Our stay here didn't get off to the best of starts: 'you're early', we were advised by the owner on arrival, 'I'm not ready for you yet.' And this after a five hour drive down from the Midlands on the day after 'the big snowfall'. We'd been asked to suggest an arrival time and had taken a stab at 6 pm, not thinking it too important. But arriving at 5 pm had put the owner out, it seemed.
Things improved after that. The room was clean and tidy, with an extremely comfortable bed. Orange juice, bottled water and biscuits were provided, which was a nice touch. And it was warm, which with freezing weather outside was most welcome. A downside for some might be the lack of a wardrobe and chest of drawers, with just a hanging rail for clothes storage. For those 'just passing through' like us it made no difference.
We couldn't sample the breakfast, as we were on an early ferry the next day. Nor can I report on the bar - this was shut on Sunday evenings. We'd been so advised when the owner rang to check our booking [and arrival time!] a few days earlier, which had annoyed me considerably. The fact that the bar was CAMRA-recommended etc had been a major factor in deciding to book at Blakes. But it was my own fault - the website does indeed point out the limited opening on Sundays, which was when we arrived. Caveat booker...
Recommended for anyone looking for a cheap overnight stay, but the owner might want to reread his customer care handbook.
