Midland Hotel

Classic hotel. The 80’ 5*. Great view from room 222. Nonetheless the room is outdated. The elevator is ages old. Good for short stay. The location is superb with walking distance to Morrisons and Aldi. Great breakfast and environment.

We were regular visitors to The Midland Hotel, always something to look forward to, especially the suite we stay in (not cheap!) and dining in the restaurant. Things have changed. Extras that made the previous stays enjoyable have gone; no robes for use with the hot tub; no minibar; there was a new television but the wired internet connection was broken and despite a wireless connection there was no Smart functionality; no option anymore for breakfast in the room. Lightbulbs were out, the makeup mirror light did not work, there was a huge crack above the internal bathroom window, the top of the chest of drawers was damaged and the safe was broken. Worst of all was the decking in the hot tub area which had ripped hazard tape which no longer covered an area of broken decking. We were as usual going to book a meal. We were told just to find a table and order at the bar. Dining used to be a pleasure here, an opportunity to dress for dinner, enjoy lovely service and eat lovely food. Again, no longer. Queuing at the bar to order food or, no linen on the table and no service apart from the delivery of food. When the food did arrive, it tasted fine until we discovered what appeared to be hairs on the plates. I spoke to the restaurant manager who apologized for the hair on one plate but said that the other hair was actually fibre from the serving cloth that the staff had used. Still should not have been present. We were offered complimentary desserts as an apology. Having spent £73 on two main courses and a bottle of wine, we were not in the mood for further food. Breakfast on the final day was no better. We had to request a milk jug, teapot and glasses for the juice as all of them had been used and not replenished. I ordered, from the menu, poached eggs on hot buttered toast. I got two poached eggs on one slice of toast and no butter. Such a simple dish but somehow this could not have been done correctly and neither the cook or staff who gave it to me had noticed. Another example of the lack of attention to detail. On Friday night, only one till at the bar was open, causing long queues at the bar, people waiting to check in (as the separate reception desk is now no longer used) and an customer being served in a non serving area of the bar because he was getting angry at waiting, even though he arrived after me. In summary, this is not a pub which happens to have rooms, it is an Art Deco Hotel which has had the soul ripped out of it. A real shame

Following several positive comments from friends who had visited the Midland in past I was keen to call in if ever the opportunity arose. Travelling up the M6 to the Lakes recently gave me the chance to make a short detour. I left feeling disappointed. The architecture and setting are still grand, although the outside could do with a lick of paint. Inside it just feels like a big but very ordinary pub. No separate reception - just go to the bar. I didn't want the full afternoon tea (a bit sad for a lone traveller!l) so I requested a cup of tea and a scone, only to be told they didn't have them yet the restaurant was serving afternoon teas which included scones! As other recent reviewers have reported, this hotel is on the decline. I'm glad I didn't make a special journey.

Return visit. Stayed when hotel first opened following it's refurb many years ago. It is still a very lovely hotel and still felt luxurious and has faired well, but some signs of weathering to windows from its punishing position on the sea front. Particularly liked the spacious room we were in and balcony (206), toiletries ( quality plentiful large bottles), freshly squeezed oranges at breakfast and my eggs Royale, lovely soft towels and pristine white bedding. Shower powerful. Plenty of tea/coffee etc. Would very gladly return and will look to stay in other hotels in the group as a result of our experience.

Great sunset from the dining room - sea view makes all the difference! Lovely location and stay - good breakfast and quick service. Had a lovely time. Room upgrade was well worth it for the view. Hotel seemed tired - needs gentle refresh - lots of damp patches and flaky paint - in our room and communal areas.

Was a nice stay for business purposes. The room was a nice size and had clever features for space saving. I did find the room to be very warm though being on the second floor so needed to sleep with the window open.

We revisited the hotel after 2-3 years. The location was just as good but the absence of "silver service" in the dining room detracted from the experience. the menu was more limited.

Location and architecture the best bit of this hotel. Nothing special in regards to service or food. Basic food prep, worn decor & minimal restaurant management to lower costs. Ubiquitous weddings likely are the focus rather than ad hoc hotel residents.

Over the years we’ve stayed many times at the Midland and have now experienced for the first time new owners way of running this icon Hotel. Reception has moved to where the bar and dining area are located. I guess this allows staff to quickly change roles , reception /bar/food orders duties. The fine dining experience has gone, to be replace by a standard menu of basic pub food and IMO slightly expensive..fish / chips / peas £20….3 scoops ice cream £7.00. You place your order at the bar and the food is serviced to your table. Service was quick and the staff excellent. Breakfast is a help yourself to the usual flakes / fruit / toast and coffee, the order for the cooked part of breakfast was taken by staff at your table. There’s a good choice of menu, service was quick and again the staff excellent. The rooms are clean though shower / toilet area need a refurbish. I must comment on the receptionist who changed our room booking from a double to a twin without any fuss….sadly I didn’t get her name, her customer service was 1st class. The Midland’s outside appearance is looking grubby, a good clean would make a huge difference. Would I stay again …I’m not sure. The previous owner English lakes, showcased a Midland that had a unique atmosphere; a combination of fine dining, background music of its age, a sense of elegance and sublime refinement. I don’t see that anymore…..and that’s what I miss the most.