The Provincial Boutique Hotel

The hotel offers a charming and luxurious stay, distinguished by its beautifully restored Art Nouveau decor and the exceptional Lola restaurant. Guests are consistently impressed by the elegant ambiance, the high standards of cleanliness, and the overall comfort of the accommodations. Its prime location, directly opposite the train station and within easy walking distance of the city center, makes it an ideal choice for solo travelers seeking convenience, couples looking for a romantic getaway, and business travelers needing central access. Families also find the spacious room options and accommodating staff well-suited for their needs. To enhance your experience, consider booking directly for potential perks like free parking and a late checkout, and if sensitive to noise, inquire about rooms away from the railway line, though earplugs are often provided.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel's facilities are generally well-regarded, contributing to a comfortable stay. Guests appreciate the availability of free Wi-Fi throughout the property, ensuring connectivity for both leisure and business. The common areas are frequently praised for their tasteful design and the presence of antique furniture, creating inviting and aesthetically pleasing spaces for relaxation, often enhanced by soft background music. However, a significant point for guests to consider is the absence of a lift, which can pose a challenge for those with heavy luggage or mobility issues, as access to upper floors is solely via staircases. Some guests noted the lack of certain in-room conveniences such as a toaster or microwave, which they found surprising given the hotel's overall quality.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently praise the hotel's high standards of cleanliness and the overall comfort of the rooms. Many describe the accommodations as spacious, particularly the "Lola" suites, which often feature high ceilings and ample room for luggage and relaxation. The beds are frequently highlighted as exceptionally comfortable, ensuring a restful night's sleep, though a few guests found them to be too soft for their personal preference. Large bathrooms with modern fixtures, including walk-in showers and sometimes spa baths, are a common positive. High-quality toiletries are provided, with some guests even purchasing them. While the hotel strives for quiet, some rooms, especially those near the train line or restaurant kitchen, can experience noise from passing trains, railway crossing bells, or kitchen activities, particularly until late evening or early morning. Thoughtfully, earplugs are supplied in rooms to mitigate this. Some smaller rooms were noted for limited space or lack of a view.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's restaurant, Lola, receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, often described as a highlight of the stay. Guests consistently praise the delicious food, with many highlighting the exceptional quality and variety of dishes available for both dinner and breakfast. The breakfast is particularly well-regarded, noted for being made-to-order rather than a buffet, offering choices like continental boards or full cooked plates, and receiving commendation for its taste and value. The restaurant atmosphere is also frequently mentioned as inviting and stylish. While most dining experiences are excellent, a few guests found specific breakfast items, such as eggs on toast, to be overpriced or not meeting expectations for the cost. Room service is also available and generally receives high marks for its quality and convenience. The bar offers a good selection of wine and cocktails, contributing to a pleasant evening experience.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent and highly convenient central location, making it a significant draw for guests. It is situated directly opposite the train station, providing exceptionally easy access for those arriving by rail. The hotel is within easy walking distance of the city's central business district, numerous restaurants, shops, and key attractions like the Art Gallery. For events, its proximity to the marathon start/finish line was also appreciated. On-site parking is available and generally considered secure, though it can be limited and sometimes difficult to find a spot, especially when the restaurant is busy, occasionally requiring guests to use metered street parking until a space opens up. Some guests noted that booking directly with the hotel can secure free on-site parking.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive glowing reviews for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. Guests frequently highlight their willingness to accommodate requests, from room changes to special arrangements for families with children. The check-in and check-out process is generally described as quick and efficient. Many reviewers praise specific instances where staff went above and beyond, such as assisting an elderly guest with luggage to the train station or rectifying booking errors. The housekeeping team is also commended for their thoroughness and pleasant demeanor. While the vast majority of feedback is positive, a few isolated incidents mentioned staff being less attentive, such as a forgotten drink order or a dismissive attitude during a complaint at checkout. Overall, the commitment to providing excellent customer service is a recurring theme.

Additional Information
Several unique aspects contribute to the guest experience. The hotel's reception closes at 5:30 PM, which is an important detail for guests planning late arrivals, though arrangements can be made. Some guests noted a lack of 24-hour security, which caused minor concern in one instance. The two-bedroom apartments have a specific layout where the second bedroom is accessed through the first, which works well for families with children but can be awkward for friends traveling together. The hotel provides high-quality bathroom amenities that are so popular they are available for purchase. Guests often comment on the pleasant aroma and soft background music throughout the hotel, contributing to its charming ambiance. While generally quiet, some rooms have a noisy fan in the bathroom.