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Summary of reviewsSun Hotel by Greene King Inns enjoys a prime central location in the heart of Hitchin, making it a convenient base for exploring local bars, cafés and restaurants and facilitating quick trips to London due to its proximity to the train station. The hotel's historic charm adds to its allure, combining heritage with modern conveniences and offering practical perks like free parking.
Guests generally have positive experiences with the hotel's breakfast, which is lauded for its diversity and quality, including hearty full English breakfasts and vegetarian/vegan options. Breakfast is enhanced by the warm service of the staff, although some guests noted issues like slow service and occasional food quality discrepancies.
Dinner at the hotel also receives high praise for its delicious and reasonably priced food, complemented by commendable service from the bar and dining staff. Some occasional issues include limited menu availability and inconsistent meal quality, but overall, dinner experiences tend to be satisfying.
The hotel's rooms present a mixed experience with many guests appreciating the spaciousness, comfort and historical charm. While some rooms are modern and cozy, others require significant maintenance and refurbishment. Cleanliness is generally good with rooms being well-kept and daily cleaning services available, though some areas and amenities fall short of standards, especially in older and communal areas, pointing to a need for more consistent upkeep.
The staff at Sun Hotel are consistently highlighted for their friendliness and helpfulness, playing a key role in enhancing guests' stays. Names like Kim, Nicky, Michael and Oscar are mentioned for their exceptional service, contributing to the hotel's welcoming atmosphere.
Wi-Fi at the hotel is a common point of concern with many guests experiencing weak or non-existent signals, suggesting room for improvement in connectivity to enhance guest satisfaction.
Free parking is a major advantage, although availability can be limited during busy times, occasionally requiring guests to use public car parks.
Family visits are generally positive with the hotel providing a convenient and comfortable setting for family gatherings, although family-specific activities are somewhat limited.
Beds are mostly described as comfortable and clean, contributing to a good night's rest for most visitors, despite some occasional negative comments regarding bed quality.
Overall, Sun Hotel by Greene King Inns provides a pleasant stay with its historic character, central location, friendly staff and practical amenities, making it a reliable choice for travelers aware of its three-star status and associated expectations. Its dog-friendly policy further enhances its appeal for pet owners. However, attention to maintenance, Wi-Fi connectivity and consistency in service and cleanliness could elevate the guest experience substantially. Show more
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Categories
Hotel with Parking
The hotel features free private parking located at the rear, offering convenient access for guests staying on-site.
Family Friendly Hotel
Dog Friendly Hotel
Cheap Hotel
3-Star Hotel
Room Types
Single RoomThis room has a TV and an en suite bathroom
Double RoomThis room has a TV and an en suite bathroom
Twin RoomThis room has a TV and an en suite bathroom
Family Room (2 Adults + 1 Child)Offering free toiletries, this family room includes a private bathroom with a bath or a shower and a hairdryer. This family room features an electric kettle, heating and a flat-screen TV. The unit offers 2 beds.
Guest Reviews
6.4
Rated
Location
Sun Hotel by Greene King Inns boasts an exceptional location right in the heart of Hitchin, making it an ideal choice for visitors wanting to explore this charming town. Guests consistently highlight the hotel's prime central position, only steps away from a variety of local bars, cafés and restaurants. This historic old coaching inn blends character and convenience, offering the perfect base for both leisure and business travelers.
The central location ensures easy access to the town’s amenities and historical sights, rendering it particularly convenient for those attending events or visiting family in the area. Moreover, the hotel’s proximity to the train station facilitates quick journeys into central London, making it a viable option for day trips or business commutes.
Complementing its superb location, Sun Hotel offers practical perks such as free parking, which guests deeply appreciate given its town center setting. Cleanliness, friendly staff and comfortable rooms further enhance the guest experience. The hotel's historic charm and character add to its unique appeal, drawing travelers who value a blend of heritage and modern convenience.
Overall, the Sun Hotel’s unbeatable location and accommodating features create a winning formula for travelers looking to immerse themselves in the vibrant and quaint setting of Hitchin.
Breakfast
Guests at Sun Hotel by Greene King Inns have shared varied opinions about their breakfast experiences. On the positive side, many guests praised the breakfast, describing it as excellent, lovely, hearty and filling. A diverse selection was often highlighted with commendations for options including a well-cooked full English breakfast, vegetarian and vegan choices and some particularly memorable croissants. Several reviews mentioned the free onsite parking as an added convenience and the generally good value for money.
However, experiences were not uniformly positive. Some guests experienced slow service and missing menu items with occasional mentions of tasteless food or underwhelming dishes. Incidents like power cuts and a noisy fire door added to the inconveniences for a few. Breakfast service times and the additional cost for the meal were noted as minor drawbacks by some.
Despite these issues, the majority of reviews leaned towards a positive note with the breakfast being a highlight for many, thanks in part to the fabulous staff and the overall good quality of the food.
Dinner
Travelers frequently commend the dinner experience at Sun Hotel by Greene King Inns, highlighting the delicious food platters and consistently good food. Many found the meals to be reasonably priced and well-presented with some particularly enjoying the tasty and brilliant dishes. The bar and dining staff are often praised for their excellent service and the restaurant provides a welcoming atmosphere, reinforcing the hotel's charm. However, occasional issues were noted, including expensive meals that did not meet expectations, limited menu availability and some inconsistent service. Despite these drawbacks, visitors often had wonderful dining experiences and expressed satisfaction with the quality and value offered.
Rooms
Sun Hotel by Greene King Inns presents a varied range of experiences when it comes to their rooms. Many guests appreciate the spaciousness and comfort provided with frequent mentions of clean environments and accommodating amenities like tea, coffee, iron and hairdryer. There's also recognition of the hotel's historic charm and cozy atmosphere, particularly in some of the newly refurbished and modernized rooms.
However, the overall picture isn't uniformly positive. Numerous reviews highlight that many rooms are dated and in need of significant maintenance and redecoration. Issues such as broken fixtures, slanted bathroom ceilings, noisy surroundings and inadequate heating or cooling systems are common complaints. Some guests have encountered cleanliness issues, including uncleaned areas, damp smells and stains on carpets and walls.
The accommodations are noted to be inconsistent; while some rooms are described as lovely and spacious, others are criticized for being small, dark and feeling neglected. Certain rooms face practical inconveniences like gaps in window frames, non-functional amenities and noise disturbances from external sources or neighboring rooms.
In essence, while the Sun Hotel offers some charming and comfortable rooms, there's a noticeable need for broader refurbishment and consistent upkeep across the board to meet the evolving expectations of guests.
Beds
Sun Hotel by Greene King Inns offers a mixed experience regarding its beds with a significant tilt towards the positive side. Most guests noted that the beds were comfortable, often describing them as very comfy or even extremely comfy, likening them to sleeping on a marshmallow. Cleanliness is also frequently highlighted with mentions of fresh linen and spotless conditions. Some guests appreciated the larger, cozy beds and many reported having a good night's sleep in these well-maintained accommodations.
However, a few reviews indicate occasional issues. Some beds were described as uncomfortable, lumpy or small and there were mentions of beds being "knackered" or not properly made. Despite these outliers, the general consensus points to a comfortable and clean sleeping environment enhanced by friendly service and well-kept rooms. The free parking and good Wi-Fi add to the overall positive experience, making it a generally pleasant place to stay even amidst some minor flaws.
Cleanliness
The Sun Hotel by Greene King Inns offers a mixed experience regarding cleanliness, reflecting various facets from guest reviews. On the positive side, many guests acknowledge that the rooms were clean, some describing them as very clean or spotless. Additionally, some rooms were cleaned daily, which contributed positively to guests' impressions. Cleanliness extended to the floors with carpets often mentioned as clean, though at times stained. Guests have appreciated the provision of clean towels and beds with clean sheets, contributing to a sense of comfort.
However, there were also notable complaints about the general state of cleanliness. Some rooms and bathrooms were reported as dirty upon arrival with specific issues such as bins not emptied, dusty surfaces and unclean bath plug holes with collected hair. Bathrooms, in particular, seemed to get significant mentions of needing deeper cleaning with mentions of moldy shower curtains, dirty bath towels and stained carpets. Communal areas like corridors and downstairs spaces also received criticism for being smelly and in need of tidiness.
A recurring theme across several reviews is the overall dated and tired decor with some rooms needing refurbishment, repainting and a more thorough clean. This sentiment extends to the public areas and the restaurant, where tables were occasionally sticky and the general state of the fittings was worn and shabby. The hotel, while centrally located and historical, shows significant signs of wear and tear.
In conclusion, while some guests found the Sun Hotel by Greene King Inns to be clean and comfortable, others felt that both the rooms and communal spaces did not meet basic cleanliness standards, pointing to a need for more consistent and thorough cleaning practices.
Staff
Visitors to Sun Hotel by Greene King Inns have consistently praised the staff for their exceptional friendliness and helpfulness. Whether welcoming guests upon arrival, assisting at check-in or serving breakfast, the staff are characterized as warm, accommodating and efficient. Many reviews highlight how the team, including specific mentions of Kim, Nicky, Michael and Oscar, strive to ensure guests feel comfortable and well-cared for during their stay.
The general consensus underscores the team's professionalism and courtesy with many guests noting that the staff are the hotel's biggest asset. Even during busy times, the staff manage to maintain a cheerful and gracious demeanor. While there are occasional mentions of the staff being overworked and a few instances of oversight, the overwhelming sentiment is one of appreciation for their dedication and genuine concern for guest satisfaction.
Overall, the personnel at Sun Hotel foster a welcoming and friendly atmosphere, making guests feel truly valued and contributing significantly to the positive experience of staying at the hotel.
Wi-Fi
Guests at Sun Hotel by Greene King Inns have had varied experiences with the hotel's Wi-Fi. While some found the Wi-Fi to be good and appreciated the free access, many others reported significant issues. Common complaints included weak signals, limited access and the Wi-Fi not working or reaching their rooms at all. Several guests noted that the internet connection was poor or not functional and some were disappointed by the lack of Wi-Fi in certain areas of the hotel. Overall, Wi-Fi connectivity appears to be inconsistent and an area that could see improvement to enhance the guest experience.
Parking
The parking situation at 'Sun Hotel by Greene King Inns' receives mixed feedback from guests. On the positive side, many are pleased with the complimentary onsite parking, highlighting it as free, easy and included in their stay. The convenience of having parking available directly at the hotel is appreciated and some guests note it made their check-in process smoother. However, several reviews point out that parking can be quite limited and spaces are tight, leading to a quick fill-up of the car park. Issues such as the car park being used by non-residents and the need to sometimes park in public car parks are also mentioned. Guests recommend paying attention to the parking situation, especially for larger events like weddings. Overall, while free parking is a significant perk, availability can be a challenge during busy times.
Family
Sun Hotel by Greene King Inns offers a centrally located venue that's particularly advantageous for family gatherings. Positioned in the heart of the city and close to popular destinations, it ensures convenience for both adults and children. The staff frequently receive high praise for their friendliness and excellent service, helping to create a warm, hospitable environment for families.
The hotel features family rooms that, despite needing some refurbishment, provide sufficient comfort to make for an enjoyable stay. While there are mentions of the rooms occasionally falling short of accommodating larger families, the overall experiences tend to lean positive. The ability for children to explore, shop and meet new friends nearby adds to the charm, making it a suitable choice for those traveling with kids.
Families have celebrated special events and cherished reunions here, often remarking on the good experiences and positive atmosphere. Though there is a sense that the hotel might not cater extensively to family-specific activities, its central location, welcoming staff and adequate family amenities make it a viable option for family visits and some memorable moments.
3 Star
Sun Hotel by Greene King Inns boasts friendly and helpful staff, contributing significantly to the hotel's charming atmosphere. Its old-world charm, as an old coaching inn, is a unique feature that guests appreciate. The hotel enjoys a good, central location, making it convenient for visitors who value proximity to attractions and activities.
Despite its age and decor that some may view as 'tired’, the hotel stands out for its cleanliness and functional facilities. It delivers good value for money, aligning well with what is expected of a three-star hotel, making it a reliable choice for budget-conscious travelers.
However, a few drawbacks are noted, such as the need for modern upgrades and lack of available free WiFi despite being advertised. The facilities could benefit from a significant investment to meet the contemporary standards anticipated by some guests. Nonetheless, for those aware they are choosing a three-star accommodation, Sun Hotel provides a pleasant stay with its historic charm and efficient service.
Dog Friendly
Sun Hotel by Greene King Inns is renowned for its dog-friendly policies, providing a welcoming environment for guests traveling with their pets. The hotel allows dogs and emphasizes its dog-friendly amenities, ensuring a comfortable stay for both pets and their owners. Guests find the pet-friendly nature of the hotel to be a key feature, allowing small pet dogs and ensuring that the overall atmosphere is accommodating and cozy.
No, Sun Hotel by Greene King Inns doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Sun Hotel by Greene King Inns.
Yes, Sun Hotel by Greene King Inns welcomes dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Sun Hotel by Greene King Inns.
No, Sun Hotel by Greene King Inns doesn't have a gym.