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Summary of reviewsThe North Stafford Hotel is recognized for its strategic and convenient location, directly opposite the Stoke-on-Trent train station and near local attractions like Alton Towers and the University campus. This prime spot offers easy access for travelers with good parking facilities enhancing its appeal. The historical charm of the building adds a quaint touch, making it a practical choice for short stays.
The breakfast experience is generally favorable, as many guests enjoy a tasty and well-cooked buffet that offers good value for money. Guests also appreciated the friendly and helpful breakfast staff. However, some variability in quality and pricing raised concerns for some visitors. Dinner experiences were mixed with some guests praising the food and service while others cited limited menus and inconsistent quality.
The rooms at the North Stafford Hotel are noted for their spaciousness and cleanliness with comfortable beds and well-kept linens. This makes for a restful stay, particularly appreciated by those in transit. However, some aspects, such as dated decor and occasional maintenance issues, detract from the overall experience. Additionally, soundproofing and odor control were flagged as areas needing improvement.
The hotel staff generally receive positive feedback for their friendliness and helpfulness, contributing significantly to a pleasant stay. The reception and housekeeping staff, in particular, were praised for their professionalism and supportive demeanor. Yet, instances of unhelpful or rude behavior from some staff members occasionally marred the experience.
Wi-Fi services are available but not free beyond a limited period, which many guests found outdated and an inconvenience. While some reported a reliable connection after paying, others encountered issues with speed and access complexity.
Parking is a strong point with many guests appreciating the ease and availability of parking spaces. Free parking enhances the value for those staying overnight, although during busy periods or events, parking can become congested and less ideal.
The beds received mixed reviews with many guests finding them comfortable and conducive to a good night's sleep, while others felt the mattresses were outdated and uncomfortable. Cleanliness of the bedding was also variable with some guests reporting less favorable conditions.
For business travelers, the hotel's location and facilities are practical, offering desks and conference amenities to meet working needs. However, the overall decor and upkeep suggest the hotel is in need of refurbishment to meet modern standards and fully deserve its three-star rating.
In summary, the North Stafford Hotel offers a budget-friendly option with a prime location, comfortable rooms and friendly staff, making it suitable for short stays and transit travelers. However, potential guests should temper their expectations regarding decor, maintenance and additional charges for amenities like Wi-Fi. Show more
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Categories
Dog Friendly Hotel
A well-known hotel in Stoke on Trent that welcomes pets. The location is convenient, and it provides a comfortable option for guests traveling with animals.
Business Hotel
The hotel has 1,341 sq. ft. of total event space and the largest conference room offers 462 sq. ft. It is located opposite Stoke-on-Trent station and offers 88 modern rooms, serving as a convenient base for exploring local attractions and businesses.
Hotel with Parking
Offers parking and is located near the train station. Its central location makes it easy to access local attractions.
3-Star Hotel
Located directly opposite the railway station, this hotel offers a convenient location. It features Jacobean-style architecture and well-equipped en suite rooms, providing a comfortable and accessible stay.
Family Friendly Hotel
Room Types
Double RoomTraditionally furnished rooms with satellite TV and facilities for making tea and coffee.
Twin RoomTraditionally furnished rooms with satellite TV and facilities for making tea and coffee.
Single RoomTraditionally furnished rooms with satellite TV and facilities for making tea and coffee.
Single RoomThe single room includes a private bathroom fitted with a bath, a shower and a hairdryer. The single room features a wardrobe, a carpeted floor, heating, as well as a TV with satellite channels. The unit has 1 bed.
Double RoomThe double room includes a private bathroom fitted with a bath, a shower and a hairdryer. The double room features a wardrobe, a carpeted floor, heating and a TV with satellite channels. The unit has 1 bed.
Deluxe Double RoomThe double room includes a private bathroom fitted with a bath, a shower and a hairdryer. The double room features a wardrobe, a carpeted floor, heating and a TV with satellite channels. The unit has 1 bed.
Standard Family RoomThe family room includes a private bathroom equipped with a bath, a shower and a hairdryer. The family room provides a wardrobe, a carpeted floor, heating, as well as a TV with satellite channels. The unit offers 2 beds.
Standard Family RoomThe family room includes a private bathroom fitted with a bath, a shower and a hairdryer. The family room offers a TV with satellite channels, a wardrobe, a carpeted floor and heating. The unit has 3 beds.
Standard Family RoomThe family room includes a private bathroom fitted with a bath, a shower and a hairdryer. The family room features a wardrobe, a carpeted floor, heating, as well as a TV with satellite channels. The unit has 4 beds.
Guest Reviews
5.8
Rated
Location
The North Stafford Hotel boasts a superb location, making it an excellent choice for travelers. Situated directly opposite the Stoke-on-Trent train station, the hotel offers unparalleled convenience for rail commuters. It's also within close proximity to a variety of local attractions including the University campus and the commercial spots in Hanley city centre, offering effortless access to essential amenities and nearby destinations like Alton Towers. Guests frequently highlight the ease of travel, noting that the central location, coupled with good parking facilities, ensures a smooth experience during their stay. This strategic positioning not only simplifies transit but also provides a quieter retreat adjacent to the railway hub, making it suitable for short stays and ensuring value for money. While the heritage aspect of the building adds a touch of charm, proximity to transport links and local sights remains a significant draw for visitors.
Breakfast
The breakfast experience at North Stafford Hotel has garnered mixed reviews from guests. Many reviewers appreciated the breakfast, describing it as good, tasty and well-cooked. Positive feedback highlighted the variety and quality, noting that the buffet breakfast was plentiful and there was a good selection of items. Several guests mentioned that the breakfast was great value for money and praised the pleasant and helpful breakfast staff.
However, not all feedback was glowing. Some guests found the breakfast to be overpriced and inconsistent in quality. Complaints included food being served cold, limited continental options and unappealing tastes. Specific issues such as overcooked bacon and subpar sausages were highlighted. Guests also noted that if they didn't arrive early, the food could already be cold.
Despite these concerns, many visitors seemed to find the breakfast adequate with a number finding it to be a positive part of their stay when it met their expectations.
Dinner
The North Stafford Hotel's dining experience presents a mixed bag. On one hand, some guests complimented the good food and found the Christmas dinner and entertainment to be brilliant. A few reviews noted that the meals were of good value and that the Italian chef was highly professional. Additionally, certain meals were considered decent, though often marred by the food temperature not being quite right.
However, numerous reviews raised consistent issues regarding the dinner service. Many guests found the menu to be limited and the food quality often subpar, describing it as bland, reheated or reliant on tinned goods. Several guests experienced delays despite an empty restaurant and noted inconsistencies in meal availability with the restaurant frequently closed or lacking adequate stock. Comments about frozen or overcooked food, empty pies and microwave meals point to a broader dissatisfaction with the culinary offerings.
Moreover, the service was marked by operational hiccups such as lack of information about meal timings, the necessity of booking and unexpected restaurant closures. The somewhat inconsistent pricing of drinks and a lack of basic amenities, such as available food or drinks after hours, further added to the guests' frustrations.
In summary, while there are moments of satisfactory dining experiences and commendable staff effort, there’s a significant need for improvement in both the food quality and service reliability at the North Stafford Hotel.
Rooms
The North Stafford Hotel offers a range of rooms, each with its own distinct characteristics. Guests have highlighted the spaciousness of many rooms, providing ample room to move around and even relax in designated sitting areas. The hotel's prime location, just minutes walk from the station, is also a major plus for short stays.
The cleanliness of the rooms is frequently praised with many noting that their accommodations were tidy and comfortable upon arrival. Comfortable beds are a consistent feature, making for a restful night's sleep and some rooms come with large bathrooms and ensuite facilities that meet visitors' expectations.
Despite these positives, the hotel's decor is often described as dated with worn carpets, old furniture and a general need for refurbishment. Issues with noise from external sources like fans or nearby generators and occasional maintenance problems such as broken doors and faulty plumbing contribute to a level of inconsistency in room quality. Additionally, some guests mentioned stale smells, cigarette odors and issues with room temperature control, ranging from too hot to too cold.
Complimentary toiletries are provided, though some guests felt that more could be offered, especially for longer stays or specific needs. The overall ambiance of the hotel, an old property full of character, might appeal to those looking for a touch of nostalgia, but it may not meet modern standards for others.
In summary, the North Stafford Hotel provides spacious and clean rooms with comfortable beds, making it suitable for brief visits or those in transit. However, potential guests should be aware of the dated decor and occasional maintenance issues that might impact their stay.
Beds
The beds at the North Stafford Hotel received mixed reviews. Many guests found them to be comfortable, describing their sleeping experience with terms like "bed was comfy," "beds comfortable," and "comfortable beds." There were numerous mentions of "very comfortable mattress" and "clean bed," highlighting that some found the bedding satisfactory and conducive to a good night's sleep.
However, a significant number of reviewers had a less favorable experience. Issues such as "bed was hard and uncomfortable," "mattress very firm," and "could feel all the springs" were commonly brought up. Some guests felt the beds were "tiny" and "not full size," and others noted the "old and box springed" nature of the mattresses which led to discomfort. There were also concerns about cleanliness with some mentioning "bed was not clean" and "bed was filthy."
Overall, while there are numerous mentions of comfortable and satisfactory beds, a substantial number of guests felt the beds were outdated, uncomfortably hard and sometimes not clean, suggesting that the hotel might benefit from investing in newer and more supportive mattresses to improve the guest experience.
Cleanliness
The North Stafford Hotel presents a mix of cleanliness standards that might not meet everyone's expectations. While some guests highlighted that their rooms were clean and spotless, others reported a lack of consistent upkeep. Common areas such as corridors and stairs and room carpets were often described as dirty or dusty. The bathrooms revealed a wide range of experiences – from very clean to exceedingly dirty and in dire need of maintenance.
Positively, many guests appreciated that the room they stayed in was tidy, the bed comfortable and the towels and bed linens fresh and clean. However, these positive notes were often offset by reports of dated furnishings, worn carpets and occasional unpleasant smells.
Some reviews also pointed out neglected aspects like marks on walls, broken tiles and the need for significant improvements in décor and infrastructure. Although a few rooms were described as spacious with good-sized bathrooms, these spaces frequently required updates and thorough cleaning. Overall, cleanliness at the North Stafford Hotel appears to be hit or miss with some guests enjoying a clean and comfortable stay while others felt the hotel fell short of typical hygiene standards.
Staff
Despite mixed reviews, the staff at North Stafford Hotel generally garnered a positive reception from guests. Many noted the friendliness and helpfulness of the reception and front desk staff, highlighting their warm welcomes and supportive behavior. Specific praise was directed towards staff members who went out of their way to ensure comfort, like providing bath mats and facilitating smooth check-ins and late check-outs. Some guests found the night staff and concierge particularly accommodating and courteous.
However, experiences varied as some guests encountered unhelpful and rude behavior, particularly from certain receptionists, which led to disappointment. The inconsistency of the staff's demeanor with some being described as uninterested and unresponsive, marred the overall experience for a few visitors. Nevertheless, when the staff did excel, they were noted for their exceptional service and professional conduct, elevating the stay for many. The supportive and friendly nature of numerous staff members, especially from housekeeping and the night guard, stood out positively, balancing the overall narrative of guest experiences.
Wi-Fi
Guests at the North Stafford Hotel have expressed mixed feelings about the Wi-Fi services provided. While the hotel does offer Wi-Fi, one must be prepared to pay for extended access beyond a limited free period of 20 minutes, costing approximately £7 per day or per device. This charge has been perceived as outdated by many visitors. Although some guests reported that the paid Wi-Fi worked well and was fast, others encountered buffering issues and found the connection process complex and cumbersome. The lack of free Wi-Fi in rooms and public areas has been a common point of dissatisfaction. Despite the challenges with Wi-Fi, it's worth noting that some guests did manage to access a reliable and fast connection once they opted for the paid service. Overall, the Wi-Fi services provided by the hotel appear to vary in quality and potential visitors should be prepared for additional charges if they require consistent internet access during their stay.
Parking
Nestled in the heart of the city, the North Stafford Hotel offers the convenience of central location with the added benefit of parking facilities. Guests generally found the parking to be a significant advantage, describing it as good, plentiful and easy to access. The option of free parking was particularly appreciated by many, enhancing the overall value of their stay.
For those who found themselves staying overnight, free parking was often included, though some guests did note a parking fee of £5 per night or £14 for two nights. Despite these charges, having available parking right outside the hotel was considered handy and a big bonus by many. The presence of a small car park in front of the hotel was effective for those who secured a spot upon arrival.
However, it’s worth mentioning that parking experiences varied. During events such as weddings, guests reported complications and noise with the car park becoming litter-strewn and sometimes fully occupied. A few reviews highlighted that the parking area could be dirty with broken glass being a particular concern. Furthermore, some guests found the parking payment system confusing and were unhappy about the need to pay extra for parking.
In summary, parking at the North Stafford Hotel is generally convenient and appreciated, particularly when free. However, it’s advisable to be prepared for occasional fees and potential congestion during events.
3 Star
The North Stafford Hotel provides a budget-friendly option for travelers, offering basic facilities that align with a three-star rating, although many guests feel it falls short of this classification. The hotel's affordable rates and good value for money are frequently noted as significant positives, making it a reasonable choice for business stays and those seeking cost-effective accommodations.
However, the overall decor and furnishings are consistently described as very dated with many areas of the hotel in need of refurbishment. Descriptions such as old, tired and requiring extensive repairs are common in the reviews. Guests often mention that the decor needs updating to improve comfort and modernity.
Despite these criticisms, the cleanliness and effort of the staff are generally appreciated, contributing to an acceptable and at times pleasant stay. While the price is often deemed fair for what is provided, many reviews suggest that the hotel's current state does not truly merit a three-star classification. Travelers looking for a cheap and cheerful hotel might find the North Stafford Hotel suitable, but those expecting higher standards may be disappointed.
Business
North Stafford Hotel, conveniently located near the train station, offers a practical option for business travelers, particularly due to its accessibility. The hotel is suitable for business trips, providing essential facilities like desks that cater to working needs. The conference amenities are functional, aligning with the requirements of corporate events, which underscores its potential as a conference hotel. However, the overall experience suggests room for improvement. The business suite and restaurant both have dated layouts and decor, pointing to the need for modernization to better serve the business clientele.
While the receptionist’s warm welcome adds a positive start to business visits, there have been mixed reviews about the professionalism and organization of the staff, notably during trade events that resulted in noise disturbances. There have been mentions of unprofessional service, lack of cleanliness and concerns about welfare, suggesting that a more consistent focus on quality and business-friendly amenities could enhance the overall experience.
In summary, North Stafford Hotel presents a decent option for business stays due to its location and fundamental conference facilities, but it would benefit from upgrades and an increased focus on professional service and maintaining cleanliness for a more reliable business travel experience.
Dog Friendly
The North Stafford Hotel is noted for being dog friendly, allowing guests to bring their furry companions during their stay. However, additional charges apply for pets. Despite being pet-friendly, the hotel does lack specific facilities catered to dogs and there are no dedicated amenities for pets. Although many guests appreciate the policy of allowing dogs, the absence of designated pet areas can be a drawback. Additionally, there have been incidents of aggressive behavior from other dogs, necessitating caution. Overall, the hotel offers a welcoming environment for pet owners, but improvements in pet-specific accommodations would enhance the experience.
No, North Stafford Hotel doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at North Stafford Hotel.
Yes, North Stafford Hotel welcomes dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at North Stafford Hotel.