The Worcester Whitehouse Hotel - Worcester, United Kingdom 

We stayed at the Worcester Whitehouse Hotel two years ago, and on our stay this year we felt that it had gone a little downhill. The reception staff were generally good, and were kind enough to give us a free upgrade to a room with a four poster bed. The room was fine, although there was a nasty brown patch on the ceiling and one wall which could easily been repainted. Our room faced the front, but we had no problems with street or train noise - we could hear the trains but not loud enough to be a problem ( although they did cause the loo to vibrate!). The bathroom was spacious. There was a bath with a good power shower over, but the shower curtain was so porous that the water seeped through and over the floor. The loo roll holder was at a downward angle causing the loo roll to slide off, and the toiletries were adequate but not as good as I would expect - just bath gel and shampoo, no conditioner or body lotion. The main area which was a disappointment was on the housekeeping side. On our way to the pool at 0815 we reported to reception that there was an empty pizza box outside the lift. It was still there 1.5 hours later, and we saw two members of staff walk past it. Also, when we ordered wine in the room, the ice bucket and empty bottle were left there until we checked out two mornings later, even though the room had been serviced. On the first night the bedside lamps wouldn't work and when I checked them, both bulbs were blown. Surely these should be checked every time the room is cleaned and made ready for the next guest? Also, at breakfast, the inside of our milk jug was filthy (and I mean black!) but when I mentioned this to the restaurant supervisor ( who was an excellent chap) he dealt with it promptly and spoke to the waitress in charge of our table. We didn't hear what was said, but it was obviously a flea in the ear! Breakfast was very good - fruit, cereal, and a good range of hot items frequently replenished and always hot. If we had forgotten anything, the waitress was happy to fetch it, so generally the service here was of a good standard. The pool was in a sorry state and I was surprised at how much it had deteriorated in the last 2 years, but it is about to undergo refurbishment and due to be closed soon for this. The jacuzzi was out of order, but the steam room was working. However, the sauna lacked a bucket of water when we went to use it. The pool is small but OK. The changing rooms are now pretty shabby but are presumably also being refurbished. I hope that include a spin drier for wet costumes, as I had to travel home by train with mine soggy and in a plastic bag in my suitcase. With a little TLC and a bit more enthusiasm from some of the staff, I think that this hotel could easily return to its former higher standard. I would consider staying again as the location was ideal for us and I like to have a pool, but I think that, for the price, it's not as good as it could be.

Having read previous reviews about creaking floorboards we decided to select a room in the new part of the hotel at the rear. We wanted to stay in the centre of Worcester as we were meeting friends for a night out, and the location suited us well. Reception staff were very friendly, and the reception area was very pleasing. Our room was a decent size with en suite – but it really did not feel like a 4* facility. The room was rather basic being neither contemporary nor cosy. A standard lamp and sofa could easily be fitted in the room, and would have made a real difference – as would a desk lamp. There was no writing paper or fridge. The TV was basic with poor reception, limited channels and no films. The room opened on to a small balcony, which was covered in pigeon muck, and did not feel safe to walk on! The bathroom should have been large enough – however the toilet was placed so close to the sink it made certain actions difficult! The toilet seat and bin were both broken, and there was no spare toilet roll. Breakfast was OK, super field mushrooms, and vegetarian sausages available, but the croissants & pastries were stale.