Novotel Cambridge North

May 3rd, 2023

Apr 30th, 2023

Lazy management, always a queue at reception, which was very slow. Rude and unempathetic receptionists - seen 3 over the weekend and all 3 were rude, and seemed allergic to help customers. 3 days and told 3 different policies about the pool. You could see the back of the eyeballs of staff when they rolled their eyes to tell you the swimming pool is full.
Apr 29th, 2023

Very much a visit of two halves... lovely modern room with everything you will need incl mini fridge, iron, and charging/ electrical sockets in lots of and convenient places, very comfortable bed and quiet - I had the best sleep I've ever had in a hotel (I think). As you come in the hotel, the decor is lovely and modern and it looks new. However, sadly, that's where the positive comments end. The staff at reception were not welcoming and I had to prompt for information, breakfast times etc. They did not look like they wanted to be there. Parking is not sign posted and I had to ask where to go, along with 2 other people who I overheard asking as I entered and left the hotel. I had specifically booked this hotel because of the pool (my daughter and I love swimming and this was a birthday treat for her). However, when we tried to enter the swimming pool with our room key, we were unable to enter. We walked the long walk to reception, only to be told that we should have booked and the pool was fully booked. I asked where did it say that and why wasn't I told when checking in. The answer was, it was a new manager policy. Again I asked why wasn't I told and could I speak to the manager. But I was told there was no manager on duty at that time. Luckily, all of a sudden they managed to find space for my daughter and me and off we went with our pool key. There was no staff anywhere to be seen in/ around the pool area. But the pool area was nice and my daughter and I had a lovely time. The next morning, breakfast was mayhem. We had to queue to be seated for about 10mins which in itself is not a big deal but when you see at least 5 tables right in front of you which are empty but have not been cleared and only 2 staff walking around, not clearing tables, you do wonder what's going on. We were finally led to our table which did not have cutlery and there were crumbs all over the seats and floor. The food selection was OK but not amazing. So although the hotel in itself is lovely, it needs more welcoming staff at reception, more staff in general at busy times at breakfast and better communication with regards to swimming pool booking procedures.
Apr 30th, 2023

In the three days I have stayed, all the receptionists appeared arrogant and unhelpful. One male receptionist in particular rolled eyes at us when he refused to let us use the swimming pool. The pool booking policy is ridiculous - you have to visit the reception which is on a different floor to the swimming pool to get the access key, and you cant even be a minute early, they will refuse to hand you the key. Other customers also shared frustrations about this policy but staff were just arrogant and assumed people recited the policy. All they need is one staff at the swimming pool to sort out logistics and offer some proper customer service. Hotel rooms have no phones to reach housekeeping or reception, so as a guest, you must walk all the way down to the reception at the lobby for the simplest request, like refilling your towel. Guests are also locked out of their rooms at 11am whilst checkout time is 12pm. Avoid this hotel.
Apr 29th, 2023