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Summary of reviewsThe Mowbray receives widespread praise for its advantageous location, centrally positioned near Devonshire Park Theatre, the seafront and numerous restaurants, cafes and cultural attractions. Guests appreciate the ease of access to essential services like the train station and the town center, enhancing the overall convenience for travelers.
The breakfast experience is another highlight, consistently lauded for its variety, quality and satisfying nature. Guests commend the plentiful options, freshly cooked meals and the accommodating service provided by the friendly staff, contributing to a superb morning routine.
Room experiences at The Mowbray are generally positive, focusing on cleanliness, comfort and pleasant decor. Noteworthy elements include comfortable beds, lovely bay windows and well-maintained common areas. However, the guest experience is slightly marred by the often small room sizes and dated furniture. Some guests have mentioned issues with room temperature and ventilation.
Cleanliness has mixed reviews with many guests praising the overall tidiness and well-kept facilities, while others point out lapses such as dusty shelves and neglected maintenance. Nonetheless, the positive feedback on cleanliness outweighs the negative, maintaining an overall image of a clean environment.
The staff at The Mowbray are a standout feature, known for their exceptional friendliness, helpfulness and efficient communication. The breakfast team receives special mention for making the morning experience enjoyable and the convenient self-service check-in process adds to the smooth operations.
Bed comfort ranges from very comfortable to subpar with many guests appreciating the size and quality of the beds, although some found them either too soft or narrow. Despite a few instances of hard pillows and stained mattresses, most reviews lean towards a positive sleep experience.
Finally, while marketed as a four-star establishment, The Mowbray seems to better fit a three-star rating, according to guest feedback. The absence of luxury amenities, coupled with areas needing improvement in maintenance and room size, suggest a need for managed expectations.
In summary, The Mowbray provides a superb base for exploring the area with high points in location, breakfast and staff hospitality, despite some room for improvement in facilities and room amenities. Show more
Read review summaries for all categories
Categories
Bed & Breakfast near Nightlife Spots
Small Bed & Breakfast
4-Star Bed & Breakfast
Room Types
Single RoomThis standard Single Room offers comfortable and cost-effective accommodation. The room includes a single bed, compact en suite shower room and complimentary toiletries.
Rooms feature a large flat-screen Smart TV with Freeview TV channels, tea/coffee making facilities and a complimentary selection of biscuits, chocolates and sweets. Rooms also include free high-speed broadband WiFi and individual heating control. All rooms are non-smoking, outward facing and accessible by lift.
Twin Room with Private BathroomThese King Double or Twin Rooms vary from compact to medium size and are all comfortable and well appointed. Rooms include a 5-foot king size bed which can be configured as 2 single beds suitable for adults or children.
Please note room configuration request should be advised before 11:00 on the day of arrival or will not be accepted.
Rooms feature a large flat-screen Smart TV with Freeview TV channels, tea/coffee making facilities and a complimentary selection of biscuits, chocolates and sweets. Rooms also include free high-speed broadband WiFi and individual heating control. A compact en suite shower room and complimentary toiletries are included.
All rooms are non-smoking, outward facing and accessible by lift.
Twin Room with Private BathroomThese Super King Double or Twin Rooms vary from compact to medium size and are all comfortable and well appointed. Rooms include a 6-foot super king size bed which can be configured as 2 single beds suitable for adults or children. An en suite shower room and complimentary toiletries are included.
Rooms feature a large flat-screen Smart TV with Freeview TV channels, tea/coffee making facilities and a complimentary selection of biscuits, chocolates and sweets. Rooms also include free high-speed broadband WiFi and individual heating control. All rooms are non-smoking, outward facing and accessible by lift.
Superior Twin RoomThis Superior Triple Room is a super king sized double or twin room which offers a luxurious stay. Rooms are larger than the standard rooms and come with enhanced facilities.
The room includes a 6-foot super king size bed or two 3-foot single beds with luxury bedding. An additional foldout bed is available. Please note room configuration request should be advised before 11:00 on the day of arrival or will not be accepted.
Rooms feature an extra large flat-screen Smart TV with Freeview TV channels, tea/coffee making facilities, complimentary selection of biscuits, chocolates and sweets, free high-speed broadband WiFi and individual heating control. A spacious en suite shower room and complimentary toiletries are included. Luxury bathrobes are provided.
All rooms are non-smoking.
Triple RoomThese rooms include a 5-foot king size bed which can be configured as 2 single beds suitable for adults or children. There is also a sofa which can easily convert into an extra single bed. Please note room configuration request should be advised before 11:00 on the day of arrival or will not be accepted.
Rooms feature a large flat-screen Smart TV with Freeview TV channels, tea/coffee making facilities and a complimentary selection of biscuits, chocolates and sweets. Rooms also include free high-speed broadband WiFi and individual heating control. A compact en suite shower room and complimentary toiletries are included.
All rooms are non-smoking, outward facing and accessible by lift.
Deluxe Junior SuiteThis Junior Suite is a super king sized double or twin room of generous size ensuring a luxurious stay. The suite offers a view of the Devonshire Park as well as glimpses of the sea as it is a generous double aspect room.
Rooms include a 6-foot super king size bed which can be configured as 2 single beds suitable for adults or children, a sofa bed and coffee table.
Please note room configuration request should be advised before 11:00 on the day of arrival or will not be accepted.
The suite also features an extra large flat-screen Smart TV with Freeview TV channels, tea/coffee making facilities, complimentary selection of biscuits, chocolates and sweets, free high-speed broadband WiFi and individual heating control. A spacious en suite shower room with a power shower and jets as well as complimentary toiletries are included.
All rooms are non-smoking, outward facing and accessible by lift.
Guest Reviews
7.4
Good
Location
'The Mowbray' is widely praised for its prime location, making it an ideal choice for visitors looking to explore the best of the area. Nestled just across the road from Devonshire Park Theatre and a short walk from the seafront, the hotel is central to numerous attractions. Guests appreciate its proximity to the promenade, local beaches, theatres and a variety of restaurants and cafes. The location is not only convenient for enjoying cultural attractions like the Congress Theatre and the Winter Gardens but also for practical needs such as being near the train station and other amenities. Many reviewers highlight the ease of access to the town center, shops and the beautiful surrounding areas, all within a few minutes' walk. With the added benefits of cleanliness and comfort, coupled with its fantastic location, 'The Mowbray' provides a perfect base for a well-rounded visit.
Breakfast
The breakfast experience at The Mowbray consistently earns high praise from guests with numerous positive remarks highlighting its variety, quality and overall enjoyment. Reviewers frequently mention the plentiful and varied options, including hot food, fresh fruits, yogurt and a large selection of Kellogg's products. Several guests appreciated the freshly cooked meals with good quality ingredients, noting the wide menu choices available.
Service is another standout feature with friendly and helpful staff often cited, providing attentive and accommodating service, particularly for those with specific needs or dietary requirements. The breakfast setting is described as well-organized with thoughtful arrangements even during busy times or due to COVID-19 protocols.
Many guests notably referenced the lovely and delicious nature of the breakfast with terms like superb, fantastic, brilliant and excellent recurring throughout the reviews. There are mentions of the breakfast's ability to set one up for the day, indicating its fulfilling and satisfying nature.
On rare occasions, there were minor criticisms about the breakfast, such as one instance of cold food and another about the freshness of the fruit, but these were notably outliers compared to the overwhelming positive feedback.
Overall, the breakfast at The Mowbray is overwhelmingly well-received, offering a wide and varied selection that caters to different tastes with quality food and excellent service enhancing the guests' experience.
Rooms
The Mowbray offers a mix of room experiences with a prevailing theme of cleanliness and comfort. Many guests appreciated the comfort of the beds and found the rooms to be nicely decorated, often with the added perks of good tea and coffee facilities. The showers in larger rooms have been described as impressive with some even being spa-like. Cleanliness also frequently received positive remarks with guests enjoying fresh linens and towels.
The hotel's location is another high point, being conveniently close to the beach and offering lovely bay windows in some rooms that add a charming touch.
However, space appears to be a common issue, as many rooms are described as small or compact with particular criticism directed at the bathrooms, often noted as cramped or tiny. Some guests reported issues with room temperature with certain rooms being too warm or lacking adequate ventilation. Additionally, a few guests found the furniture a bit dated and tired.
In summary, while The Mowbray shines in cleanliness, comfort and location, it may fall short for those seeking spacious accommodations and modern fixtures.
Beds
The Mowbray offers a mixed experience when it comes to the comfort of its beds, but largely tilts towards positivity based on guest feedback. A considerable number of visitors have found the beds to be extremely comfortable, providing a restful night's sleep. Many highlight the beds as very comfy with several reviews praising their size, referring to the beds as large or huge, which adds to the comfort and relaxation.
Guests generally appreciate the quality of the beds with some mentioning that the bedding itself is also very comfortable. However, it is worth noting that comfort can be subjective; a few guests felt that the beds were either too soft or too narrow for their liking. There were also some reports of discomfort, citing issues like hard pillows, stained mattresses and lumpy surfaces, which affected the sleep quality for some guests.
Room conditions received positive notes with mentions of good rooms featuring lovely showers and plenty of light. This ambiance potentially supports a more comfortable stay. While some guests have specific complaints about the bed and bedding quality, the overall consensus leans towards beds that are generally clean, spacious and comfortable, making The Mowbray a decent choice for those prioritizing restful sleep.
Cleanliness
The Mowbray has received mixed reviews about its cleanliness with a noticeable divide between positive and negative experiences. On the upside, many guests have found their rooms to be very clean, tidy and well-presented. Specific mentions of rooms being extremely clean, the overall facility being well-kept and a spotless environment are frequent. The cleanliness extends to communal areas and bathrooms, which often meet the satisfactory standard. Visitors also appreciated the clean and modern interiors, contributing to a comfortable stay.
However, feedback also shows inconsistency. Several reviewers pointed out issues such as dirty and dusty rooms, unclean bathrooms and specific cleanliness oversights like dusty shelves, sticky tape residue in the bathroom and dirty utensils. Some guests noted neglected details like a broken flooring and dilapidated furniture in some rooms. These elements led to dissatisfaction among several guests who felt that cleanliness and maintenance need more rigorous attention.
Despite some negative points, many guests did experience an overall clean and comfortable environment, making The Mowbray a hotel with potential, albeit one in need of more consistent cleanliness and maintenance practices.
Staff
The Mowbray stands out for its exceptionally friendly and helpful staff who create a warm and welcoming atmosphere for guests. The breakfast team is often highlighted for their kindness and efficiency, making the morning experience particularly enjoyable. Many guests appreciated the professionalism and hospitality extended by Roy and his team, noting their readiness to provide information and assistance both before and during the stay.
Communication is another strong point with quick responses to messages and thorough pre-arrival arrangements ensuring a smooth experience for visitors. The self-service check-in process received positive remarks for its convenience and efficiency. While some felt the absence of on-site management was a drawback, the availability of the helpful proprietor by phone compensated for this to some extent.
Meals at The Mowbray are well-loved, especially the breakfast, which guests describe as excellent with options catering to different dietary preferences, including vegan choices. The dining staff also receive praise for their pleasant and accommodating nature, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Despite a few criticisms regarding the visibility of the management, the numerous positive interactions with the staff, particularly in the breakfast area, contribute significantly to why many guests had an amazing stay and felt welcomed throughout their visit.
4 Star
The Mowbray Guest House, although marketed as a four-star establishment, appears to fall short of the expectations typically associated with such a rating. Several guests have voiced their confusion and disappointment regarding the four-star classification, citing the absence of expected amenities such as a pool and bar. The overall cleanliness and upkeep of the property have been highlighted as areas needing significant improvement with reports of wear and tear and unpleasant odors.
The size of the rooms, particularly the bathrooms, has also disappointed many visitors, who found the space to be more cramped than anticipated. Despite these issues, there are positive remarks indicating that some guests have enjoyed their stay at the Mowbray. However, the consensus points towards the property being more accurately described as a three-star guest house rather than four, suggesting that expectations should be managed accordingly for future visitors.
No, The Mowbray doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at The Mowbray.
No, The Mowbray doesn't allow dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at The Mowbray.