Terra Nova Hotel

This accommodation offers a highly practical and value-for-money option, particularly appealing to budget travelers and independent travelers seeking a central base. Its signature feature is the provision of self-catering amenities directly within the rooms, allowing guests to prepare their own meals and save on dining out. The central location is consistently praised, placing guests within easy walking distance of major attractions and transport hubs. This makes it an excellent fit for short-stay guests attending events or exploring the city, as well as long-stay guests who benefit from the convenience of in-room cooking facilities. To ensure a smooth arrival, guests should ensure they have received and understood the self-check-in instructions and access codes prior to arrival, as there is no traditional reception. For a quieter experience, it is advisable to request a room facing away from the main road.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests frequently highlight the excellent in-room facilities that contribute significantly to a self-sufficient stay. Each room is typically equipped with a refrigerator, microwave, kettle, and a television, along with essential kitchenware such as plates and cutlery, enabling guests to prepare their own meals. Some rooms also include a hairdryer and an ironing board, adding to the convenience. Beyond the individual rooms, guests have access to a shared full-size kitchen located in the basement, which is particularly appreciated by those on longer stays. While Wi-Fi is available, some guests reported intermittent connectivity issues. The presence of heating ensures rooms are warm and comfortable, especially during colder periods.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is notably mixed. Many guests found their rooms to be very clean and cozy, appreciating the comfortable beds and effective heating that ensured a warm stay. However, a significant number of reviews highlighted concerns regarding the overall room condition and decor, describing some areas as dated, with dirty carpets, stained walls, or a general need for updating. Specific issues mentioned include unclean showers with mould, cracked sinks, and even uncleaned rooms with hair or stains. The mattress quality was inconsistent, with some finding beds comfortable while others reported them needing replacement. Noise levels are a recurring issue, with guests frequently hearing neighbors, creaky floors, or the main door slamming, indicating poor sound insulation. Some bathrooms were noted as being very small or cold, and some rooms had an unpleasant smell.

Location & Accessibility
The accommodation's central location is a significant advantage, consistently praised by guests for its convenience. It is situated directly in the city centre, making it exceptionally easy to access various amenities and attractions within walking distance. Guests appreciate its proximity to major transport hubs, being just a few minutes' walk from both the railway station and the bus station. This prime position allows for effortless exploration of Union Street and the surrounding areas. While the immediate street is generally quiet, some guests expressed reservations about walking alone in the area at night. Parking is a notable point; there is no free on-site parking, but several overnight secure parking facilities are available nearby, though some guests found them expensive or encountered issues with street meters.

Staff & Service
The staff and service experience is characterized by a unique self-check-in system, which many guests found to be easy and efficient, providing codes for building and room access. While there is generally no staff on site in a traditional reception capacity, guests consistently praise the responsiveness and helpfulness of the team available via phone or email, who are quick to address queries and provide support. The cleaners are often highlighted for their exceptional work. However, some guests reported initial difficulties with the check-in process, particularly if they lacked phone signal or had not received instructions in advance, leading to frustration. There were also isolated but strong negative comments regarding unhelpful or rude interactions with management, and issues with refunds, though these appear to be exceptions to the generally positive feedback on staff helpfulness and the smooth self-service model.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of specific operational aspects that differentiate this accommodation. The cleaning schedule is typically set for every three days, with bed sheets and towels changed every seven days, unless guests opt to pay an additional fee for more frequent service. While the building is generally unattended by on-site staff, the remote support system is effective. Some guests noted a lack of modern conveniences such as USB charging points in the rooms. Issues with soundproofing are frequently mentioned, with noise from adjacent rooms, creaky floors, or the main entrance door being audible. Despite the self-catering focus, some rooms lacked basic items like a small bin or sufficient coffee/tea supplies for longer stays. The overall decor is often described as dated, with some areas needing maintenance or updating.