The Bluebell Middlesbrough — Restaurant in England

On arrival to the hotel, the place looked like council flats. Once we were inside it gave hostel vibes. When walking to the room you could hear everyone else in their rooms as well. There was mould on the ceiling tiles in the hall way on top floor. Once room it looked like a cupboard door out of school, once inside you had to physically shut the door yourself to ensure it was secure and there was chain to lock the door, did not feel comfortable leaving any belongings in the room. At first glance the room didn't look too bad but after a while of looking round there was considerable amount of issues. First one being the cobwebs down one side of the beds, dust on top of the makeshift wardrobe. Duvet cover had a hole in so the duvet itself was hanging out. Pillows felt like they had been there since the place opened, flat as a pancake. In the bathroom the toilet seat was not fitted on secure and moved when sat on it. Where the seat cover was attached to toilet there was like an orangey brown rust marking on both sides. The toilet itself was marked and stained inside. Plug hole in the shower, had hair and bits all in it. Black looking mould along the sealant in the shower. None of the bedroom doors seemed to have fire doors and had massive gaps at the bottom. Which meant that privacy was very limited and you could hear everything especially when people were coming at 2-3 in the morning and shouting and laughing (sleep was very little ) . The walls are thin and can hear other guests either side. Then to top the whole thing off at half 1 in the morning (after only just drifting off from the racket from other guests) the fire alarm went off and then suddenly stopped. At no point were we informed on what the situation was, we even went into the corridor to see what the issue was, ( other guests did the same). This made the rest of the nights sleep very unsettled. When going to check out in the morning, there was no one at desk and had to wait for 10 minutes, bearing in mind we had to be somewhere asap. The guy that did eventually appear lacked customer service and just seemed not bothered. When we asked him do we give the key to you, his response was yeah whatever . Overall this hotel was not worth the £58.50 a night or £117 for 2 nights and doesn't even deserve 1 star. Would not...

We booked for Christmas dinner here today and sadly we left after the first course. Our Christmas Day has been spoilt! The venue itself had smashed glass outside and cigarette packets strewn. We expected to be in the function room but we’re placed in the bar with people around us drunk being loud and spoiling the atmosphere for us. That’s fine if we had nipped out for a pint but we were expected a setting for Christmas dinner - not be in the middle of the pub. The first course came for my husband and the waiter then cleared it away- no one noticed I hadn’t been given my first course. The food was below average, slice white bread with soup that looked like it had seen better days. When mine eventually came after letting them know I still hadn’t had any despite my husband being finished - My potato skin was microwaved with a slice of plastic cheese on the top that you can buy for a £1. We were then told our main meal was in the carvery and told to go and get it - not even shown where this was just a point in the direction - also this would mean us walking through a busy pub with our meal. Chances of being knocked or spilt were high. We had paid extra for a menu that I’ve now been told wasn’t even on offer. No offer of a refund. We were sat under a speaker blasting out music so couldn’t even speak as couldn’t hear each other. If I’d wanted a carvery and a day in the pub I could have done that and not paid £92 for the privilege. I’ve contacted the hotel to say how awful it was only to be offered a meal for 4 for free- I have no urge to return- I would like a refund. We left after the first course if you could call it that - please don’t waste your money on going there. I can see they are advertising for next year- no mention that you’ll be stuck in the bar with all around getting drunk! The food itself was very poor quality too. They’d also not got our order and asked me twice what I’d ordered despite emails confirming the order. We didn’t get chance to take our coat off before the first course came - well one of them! Do no waste your money- go...

For context, I've known the Blue Bell since the early 1990s. In short, I had relatives close by... so every few years, if I wasn't staying there, I'd eat there. In a way it has a deep emotional connection to me because I've known it through my childhood, through my teenage years... and heck now into my 40s.

A few weeks ago was the first time I've stayed there in 12 years. And although I admire what the publican has done to really get the crowds out in the bar area, man oh man, the hotel rooms have now become a disgrace.

Flood marks all through the common areas. Chipped doors, broken fixtures and that's even before you get to your hotel room.

Now, the Blue Bell has never had aspirations to be a Kempinski. I get that. But, the room I stayed in, felt like a condemned seniors care home in Slough had given it a badge of approval.

I know that the Blue Bell's hotel rooms have never had great sound insulation. When you sleep there you never know if you're going to hear the snoring from the next room or a romantic couple. But this time was extra special because I had a team of drunk revelers trying to wrestle each other to 4am in the morning. If only a renovation could happen where sound insulation could be installed, what a miracle it would be. People could actually sleep in the rooms they've paid for.

To repeat: the hotel part of the establishment is in sad need of repair. Just a starter for ten: My shampoo and soap bottle weren't secured so you couldn't even use them. Then, there's the very oddly placed 1/2 length mirror at the end of the shower so when you shower you get to stare at just your privates.

Honestly, it feels like a place you'd take your 6th best girlfriend. And it pains me to write this because in terms of all the hotels in the world I'd say I have emotional connection to this one.

I wish the publican/owner would give a monkeys to all parts of the Blue Bell not...