The Royal Sutton

The hotel's most prominent feature is its dual identity as a vibrant nightclub and a hotel, which significantly impacts the guest experience, particularly for those seeking a restful stay. Many guests were unaware of extensive refurbishment work, which caused considerable disappointment by limiting available facilities and creating a "building site" atmosphere. The hotel's operation as a nightclub leads to extremely loud music and vibrations, especially on weekends, making sleep difficult for many. Despite these challenges, the staff consistently receive high praise for their exceptional helpfulness and friendly demeanor, often going above and beyond to assist guests. Its central location is frequently highlighted as a major positive, offering convenient access to local attractions and transit. Rooms are often described as dated and in need of modernization, though some guests found them clean. This hotel is ideal for party-goers and nightlife enthusiasts who prioritize entertainment and a lively atmosphere, as well as budget-conscious travelers looking for a central base for short stays. To enhance your visit, it is advisable to inquire about the extent of ongoing renovations before booking and to bring earplugs if staying on a weekend or if sensitive to noise.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests frequently noted that the hotel is undergoing significant refurbishment, with scaffolding around the building and the car park sometimes fenced off. This renovation has led to the closure of key facilities, with many guests expressing disappointment that the restaurant and bar were unavailable, leaving no on-site options for snacks or drinks. The lobby area shows signs of this work, with some parts appearing modern while others remain under construction. Rooms are generally equipped with tea and coffee facilities and a TV, though many reported issues with the TV signal or functionality. Heating is provided by a small electric radiator, which some found insufficient or difficult to control. While Wi-Fi is available, some guests experienced connectivity problems. On-site parking is a notable convenience, often free for guests, though signage can be confusing. Most room doors are key-operated, requiring guests to manually lock them upon leaving, which some found inconvenient.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Feedback on cleanliness is mixed; while many guests found their rooms to be clean and tidy, some reported issues such as uncleaned toilets, dust layers, black mould around windows, or even hairs and debris in beds. The overall room condition is frequently described as old, tired, and shabby, with many areas in need of significant refurbishment. Guests often noted problems like cracked sinks, holes in bath enamel, and broken door handles. Bed comfort also received varied reviews; some found the beds comfortable, while others reported them to be hard, lumpy, or equipped with flat pillows, impacting sleep quality. A major recurring issue is noise levels, particularly from street traffic, emergency sirens, and the hotel's nightclub operations. Poor window insulation is consistently blamed for allowing excessive traffic noise and music vibrations to penetrate rooms, making it difficult to sleep, especially on weekends. Many rooms were also described as cold, with inadequate heating or windows that could not be properly closed. Bathroom condition varied, with some featuring modern double showers, while others had issues like non-functional shower heads, leaking showers, or a lack of hot water.

Dining & Food Quality
A significant point of contention for many guests was the limited or non-existent dining facilities due to ongoing refurbishment. Numerous reviews highlighted the absence of an on-site restaurant or bar, meaning no options for snacks, drinks, or meals after traveling. When available, breakfast was consistently described as a basic continental breakfast, often deemed poor value for money. Guests reported a very limited choice, typically consisting of packaged cereals, bread for toast, pre-packed croissants, and muffins, with some noting a lack of fresh options or even hot water for drinks. While some guests found the overall food quality to be good, particularly for events or specific menu items like burgers and loaded fries, others were disappointed by poorly made, lukewarm, or tasteless dishes. The bar area, when open, was generally described as well-presented and modern, but its frequent closure due to renovations was a major drawback for many.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is a consistent highlight for guests, providing excellent accessibility to the town centre, rail station, and various local venues and attractions. Many found it conveniently situated for their purposes, whether attending events or exploring the area on foot. On-site parking is a significant advantage, with many guests appreciating the availability of free parking for residents, although some noted confusion regarding the signage and payment requirements. While the car park was occasionally impacted by renovation work, its presence was generally well-received. The hotel's position on a main street means it is easily found and well-connected, though this also contributes to the traffic noise experienced by some guests. Overall, the hotel's location is a primary draw, offering convenience for both leisure and business travelers.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive overwhelmingly positive feedback, with many guests praising their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentive service. Reviewers frequently highlighted individual staff members for going above and beyond, assisting with luggage, accommodating requests, and maintaining a polite and welcoming demeanor despite the challenges posed by ongoing renovations. The check-in process was generally described as efficient, though some guests encountered issues with the main entrance being closed due to building work. While most interactions were positive, a few guests reported isolated instances of staff being dismissive or unprofessional. However, the prevailing sentiment is that the staff's dedication to customer service significantly enhanced the guest experience, often compensating for other hotel shortcomings. Housekeeping was also noted for maintaining clean rooms.

Additional Information
A major point of frustration for guests was the lack of clear renovation communication prior to booking; many were only informed of extensive building work and facility closures upon arrival or in a small print disclaimer after their reservation was confirmed. The hotel's noise disclaimer regarding its nightclub operations is often deemed insufficient, as guests reported extreme music vibrations and noise levels that made sleep impossible, even with earplugs. Security concerns were raised due to issues like faulty door locks, open windows, and reports of fraudulent card charges after providing details for a security deposit. Accessibility is limited, with many guests noting the presence of steep stairs and the absence of a lift, making it unsuitable for those with mobility challenges. Recurring room issues included cold rooms, non-functional TVs, broken radiators, leaking showers, and musty smells. Despite these challenges, the hotel is noted for successfully hosting private parties and events, with positive feedback on the catering and dedicated staff for these occasions.