The Golden Lion

This establishment is primarily known for its vibrant pub atmosphere and live music, which serves as its signature feature, drawing in a diverse crowd and creating a memorable experience. It is an ideal spot for music enthusiasts and friends looking for a lively night out, offering a dynamic social hub with regular bands and entertainment. Couples seeking an energetic getaway also find it appealing, appreciating the lively vibe and friendly locals. While some families have stayed, the primary appeal is for those seeking entertainment. Guests consistently highlight the engaging entertainment and the generally welcoming environment of the pub. To enhance your stay, it is advisable to be prepared for potential noise from the live music, especially on weekends, as this is a recurring theme in guest feedback. Additionally, checking the condition of your room upon arrival is a practical tip based on varied experiences.

Facilities & Amenities
The pub itself is a central facility, offering a traditional and lively setting for guests and locals alike. It features a big screen TV for sports viewing and boasts a good selection of ales, ciders, and lagers, catering to various preferences and ensuring a wide choice for patrons. The establishment is notably dog-friendly until 8 PM, which is appreciated by pet owners looking to enjoy a drink with their companions in a welcoming environment. Regular quiz nights and other events contribute to the engaging atmosphere, providing entertainment beyond the live music. While the focus is heavily on the pub experience, guests find the available amenities sufficient for a social and enjoyable visit, emphasizing the communal and entertaining aspects of the venue and contributing to its vibrant local appeal.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is notably mixed. Most guests found their rooms to be clean and tidy, with some describing them as modern and spotlessly clean, featuring comfortable beds and good value. However, a significant number of guests reported issues, including dirty showers with grime and hair, uncomfortable beds leading to aches, and general filth on floors and skirting boards. Some rooms had damp patches, cracked mirrors, or broken/missing blinds that let in too much light. The lack of air conditioning made rooms very warm, with provided fans often being dusty or ineffective. Noise from the live music and even staff shouting was a common complaint, impacting sleep quality. Housekeeping was inconsistent, with some rooms not being cleaned or having amenities like toilet paper and clean cups replenished.

Dining & Food Quality
Dining experiences at the establishment receive varied feedback. While some guests reported the food was good with lots of choice and even "exceptional," others found the Sunday dinner horrible, lacking flavor, and served in small portions. There were also reports of poor quality food and limited menu availability. The kitchen was noted to be closed during some stays, with signs indicating it would open soon, and guests were sometimes permitted to bring in takeaway food to eat in the bar area. For drinks, some found the selection of beers to be poor or even "undrinkable," while others appreciated the good choice of beers and ciders. Hot drink options were sometimes limited, and some beverages were served cold or spilled.

Location & Accessibility
The establishment boasts a highly central location, making it an ideal base for exploring the area. Guests consistently praise its proximity to key attractions, being within easy walking distance of the harbour, seafront, and high street. It is also conveniently located just a couple of minutes from the beach and close to local events like the Quay Fest. This prime position allows guests to access various shops, restaurants, and entertainment options effortlessly. However, parking is a significant concern for many visitors, as the hotel does not offer dedicated parking. Guests must rely on nearby public car parks, such as the Pavillion, which can be a 15-minute walk away and incur substantial daily fees. The back entrance, used outside of pub hours, is noted to be in an alleyway past dumpsters, and access codes were sometimes not provided, causing inconvenience.

Staff & Service
The staff generally receive high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness, with many guests highlighting their welcoming demeanor and positive interactions. The bar staff are often commended for their great service and creating a good atmosphere. Guests appreciate the quick check-in process and the willingness of staff to assist with luggage and other requests. However, there are isolated but strong negative reports of staff being perceived as rude or unhelpful, with some guests feeling intimidated or not being served promptly, particularly during busy periods. Instances of perceived unprofessional conduct among staff were also mentioned by a few guests. Despite these specific negative experiences, the overall sentiment points to a team that strives to provide a positive and welcoming environment for most visitors.

Additional Information
This establishment operates with a dog-friendly policy, allowing pets in the pub area until 8 PM, which is a welcome feature for many guests traveling with their companions. However, there are notable discrepancies regarding the live music schedule; while the website might indicate music only on specific days and closing times, guests reported loud music blaring until past midnight every night, which can impact sleep. Some guests also noted that the hotel's actual standard did not align with a perceived higher rating, suggesting it felt more like a two-star establishment despite external signage. A unique and unexpected feature mentioned by some guests is the presence of a parrot, which, while adding character, was also described as being very loud.