Ferrybridge Hotel (North Queensferry, United Kingdom)

The hotel and rooms are exceptionally clean and represent great value. Everyone is friendly and it's quite obvious that customer service and satisfaction are at the top of the list of priorities.

They state that they use a lot of local produce and ‘boy' can you tell! Breakfast is among the best you are likely to taste and there are some equally impressive ‘pub grub' type meals available later. Everything is served efficiently and with a friendly smile.

The Coastal Path entrance is opposite the hotel and heralds 100 miles of spectacular walking for huge numbers of enthusiasts. This hotel's food and refreshments couldn't be better for re-charging the batteries. It is also, of course, an ideal base from which to explore the Coastal Path and surrounding area.

It's got to the stage where substantial investment is required to bring the hotel up to scratch. Apart from poor water pressure in the showers; rooms aren't just dated, there's wallpaper hanging from the ceiling.

It seems that when a train passes through, as they do on a very regular basis, the entire village vibrates and the noise is tremendous. Best not to have a room facing the bridge if you're a light ‘sleeper' (!) ... although they do tend to stop running from late evening onwards.

There is no phone in your room so when the dodgy door lock seizes up entirely, you can't contact reception so that they can mastermind your escape!