Hotel O Ieper

I visited this hotel after reading many reviews on here and wondering what I had booked. On the 11th hour, I considered cancelling and just checking into the Novotel whatever the cost; as what I had booked seemed awful. My experience was so different from what the previous reviews state. Upon arrival the lovely lady on reception made us all feel more than welcome and did her best to accommodate our group (5 rooms) all close together. After leaving the reception and arriving on the first floor, I must admit I was overwhelmed with the sense of dark and dinginess that the décor offered. It appears that this hotel under its previous tenure was 'Military Themed' and as a result the walls are painted a dull and uninspiring military green. Upon entrance to my room (112) whilst still painted dark green, with an awful wall paper trying to depict the trenches, I was surprised by the spaciousness and level of comfort. First impressions where grim, and I must admit a lick of paint with a brighter more ambient feel would do the place a world of good. The bedroom and bathroom were all of a good size and the bed was the comfiest I have ever stayed in. We had a safe, coffee 'pod' type machine, fridge, TV and decently stocked hospitality tray, more than I have ever been given as standard in much better graded accommodation. The décor despite not being my personal choice proved good, as with the black out blinds it was dark even after daybreak and I cannot fault the two nights sleep I had here. I feel asleep straight away and had two comfortable nights. The hotel did not cost us anything (relatively speaking), yes it would not have been my choice, but for a budget stay what more could I want. Comfy bed, hot and cold running water and decent breakfast in a light and airy dining room. The staff were lovely, the room great and location almost unrivalled. We stayed central Ypres (50 yards from the Cloth Hall) and paid a rate which didn't even come close the facilities and the location we were provided with. Yes this hotel is rough around the edges, I have every confidence that is very much work in progress however the room rate more than reflects this. Its comfy, clean, gave us a good breakfast and was the ideal base. Please do not look at the reviews and think what I did. This place is a gem. We will be visiting again and Hotel O will be the place we book. My only negative, and this is beyond the hotels control is the level of noise early in the morning. On the Monday at 0515hrs I experienced two dustcarts back-to-back which woke me upset my sleep. The second morning Tuesday I experience another dust cart which again arrived with an horrendous noise. Room 112 is the first floor 'front of house' and as such you can only expect the noise as the town wakes up around you. My 5 blob review is honest and true. Its not the flawless experience you may expect, but it is not pretending to be five star and we did not pay five star prices. Good honest accommodation with lovely caring hosts and good breakfast. Thanks Neil and Hotel O - see you soon (If your really lucky we won't bring Dick)