Abode Canterbury - Canterbury, United Kingdom     

I liked this hotel very much. I can comment on the accommodation only, as I did not use the restaurant at all. The staff, both at reception and in the bar, were most pleasant and welcoming. The room was lovely. I note the comment from a previous reviewer about the softness of the mattress, and I would concur - perhaps something to be looked at in future, as not everyone likes them that soft. I was a little disappointed in the shower, as I thought it was out of kilter with the rest of the accommodation, i.e. a bit drippy and not very easily adjustable. The overall standard of cleanliness was very high. The location is excellent; could not be better. Will most definitely book again if I find myself in Canterbury again.

Booked direct with Hotel, we requested a room with seperate shower and king size bed and were offered 2 options one room called a 'desirable' at a rate of ?160.00 and a 'comfortable' room at ?130.00. We decided to go for the apparently more spacious desirable. When we arrived at 7.30 pm after a very long day driving all the way from Leeds it all went a bit pear shaped!!! Apparently the room allocated to us was given to somebody else with the same surname and of a different sex! We subsequently discovered the other person hadn't even pre-booked his room. Needless to say the alternative room offered didn't have a seperate shower and surprise surprise they were fully booked and this was apparently the only room available, other than a suite which she advised was very very expensive, with the implication we obviously couldn't afford it! Expecting a reduction in the room rate we eventually, after a fight, managed to get the room rate reduced to ?130.00 which in our opinion was the standard rate for the room we ended up with. The bed was very comfortable but that's about it. The biggest issue we had was the attitude of the reception staff...I could go on for ages about how unproffesional and unhelpful they were. A simple smile and perhaps an understanding of the english language would be a good starting point. The owners of this hotel should perhaps recruit some english speaking receptionist who understand the meaning of the word POOR! We had specifically booked at the Hotel to eat at Michael Caines restaurant which I am pleased to say didn't dissapoint. The menu was excellent, so tempting we decided to go for the Tasting Menu accompanied by the recommended wine selection for the dishes. We were served impeccably by Johnny who was very enthusiastic and passionate about his work, and keen to demonstrate his knowledege of the wines. Top marks. Not so for the receptionist on duty when we cheked out in the morning. Upon checking out we were asked by a different receptionist from the previous evenings debacle if we had taken anything from the basket in our room, crisps, water etc. When we confirmed we had not she questioned us...'are you sure, what nothing?' !!!!! We sincerely hope the management of this hotel read these reviews...there is a steady and constant theme running through them. Don't go there to stay but enjoy the excellent food...and wine!.