I went to New Eltham, Kent, England at the weekend to visit my daughters and their partners at the August Bank Holiday Weekend. The nearest budget hotel was the Travelodge in Sidcup. The reception is very bare, not even a chair to rest on should you need to. However, the receptionist was delightful. She was friendly, efficient and welcoming. She gave the impression that nothing would be too much trouble for her and that the staff wanted me to enjoy my stay. This made me feel like a valued guest. She made sure I was aware that reception was staffed 24/7 should I need anything.
My room was on the second (top) floor. Although there is a lift and access is easy for disabled people. It was clean and tidy. Having said that, I could have lived without the window being wedged open by a beer can! There was an extra pillow, some extra towels and the room and en-suite looked clean and tidy. There is a nice selection of tea and coffee available to guests in the room too.
When I left the hotel I was not sure which bus to get to New Eltham or which stop to wait at. The receptionist came to the rescue! She looked out a bus time-table and map and took the trouble to explain directions and bus routes to me clearly. I appreciated her taking time to do that as I have a terrible sense of direction!
When I got in that night after a lovely afternoon and evening with the family, I booked a “breakfast box”. Again, the lady at reception was very helpful. She offered to have the breakfast brought up to me in the morning. I chose a time to my convenience. Again, it was stressed to me staff were available all the time so breakfast would be delivered to my room at whatever time I wanted it.
That first night the room was very hot. I suppose I was grateful for the beer can then! It created a breeze. However, that said the bed was comfortable and I got some sleep, despite the heat.
In the morning my breakfast was delivered timeously. It consisted of cereal and milk (a sugar sachet was available, a sutana muffin and a pain au chocolat and a bottle of orange juice. It was not imaginative but was more than ample for my needs.
This hotel is not fancy, but it is a budget hotel, it is not meant to be fancy. The staff are kind and helpful and the room and en-suite were both spotlessly clean. The hotel has a carpark, although I did not use it. I have no doubt that I will visit this part of the country quite frequently and I will certainly be happy to use this hotel again.
Valerie Penny
Val Penny's Hotel and Restaurant Reviews 