyone's nerves. By day 3 it was a miracle that no one from our group told him to Foxtrot Oscar, but on reflection, I think we appreciated that no complaints were made against us, and this is why we put up with his dross. I'd go back for a stag do. Probably not for any other sort of stay.

To be clear I booked this on a tight budget so wasn't expecting luxury, but would like to think I could get value for money. I feel bad for the owner as he seemed like a genuine guy and I spent a relaxed evening in the lounge with him and his friend in the lounge area. Family run hotel and I met his daughters who were real cuties. He got me a drink from the bar on the house and also made me a cuppa, saying this was to make up for the lack of TV in my room so I think he did appreciate that not all facilities were as expected. Unfortunately his staff aren't all so welcoming. Man on reception seemed put out with me wanting to check in (I had pre-booked so wasn't arriving out of the blue). He didn't volunteer any information, I had to ask for breakfast times, where it would be served and also about Wi-Fi access (to which he responded 'I suppose you want the password? Anything else?!') I got to my room to find a remote control but no TV (not ideal when lone travelling in a place you don't know and you just want to relax after a day on the road). No Wi-Fi available in room either so couldn't get any work done (I was stopping over on business). Apparently the wifi issue is because it's being upgraded. Lack of TV is because rooms are being renovated (I wouldn't have booked if I'd known the hotel was being renovated, workmen started up at 8am in the morning and hallways smelt of paint. Bathroom in my room had recently been tiled I think as strong smell of mastic. Shower was lovely and warm and very powerful. Room had recently been painted from appearance as still had masking tape on door frame. Furniture was really old and tired though. No toiletries in room (phoned to reception to request some and the response was "what do you think this is madam?" They did manage to rustle up a bar of soap so had to stick my hair in a ponytail today as couldn't wash it). Towels thin and frayed along edges. Bed too soft - poor quality mattress. Curtains old and grubby. Limited parking spaces. Think the offending male member of staff I have mentioned thinks he is trying to be funny but seeing as I didn't know him from Adam it didn't sit well. He might want to get to know people before being flippant to see how well it will be received.