Ritz Apartments

Fabulous and comfortable little apartment which looked to have been recently refurbished to a great standard, everything in the kitchen appeared new. On arrival we were greeted by a friendly receptionist who started to book us into the allocated room. At this point the manageress arrived and, since it was quiet, offered us an upgrade room - a choice of two. Thoroughly enjoyed the stay and would willingly return. There was no mention of a deposit being charged and checkout was just as friendly as arrival.

Have been here several times before when visiting my family and have always had a good time with no issues. However, our last visit for a week has made us decide we'll never use them again! The main thing is the 75 pound damage deposit they take when we arrive saying it'll stay as pending in your bank and when you leave as long as no damage in room then you get it back. Obviously we left room as we found it like most people do but the 75 pound was taken from our account 3 days into our holiday while we were still there. Expecting it returned when we left it hasn't so phone call to ask why? . So far no explanation and fobbed off with, its your banks fault. We will chase and keep chasing out of principal especially reading many others have had same problem. Aside from the 75 pound deposit it would of been courteous to be informed that the hot water system had broken down, therefore 24 hours without hot water! When we mentioned it at reception we were told the whole hotel was affected and they are trying to sort it. No apology just matter of fact! Since returning home and the charge not being refunded(as of yet), we've looked at reviews and realised this has and still is happening to many other guests.

Initially was wary about staying here after reading many negative experiences but I am happy to report it was fine. We stayed for 5 nights. If mobility is an issue be aware there is very little parking on the road of these apartments, let alone in front of the building itself! Access to the reception is via a fairly steep windy slope down to what is essentially the basement level. Receptionist greeted us, checked our booking and then proceeded to show us our room (14, same level as reception, tucked behind the lift) then an “upgraded” one for an extra £20 pn (room 18, further down the hall, round a corner but very close to the staff laundry room). We decided that room 14 was okay enough, so settled on it. Back at reception we were given our key cards and the £75 damages deposit held. When we inquired about this further we were assured by another person behind the desk as well as the receptionist that this deposit was only held in case of any damage was found after the check out inspection was done. If no damage then deposit is released after the time period stated on the notice. A small welcome tea/coffee/biscuit package was offered before we left for our room. With this deposit thought still in mind, upon entering our room we inspected and took photos of any previous damage we discovered. The room itself was compact but had more facilities than we thought- kitchenette had a washer/dryer as well as the usual fridge, oven, kettle, toaster, microwave and a plug in induction hot plate. There were pots/pans, cooking utensils, crockery and cutlery (mismatched but useable). There were 2 tea towels, a washing up sponge, washing up liquid and a dish rack provided. As I was prepared and brought along many provisions I managed to cook evening meals. The breakfasts/lunches/snacks preparation were not an issue either. We could sit at the table to eat our meals comfortably. The room also fitted in 2 armchairs, a small wardrobe, a desk with another chair, wall mounted tv and safe. A bank of useful hooks by the entrance is always appreciated! The sash window opened a small amount and there was a fan too if you don’t want to use the A/C. The bed was comfortable and a small built in shelf on either side of the bed was useful, as was the ledge above the headboard with plenty of plug sockets/USB ports. The one above bed light wasn’t the best design and was flimsy. There is a partition wall separating the bed area from the kitchen/dining space. The shower room was modern with enough storage, a towel rail and hooks, the cubicle large enough to not bash one’s body parts, hot water plentiful. Could not figure out how to get the fan on though so it did get rather steamy. All in all it was a good value stay, outside noises were minimal at night (we faced the back of the property), the lift didn’t bother us as the bathroom backed onto it. Noise from other guests were generally kept low although we could hear next door and above us occasionally.

NO HOT WATER! No Apologies! Left early as couldn’t face another day without a warm/hot shower. Apparently that’s ok? Totally misled as it was not TWO BEDROOM it’s one big room with a half wall dividing the beds. Apparently that’s ok? (Was a work trip and sharing with a colleague so no, not ok!) THEY DEDUCT A ‘DEPOSIT’ AND DO NOT RETURN IT. Nothing they say is honest. They don’t care. Stay somewhere more deserving of your hard earned money.