The staff were for the most part professional, hel...

The staff were for the most part professional, helpful and friendly. The downstairs space was comfortable, but please don't get misled by the very positive comments posted online. I had tried to book into an alternative hotel nearby, but it was fully booked. The Alma Lodge seemed to have plenty of accommodation available. My room was small, not very comfortable, and noisy. I had a meal in the restaurant the first night, but for various reasons, decided I would not eat in there the next evening. I prefer to stay at a family-run hotel with traditional values, but you really have to check out the competition, because standards in the chain hotels have improved greatly and they are leaving the independents behind. I'm sorry to say that if I could find a room nearby, I wouldn't stay at the Alma Lodge again.