There were only 2 redeeming features of the Caledonian Hotel. One - the friendly night duy manager who helped me get into my room (dodgy swipe card) and two - fantastic shower that acted like a massage. Otherwise, this is a terrible hotel. I got the room for half price - the original price being three figures for a mid week stay - and I can't see how it is justified.
The foyer to the hotel smelled... really really bad. Enough to make me decide very quickly there was no danger I would eat anything from the attached restaurant (BillaBong).
The pictures I saw online looked a lot better than the room I stayed in. Pictures are on here are a more accurate reflection. I had a double room and it was pretty cramped. Bathroom was extremely dated, and yup, there was mould around the shower. The table and chairs were all worn, stained and chipped. The heat was stifling - think more care home than hotel. I left the windows open during the day to cool the room down - I couldn't adjust the heat.
The first evening, the wifi didn't work, and upon calling down to reception I was informed that wifi must be working, else people would be calling to complain...errr, hello? After convincing the receptionist that the wifi may not be working, the duty manager came up to test and confirmed that yup, it was down, and it wasn't the first time that day. Bang went my hopes of working that night.
The second night fared better - wifi up for a start, so that was good. However what wasn't so good was the 540 fire alarm because another guest had left a shower running all night.
Finally, breakfast. I think I paid an addition 6 quid for continental, which was effecticaly some tinned grapefruit, dry bread for toasting, cereal or some soggy value croissants. For 11 quid I could have had some overcooked hash browns from a buffet.
Given that my previous hotel stay was cheaper, comfier and fresh home cooked food... there is no comparison. How hotels like this stay in business I have no idea, but I certainly won't be back. Awful. read more