Quality Hotel Leeds/Selby Fork, Leeds

...a company the size of quality hotel/comfort inn, why should THEY worry about booking it?

This particular hotel, with it's dated 70's/80's design is located in a very run down service area.... the filling station no longer exists. Forecourt full of rubble and a view which is, all things considered, rather depressing! Indeed the first impression of the entrance was that of, to quote my collegue, "a pretty grim service area". ...
...it was a main route before it was upgraded. Indeed, not much further up the road are a couple of derelict pubs. How I wish that hotel went at the same time as the petrol station...

Arrival, with my two other work chums was around 9pm. The person behind the couter did her job, but with no particular enthusiasim or effort... we all get tired, so I'll not judge on this, but you know what they say about first impressions. The hotel passageways ... more

When working for the most successful home furnishing company in the world, sometimes its necessary to travel from one store to another. This, as you can imagine, sometimes involves an overnight stay.

I find myself visiting Leeds due to training, and given the distance, my company booked me a hotel room at this hotel. In the past, their record has been excellent (my company that is), usually very nice hotels. Sometimes travelodge-type places, sometimes 4* hotels, but always 'nice' hotels..why would I have reason to worry? And with a company the size of quality hotel/comfort inn, why should THEY worry about booking it?

This particular hotel, with it's dated 70's/80's design is located in a very run down service area.... the filling station no longer exists. Forecourt full of rubble and a view which is, all things considered, rather depressing! Indeed the first impression of the entrance was that of, to quote my collegue, "a pretty grim service area". I don't know the area well, but I suspect it was a main route before it was upgraded. Indeed, not much further up the road are a couple of derelict pubs. How I wish that hotel went at the same time as the petrol station...

Arrival, with my two other work chums was around 9pm. The person behind the couter did her job, but with no particular enthusiasim or effort... we all get tired, so I'll not judge on this, but you know what they say about first impressions. The hotel passageways were dull and smelt damp.

Arrival at room, furthest one from reception, but someones gotta have it I suppose! Very basic single room, with TV, desk and kettle etc. Again, the room smelt damp. The carpet looked filthy, so much so, that I kept my socks on to walk around! The room was a bit chilly (it was below zero outside), but there was no heating control that I could see.

Wanting to freshen up I went into the bathroom to have a wash. Shame there was no hot water. On calling my workmates room to ask if he had any, his introduction to this hotel was worse... his room hadn't even been made up. Now, I don't or never have run a hotel, so I might be wrong, but is one of the most basic procedures for running a hotel not to at least make sure you check guests into a clean room?

We were pretty hungry by now, but the kitchen closed at 9.30... so we decided to settle for some sandwiches at the bar. 3 subs and 3 drinks... £27. Tasted alright but £27..... Hmmmm. Looks as if they kept the service station prices.

Couple of drinks and an imaginary game of pool later (it was in use!) it was bed time. Back through the damp smelling tunnels to my cold room. Still no hot water. No answer from reception. (Manned 24hrs!!).

Upon getting ready for bed I noted that the top sheet wasn't exactly clean. There were a few ominous stains there. The other sheets smelt of 'spring fresh', call me a snob but I'd really rather have the top sheet also clean. Especially when it carries evidence of what the previous guests have been up to. I make do without as there is still no answer from reception!!

The bed itself doesn't appear to have moved in the past 20 years. It's hard and I can feel every spring in the base.

Alarm wakes me at 6am, switch on the light and realise that I can see my own breath in the room. Still can't find the temperature control. Never mind, a hot shower will make up for it.... hahaha!

After running the water for over 15 minutes, I have a luke-warm shower. The shower cubicle itself has tiles falling off the wall and the grout is covered in mould. By this time I'm really kind of fed up!

Breakfast had a limited choice, but by the standards I had so far experienced, it was excellent! In reality, I would say it was average.

Checkout was simple and easy. Never got asked how my stay was, but I guess they are used to the reply! I filled out a comment form and should I receive a reply I will add it to this later.

My company paid £50 per room, but the standard, off the street rate, if I recall was £83. For a little over £20 more I could have stayed in a luxury 4* hotel, with hot water, clean sheets and well lit passageways!

Upon evaluating my night and returning to my home store I have advised the travel department for the UK to cancel the contract with this hotel and not make any furture bookings, at least until this hotel gets a makeover. I suggest you all do the same!

 

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