Donington Manor Hotel & Restaurant

Donington Manor… sounds grand doesn’t it! And from the outside it also looks suitable impressive — a Tudor style building that has obviously been around a while!
I stayed here recently for an overnight stop between Glasgow & Leicester, my normal haunt being no longer available on the company scheme. So this was a bit of a punt and it sounded nice and cosy and good value albeit on a company-​negotiated discount rate.
The reception are was nice and simple with just a low desk and a helpful member of staff who guessed who I was (being the last guest to check-​in that night) and promptly sorted my room key… yes an actual key… on a key fob… like in the old days!
My room was on the top floor up a narrow staircase that was actually quite difficult to ascend with a large bag and iPhone in hand. No sign of a lift either so possibly not so good for those with limited mobility. The room itself was nice enough, very comfy cast iron framed bed and clean. The bathroom however had a door made for a child with a sign over the top saying ‘mind your head’…something I hoped to avoid for the middle of the night loo stop — especially as it was embossed in brass which would have made a nice ‘daeh rouy dnim’ imprint on my forehead if I’d forgotten.
The bathroom itself was somewhat in need of a make-​over. The shower curtain was barely hanging up, the shower itself had no instructions on how to set the temperature and just one handle to control the on/​off and temperature — and it took about 5 mins before hot water came through. The décor was tired and very 80’s and very obvious sign’s of bodged repairs all around the room.
I slept OK but was a little cold and probably should have stuck on an extra layer but hey. Breakfast was a choice of cold continentals style cereals, yoghurt, fruits, jams etc or a range of hot options cooked to order including the usual ‘Full English’ or a choice of eggs on toast or porridge and the like. Obviously in the name of research and with a long day ahead, the full english had to be checked out and it was delicious — well done chef!
So will I stay here again? Maybe I will and give them a 2^nd chance to impress me with a better standard of room. I will update my review after my next visit… for now only 3 stars as there is some room for improvement if you pardon the pun!