Me and the Cromwell go back to the 70s but have never stayed there.My visit was 3rd/4th Feb 2012 Room 103...I put this in so the management will know I actually stayed there and had this experience......A friend booked for me and told me it had bad reviews.I did not ask him about the reviews as I wanted to stay as it was central for my family who live in Stevenage..I found the room and staff very good hence the very good rating ..the bad side was what they call breakfast and I do mean BBBBAADDDD including the coffee which I think was that liquid rubbish you get in office beverage machines..the only fresh looking thing on the breakfast plate was the EGG the rest of it looked like it was either leftovers from a previous day or from a freezer cabinet..that was my experience on the 4th February..on the 5th Feb the following morning I got up packed my bags got to reception and booked out..had a WONDERFUL breakfast...........but in READING Berks on my way back home to Wales...one last point..I did complain about the pillows and told them the should be binned...they did not look suprised by that and when I did read the reviews when I got home I can understand why......will I stay again?............NO....I need a place in the morning what can supply me with an edible meal and drinkable coffee.. as now retired I go up to Stevenage once a month and need a watering hole as well as a bed

We stayed here on 23rd December after our works Christmas bash. It was a fantastic party, our staff were really happy with excellent food and great music to dance to. The DJ had put special request cards on every table so we all got a bit of what we wanted. The Cromwell staff were lovely, attentive but never pushy, and the most patient bar staff I’ve ever encountered (we had quite a few youngsters in our group).

We booked 2 double rooms for the night as we had to start work locally early the next morning: one for us, one for our son and his lady. They got a four-poster bed in a really swish room and were absolutely bowled away by it! Our room was a straightforward double: spacious and very clean with a really comfortable bed and very soft sheets (these things are important!) The bathroom was spotless and the towels soft and fluffy. We’ve stayed in many hotels and this was definitely one of the most comfortable. It was a perfect evening.

Breakfast was delicious, freshly cooked and served with a big smile. We felt very pampered and well looked after. When I think of how much work goes into running corporate Christmas functions, side by side with the running of a large hotel, I can only say how impressed we were with the service, cosy atmosphere (the bar is very snug indeed) and warm welcome we received. We will definitely come back again.

Room and rates are ok, but met with Incredibly rude service from bar staff at our works party. Absolutely would not come here again.

My wife and I made a long journey from the south coast by train to attend my sister's 60th birthday bash at the Cromwell and after an arduous day on the rails were very glad of a warm welcome from staff despite the fact that there was another function being held there that day as well as ours.

My sister Irene invited over 100 guests for a sitdown meal and a Photo-Disco which was held in a barn-sized, ballroom-type suite that had great atmosphere. A fabulous time was had my all

Staff were very obliging, granting us an extra room-key and advising where day-time snacks could be accessed.

We arrived earlier than the official check-in time beacause I had to go back out and do some business in the afternoon but we were allowed straight into our room and were very pleased about that.

Although the hotel is old and restricted in how it can be upgraded (no lifts allowed for instance) by being a listed building, it was very comfortable and spacious in the standard room.

A few signs of wear and tear were present and we had to laugh when reading a notice that warned us to make sure we placed the rubber mat in the bath while showering. We couldn't find any rubber mat.

Breakfast in the morning was simple but buffet but first class - they had to feed over 100 people - and the one of the guys in the restaurant doubled as a technology expert, helping me to repair a problem in my laptop which I needed to send a message by email to my employers. The wifi access was excellent.

We mentioned to staff that some of the hotel needed a spruce-up and they told us work was already underway. Lots of oak beams and distressed surfaces (deliberately) made it a cosy place to be in and if it is true about work being underway on the little tiny things which needed attention then it will be great place to visit once again in a year's time.