White Hart, Andover by Marston's Inns

When I book a budget hotel I only really require that the bed is decent sized and comfy, there is enough hot water, the staff are helpful and the breakfast is decent. The White Hart satisfied all of these requirements, and even threw in a discount on the evening meal for booking online. You will read reviews that point out the hotel is a little run down and in need of updating, if the décor bothers you that much simply pay twice as much and get a freshly painted room, but being in need of an update does not mean dirty, everything was clean and, given it was in the centre of town, pretty quiet.

Old building so squeaky floorboards meant other rooms were a little noisy when other guests were moving around, but all fine when settled. The shower (over a bath), although powerful and hot, was a bugger to turn on without drenching yourself.

We have stayed here before and liked the hotel very much but the new managers have made it even better. In particular, they have made a real difference to the food, both breakfasts and evening meals. The staff are all incredibly helpful and welcoming, as are the locals. Our room was a very good size, clean and very comfortable, with good storage for clothing and plenty of power points. The shower was easy to operate and there was hot water whenever it was needed.

It's a coaching inn, so if you expect air con in the rooms and lifts, you'll be disappointed. Having said that, there are fans in the rooms and if the weather is warm when you arrive, the fan in your room is on.

Initial anxieties about having booked into a "pub" were immediately resolved by the helpfulness, friendliness and professionalism of the staff. We needed a twin room - so hard to find these days! The room reserved for us was unfortunately at the top of three flights of stairs, and I am of an age now when this becomes a problem. We asked if ther4 were any other available rooms, and initially this was not possible. A while later, we were told that there was another double bedded room which could have a separate bed alongside. This was done cheerfully, though we appreciated there was a lot of extra work to bring this about. The room was very adequate for our needs in every way. No problems with noise which had been an initial worry for us as there was a busy main road outside. The person on duty when we handed back the key had been informed of the changes, We then received welcome instructions how to get to our next destination, a very adequate, informal breakfast. All round we were very impressed with very friendly atmosphere, professional service, and we had an excellent night's sleep! Highly recommend for excellent value for money. Five stars all round! Jennifer

Room 28: Welcome hair dryer, but no immediate mirror nearby!

Travelled to Andover from Swansea to attend Family Engagement Party in nearby in Ludgershall. We were just looking for a value-for-money 2 nights stay nearby. Staff very friendly and accommodating, rooms clean and tidy, lovely clean bed linen & a good breakfast in the mornings. Glad we chose the White Hart and not the nearby Premier Inn or Travel Lodge as we also got chance to have a look around the Town as it was so central.

Nothing to complain about whatsoever- but I did lose a very unusual silver ring so if it should turn up there I would be really grateful if you could contact me.

Staff were brilliant, location good and cheap stay. Shower flow very good and plenty of hot water. Breakfast great and was able to get stuff to take with us if we couldn't stay for breakfast. Could do with breakfast being from 7 or 7.30am on the weekends rather than 8am start.

Decor is very tired, carpets old, half the curtain was coming down as rings been pulled out, shower was tiny (worked well). Not able to bend down to pick anything up from floor without hitting a wall or opening door. Needed a basket on the walk to put your own toiletries in so easy to reach when showering. One bed had a firmer mattress than the other but slept ok. Parking difficult if they are busy as limited spaces but did manage to move car once people left.

We arrived a little early for check in but they allowed us to check in straight away, as I was travelling with my elderly father who has mobility issues this help him have a little rest straight away! I had contact them before we checked in and ask for a room as close to stairs as possible as I knew place didn't have lift! This was done after a few emails with Laura. The room was as I requested and my Dad was comfortable and enjoyed his stay. Breakfast a lovely choice of hot and cold food and plenty of choice drinks as well, there menu for rest of the day had plenty of choices and the extra discount of 20% off food as staying was a great touch! My room was a little further away but again a lovely good size clean room with a excellent size clean bathroom and mustn't forget the comfortable bed. The staff where incredible kind and nothing to much trouble for any of them! My Dad was so impressed and when he offered a little tip to staff for all the kindness they showed to him they refused which was lovely of them! My Dad wants to go back soon as we can arrange it as he not been away for over five years and he loss my mother a few weeks back and he had mixed thoughts about going away anywhere ever again but this little break has given him a new zest for life! Thank you all

Nothing! you need to take into account it's an old building and things like air conditioning isn't possible and there are a lot of steps to some rooms. Only disappointment for my Dad he enjoyed a steak on his first evening but as it was off the menu the following two evenings as Easter they didn't have a further deliveries which is understandable and of course they can never know what people are going to order.

Location was excellent. Car park was full the moment we arrived, but a car vacated shortly after so we were able to park OK. The availablity of an evening meal with a 20% discount for residents was a welcome suprise, The room was quiet and the bed comforable. The included breakfast was excellent. We were happy with the price of everything, and the staff - Ollie, Dan, Juliet and Jacob - were friendly and helpful.

Reaching the room involved walking a long torturous route up and down stairs. No problem for us, but less mobile guests might need to ask for a room nearer the bar. The room itself was a bit tired decoratively and the shower, although it worked OK, was difficult to adjust because the shower screen was in the way. Water leaked past the shower screen and onto the floor, a common problem with these swing-out screens.

The welcome and staff were brilliant, we arrived a few hours early and we were allowed to park in their car park whilst we looked around Andover before check in. We had Dinner at the White Hart which was excellent, service was very good and food arrived in good time. The room we stayed in was very nice, it had a small separate dressing area and the bed was very comfortable, the pillows were also good quality, we had a very good nights sleep. Breakfast was excellent, very tasty and hot. There was entertainment in the car park the night we stayed which we thoroughly enjoyed and was a added bonus. Will definitely stay again when next have time free, great value for money and a lovely place to stay and in a good location. All the staff were brilliant and are a great team. A very relaxed atmosphere which is great.

There was nothing we didn't like

Bed was comfortable and clean, shower was OK. Good size of room and bathroom, perfect location in the town centre. The room would look much better with clean carpet and windows, though! Breakfast was very good, plenty options available. We appreciated 20% discount of the food in the restaurant, too. We had two dinners there and in both cases we're happy with the food. Another plus was a free parking.

We understand the hotel is very old so the 'dated' look doesn't bother us so much. But the windows looked really terrible and very dirty, around them and on the walls was black mould, the net curtains and blinds were dirty.. The carpet needs a good cleaning, too. Such a shame.

Location good as it was in one of the main streets in town and very near the river which was lovely to walk along and just sit to watch the wildlife. Breakfast was very good, hot, tasty and served quickly. Bed very comfortable.

Although I was on the top floor and had to go up and then down some stairs and up again no-one offered to carry my case to my room.Furniture in the room very dated and when I went down for breakfast there weren't any staff around so I wasn't sure who I had to order breakfast from and had to ask another person who was staying there.