"The positives first: our room had a partial view of the Bath skyline, the TV worked, the sheets and towels were clean, and reception was friendly throughout our stay. Breakfast was also enjoyable. Service was prompt, eggs were cooked to order, and a large pot of coffee was provided. While I wouldn't describe it as exceptional, it was a solid and satisfying breakfast. FYI: We loved the meal in the outdoor patio at the Marlborough Tavern up the hill (short yet steep walk of 10 minutes).
Unfortunately, the room itself presented several issues.
Our top-floor attic room felt much smaller than expected because of the heavily slanted ceiling. The biggest problem was the heat. The room felt noticeably hotter than both the hallway and the outdoor temperature. A fan was provided, but it was not enough to keep the room comfortable. The Brooks Family should consider portable air-conditioning units or similar solutions for warmer months, as this would greatly improve the guest experience.
The room (#9) also showed signs of deferred maintenance. The desk lamp did not work, the shower light flickered, and there was a large crack in the shower tile. None of these issues are major on their own, but together they suggest rooms would benefit from more thorough inspections and repairs before being rented.
The bathroom was extremely narrow, and larger guests will find it difficult to use comfortably. The shower pressure also fell well short of the "powerful" description on the website.
Storage was surprisingly poor. There were no drawers, wardrobe, or closet. Clothing ended up on the floor, on a chair, or hanging from a small pole in the corner. Combined with limited electrical outlets, the room felt less practical than expected for multiple occupants.
Parking is a challenge as Bath is understandably highly populated with limited parking. Guests will incur additional parking costs during their stay and may need to park 1/2 mile to several miles away depending on how much you want to spend. We parked less than a mile away for an additional $27 per day so build that into your nightly rate.
Overall, we appreciated the friendly service, clean linens, partial skyline view, and good breakfast. However, the excessive heat, maintenance concerns, lack of storage, and parking challenges outweighed those positives. Brooks Guesthouse has a longstanding reputation, and with greater attention to room upkeep, guest comfort, and clearer parking information, the experience could better reflect that history.
Future guests, especially those considering attic rooms during the summer, should be aware of these potential issues before booking."
