Best Western Rose and Crown Hotel

I’ve stayed a few times and the hotel is pretty old and some areas do look in disrepair. The location is great and staff were very helpful and friendly. Unfortunately on our last visit the radiator did not work and the room (staying in January) was absolutely freezing. As we got in late we were too tired to report but mentioned it as we left less

The shower was a weak trickle, the towel rail wasn't switched on so all the towels were very cold as was the bathroom. Overall the whole room looked tired with old tatty furniture, mirror and fittings. There were coffee options with normal and decaff but only Tetley tea bags, no choice! Very disappointed. less

I liked the look of the hotel, from the photos all you see is the main building and rooms. The room we were actually allocated was out the back by the car park. These are not in the publicity photos and are very basic with paper thin walls. Room next door had their telly on at 7am and we could hear every word from bbc news channel. Shower was inadequate, rooms can’t be cleaned too well as a cotton bud was under the bathroom sink throughout our 3 day visit. less

Stayed in the Best Western Rose and Crown in Tonbridge because it is conveniently located in town. Staff was very nice, room service (maids) great where cleaning was concerned. This is most important. We know that due to the Covid pandemic staff is short in hotels and restaurants: But: One can do a simple bit to "upgrade" an impression: Examples: Not only wilted but mummified flowers in all !!! flower boxes . So empty at least the boxes if one des not plant new flowers. Weeds growing along the walls. Worst: Discarded cigarette butts everywhere, even in the entrances to the back side hotel building. So they get stuck under your shoes and you take them to your room. Seems nobody bothers about swinging a broom at least once a day . Room. Door scratched , headpiece of bed scratched. Furniture in the whole scratched and not up to usual Best Western standard, stains on the armrests of the chairs. Kingsize bed, good mattress, good cushions, clean. Carpet okay. Heating did not work properly. Bath was clean , nice and big enough. But for the room-price you should expect more. Breakfast was good. less

Given that this is clearly a historic property on a busy high street, it is a realty shame that Best Western or the hotel management seems to be happy to let it fall into a poor state of repair. Everything about the hotel appeared tired, including the staff. The towels in the bathroom were dirty and we had to asked for them to be changed. Even the 'clean' towels had that tired off-white colour from years of laundering. The cistern on the loo took an age to refill; we had to fill it by hand in the end. The side entrance to the hotel was tatty and the view from our bedroom was pretty grim. We understand that Covid has undeniably had an impact on the hospitality sector, but this hotel badly needs some TLC. If the current management no longer wants to invest in this hotel, then my advice would be to find new managers/owners who will make the most of this building. less