England 2012 Guidebook
Best and worst accommodations:
Best: The Royal Park
Why: This recommendation from England 2011 was a lifesaver after a bad experience at the Ashley. It was a sea of tranguility with classical music in the lobby and champagne delivered to our room at no extra cost. The window could be opened and our executive suite was quite roomy. Very classy staff too.
Worst: The Ashley Hotel Page 156 England 2011
Why: This hotel was booked because they offered wi-fi which we needed for work-related reasons. Upon checking in we discovered that the wi-fi was "temporarily" out of order. We asked for an exception to the 48-hr cancellation policy as they were not delivering what was promised. It was denied. After explaining their failure to provide what was offered to the clerk, then her talking with the manager, then talking with the assistant manager we were still being told we cannot cancel the reservation. After about 10 minutes the manager appeared and finally gave the nod to us leaving without financial penalty. We felt they were unreasonable in not accepting the cancellation immediately.
M Rathe in Tampa, Fl USA 11/26/2011
Best: The Royal Park
Why: This recommendation from England 2011 was a lifesaver after a bad experience at the Ashley. It was a sea of tranguility with classical music in the lobby and champagne delivered to our room at no extra cost. The window could be opened and our executive suite was quite roomy. Very classy staff too.
Worst: The Ashley Hotel Page 156 England 2011
Why: This hotel was booked because they offered wi-fi which we needed for work-related reasons. Upon checking in we discovered that the wi-fi was "temporarily" out of order. We asked for an exception to the 48-hr cancellation policy as they were not delivering what was promised. It was denied. After explaining their failure to provide what was offered to the clerk, then her talking with the manager, then talking with the assistant manager we were still being told we cannot cancel the reservation. After about 10 minutes the manager appeared and finally gave the nod to us leaving without financial penalty. We felt they were unreasonable in not accepting the cancellation immediately.
M Rathe in Tampa, Fl USA 11/26/2011
Best: The Royal Park
Why: This recommendation from England 2011 was a lifesaver after a bad experience at the Ashley. It was a sea of tranguility with classical music in the lobby and champagne delivered to our room at no extra cost. The window could be opened and our executive suite was quite roomy. Very classy staff too.
Worst: The Ashley Hotel Page 156 England 2011
Why: This hotel was booked because they offered wi-fi which we needed for work-related reasons. Upon checking in we discovered that the wi-fi was "temporarily" out of order. We asked for an exception to the 48-hr cancellation policy as they were not delivering what was promised. It was denied. After explaining their failure to provide what was offered to the clerk, then her talking with the manager, then talking with the assistant manager we were still being told we cannot cancel the reservation. After about 10 minutes the manager appeared and finally gave the nod to us leaving without financial penalty. We felt they were unreasonable in not accepting the cancellation immediately.
M Rathe in Tampa, Fl USA 11/26/2011
Worst: St John's Court Guest House, Canerbury England
Why: Proprietor was rude and had lots of rules which seemed not necessary. Her neighbors call her one of a kind and she certainly is..thank goodness. towrds end of stay she did warm up a bit but by then who cared ...very controling and not enjoyable personality. B&B was good, clean and breakfast OK
Louise Tracey-Hosa in Las Cruces , NM USA 11/13/2011
Best: Brindleys Boutique Bed & Breakfast Hotel Bath
Why: See earlier post - location of Brindleys is in Bath.
John Reed in Alexandria, LA USA 10/02/2011
Best: Brindleys Boutique Bed & Breakfast Hotel
Why: Perfect little B&B. We only stayed one night but would have loved to have stayed longer. Jamie & Anel were such friendly hosts & everything was spotless. This is a newly renovated B&B & everything feels fresh & clean. Comfortable bed, delicious breakfast. Convenient walk to center of town & the Roman baths, cathedral, & restaurants & shops (about 10 minutes). We're writing to Rick Steves to suggest this be included as a recommended hotel. I think all the rooms would be good. Hotel is on a quiet street away from traffic, & hotel is slightly off the road.Don't think you could find any better. Thank you, Jamie & Anel!
John Reed in Alexandria, LA USA 10/02/2011
Best: Heckberry House, Judith and David
Why: We wanted to add an extra night, and although she could not accommodate us, Judith went out of her way to help us fine a room. She and her husband were lovely hosts and facilitated moving our luggage and car to her neighbors. They went out of their way to make our stay relaxed and comfortable. We stayed our final night with their neighbors --Deb and Keith, who were equally gracious and welcoming.
Jacqui Lichtenstein in Eugene, OR USA 10/01/2011
Best: Seatoller Farm B&B - Borrowdale @ Lake District
Why: Christine Simpson gives you a warm welcome to their farmhouse with tea, coffee, and fresh baked goods in their comfy sitting room. Their B&B rooms are nice, tidy, and well maintained. The room views overlook the farm at the base of Honister Pass in the Borrowdale valley of England’s Lake District. Christine freshly prepares a delicious, hearty, real-Cumbrian breakfast. The working hill farm is so inviting – the bucolic fells, the pastoral sheep, and the 16th century architecture make for a very unpretentious and refreshing experience. We will definitely take advantage of their hospitality on our next trip to the Lake District!
Mike Rogers in Warner Robins, GA USA 08/18/2011
Best: Luna Simone Hotel, London
Why: Great location, reasonably priced, clean rooms, friendly and helpful staff.
Anne Klowden in Moscow, ID USA 07/03/2011
Best: The Hazelwood in York June 2011
Why: very quiet and calm, excellent location. delicious breakfast--staff were exceptional! we had a very large room with modern bathroom. wifi in room. well worth 100 pounds/night
Worst: Coach House Hotel in York June 2011
Why: Because of the England 2011 guidebook describing the rooms as "huge" we splurged on this hotel. There is no way anyone would use the word huge to describe our room! It was small and crowded. The bathroom was dingy and did not even have a shelf of any kind to put a few toiletries on! The room and bathroom had a very unpleasant odor. We managed to prop open two windows then realized that because we were positioned above the pub, all of the smokers went outside to smoke so their smoke wafted up into our room! We paid $180 a night for this! Their website is totally misleading...do not believe anything you see on it! free wifi was only in tiny, cramped, noisy "lounge". we checked out and moved to the Hazelwood--what a welcome change!
Susan in Bellevue, WA USA 06/25/2011
Best: The Henry in Bath
Why: Immaculately clean, breakfast made to order, nice innkeepers and great central location. Its all good!
Worst: Lynton Hotel
Why: We are very disappointed in this recommendation! The room reeks of smoke, mattresses are terrible, towels are sandpaper, the room has peeling paint... I am very surprised this made a Rick Steve's recommendation. We will move as soon as possible.
Nancy Block in San Jose, CA USA 04/16/2011
Best: The Clarence Hotel Portsmouth (Southsea)
Why: Absolutely lovely old Edwardian era home converted into hotel. Not in Rick's book but should be. Staff most gracious and attentive. Included full breakfasts, cooked to order. Bus or walk seaside promenade to Portsmouth proper.
Cindy in Beavercreek, OH USA 03/31/2011
Worst: Parade Park Hotel, Bath
Why: For the standard price, we had a VERY small, dingy room on the 4th floor (no lifts). I had to park the rental car in a public lot, 20 min walk away, for 15 UKP per night.
Keith Ciarlariello in Fort Worth, Tx USA 02/11/2011
Best: York: Number 34 Bootham Crescent
Why: This is possibly the nicest B&B I've ever stayed in. The mid-December days were short and the streets were ice-covered, but my room was quiet, bright and warm. The welcome from the owner and her mother was even warmer. Pleasantly decorated, scrupulously clean, fabulous breakfast. Excellent location; it was easy to find by car without getting involved in inner-city traffic. We parked the car for two days and explored the city on foot; the Minster was an easy walk despite the ice and bitter cold.
Trish in Germantown, MD USA 12/22/2010
Best: Great Northern Hotel
Why: As I siad--next to station,re-done, great (free) breakfasts. Dining at night was spotty the week i was there. Clean, helpful,happy. 90 pounds single,95 double.
Worst:
Why: Lots of train choices. When I return---I will commute to London. Three trains an hour/45 minutes. With a train pass a real plus.
Kilian Knittel in Michigan City, IN USA 12/09/2010
Best: Blue Seas Hotel
Why: Fiona and Arnaud were extremely helpful and friendly. The accommodations and food were superb.
Dennis Zuburg in Scottsdale, AZ USA 10/10/2010
Best: Cherry Court Hotel
Why: Great value, great location, great people. Mrs. Patel made me feel so welcome and really took care of me. I am so glad you noted this hotel in your book or I would never have known about it.
Kaira in Adam, CO USA 09/23/2010
Worst: Cartref House - London
Why: The house itself was nice and clean, the hosts were pleasant. My issue came to 2 issues. 1. A double room converted to a Quad - We are a family of four and made accommodations at the Cartref House in Jan 2010 for July. We asked for the Quad room with the bunk bed as discussed in the RS book. When we arrived we were given the double room on the second floor. It was a room that was a double and was converted to a Quad with roll-aways (one tilted if you put your weight anywhere but directly in the middle). You could tell as the furniture marks were still prevalent. Now we are a family that does not mind issues like this except we could not move without taking turns (only one person could negotiate the room)and there was no place to put our luggage except on the floor. I had more room on the sleeper train. The room also had double windows, truly double windows one was a foot from the other. We could not open the windows to get air and this was during the heat wave in London. Which led us to..... 2. There is no guest lounge - I read in a blog that the owners liked to chat with guests as the guest rested in the lounge. Now they do not allow anyone in the lounge or back patio.
Chris in Wimberley, TX USA 09/23/2010
Best: Dragon House B&B - Chipping Campden
Why: We stayed at wonderful places throughout England, but the Dragon House B&B was our absolute hands-down favorite. It is delightful in every way! Perfectly located, historic charming building, beautiful English gardens, a fabulous full breakfast, and laundry facilities too. But the thing that really sets it apart, is its wonderful gracious hosts and their very kind hospitality. We felt like we had friends in the Cotswolds.
Worst: Bath YMCA
Why: While the Bath YMCA is centrally located, clean, and efficiently run, it is also very hot and noisy at night, making it difficult to sleep. The rooms have no ventilation, so even in cool weather, the rooms get very hot at night, requiring you to have a window open. There is lots of noise that comes off the courtyard and surrounding area, all night long. One night during our stay, there was a loud altercation between drunken young men. This woke my teenage children making them feel very alarmed and concerned for safety.
Carol in Normandy Park, WA USA 08/19/2010
Best: Howe Keld in Keswick in the Lake District
Why: Beautifully updated rooms with all the conveniences--lovely tiled bathrooms with large shower, heavenly beds with nice linens, and great views of the mountains. The breakfasts were fabulous with lots of options--I didn't get to try everything even though we stayed 3 days. Very friendly and helpful hosts.
Worst: N/A
Why: All the accommodations recommended by Rick were just wonderful--a couple had small rooms and lots of stairs but this is to be expected in Europe. All the hosts were very friendly and helpful and breakfasts were plentiful and delicious.
Susan Manning in Davidson, NC USA 07/29/2010
Best: Premier Inn Downtown Liverpool
Why: Central to downtown walking areas with plenty to see. 10 minutes to Albert Dock launch areas for tours.
Karen D'Amato in San Carlos, CA USA 07/25/2010
Worst: Kensington Gardens Hotel
Why: There were clumps of hair all over the bathroom, on the walls and the floor. I found a condom wrapper in the shower. We left at once.
Jessica Gill in Hamilton, OH USA 07/07/2010
Best: Chiverton Guest House in Penzance.
Why: Alan and Sally were the perfect hosts and our stay with them was delightful.
Worst: Bootham Guest House, York
Why: The "gregarious Emma" was nowhere to be seen. The room was tiny and the two flights of stairs to the facilities were a little more than I had bargained for at the age of 72.
Sarah Giddings in Lexington, VA USA 07/07/2010
Worst: Tree Tops Guest House, Moreton-In-Marsh
Why: They, the owner or her help (daughter) rummaged through my stuff, it was left all over the place. They also took our laptop. Yes it should not have been left there, but it was not like we were in Liverpool, this was a sleepy country town. The reason we know that it was an inside job is that there were no other guests and the only thing missing was our laptop, the flatscreen TV in the room, was still there!!
Smith in Edmonton, USA 06/21/2010
Best: 23 St Mary's, York
Why: Perfect B&B: friendly hostess, lovely house, convenient area, great food and lots of it! Also good prices, including singles. Highly recommended.
Kevin in Princeton, NJ USA 06/17/2010
Best: Holly Villa in Bath
Why: friendly, clean and a good breakfast. Easy walk to downtown/Abbey/Roman Baths.
Christopher Binkert in Atlanta, GA USA 06/13/2010
Best: All were good. My favorite was the Limetree Hotel in London
Why: Clean, lovely facility, friendly and pleasant staff - Matt and Charlotte were a delight. However I also liked Cornerways in Bath where Sue Black welcomed us with a lovely pot of tea and a brief overview of Bath history and spots to visit. It was just what we needed after many hours of travel.
Adair Pickard in Clayton, NC USA 05/30/2010
Best: Kymalton House
Why: Very Friendly hosts Doug & Sylvia. Very comfortable room and Excellent English Fry breakfast - They provided us with maps and even a walking stick to borrow for exploring the Cotswolds.
Debbie Mitchell in Mount Vernon, WA USA 05/29/2010
Worst: CANON GRANGE, WELLS
Why: Arrived at 7:30 p.m. on December 3, 2009. Proprietor left us a note: "Mrs.____, Expected you at 4:30. I have gone to a meeting. Will return at 11:00"! We had, indeed, estimated our arrival at 4:30, but after a dawn flight from Beirut to Heathrow, ground transportation from Heathrow to Gatwick to rent a car, then driving out of the London area in after work traffic, it seems we had underestimated - but this came as a shock! We made other arrangements, but left the lady our own note, to tell her Rick Steves would hear about this. We love your work and have always found your advice spot on. Sorry to only write when there'ss omething to complain about, but this was not only the single most unprofessional act we have ever encountered from someone in the hospitality business, it was also a big disappointment after reading about this place in your book.
JD in ST. PETERSBURG, FL USA 01/18/2010
Worst: Winchester B&B near Vistoria Station
Why: Don't go by website. Had a basement room with one small patio door and was very hot (in Sept.) Provided fan that could not cool down room. I am from OK and used to heat, but it was hot. However had excellent bathroom. Book for the location only. Breakfast was tasteless even for England.
Karen Curtis in Tulsa, Ok USA 10/23/2009
Best: The Henry Guest House
Why: The Henry is my favorite place to stay in Bath. They recently remodelled and upgraded so that all but 2 rooms are ensuite. I stayed in a single room with shared bathroom, but it was no problem since the bathroom is just a few steps from the room's door. As usual, the owners were gracious and genuinely nice.
Swan in Napa , CA USA 10/03/2009
Best: Not recommended, but I stayed at the Ashley House on Norfolk Square near Paddington.
Why: The Paddington area is so convenient to the train station that I decided I wanted to stay just a few minutes walk to catch trains to Bath and Heathrow. Room rates at the Ashley are reasonable; the breakfast was good and the place was updated and very clean. No elevator.
Swan in Napa, CA USA 10/03/2009
Best: Howe Keld
Why: Innkeeper was charming and helpful. The room we had was comfortable and fairly large. Breakfast was very good. The location is outstanding, convenient but quiet. Add their environmental sensibility and it was a highlight.
Worst: Abbey Guest House, York
Why: The bed in room 2 was so bad (lumpy, soft, and caved to the middle so we ended up both scrunched in middle) that one of slept on the floor the second night. The shower water pressure was next to nothing first morning; we mentioned it to Gill who said they have that problem sometimes and she'd fix it. It was worse the second morning and neither of us got a shower, after not sleeping. She didnt even ask us about it at breakfast. The only words ever spoken by husband was to tell us rather rudely to move our car b/c we hadnt parked it right (this without introducing himself). he walked through breakfast the second morning but didnt smile or even say hello. It was absolutely awful in all respects.
Peter Thompson in Charlottesville, va USA 09/20/2009
Best: Bath YMCA, St. Paul's YHA London
Why: My friends and I found both of these hostels were excellent options for people on a budget. The staff at the Bath YMCA made our stay there. They were absolutely helpful, welcoming, and really made you feel at home. Their staff are the best of any hostel I've ever stayed at.
The St. Paul's YHA in London has an excellent location. Very close to the tube station and the Millennium Bridge, so you can get almost anywhere very easily. The rooms are well laid out and not overcrowded. The bathroom layout was the only drawback simply because it was a little impractical, but other than that, we enjoyed our stay there.
Whitney in Atlanta, GA USA 09/05/2009
Best: Dragon House B&B (Chipping Campden), Spire House B&B (Salisbury)
Why: Both these B&B's treated us to friendly hostesses, cozy, clean rooms, and superb breakfasts!
Reya in Carson City, NV USA 09/01/2009
Best: Badger's Wood B&B, Keswick, Lake District
Why: Anne and Andrew are great hosts, with helpful information and suggestions. B&B is very comforatable, and the breakfasts are terrific.
Steve Meyerhardt in Oak Hill, VA USA 08/28/2009
Best: Three Abbey Green Guest House in Bath
Why: Locally owned, extremely comfortable.
Worst: The Elizabeth Hotel in London
Why: The so-called "family room" is a double stuffed with two extra twin beds. The room and the beds were uncomfortable. We were placed on the very top floor and could hardly breathe for lack of air even with the window open. I would never recommend this hotel. I might emphasize to readers that they must expect to spend more in London. It is like NYC...expensive, but worth the extra pound or two (or even more)!
Maria Shuman in Boulder, , CO USA 08/10/2009
Worst: Best Western Phoenix Hotel
Why: Mattresses were broken. Room extremely small and uncomfortable. Location is good, but does not outweigh the bad with such a good subway system.
Shirley in Rome, GA USA 08/09/2009
Best: Holly Villa Guest House
Why: As advertised, Jill and Keith are very friendly--and both have a great sense of humor, I might add--and do their best to make all of their guests feel at home. Jill's directions to their home were spot-on, and Keith's suggestions for local pubs and restaurants proved very helpful. These two really are quite a pair, and just getting to know them a bit is worth your stay. Highly recommended!!!
Jim in Rockville, MD USA 07/30/2009
Best: Lombard House, Portsmouth
Why: Fabulous experience. The hospitality was just delightful, and Finni and Alex are such gems to stay with. Highly recommended.
Kris in Riverside, CA USA 07/29/2009
Best: St. Johns West, Dartmoor National Park
Why: Their were absolutely delightful hosts and made made one feel like s/he was more than a person paying to spend the night. Highly recommend their establishment.
Worst: Travelodge, Hastings and Winchester
Why: These places are not recommended. Plumbing/toilet problems, mildew shower curtains, musty scent. Spend a bit more and stay elsewhere. Premier Inns were significantly better.
Kris in Riverside, CA USA 07/29/2009
Best: Swan Hotel, Wells
Why: When we booked in advance for our stay at the end of May, we lucked out on a good deal of 150 GBP for a twin bedded room, dinner and breakfast. The dinner was excellent, 3 courses and enough choices and there is a cosy bar for a predinner drink. The hotel is just across from the Cathedral and has plenty of parking at the back.
Anne Ayre in Bowen Island, BC Canada 07/19/2009
Best: The Twice Brewed Inn near Hadrian's Wall
Why: The location and landscape around the inn was great. The service and food was excellent, the drinks at the pub were reasonable and the conversation was first rate. Make sure to ask for a room that doesn't face the road. The help never heard of the Rick Steves Guide.
Worst: Premier Inn at Portsmouth
Why: We didn't make reservations and they were full, but they did recommend another Premier Inn about 10 miles away that provided a good night's sleep.
Mike Flaherty in St Louis, MO USA 06/13/2009
Best: Lygon Arms, Chipping Campden
Why: Very pleasent, friendly and the pub grub was exceptional! Chipping Campden was a wonderful little village.
Worst: James House hotel, London
Why: Great location but the hotel was getting ready to close three days after my leaving to be remodeled along with the two adjoining hotels. All the pictures had been stripped from the walls, wallpaper pealing, just sucky. I know it was cheap but they should have told me when I booked what was happening.
Paul DiBlasi in Jacksonville Beach, Fl USA 05/27/2009
Best: Ohartza Hotel in St Jean d'Luz
Why: The setting, the location, the garden and Benoit. The Petit Dejune the garden, the garden, the garden.
Worst: Bakers Hotel in London the cancellation policy
Why: Cancellation Policy: Cancellation or amendments required in writing 7 days prior to the day of arrival. If cancelled up to 7 days before date of arrival no fee will be charged. If cancelled later or in case of no-show, the total price of the reservation will be charged.
Reception For and on behalf of Bakers Hotel ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 126 Warwick Way, London, SW1V 4JA Tel: 020 7834 0729 Fax: 020 7692 7525 web: www.bakershotel.co.uk
I emailed and phoned with specific dates, and they still could not confirm a cancellation! They are listed to have 10 rooms.
David Bean in Portland, Or USA 05/22/2009
Worst: Cherry Court Hotel, London
Why: I don't want to say this was HORRIBLE- because the Patels are very nice. But I think it's overrated. After reading such wonderful reviews and comments, we were excited to get this lodging, and at such a reasonable price.... but... it was disappointing. The property really needs a facelift. It seems really run-down and dingy. Our bed was clean, but the room was REALLY SMALL. And there's no way the shower could accomodate a larger person. The location is pretty good, considering it's close to the rail. And the neighborhood seemed safe. If you don't care about sleeping in an old closet, with a really small shower- go for it.
Roselle Okubo in Miami, FL USA 03/31/2009
Best: The Bell (pub in Moreton-in-Marsh)
Why: Friendly and good food. They also have wi-fi.
Dave W. in Seattle, WA USA 01/20/2009