Puma The Old Ship

The car park is closed. The restaurant is closed. The bar is closed. Half the hotel is closed. Workmen starting at 7.30. This is not a few tweaks to upgrade the rooms they are ripping the place up and not warning the guests booking in of the extent of the reduced service. I would go elsewhere until they are finished.

I have stayed here previously and was impressed with the car park guy helping me get my bags out of the car and then parking my car for me, really pleasant guy. I arrived on Sunday late afternoon to find that the shutter was half down on the car park entrance. I rang the number stated on the car park notice several times before someone answered the phone. I was told “we don’t advertise car parking “ and it’s no longer available. I was told to park elsewhere and was told about parking around a 15 minute walk away. In the end I parked in the Lanes car park and from 5 pm Sunday to 8 am Monday was £44!! Absolute rip off. When I arrived, the front of the building is covered with scaffolding and sheeting which didn’t look very inviting but I was told there is refurbishment works ongoing. When I checked in, I was told that the whole of the right side of the ground floor was unavailable! This meant there was no restaurant available at all. I know there are places around but as it’s advertised as a four star hotel, I feel it should at least advise people of this on the booking website page. A little prior warning about lack of facilities especially the parking issue would have been much appreciated. Also, take down the sign on the wall outside saying Old Ship hotel car parking, hourly rates available. Unfortunately this has really put me off visiting again and I’ll be booking elsewhere when I visit me client again locally. Shame really as it could be a lovely place but really spoilt bit for me. Have to say the blonde haired guy that checked me in was so helpful and friendly.

We stayed for one night as were catching up with a friend who lives in Brighton who recommended this hotel. She warned us there were renovations ongoing but none of that affected our stay. Our room was bright, clean and spacious with a sea view. Bed was so comfortable we slept very well. Bathroom was large and shower pressure was good. Plenty of large clean towels and hot water. Breakfast was superb - choice of extensive continental breakfast plus full English it you wanted it. All self service. Fruit juice was pure and not watered down. There was even peppermint teabags! We wouldn't hesitate to recommend this hotel, once the renovations are completed it will look absolutely fantastic but it needs to be done with care for the history of it and the traditional features need to be preserved as well. Not something anyone can reasonably expect to happen overnight. We will definitely return.