We stayed at the Lord Nelson on Friday 20th January 2012 for 2 nights, using the "Brains" second night free offer.
Having read the mixed reports on "Trip Advisor" we phoned to book, asking for a refurbished room with Harbour views. The Manager in reply to our question regarding checking-in time advised that as our allocated room was empty, we could come when ready - Great atitude!.
The room that we were allocated was on the second floor, and when we asked for a first floor room (No lift) we wer offered the Lord Nelson Suite (Where Nelson was supposed to have slept). Calling this room a Suite is stretching a point, it's a largeroom with a sofa low table and two chairs.This room being on the front corner has great views of the harbour and marina and a double aspect. However I'd believe the Managers' clam that it was newly refurbished, it was clean, bright and smartly decorated. The bed was a USA queen size, being two 3ft singles joined together, and comfortably firm. Downsides? Well we had to jam paper in the window frame to stop the window rattling all night, and the wall mounted TV is too small for the size of room and can't be viewed from the sofa.
Both nights we dined in the bar, from the standard "Brains" menu, using the JAN/FEB discount vouchers , and the food was excellent and portions generous. The value for money with the 5 ponnds off two mains was very worthwhile, as was the voucher for a free pint of beer. It's a shame that these vouchers can't be used for the Blackboard daily "Specials".
Breakfast was prompt and again generous although the quality of the sausages and beans was poor.
The biggest dissapointment was that the advertised WIFI wasn't available during the whole of our stay, and the front desk didn't seem to care. The heating to our room didn't come on the first night and several trips to the reception got it working by 19.00hrs by when the room was chilly. I suspect that the heating was set for 19.00hrs!
Parking at the rear of the Hotel was shared with local taxis, or perhaps the taxis drivers eat there! There was broked glass in the parking area.
So a little off being excellent, but the friendly bar staff, great room and excellent food, and did I mention the view from our room! A BARGAIN
