The Oakland Hotel

The room was good- clean, well equipped, + biscuits provided as well as tea and coffee! Can't fault it. Can't comment on the breakfast (included in room price) as its not available at weekends until after 8.30 and I had to be elsewhere by then. From 7.00 in the week. The thing that let the place down was the parking - or more the point , the lack of it. There must be 40 rooms but only space for 4 cars! All the other car parks around and there are plenty, had max 4 hour stay limit signs on display. Rather than risk a parking charge / fine I found some on-road parking 5 mins walk away and hoped the car would be still there in the morning (it was). If you want a chance for the 4 places you'll need to get there early afternoon - its bedlam there in the evening with the other pub and food outlet customers vying for space, well it was on Friday and Saturday evenings.

Great hotel but no lifts, difficult carrying the luggages up three flight of stairs.

The stay was fairly reasonable value, but I found it a bit too noisy. I was quite disappointed that the hotel had changed breakfast times to 9am-10am, but didn’t inform me about this - that hour for breakfast is much too late.

I met four staff during my trip and they were all first rate, friendly and helpful. I found the room too warm, I turned down the radiator but the room retained the heat. I was able to park on the premises but spaces are very few. There is a very close nearby free car park.

Offers good value for value. Good full English breakfast available. Located in the centre of town.

I really don’t know which room was featured in the picture but mine had paint coming off the walls, a 1970s style dresser, a shabby blanket and unspeakable carpet. I felt intimidated by the people in the bar and (as a single female travelling) it’s difficult to find, difficult to park close and just not recommended. I spent most of my stay in a pub nearby as I didn’t feel safe in the hotel. I only stayed one night out of the 2 booked. The bathroom was clean but I felt I had to sleep on top of the bed rather than in it.

Great stay as working, well deserved breakfast, sport on tv , Guinness and lots of eating places

I probably need to expand on what I mean by ok. There is nothing wrong with The Oakland. Our room was pretty dated - think 1980's Travelodge. However, it was in good shape and has been well maintained. The room was spotless and the carpets / bath etc. were all very clean. We were on the top floor and I suspect that the dividing walls do not go up into the roof space. why? because although the dividing walls were solid, we could hear everything from the rooms either side - not good at 02.30 and then again at 06.30. The breakfast was really good and comprehensive - a full english along with cereals / toast etc. Parking was easy as we were there Saturday night / Sunday and could park more or less outside. At other times parking is restricted although there is free parking nearby. In summary, it's not a place you would choose if you wanted to impress someone, however it is more than adequate for a night or two to use as a base. This is reflected in the price which on balance, makes this place very good value.