North West Castle Hotel
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Summary of reviewsNorth West Castle Hotel enjoys a high reputation for its prime location, exceptional service and diverse amenities. Its picturesque setting overlooking Loch Ryan and proximity to ferry terminals make it a convenient choice for travelers. Guests appreciate the short distance to Stranraer's town center, local attractions and public transportation options, further enhancing their stay. The overall convenience and centrality of the hotel are frequently praised.
Breakfast experiences are largely positive with many commending the variety and quality of the cooked options, particularly the Scottish fry-up. The welcoming and professional morning staff contribute significantly to the pleasant dining experience. Although some guests note areas for improvement with the continental buffet and service speed, the general consensus is that breakfast is substantial and enjoyable.
The dinner service receives exceptional praise for its quality and presentation. Guests highlight the diverse menu options and superb taste with the spacious and elegant dining room adding to the experience. While some note limited options and occasional service lapses, the overall dining experience is highly regarded.
Room reviews depict North West Castle Hotel as spacious, clean and comfortable, despite a dated décor and occasional maintenance issues. The generally spotless environment and well-appointed rooms make for a cozy stay, though modernization efforts would further enhance guest satisfaction.
Cleanliness across the hotel is commendable with both private and public areas well-maintained. Some mention that certain facilities, such as bathrooms and the pool, may require updates. However, housekeeping efforts are mostly effective, contributing to a pleasant atmosphere.
The staff is universally praised for their friendliness, helpfulness and professionalism. Many guests cite personal interactions that significantly improved their stay, underscoring the positive impact of the hotel's team.
The hotel’s facilities, including the gym and pool, receive favorable comments. The pool is especially noted for its cleanliness and ample hours of operation, despite some mentions of needed upgrades. The gym is appreciated for its equipment and availability and the curling rink offers a unique activity for guests.
Parking is plentiful and convenient with free, well-lit spaces available, adding to the hotel's accessibility. The inclusion of an electric car charger is an added bonus for guests.
North West Castle Hotel is particularly family-friendly, offering spacious rooms and activities like the pool and curling rink that delight children. The family-oriented approach, quiet location and supportive staff make it an excellent choice for family stays.
While feedback on bed comfort is mixed with some guests finding their beds very comfortable and others less so, the overall experience remains positive. The varied feedback suggests some inconsistency that could be addressed to enhance guest comfort uniformly.
As a three-star establishment, North West Castle Hotel meets expectations with its services and accommodations, providing a satisfactory and value-for-money experience for guests.Overall, the North West Castle Hotel delivers a charming blend of comfort, convenience and friendly service, making it a highly recommended choice for travelers.
Categories
Breakfast experiences are largely positive with many commending the variety and quality of the cooked options, particularly the Scottish fry-up. The welcoming and professional morning staff contribute significantly to the pleasant dining experience. Although some guests note areas for improvement with the continental buffet and service speed, the general consensus is that breakfast is substantial and enjoyable.
The dinner service receives exceptional praise for its quality and presentation. Guests highlight the diverse menu options and superb taste with the spacious and elegant dining room adding to the experience. While some note limited options and occasional service lapses, the overall dining experience is highly regarded.
Room reviews depict North West Castle Hotel as spacious, clean and comfortable, despite a dated décor and occasional maintenance issues. The generally spotless environment and well-appointed rooms make for a cozy stay, though modernization efforts would further enhance guest satisfaction.
Cleanliness across the hotel is commendable with both private and public areas well-maintained. Some mention that certain facilities, such as bathrooms and the pool, may require updates. However, housekeeping efforts are mostly effective, contributing to a pleasant atmosphere.
The staff is universally praised for their friendliness, helpfulness and professionalism. Many guests cite personal interactions that significantly improved their stay, underscoring the positive impact of the hotel's team.
The hotel’s facilities, including the gym and pool, receive favorable comments. The pool is especially noted for its cleanliness and ample hours of operation, despite some mentions of needed upgrades. The gym is appreciated for its equipment and availability and the curling rink offers a unique activity for guests.
Parking is plentiful and convenient with free, well-lit spaces available, adding to the hotel's accessibility. The inclusion of an electric car charger is an added bonus for guests.
North West Castle Hotel is particularly family-friendly, offering spacious rooms and activities like the pool and curling rink that delight children. The family-oriented approach, quiet location and supportive staff make it an excellent choice for family stays.
While feedback on bed comfort is mixed with some guests finding their beds very comfortable and others less so, the overall experience remains positive. The varied feedback suggests some inconsistency that could be addressed to enhance guest comfort uniformly.
As a three-star establishment, North West Castle Hotel meets expectations with its services and accommodations, providing a satisfactory and value-for-money experience for guests.Overall, the North West Castle Hotel delivers a charming blend of comfort, convenience and friendly service, making it a highly recommended choice for travelers.
Family Friendly Hotel
Dog Friendly Hotel
Hotel near Nightlife Spots
Hotel with Swimming Pool
Indoor Pool
Business Hotel
Hotel with Parking
Cheap Hotel
Accessible Hotel
Hotel with Gym
3-Star Hotel
Hotel with Indoor Pool
Guest Reviews
'North West Castle Hotel' boasts a prime location that consistently receives high praise from guests. Its positioning overlooking Loch Ryan provides spectacular views and easy access to the beach, making it a beautiful and serene spot to stay. Many reviewers highlight the hotel's proximity to the ferry terminals, including those for the Cairnryan Ferry to Belfast, making it an ideal choice for travelers catching an early morning or mid-morning ferry to Northern Ireland.
Convenience is a recurring theme in the reviews, as the hotel is well-situated near the town center of Stranraer. Guests appreciate the short walking distance to shops, pubs, restaurants and local attractions, enhancing the overall travel experience. The hotel's closeness to public transportation, including bus and train services, adds another layer of accessibility for visitors.
In addition to its strategic location for ferry travel, 'North West Castle Hotel' is noted for its easy parking and good onsite facilities. The hotel provides a great base for exploring nearby sights such as Logan Botanical Gardens and Castle Kenny Gardens, making it attractive for both transit and leisure stays.
Overall, the hotel's location is praised as perfect, excellent and ideal for various needs, from catching ferries to exploring the town and nearby scenic routes. The combination of beautiful views, convenience and centrality makes 'North West Castle Hotel' a highly recommended choice for travelers.
When it comes to breakfast at the North West Castle Hotel, guest reviews reflect a variety of experiences, leaning largely positive but with some notable areas for improvement. The buffet selection is often described as good with many praising the tasty and well-cooked offerings and a substantial number of guests commending the range of options and the "excellent" nature of the breakfast. Friendly and professional staff also enhance the dining experience for many with the service being a highlight for some.
Guests frequently mention that the cooked breakfast is a standout, often described as delicious and freshly made to order. The Scottish fry-up, in particular, garners positive remarks, along with the hearty portions that effectively set guests up for their day. The comfortable dining environment, complete with good service, adds to the overall enjoyment.
However, a few guests note that the continental buffet can be limited and mention isolated incidents of breakfast items not meeting expectations, such as cold eggs or less-than-ideal sausages. Some guests found the offerings repetitive or lacking in variety. There are also mentions of slow service and minor shortcomings like missing items or orders not being executed as requested. Despite these occasional criticisms, the overall sentiment is that breakfast at the North West Castle Hotel is generally satisfactory with many delighted by the ample and appetizing meals they received.
The dining experience at North West Castle Hotel receives high praise from guests. Many reviews highlight the excellent quality of the food with phrases like "dinner was excellent," "delicious evening meal," and "food was amazing" frequently mentioned. Guests consistently found the dinner to be very tasty, well-presented and freshly cooked. The dining room is described as spacious and elegant, enhanced by white table covers and attentive waitresses.
Several reviews commend the food's variety, noting a wide dinner menu that accommodates most tastes, including good options for those requiring gluten-free meals. The meal presentations and taste were often described as superb and exceptional, contributing to the overall satisfaction. Additionally, the curling bar's atmosphere and the quality of evening meals there were particularly sumptuous.
However, there are occasional mentions of limited menu options and less favorable dining experiences, such as meals that were dry but still tasty or service that didn't meet some guests' expectations. Despite these few critiques, the vast majority of guests would definitely eat at the hotel again, attesting to the overall positive dining experience at North West Castle Hotel.
The reviews of North West Castle Hotel provide a thorough depiction of what to expect from the rooms. Guests frequently highlight the spaciousness and comfort of the accommodations with many mentioning that the rooms are bright, airy and well-appointed. Cleanliness is a common praise point, as numerous reviews note that rooms were spotless and tidy.
However, it's evident that the hotel has a somewhat dated feel with multiple comments suggesting that the rooms and their furniture are old-fashioned and could benefit from upgrades and modernization. Some rooms have had specific issues such as heating problems, tired décor and minor maintenance issues like non-functional wall lights or single-glazed windows letting in drafts.
Despite these points, guests seem to appreciate the overall comfort and size of the rooms, often describing them as large and cozy. There are also mentions of rooms being well-equipped for family stays with ample space to meet various needs. Some even enjoyed beautiful views from their windows, adding a pleasant aspect to their stay.
Although a few isolated reviews point out cleanliness shortfalls and the need for refurbishment, the general consensus portrays the rooms as comfortable, clean and decent in size, albeit with a slightly nostalgic charm that might not appeal to everyone seeking modern aesthetics. This mixture of spacious comfort and dated decor offers a unique and varied experience for guests at North West Castle Hotel.
The North West Castle Hotel offers varied experiences when it comes to bed comfort with guest feedback reflecting a mix of impressions. Many visitors reported a positive experience, describing the beds as comfortable, very comfortable, comfy and even super comfy. Multiple reviews highlighted the large, roomy and comfortable nature of the beds, often noting the quality of sleep they enjoyed.
However, it's clear that bed comfort isn't consistent across the board. Several guests found the beds either too soft, too hard or in some cases, uncomfortable. There were mentions of mattresses that felt like wooden boards, sagged in the middle or were rock solid. Pillows also received mixed reviews; some guests found them comfortable, while others found them too plump or terrible.
Despite these inconsistencies, a significant number of visitors still enjoyed a comfortable night's sleep and appreciated the clean and spacious room environments. Overall, while the hotel seems to prioritize comfort, there appears to be room for improvement in ensuring all guests have a consistently restful experience.
North West Castle Hotel receives commendable feedback for its cleanliness, consistently highlighted by guests. Accommodations and public spaces are routinely described as clean and well-kept. Rooms, in particular, are often noted as clean, comfortable and immaculately maintained. The overall property is frequently praised for its tidiness and impressive cleanliness standards.
However, some guests indicate that the hotel and its furnishings are somewhat dated with certain areas like the bathrooms and pool requiring updates and deeper cleaning. Specific issues, such as dust in rooms, cobwebs and mildew in bathrooms, were mentioned occasionally. Housekeeping services were generally effective, though there were isolated complaints about unclean rooms and certain neglected details like dirty carpets and rusty fittings.
In summary, while North West Castle Hotel is largely perceived as spotless and very clean, its aging decor and some cleanliness oversights suggest it could benefit from modernization and more thorough maintenance.
The staff at North West Castle Hotel consistently receive high praise from guests with numerous reviews highlighting their exceptional friendliness, helpfulness and professionalism. Descriptors such as friendly, lovely, fantastic, welcoming and superb are frequently mentioned, demonstrating a pervasive level of warmth and efficiency across various roles within the hotel, from reception to the bar and restaurant. Guests often call out individual staff members for their helpfulness and attentiveness, suggesting a personal touch to the service offered. Despite a few isolated comments regarding less positive experiences, the overall sentiment towards the staff is overwhelmingly positive with many guests emphasizing that their interactions with the team significantly enhanced their stay at the hotel.
North West Castle Hotel offers good wifi throughout much of the building with effective performance noted in common areas. Guests can take advantage of wifi and parking availability during their stay. However, the wifi quality can be inconsistent, particularly in the guest rooms, where many have reported weak or poor connections. Internet access in common areas appears reliable, but improvements in room-specific wifi would enhance the overall experience.
The North West Castle Hotel features a gym with various facilities available for guests. The gym has received positive feedback with some reviewers describing it as great and good. In addition to the gym, the hotel offers a nice indoor pool and the unique opportunity to watch curling on the attached ice rink. While not all reviews mentioned the gym, those that did generally spoke favorably about it and the fitness room. The gym equipment and overall availability contribute to a satisfactory fitness experience for visitors.
The North West Castle Hotel has garnered considerable praise for its pool with many guests noting it to be a standout feature of their stay. Visitors frequently described the pool area as clean and well-maintained, providing a relaxing environment to unwind. The pool's extended hours, often until 9 PM, were appreciated, offering flexibility for guests' schedules. Many found the pool to be lovely, excellent and a highlight of their visit with some mentioning it was nicely heated and comfortable in size.
However, there were a few areas for improvement. Several guests noted that the pool could use some upgrades, describing it as dated and in need of a deep clean. There were mentions of a musty smell and occasional overcrowding, which detracted from the overall experience for some. Additionally, the sauna was not always operational.
Despite these minor drawbacks, the consensus remains positive with many guests enjoying their time in the pool and finding it to be a valuable addition to their stay at the hotel.
North West Castle Hotel is generally well-regarded for its parking amenities with many guests highlighting the abundance and convenience of spaces available on site. The parking is free and ample, catering to both cars and motorcycles. Reviews frequently mention that the parking lot is spacious and well-lit, providing a sense of security. The addition of an electric car charger further adds to the convenience. Although some noted tight spaces or initial confusion when lots filled up for events, the overall sentiment is that the parking is easy, accessible and a great value for money.
The North West Castle Hotel receives high praise for its family-friendly atmosphere and services, making it a great choice for a family stay. Guests appreciate the spacious family rooms, which can comfortably accommodate parents and children. The hotel’s beautiful building adds to the overall enchanting experience with one guest noting that their young grandson felt like he was staying in a real castle.
Children particularly enjoy the swimming pool with many reviewers highlighting how much fun their kids had. The hotel also offers facilities for children, including child buggy assistance and a packed breakfast, which contribute to a hassle-free stay for families.
The hotel’s quiet location is an added bonus, providing a peaceful retreat for guests. Moreover, the curling rink is a standout feature that families enjoy, adding a unique activity to their stay. The friendly and welcoming staff further enhance the experience, ensuring that every family member feels comfortable and valued.
Overall, North West Castle Hotel is a wonderful, family-run establishment that is highly recommended for families seeking good value for money and a pleasant, activity-filled stay.
The North West Castle Hotel has earned recognition for being a solid three-star establishment. Guests affirm that the hotel lives up to its rating with fitting accommodations and services, ensuring a satisfactory experience for those seeking a pleasant stay. Many praise the hotel for being a perfectly acceptable and reasonable option, emphasizing its good value for money.
One standout feature is the hotel's restaurant, which some guests argue feels more like a four-star dining experience. Additionally, the hotel is praised for its character and wonderful location, offering a touch of classic charm that many visitors appreciate. Despite the overall décor and finish being described as dated by several reviewers, this doesn't seem to significantly detract from their overall enjoyment.
However, opinions on the hotel's condition are mixed; while some guests describe it as a delightful old-fashioned establishment exuding pure old school class, others feel that it does not quite meet the standards expected of a typical three-star hotel. Despite this, the general consensus leans towards satisfaction, highlighting the hotel’s consistent attention to detail and overall pleasant experience for a three-star stay.
Guests of North West Castle Hotel generally appreciated its efforts to accommodate individuals with disabilities. Many highlighted the availability of large, wheelchair-accessible rooms and noted the presence of accessible facilities, including helpful installations such as rails for showering. The hotel’s provision of wheelchairs and accessible lifts also garnered positive remarks, though some observed these lifts to be rather small and showing signs of wear. Additional praise was directed towards the hotel’s easy room access and the excellent accessibility for children, including baby-friendly amenities and pram access. However, a few reviewers pointed out areas for improvement, such as the absence of walk-in showers, the beneficial potential of ramps and the lack of high chairs. Overall, the hotel was commended for its wheelchair-friendly environment and commitment to accessibility.
The North West Castle Hotel offers an indoor pool that guests frequently appreciate for its quality and the additional facilities it provides. Many reviews highlight the pool as excellent and good-sized, often mentioning the added benefit of a jacuzzi and a sauna, enhancing the overall experience. Visitors enjoyed the pool and hot tub, noting that they are operational even in the evening, which adds convenience for those looking to unwind after a busy day. The indoor pool also received praise for being a nice and enjoyable aspect of the hotel stay.
However, some guests did note that the pool area is dated and could benefit from an update. Specific concerns were raised about the cleanliness of the pool tiles around the perimeter, indicating that maintenance could be improved. Despite these minor issues, many guests still found the pool facilities to be a brilliant feature of the hotel, contributing positively to their overall visit.
The North West Castle Hotel has garnered significant praise for its dog-friendly accommodations and services. Guests repeatedly highlight the hotel’s welcoming attitude towards pets with dogs not only allowed but made to feel genuinely welcome. The hotel provides specific dog-friendly rooms that have been well-received by pet owners. Additionally, there are plenty of dog-friendly areas around the hotel, including separate dining spaces where guests can enjoy meals with their pets close by.
The hotel’s willingness to accommodate pets of all sizes, from little dogs to larger breeds, is particularly appreciated. Many guests noted the ease with which the hotel handles canine visitors, ensuring that both the pets and their owners have a comfortable stay. The presence of dedicated spaces and multiple walk opportunities further enhances the experience for dogs and their owners.
However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. Dogs are not permitted in the main dining area, which might require some planning for meals. Additionally, some guests were disappointed by the extra charge for bringing their dogs and occasional disturbances from barking.
Overall, North West Castle Hotel stands out as a great option for travelers with pets, warmly supporting dog lovers and providing an environment where dogs can enjoy their stay just as much as their human companions.
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Location
Convenience is a recurring theme in the reviews, as the hotel is well-situated near the town center of Stranraer. Guests appreciate the short walking distance to shops, pubs, restaurants and local attractions, enhancing the overall travel experience. The hotel's closeness to public transportation, including bus and train services, adds another layer of accessibility for visitors.
In addition to its strategic location for ferry travel, 'North West Castle Hotel' is noted for its easy parking and good onsite facilities. The hotel provides a great base for exploring nearby sights such as Logan Botanical Gardens and Castle Kenny Gardens, making it attractive for both transit and leisure stays.
Overall, the hotel's location is praised as perfect, excellent and ideal for various needs, from catching ferries to exploring the town and nearby scenic routes. The combination of beautiful views, convenience and centrality makes 'North West Castle Hotel' a highly recommended choice for travelers.
Breakfast
Guests frequently mention that the cooked breakfast is a standout, often described as delicious and freshly made to order. The Scottish fry-up, in particular, garners positive remarks, along with the hearty portions that effectively set guests up for their day. The comfortable dining environment, complete with good service, adds to the overall enjoyment.
However, a few guests note that the continental buffet can be limited and mention isolated incidents of breakfast items not meeting expectations, such as cold eggs or less-than-ideal sausages. Some guests found the offerings repetitive or lacking in variety. There are also mentions of slow service and minor shortcomings like missing items or orders not being executed as requested. Despite these occasional criticisms, the overall sentiment is that breakfast at the North West Castle Hotel is generally satisfactory with many delighted by the ample and appetizing meals they received.
Dinner
Several reviews commend the food's variety, noting a wide dinner menu that accommodates most tastes, including good options for those requiring gluten-free meals. The meal presentations and taste were often described as superb and exceptional, contributing to the overall satisfaction. Additionally, the curling bar's atmosphere and the quality of evening meals there were particularly sumptuous.
However, there are occasional mentions of limited menu options and less favorable dining experiences, such as meals that were dry but still tasty or service that didn't meet some guests' expectations. Despite these few critiques, the vast majority of guests would definitely eat at the hotel again, attesting to the overall positive dining experience at North West Castle Hotel.
Rooms
However, it's evident that the hotel has a somewhat dated feel with multiple comments suggesting that the rooms and their furniture are old-fashioned and could benefit from upgrades and modernization. Some rooms have had specific issues such as heating problems, tired décor and minor maintenance issues like non-functional wall lights or single-glazed windows letting in drafts.
Despite these points, guests seem to appreciate the overall comfort and size of the rooms, often describing them as large and cozy. There are also mentions of rooms being well-equipped for family stays with ample space to meet various needs. Some even enjoyed beautiful views from their windows, adding a pleasant aspect to their stay.
Although a few isolated reviews point out cleanliness shortfalls and the need for refurbishment, the general consensus portrays the rooms as comfortable, clean and decent in size, albeit with a slightly nostalgic charm that might not appeal to everyone seeking modern aesthetics. This mixture of spacious comfort and dated decor offers a unique and varied experience for guests at North West Castle Hotel.
Beds
However, it's clear that bed comfort isn't consistent across the board. Several guests found the beds either too soft, too hard or in some cases, uncomfortable. There were mentions of mattresses that felt like wooden boards, sagged in the middle or were rock solid. Pillows also received mixed reviews; some guests found them comfortable, while others found them too plump or terrible.
Despite these inconsistencies, a significant number of visitors still enjoyed a comfortable night's sleep and appreciated the clean and spacious room environments. Overall, while the hotel seems to prioritize comfort, there appears to be room for improvement in ensuring all guests have a consistently restful experience.
Cleanliness
However, some guests indicate that the hotel and its furnishings are somewhat dated with certain areas like the bathrooms and pool requiring updates and deeper cleaning. Specific issues, such as dust in rooms, cobwebs and mildew in bathrooms, were mentioned occasionally. Housekeeping services were generally effective, though there were isolated complaints about unclean rooms and certain neglected details like dirty carpets and rusty fittings.
In summary, while North West Castle Hotel is largely perceived as spotless and very clean, its aging decor and some cleanliness oversights suggest it could benefit from modernization and more thorough maintenance.
Staff
Wi-Fi
Gym
Pool
However, there were a few areas for improvement. Several guests noted that the pool could use some upgrades, describing it as dated and in need of a deep clean. There were mentions of a musty smell and occasional overcrowding, which detracted from the overall experience for some. Additionally, the sauna was not always operational.
Despite these minor drawbacks, the consensus remains positive with many guests enjoying their time in the pool and finding it to be a valuable addition to their stay at the hotel.
Parking
Family
Children particularly enjoy the swimming pool with many reviewers highlighting how much fun their kids had. The hotel also offers facilities for children, including child buggy assistance and a packed breakfast, which contribute to a hassle-free stay for families.
The hotel’s quiet location is an added bonus, providing a peaceful retreat for guests. Moreover, the curling rink is a standout feature that families enjoy, adding a unique activity to their stay. The friendly and welcoming staff further enhance the experience, ensuring that every family member feels comfortable and valued.
Overall, North West Castle Hotel is a wonderful, family-run establishment that is highly recommended for families seeking good value for money and a pleasant, activity-filled stay.
3 Star
One standout feature is the hotel's restaurant, which some guests argue feels more like a four-star dining experience. Additionally, the hotel is praised for its character and wonderful location, offering a touch of classic charm that many visitors appreciate. Despite the overall décor and finish being described as dated by several reviewers, this doesn't seem to significantly detract from their overall enjoyment.
However, opinions on the hotel's condition are mixed; while some guests describe it as a delightful old-fashioned establishment exuding pure old school class, others feel that it does not quite meet the standards expected of a typical three-star hotel. Despite this, the general consensus leans towards satisfaction, highlighting the hotel’s consistent attention to detail and overall pleasant experience for a three-star stay.
Accessible
Indoor Pool
However, some guests did note that the pool area is dated and could benefit from an update. Specific concerns were raised about the cleanliness of the pool tiles around the perimeter, indicating that maintenance could be improved. Despite these minor issues, many guests still found the pool facilities to be a brilliant feature of the hotel, contributing positively to their overall visit.
Dog Friendly
The hotel’s willingness to accommodate pets of all sizes, from little dogs to larger breeds, is particularly appreciated. Many guests noted the ease with which the hotel handles canine visitors, ensuring that both the pets and their owners have a comfortable stay. The presence of dedicated spaces and multiple walk opportunities further enhances the experience for dogs and their owners.
However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. Dogs are not permitted in the main dining area, which might require some planning for meals. Additionally, some guests were disappointed by the extra charge for bringing their dogs and occasional disturbances from barking.
Overall, North West Castle Hotel stands out as a great option for travelers with pets, warmly supporting dog lovers and providing an environment where dogs can enjoy their stay just as much as their human companions.
Yes, North West Castle Hotel has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Indoor Pool.
No, a spa isn't available at North West Castle Hotel.
Yes, North West Castle Hotel welcomes dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at North West Castle Hotel.
Yes, North West Castle Hotel has a gym.
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