Grand Metropole Hotel

Reception staff almost indifferent, superior dining room had a single waiter insufficient at busy times.

booked a smoking room got non smoking room asked to swop was given a smoking room
it was room 326 had a terrible outlook

my partner and i found the hotel to be very freindly,clean and warm.we had a bit of trouble finding our room due to the layout but after ten minutes of pounding the lobby's we asked a member of staff who directed us straight to our room. the room itself was nice and warm with a nice comfy bed with fresh clean sheets.the lighting was a bit dull but there was brighter lighting in the bathroom which had a good quality shower in.the entertainment at night seemed to cater mostly for persons of pensionable age or older so no disco's or rock bands here!we were quite pleased with the food apart from the english breakfast which was self service and the bacon, sausage and eggs were in large trays which were swimming in fat - not what you need on the morning of your departure.our waiter was very chatty and helpful. over all an enjoyable stay and highly recomended if you are advancing in years and want a nice relaxing break. younger people you are not far from the bars and clubs if you need to up the tempo a bit

Allegedly they are spending £5million on refurbishments. I only hope when it's finished that they spend some money on staff training in the restaurant. The breakfasts were revolting apart from the cereal and fruit. The evening meals were mediocre, and the dining room staff were useless. On Sunday night when we left the table, the dishes from ALL three courses were still on the table, despite the waitress visiting the next table 6 times to clear it. If you get a room withe a balcony don't bother to try and open the doors they are sealed, and the balcony is filthy with pigeon droppings that are years old. The only improvements that I can see since my last visit 2 years ago. is that the Premier rooms have been nicely redecorated and new bathrooms fitted, and the corridor floorboards no longer squeak and new carpets fitted. Do not expect any "Known" artists for your entertainment. Saturday night was a "ONe Man Band".

The room fell well below the standard for the price, with rather dated decor and ill fitting windows. Every point about the room said "past it's sell by date" even to the skimping on the room tea making facilities. ie; only sufficient tea or coffee for one cup each. The staff were nice, friendly and efficient and the food was of a good standard, not cordon blue but a lot better than most in the area. I stayed here for the ease of the half board deal, I feel I could have done a lot better staying some where else and eating out.