My brother in law and I seem to come up with crazy idea's from time to time. These usually involve 2 middle aged men trying to complete an endurance feat. This time it was to cycle coast to coast from Southport to Hornsea by bike along the Trans Pennine Train. A 217 mile route that takes you through some interesting places, some industrialised, some a little more scenic ! Our first stop of our 5 day cycle was at The Lymm Hotel, Nr Warrington. I am fairly local to this area and having cycled past the hotel many times previously thought it would make a great first night.The trail is directly adjacent to the hotel. Having cycled from Southport, approx 43 miles we arrived covered in mud and looking more than a little windswept, First thing I noticed was the class of car in the hotels car park. Some expensive looking motors I thought as I looked down at my splattered waterproofs !
I had already paid for our room in advance (£69 Twin room, advance booking price). On arrival we presented our sorry looking selves to reception. Considering our attire we we're a little concerned we would upset the staff. Not at all, they were used to it by now. A common stopping place for walkers and cyclists of the Trans Pennine trail. We had been assured at time of booking there would be secure storage for our bikes. We were pointed in the direction of where they would be kept for the night. I have to say as a cyclist it wasn't what I would consider secure storage. We were asked to leave our bikes in a small area just off what looked like a conference room. Having no choice but to leave the bikes we secured them as best we could by locking them together. It was also a fire escape area so we were careful not to block the emergency exit. It may sound like a grumble too far but when you are told secure storage I would expect that, not just an area, open to the public, indoors.
We made it to our room, a fairly small affair but still adequate for our purposes. Usual facilities of tea & coffee and small TV. Room decor in general was ok, dated by more modern hotel standards. The washing facilities were en suite and acceptable. A small towel rail soon became full of wet cycle clothing!
We ventured out for a bite to eat having considered the hotels food options a little pricey for our budget. Found a nearby pub and enjoyed a simple meal washed down with a couple of local ales. Friendly service too.
The next morning came and breakfast awaited. I don't wish to offend but it was a little like Gods waiting room. The majority of guests appeared to be retired persons. Mrs Bouquet would fit in well !
A lady staff member was orchestrating the breakfast proceedings. The other young ladies in her charge all seemed to be of Eastern European descent and were being ushered round by strict voice commands. I felt quite sorry for them. The Young ladies were all very polite.
Breakfast selection was good but i couldn't help but feel I just wanted to eat and get underway.
We returned to our bikes only to find they had been moved along from where we had left them. I would assume to access cleaning products because on closer inspection I think thats what the area was used for.
Over all I didn't consider the hotel to be too bad. Certainly for a 1 night stay like ourselves it was fine. I found the atmosphere a little muted but this maybe unjust as in such a short stay it is impossible to form a fair opinion.
Would I stay again ? I probably would, but more to do with convenience rather than as a first choice.
