Britten House — Hotel in East Suffolk

This was a good budget stay for a few nights away on a solo trip to Lowestoft. It was significantly cheaper than other stays in the area, however this also showed in the quality. It wasn't bad - but there were a few big let downs. As most reviews I found prior to the stay were quite old, I'm leaving some highlights from my stay here:

Location is brilliant, right opposite the beach and a bit further away from the busier end. Easy to get to from the station, with seemingly good parking options Room was spacious with comfortable seating The key was left for me upon arrival, and I didn't see anyone besides housekeeping during my stay (who was lovely). I didn't mind this at all, but I imagine some might. A note that previous reviews mention a breakfast, but there is no breakfast option currently offered at the hotel. I was unsure about this prior to arrival, but breakfast wasn't mentioned in my booking at all so I did expect this. The local coffee house is decent, albeit service is a bit slow.

Some disappointments: A musky odour in the hallway of the top floor. Luckily this didn't transfer into the room. The en-suite bathroom was fairly clean, but not spotless. I had to do a few wipedowns myself of some left over hair on the sink, and brown marks on the side of the toilet (!) - easily missed in cleaning due to the bathrooms dim lighting I suppose. Complimentary teas and coffees were disappointing - opening the bag I was hit with a STRONG musky smell, smelt like dog. Didn't touch the bag because of this, and went to the local supermarket to get my own hot drinks and biscuits. The small fridge in the room didn't seem to be working

All in all, it served me for what I needed the space for - a basic base in Lowestoft for a few nights, but I won't be rushing back. There was another option of a B&B further down that was only a fraction more, can't speak for it, but will likely try...

Good communication, was happy to facilitate us checking in earlier than normal. Very friendly and lovely hosts. We had the top left front room with a sea view which didn't disappoint. The room had everything we needed and extra touches we didn't expect as standard, such as a fan and small fridge, and great little sofa and chairs. ||Breakfast was superb - top notch, nothing wrong at all, poached eggs were perfect. We enjoyed sitting in the front window and watched the sun rise up from the sea at 7.30am which was lovely.||Anna and Colin were great too, very warm and friendly.||||I can see why this place has the reviews it does, and if I have to travel down to Lowestoft with work again I will stay here.||||If I had to make any suggestions at all, it would only be to consider installing a blackout blind behind the curtains to keep the room dark if it suited someone.||||5/5...

After reading so many good reviews i have to offer a reality check on our own experience. Big room yes, sea view yes, however, dated decor, furniture and carpets, no better or worse than any average b&b anywhere. The window wouldn't open properly. Bedside lamp broken and a shower that required a degree in plumbing to set to a normal temperature! Breakfast ended at 9(nine a.m)!!- on a Sunday?? And checkout at 10. Not much scope for a post breakfast promenade stroll on a Sunday morning there. The website claims a 4X + rating? Having stayed in many 4, and 5 star hotels, this claim is let's say " a tad" extreme. We had stayed in the Victoria hotel before here, streets ahead of the Britten, 200 yards actually but in terms of facilities and comfort?,...