The Quays by Greene King Inns

everything was lovely

I booked The Quays by Greene King Inns after spending a considerable amount of time comparing hotels and Airbnb properties. I specifically chose this hotel because of its attractive location and the overwhelmingly positive reviews. Sadly, my experience was the complete opposite, and I now seriously question the authenticity and reliability of many of those reviews.
This booking was for a close friend who had travelled from abroad to visit me. Naturally, I wanted him to have a comfortable and pleasant stay. Instead, I was left embarrassed and deeply disappointed.
The first shock came in the morning when my friend tried to contact his family overseas. The hotel’s Wi-Fi had stopped working, leaving him unable to communicate with them.
The second—and far more unacceptable—issue was that the bathroom contained absolutely no toiletries whatsoever. There was no hand wash, no soap, no shower gel, no shampoo—nothing at all. I have stayed in many hotels over the years, but I have never experienced a room where not a single basic toiletry was provided.
The situation became so embarrassing that I had no option but to book another nearby hotel at a cost of £110 simply so my guest could have a proper shower. Imagine paying for one hotel and then having to pay for another hotel just so your guest can take a bath. That was money completely wasted because of this hotel’s failure to provide the most basic amenities.
When I reported these issues to reception, the staff member simply apologised and explained that housekeeping was responsible for stocking the rooms and that he would pass my complaint on. While I appreciated his politeness, an apology did nothing to resolve the inconvenience, embarrassment, or additional expense I had already incurred.
I had also requested, through my Booking.com reservation notes, a room with a pleasant view if available. That request was completely ignored.

The room had an odour that I think was likely cleaning products. The headboard in the room could do with some attention.

Reception was unmanned most of the time. We had dinner 1st evening, it was ok. What put us off going back a 2nd night was a waitress brought water to a dog at a table outside, water had spilled on her hand & she let the dog lick it then proceeded to clear tables. I know she was lifting dirty dishes which was ok but when she reached for the ketchup bottle, with the hand the dog kicked, that really put us off. Basic common sense would have made her go wash her hands after touching the dog.
Breakfast was tasty but the toasters took 10 min to toast the bread. Was told it was that the voltage wasn't strong enough to run them. The hot food counter was working and it requires a lot more voltage than a basic household toasters.
Staff clocking on all came through breakfast bar & were loud. Also talking about other colleagues, very inappropriate.

Wifi did not work but I just tethered from my phone

The toilet wasn’t very clean and some of the bar staff were grumpy.

It was a hot place but pub area wasn't

Rude staff. So many mistakes made. Travellers pushed us out of bar. Kids in 18s over section. Given a key for an already occupied room. Told we didn’t have breakfast when I’d paid for it. Up all night watch our van as travellers were crashing into cars all night. No sleep and worst stay ever! Rude bar staff! Hard bed, room smelt of drains the whole time. I will never return and waiting for manager to ring me as I want a refund for the stay and food!

Unfortunately there was an odour everpresent coming from the river/marina. We cancelled plans to walk around and explore the neighbourhood.