Well-known pub operator J D Wetherspoon boasts more than 800 establishments nationwide, with many occupying repurposed banks or picture houses. Whilst most adhere to typical licensing hours, shutting their doors around 11pm, a select few allow punters to stay overnight. Some 55 Wetherspoons locations feature pocket-sized hotels, providing amenities comparable to budget accommodation providers like Travelodge and Premier Inn. In certain instances, the offerings actually surpass those of competitors, according to YouTubers Ashley McCarthy and Kelsey Lewis, who explored their local ‘Spoons lodgings at the Wyndham Arms in Bridgend
The duo revealed on their Ash and Kels channel that their quarters exceeded expectations, boasting thoughtful touches absent from competing chains, including hot chocolate alongside the standard tea and coffee provisions. Particularly astutely, given the room’s position directly above a drinking establishment, Wetherspoons provided complimentary bottled water. They were especially taken aback by the remarkably modest breakfast pricing: “Where are you getting a breakfast for £3.79 in the UK these days?” Ash marvelled.
The compact 26-room establishment sits atop the pub, yet Ash and Kels were astonished by the hotel’s acoustic insulation effectively dividing the two spaces. Notwithstanding the Wyndham Arms experiencing a hectic pre-New Year surge, once the pair shut the connecting stairwell door, “Straight away the noise of the pub is gone,” Ash said.
There were a couple of minor drawbacks, Ashley revealed to Wales Online. Upon returning to their quarters following dinner, the temperature was rather nippy, and the absence of windows meant the space could become quite airless during warmer weather.
Ashley, 30, also found himself somewhat baffled by the clashing floor covering: “One half of the carpet is a swirly pattern, and the other half of the carpet has a striped pattern. They should just have one or the other,” he remarked, “all just swirly or all just striped. I’m just not a fan.”
For all their meals, Ash and Kels headed down to the establishment’s pub. Ash was thoroughly pleased with his curry, whilst Kelsey savoured her sausage and mash despite one small issue she chose to overlook.
With all the additional items factored in, the pair spent under £30 on their evening dining experience: “All this food that we’ve just had came to £29. I feel like for £29, you’re getting just one main meal in some restaurants,” Ashley observed.
Come morning, they returned to the pub for their first meal of the day. “I have seen people complain that the bacon is cold,” Ashley noted. He acknowledged that his wasn’t particularly hot either.
However, considering the reasonable cost, they believed it would be petty to fuss over trivial matters: “Ah well. Paid £3, can’t really complain,” Kelsey remarked, taking a pragmatic view. Overall, the duo were impressed with the value for money at the Wetherspoons hotel.
Ash stated: “It cost us £55 for one night,” and added, “Now, considering that’s between Christmas and New Year, that’s an absolute bargain, but I think it’s around that price anyway, which is really good.”
