First impressions of this hotel are good. The entrance is smart and appeared welcoming with a glimpse into a bar/lounge with wicker chairs. The entrance hall is most inviting and it was nice to see family photographs on the mantelpiece as well as a well stocked rack of brochures and tourist information. I had read assorted reviews on Trip Advisor and was aware the basement rooms seem to receive less favourable comments than those upstairs. I had booked a single room at one days notice on laterooms.com and had a feeling I would end up in the basement.

When I arrived I asked if I would be in the basement and was told yes but could upgrade to a £55 single upstairs – I had paid £40 on the internet. Since I was only there for one night and was not expecting to be in the room except to sleep I decided to accept the original room.

I was directed past the kitchen and down the stairs. It is rather an off putting staircase down as the stair carpet is blue and much worn. I was in Room 3 which is close to the public toilets and next to Room 2. This room turned out to be a disappointment and a surprise at the same time. The disappointment was it is quite small – the width between the walls is just enough for the bed which was placed at the end by a window. The surprise was it was pleasantly decorated with assorted soft lights and the main overhead light could be controlled by a dimmer by the bed. There was a table and chair and a wardrobe with – and this was a second nice surprise – proper wooden hangers inside. On another table was a small portable television. The bathroom was tiny and had a shower only. However it was nicely decorated and spotlessly clean.

As an ex-hotel inspector the first thing I did was tap the walls. As I suspected, there was a studboard wall between my room and next door, Room 2. I was nearly going to ask to change/upgrade but decided to risk it for one night. Generally I hate studboard walls because you usually hear everything through the walls. I suspect most of the basement rooms are studboard too.

My evening plans changed at short notice and I found myself back at the hotel much earlier than expected. I decided to have a drink in the bar. As it was I was the only one there and I was served by a very polite and friendly young man. The lounge/bar was warm, cosy, had nice soft lighting, and looked inviting with tables and delightful wicker chairs with cushions. I discovered the free Internet and took the opportunity to check some emails etc. At this point the television above the bar was on and when I asked if it was possible for it to be muted (I was concentrating on an email) the young man said “Certainly” and turned the sound off.

I was so relaxed and content I had another drink. Again this was served politely, efficiently and I returned contented to the Internet. A young couple came in and they ordered a drink. By this time there was an older man on duty and it was about 11.20pm. Suddenly he came over to me and rather brusquely stated the Internet was supposed to be switched off at 11pm! Indeed there was a paper sign on the desk indicating it was available to guests between 5pm and 11pm. However, since the PC is connected to broadband I do not see what the problem is if a guest wishes to use the machine until such times as the bar closes.

Since he had managed to destroy my chilled out mood in a second I decided to retire to my bed. I was quite tired and so did not put on my television – in case it disturbed anyone next door, for I could not tell if the room was occupied or not.

In the event I slept well and only heard the person in the rooms next to me moving about as I myself was rising and getting up. I was pleased to discover the shower was quite powerful and thus found the bathroom to be perfectly adequate for my needs.

The hotel serves an excellent breakfast in the lounge/bar area with an array of cereals and juices on the bar counter. Also available were yoghurts, and a bowl of grapefruit segments and a delightful bowl of fresh fruit salad to help oneself from. Two cheery ladies quickly took orders for tea/coffee and toast and anything from the full breakfast menu. I ordered two poaches eggs on toast and these came exactly as I liked them so I was most pleased. It was a relaxing and enjoyable breakfast with nice quiet guests.

The hotel’s website gives a good indication of the rooms upstairs as well as a look at the bar/lounge area. Perhaps it would help to show the small single room, or maybe give an indication of its size. The trick is to think of Room 3 as being a bit like a ship’s cabin!

In the end the basement was not as bad as I feared although I think that was probably due to the quietness of the lady in the room next to me – I spotted her going in to her room after breakfast. I felt the value had been good for £40 but I would not have wished to pay any more for Room 3.

If the owners read this may I respectfully suggest redecoration of the staircase down to the basement might improve first impressions for guests being directed downstairs. Also, perhaps the night porter could learn to be as charming s the young man he replaced! A relaxation on the use of the Internet until the bar closes might also be a benefit for guests.

Would I return again to the Belhaven? Yes, I think I would. But I would probably prefer a larger room upstairs.