I expected to notice a huge difference in that the hotel is now under new ownership and yes, there were differences. Huge bonus is that residents are not now charged to park (something that irritated before). Checking in is now better organised. The staff are very friendly, welcoming and efficient in most quarters. As before rooms and beds are very comfortable and the hotel has a good ambience.
The main bonus for us is location. Our son lives in the High Street so it is an ideal place for us to stay when visiting,especially at Christmas when there were several of us.
On the downside, service at breakfast is sometimes slow and a bit disorganised. Always more efficient on Christmas Day because they need to set up for lunch but often goes downhill a bit thereafter. It also needs better organisation at other times of the year.
There is not enough draw space in the bedrooms. We take out the spare linen in the top of the wardrobes and use that space so not a problem for a few nights stay. The huge table lamps on the small bedside tables take up too much room. A small criticism but something which might be taken on board.
Disappointingly, a minature aftershave spray, which must have got knocked on the floor, was binned. Should have been put back on the shelf.
However, all in all a good place to stay. Suits us very well and we would recommend it.