a cool welcome from the manager on arrival who then explained all the rules and regulations, including no smoking, no food in rooms, all doors closed, breakfast 8.30 to 9.30 only etc.newly decorated to superb standards all very victorian not relaxing.we stayed in room 11 next to road and front door and breakfast room, you will be woken up at 6am!

I stayed at Giffard House Hotel for one night on returning to the city for a college reunion. My first impression of the hotel was propitious. From the exterior the hotel appears both commanding and stylish. Inside the attention to detail is dazzling. There is a wealth of statues, figurines and the like suggesting that you have returned in time to a Victorian home whose owner has recently returned from a grand tour of the colonies.
Our bedroom was spacious and the en suite facilities, ample in size, continued the Victorian theme with fittings and furniture that closely replicated those of the era. The shower worked efficiently and the Molten Brown toiletries added a sense of luxury.
Breakfast tasted wholesome and delicious and was served in a room filled with interesting pictures and other decoration. The hotel is just a few minutes walk into town and has considerable space to accommodate parking. To add to the hotel's charm, a fountain and attractive patio area are to be found in the grounds. Just before leaving in the morning we discovered that the mysterious squawking sounds that we had heard the evening before were coming from a large parrot with striking markings. As we entered a ground floor room to make our payment the bird flew over, seemingly to greet us, and screeched "Hello!" - a wholly unexpected experience and one that will not be forgotten.
A college reunion was always going to be a day to remember yet Giffard House Hotel added to my enjoyment of the occasion in ways I could never have anticipated.