Diamonds Guest House

The location.

First, a complete absence of anyone running the property. Where was the “friendly welcome on arrival” or the “courteous and friendly atmosphere”? (Quotes from Guest Information). In the three days/two nights that I was there, I didn’t set eyes on a single person. There was no one to ask a question of - it was like staying in an Airbnb rather than a Guest House. The only question I did ask - by email - was never answered: I asked where I could find the iron and ironing board, which eventually I found myself. Secondly, entry to the property on arrival and to one’s room is by access codes. Confirmation of my email was requested a few days beforehand, so that these codes could be sent. However, the codes were not sent until SEVEN MINUTES before my stated arrival time. It’s not allowed to arrive 10 or 15 minutes early? And worse, sending the codes so late meant it was impossible to download them on WiFi, while on the train for example. If you arrive with a non UK phone, you don’t always have data available on the doorstep. Plus the property’s emergency phone number on the door was completely illegible, having faded by the sun. Finally, while I don’t expect major cleaning for a two night stay, a Guest House usually replenishes tea bags and clean cups every day. There was nothing. And again, no one to ask.

Our room was spacious, comfortable, and spotlessly clean. The bed linen was fresh, and everything in the room was very clean. The bathroom is a little dated, but it was also clean and perfectly functional. It’s not a luxury hotel, but for an overnight stay it offered everything we needed. After booking, we came across some reviews mentioning dirty carpets and cleanliness issues, so we were a little concerned before arriving. Fortunately, our experience was completely different.

The only downside was the self check-in. The instructions were straightforward once we found the phone number, but the sign on the front door is so worn that it was very difficult to read, and we almost couldn’t make out the number we needed to call. Replacing that sign would make the arrival process much easier.

Great location for the races and not too far to the centre. The room had good facilities, fridge, fan and spacious. Parked right outside. Staff were very friendly and accommodating. Let us check in early.

Could do with an update, but since we were only sleeping there and not spending much time in the room it didn’t matter to us.

Clean sheets, a key card entry, a comfortable bed

Outdated ensuite, poor decor, no customer service, no checkout person on site, ,