With thanks to @klempner69 who made me aware that this place was now doable following the traveler invasion this place recently had.
HISTORY
This hotel, on the outskirts of Swindon, closed in March 2013 after its owner ran into money problems. That’s not really too surprising, here’s the first three reviews on Trip Advisor:
“No hot water, broken lights, smelt of drugs, very run down hotel. Could be such a nice hotel if it was looked after. What I’m guessing was the manager walked behind the desk when I checked out, he was wearing some dirty trackie bottoms but acted like he was in charge, this was not very professional! Would never use this...”
“We booked Christmas Day dinner at the Ivy. We all enjoyed our starters and desserts but the main course was not very nice because of the following reasons: The turkey was tasteless, dry and more dark meat than breast was served and there was not enough vegetables There was no extra gravy, just what was on the plate...”
“Stayed here, as it seemed impressive from the website - BUT oh my god. The staff where rude, the food poor and the general condition of the hotel was dirty. The conservatory was a miss match of grubby furniture, with the rooms dated and very noisy. The staff's main aim was to finish for...”
There lots more bad reviews on Trip Advisor, the funniest one from the couple who booked a romantic Valentine’s Day meal together and given a table with err one chair. It then gets much worse. I have to admit I do enjoy laughing at other people’s misfortune.
Anyways not only that, but in 2012 the hotel was fined £1265 for not providing information to Wiltshire Fire and Rescue. I could say that business must had been poor at this hotel as me thinks very few people would choose to go on holiday to Swindon.
Anyways the hotel has been standing empty for a few years. It was reported last summer in the local rag that people were seen carting away kitchen equipment and the police gave chase. But somehow those responsible were not caught. So even if loaded with an industrial sized dishwasher, you can still outrun Wilts police it seems.
Earlier this year, the Ivy Hotel was invaded by travelers. They were quickly moved on, only to then establish base at a nearby car park.
Having read the above Trip Advisor reviews I can only assume that the owner of the Ivy Hotel is now running the very dodgy hotel in Tunisia that my family had the misery of staying in recently.
REPORT
The facade of the hotel, covered in ivy
At the back there's a more modern extension
A safe lies in the car park, which makes me think if somebody tried to run off with it
Inside a conservatory links the old and the new parts of the hotel. It is assumed that the mess in here is from the squatters who lived in the hotel back in 2013/4
Heading to the old part, we reach reception. Have no idea why the car battery is checking into the hotel.
Next to reception was a room marked as the library. The book collection was very disappointing
And then to the bar/restaurant area
And to the kitchens
Time to head upstairs
The front two bedrooms were the more expensive luxurious rooms with four-poster beds. The decor was naff though. The Ritz this is not.
A random selection of the 30 or so bedrooms
Had a quick look in attic, and was surprised to see no piping. Those pesky metal fairies again
Random things found in the bedroom
Somebody's job application (with lots of grammar and spelling errors)
Can I just take the opportunity to boast that my porn collection is much bigger than this stash found under a bed
Somebody was stilling working on their 1961 tax return
I didn't like the dinner service set used in the restaurant. Glad I never took the wife here for a romantic meal
Finally across the car park, a separate building was used for weddings and event hire.
a huge pile of post on the doorstep
Just before I go, I want to make an appeal to the "artist" who drew this on the roof:
I couldn't help noticing but your right testicle is double the size of your left testicle. This is an indication of testicular cancer and it's advised that you see your GP soonest. Take Uncle Bertie's advise please.
HISTORY
This hotel, on the outskirts of Swindon, closed in March 2013 after its owner ran into money problems. That’s not really too surprising, here’s the first three reviews on Trip Advisor:
“No hot water, broken lights, smelt of drugs, very run down hotel. Could be such a nice hotel if it was looked after. What I’m guessing was the manager walked behind the desk when I checked out, he was wearing some dirty trackie bottoms but acted like he was in charge, this was not very professional! Would never use this...”
“We booked Christmas Day dinner at the Ivy. We all enjoyed our starters and desserts but the main course was not very nice because of the following reasons: The turkey was tasteless, dry and more dark meat than breast was served and there was not enough vegetables There was no extra gravy, just what was on the plate...”
“Stayed here, as it seemed impressive from the website - BUT oh my god. The staff where rude, the food poor and the general condition of the hotel was dirty. The conservatory was a miss match of grubby furniture, with the rooms dated and very noisy. The staff's main aim was to finish for...”
There lots more bad reviews on Trip Advisor, the funniest one from the couple who booked a romantic Valentine’s Day meal together and given a table with err one chair. It then gets much worse. I have to admit I do enjoy laughing at other people’s misfortune.
Anyways not only that, but in 2012 the hotel was fined £1265 for not providing information to Wiltshire Fire and Rescue. I could say that business must had been poor at this hotel as me thinks very few people would choose to go on holiday to Swindon.
Anyways the hotel has been standing empty for a few years. It was reported last summer in the local rag that people were seen carting away kitchen equipment and the police gave chase. But somehow those responsible were not caught. So even if loaded with an industrial sized dishwasher, you can still outrun Wilts police it seems.
Earlier this year, the Ivy Hotel was invaded by travelers. They were quickly moved on, only to then establish base at a nearby car park.
Having read the above Trip Advisor reviews I can only assume that the owner of the Ivy Hotel is now running the very dodgy hotel in Tunisia that my family had the misery of staying in recently.
REPORT
The facade of the hotel, covered in ivy
At the back there's a more modern extension
A safe lies in the car park, which makes me think if somebody tried to run off with it
Inside a conservatory links the old and the new parts of the hotel. It is assumed that the mess in here is from the squatters who lived in the hotel back in 2013/4
Heading to the old part, we reach reception. Have no idea why the car battery is checking into the hotel.
Next to reception was a room marked as the library. The book collection was very disappointing
And then to the bar/restaurant area
And to the kitchens
Time to head upstairs
The front two bedrooms were the more expensive luxurious rooms with four-poster beds. The decor was naff though. The Ritz this is not.
A random selection of the 30 or so bedrooms
Had a quick look in attic, and was surprised to see no piping. Those pesky metal fairies again
Random things found in the bedroom
Somebody's job application (with lots of grammar and spelling errors)
Can I just take the opportunity to boast that my porn collection is much bigger than this stash found under a bed
Somebody was stilling working on their 1961 tax return
I didn't like the dinner service set used in the restaurant. Glad I never took the wife here for a romantic meal
Finally across the car park, a separate building was used for weddings and event hire.
a huge pile of post on the doorstep
Just before I go, I want to make an appeal to the "artist" who drew this on the roof:
I couldn't help noticing but your right testicle is double the size of your left testicle. This is an indication of testicular cancer and it's advised that you see your GP soonest. Take Uncle Bertie's advise please.
