Lonely Planet Review

In an area laden with budget options the Garden Court Hotel stands out from the other kids on the block because of the obvious effort that's gone into decorating the place. There's a small sitting room to the right of the lobby that has been simply, yet elegantly furnished. The life-size Beefeater that greets you at the entrance is a fun, quirky touch.

The fashionable snowdrop wallpaper by Osbourne & Little in the reception area, and the Cath Kidston letter holder are just two designer touches that give the Garden Court a stylistic advantage over its competitors and make the hotel feel posher than it actually is. These contemporary trimmings extend to the 32 smoke-free bedrooms that are decorated with pale wood furniture, modern wallpaper and blue throws rather than the horrid polyester bedspreads that are so common in lower-end accommodation. With wardrobes that actually merit you unpacking and family rooms that can realistically accommodate a couple of kids as well as yourselves, it's not surprising to find that this is a budget winner with families.