Shabby....but far from chic
While the manager (or who I assume was the manager) was friendly, efficient and welcoming, the same definitely can not be said of the various female reception staff we encountered during our three night stay. Offhand, bordering on downright rude they created a very poor impression of this hotel at every encounter. I'm astonished that in these days of high unemployment these incompetent and ill-trained staff members should be holding down any job at all.
Once away from the reception desk, our impressions did not improve. This hotel has been describes as 'slightly tired'...I think 'absolutely exhausted' would be a more apt description! The furniture looked fit for the tip and everywhere looked in need of a total refurbishment.
It was clean enough and the breakfast was ok...nothing special. Free wi-fi in the lobby was ok too with a good strong signal but annoying not to have it in the room (but I did know that before I booked).
The only really positive aspect of this rather depressing hotel was the location, smack bang in the middle of everything. We had dinner at Legal Seafoods in the nearby Prudential building and this was an equally disappointing experience. Much-hyped this restaurant served below average food at an above average price. Once we'd finished our main course we were huckled out the door to make space for higher spending diners no doubt. We were offered neither dessert nor coffee...just presented with our bill. All in all a pretty nasty experience