Name: The Old School B&B
Address: School Lane Coveney,School Lane, Ely, Ely, Ely, CB6 2DB, United Kingdom
Rating: 9

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The Old School B&B

Visited the Old School B&B on a business trip with my wife. Can't understand why some others have given this a 5-star review. Our single star is generous, and our experience is the same as the other people who have left 1-star reviews. Friendly staff and hospitable welcome, but a gross room (Room number 1). Mould around windows which left us coughing all night (and we don't even have asthma). There was even mould around the electric plug sockets (see photos). Carpets smelled of dog urine due to dogs being allowed to stay in rooms. Toilet and shower were cold and uninviting like something from a prison block. "White" towels were grey and worn out. Electrical wiring untidy and unsightly. Didn't dare get under bedclothes as the bed had dog hair in it. Spent night sleeping outside bed covers in our coats and shoes, and even then left feeling "itchy". Overall this place is a dated, run down, untidy, cluttered dump. Ok if you're a hiker with muddy boots and a dog who wants somewhere to crash for the night. Not ok if you're a business person wanting a decent place to stay overnight. Would have left and gone somewhere else, but it was too late in the day to sort anything else so just had to put up with it. We will definitely not return and would advise others against staying in this place.

Gross room. Won't return!

Having had surgery in the nearby princess of Wales hospital in Ely I was in need of somewhere comfortable to rest before driving a long distance home. We had prebooked before surgery. I couldn't of asked for anything better!! Doris the landlady was more than welcoming and very attentive to our needs. We had room 1 with a good sized en-suite stocked with many towels and many products for you to use if required. Plenty of room in around the bed and storage. Doris was very helpful with recommendations for where to eat in Ely and we did have a great meal there. Nothing is too much trouble for Doris. She made a fantastic breakfast for my husband and I using wonderful fresh farm produce, cooked full English breakfast was large and very enjoyable. Large choice of cooked or continental breakfasts, cereals. Local honey and fruit juices.
I will definitely be back to stay.
Doris is a great lady, very hospitable and lovely to talk to. 
Many thanks Doris.

Excellent stay

Doris is very welcoming and accommodating, and rather chatty.
The bedrooms were sparse and clean on the surface - but don't look at things like the skirting board....
The bathroom is fairly large, and clean-ish, but there are lots of half used toiletries around. Towels are provided, but rather worn.
The private seating are is very cluttered with stacks of crockery, as well as 4 large wicker hampers. Certainly not enough space to sir.
The breakfast room is exceptionally cluttered and messy, and the ceiling blind over the lounge area is covered in what looks to be dead flies between it and the ceiling. 
When entering through the front door, there is an unpleasant smell, and everywhere is cluttered and not clean. Lovely collection of tins on the shelves in the corridor, but very dusty...
The garden at the rear has clearly not been maintained - the duck pond did not look inviting.
On returning in the evening, the kitchen door was open, to reveal an overflowing litter bin (pizza box on the floor) and cluttered work surfaces. It certainly did not live up to the 5 rating for hygiene.
Overall, I would not recommend this B&B. Quirky yes, clean no.

Wouldn't recommend

The accommodation is not the part shown in the photograph, it was a shock to see rubbish lying around near the entrance. The room was dark, dismal and uninviting looking out on to a small untidy garden. The website suggests this "is set in an acre of gardens and horse paddocks, with splendid views across the Fens onto Ely Cathedral." This seems to imply there would be access to at least somewhere outside where one can relax, there are no facilities for dogs outside at all - you have to walk away from the premises. The side of the windows were covered in what looked like damp and mould. There were also 3 very long cobwebs hanging down from the ceiling. The bed headboard was so loose we thought it may fall off. On the whole it appears more like a farm hands living quarters than a holiday destination. We were so disappointed we didn't stay and moved on.

Disappointed

Just back from 3 nights at The Old School and it was very enjoyable. We had Room 1, it was quite spacious, plenty of hanging space and drawers and a nice firm bed. There was plenty of room for our dog's crate also and a little desk which my husband found useful for work. The en-suite was also roomy. Despite it being zero degrees outside the room was warm and comfortable. Wifi speed was also good. We were made very welcome by Doris and nothing was too much trouble. Breakfast was good and though we didn't have a full breakfast ourselves, from what others had it was very comprehensive and looked good. Doris was also very helpful with suggestions of places to visit. It was also nice to meet Tartan & Tweed two of the resident four legged family members. I would certainly recommend The Old School to anyone.

Super B&B

The Old School, a building of charm and comfort, has not only a large courtyard to park in, but also the winter garden with large breakfast room and seating area or the terrace from the unobstructed view of the original countryside of Cambridgshire, with lots of meadows, horse pairs, fences and fields to the all-encompassing Ely Cathedral. The extremely hearty recording and very personal information about everything the region has to offer, the lush, freshly cooked breakfast that is still available for long-sleepers, the mediation of horseback riding opportunities, the secret tip for visiting the restaurant from chips and fish to Aalland, the lady's stories, the minizoo and Pferden, who needs a stay there with WiFi, and then who needs a TV?

The Old School B&B

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