Having read the reviews for this Hotel we were convinced that all would be well, however we were a little disappointed to find that neither of the two rooms we had booked were en suite. It was a shame that we had to share the shower and toilet with other hotel users as the only toilets to be used were down a flight of stairs which were very steep. Due to the position of the hotel I was woken every hour on the hour by church bells so the time morning came I felt very tired. My husband decided to have an early shower and was quite cross to find one of the two showers was out of action and a queue had formed to use this one working shower, I gave up and decided not to bother!
We were looking forward to breakfast because the reviews were positive concerning breakfast however it was quite uncomfortable to have several people smoking outside in a passageway under an open window to the dining area. The dining area was far too small for all who were eating breakfast and it was very off putting to have a TV blaring out with football while trying to have a peaceful meal. I don't think we will return to the hotel and it needs to be clearer that no rooms are en suite! The one thing we did appreciate though was the hospitality of the owners who were very friendly.
- Athol Hotel South Shields
