Travelodge Halifax - a pleasant surprise. (Travelodge in general)

Member Name: The Daz

Product:	Travelodge in general
Date:	24/11/08 (164 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Cheap, convenient, functional.

Disadvantages: Variable quality between Hotels.

You'd think even I would have trouble writing a half decent review of a £10 night stay in a budget hotel - and yet, somehow it was achieved. Actually, it's a pretty dull review - you're best off just clicking Very Useful, Nominating it and then going to read a review on a *really exciting* Hip Hop Album or a *really informative* rant about a High Street bank.....

There are, in my rather expansive experience of this chain, generally 3 types of Travelodge.

Those built in city centres, sited in some ghastly tower block with no parking. These are not nice, and only marginally better than sleeping in your car.

Those in purpose built units at motorway services or out of town locations. These are quite nice - functional, convenient etc.

Finally - those built into previously used buildings with some actual History. These are the hidden gems that belie their budget status.

Travelodge Halifax is the third of these - sited in a small part of the old Carpet Mill (once the world's largest) - in Dean Clough. It shares the 5 storey facade with a gym, artists centres, a theatre, a cafe and restaurant, and numerous IT and Insurance companies who have made this Industrial Revolution Heritage Site their new home.

In terms of location, the Travelodge is well served, just off the A629, and 10 mins walk into the Town Centre.
It is also on several Bus Routes - 519,520 and others that are 2 stops to town away, and but a 15 minute walk from Train Station.

Pubs, bars, cafes abound in the Town Centre. The Shears Inn is opposite the entrance to Travelodge and Gym area of the Dean Clough Site. Although under the Dual carriageway flyover that links the North of town to the Centre, the noise isn't too bad - Rush Hour in Halifax is hardly the end of the world.

There is plenty of shopping available in Halifax itself, and not too far to walk to Eureka (children's museum) or the Piece Hall for some culture.

The external appearance is a refreshing change from drab chain hotels - with a towering stone frontage, criss crossed with now defunct wrought iron wall ties.

The room was well, ordinary. Then again, most of their rooms are just that, and I was hardly expecting luxury furnishings and soft music to greet me! The minimal yet adequate furnishings were neat and tidy, and perfectly functional. I should point out that all I'm really after is a comfortable bed, a window I can open a touch and a powerful shower to pound away any of the previous day's exertions (alcohol, food, sightseeing etc).

The reception area has a seating area in front of a wall mounted TV and several vending machines to satisfy those late night snacking urges. Pretty uninspiring, but then why wait around in reception (unless you're meeting someone, and they're being reeeealllly slow at getting ready, in which case you'll be thankful for the TV!)

The staff were polite and helpful, pointing out which area of the vast car park was reserved for Travelodge Customers and the small fee for overnight use, as well as the 24hr availability of reception and its services should we need them.

Breakfast is available- but be warned that you will get pretty standard fare: a carton of juice, a small selection pack box of cereal and a tiny, freeze dried croissant. You're far better off finding your own repast farther afield.

Overall the stay was to Travelodge's stated standards, and for the price I think it was good value and would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone else needing a budget night's stay in Halifax.

It is an annoyance that the quality of the hotels caries so wildly between sites - it's a bit like franchised Burger Kings, where some are kept spotless and tidy, and others are dirty and in need of an update to the decor (and the staff!). It can be quite hit and miss - so your best bet is to look for those elusive £10 and £20...or £26 deals, (it's hard to keep up with the offers!).

This review also appeared on Trivago - with a rather complicated set of ratings!

Summary: Look for the £10 rooms!