Mercure Sheffield St Paul's Hotel & Spa

I was so incredibly disappointed to learn on check in that this hotel charges to use the pool. I have brought my kids here for treat nights now and again over the last few years and this has really taken the shine off and me question if we will return. What a shame.

A break at St Paul's is usually a real treat, however the spa (the main justification for spending extra money on a hotel stay in Sheffield) was overcrowded, swimming lessons taking place and pool overcrowded - therefore unable to have a decent swim, kids running about after the time they are allowed to be in the area, cracks in the ceilings which had simply been foamed to hide (but badly done), steam room felt dirty, lockers broken, and the experience shower (which used to have different experiences e.g. downpour, jets at the sides ... is now simply a hot/cold shower. Very disappointing half hour spent in the spa followed by a shower in my hotel room after (as the water pressure was poor). I usually feel pampered with a stay here and chill with a book for hours in the Spa area ... not this time. I really wish I hadn't booked two rooms as a special treat .. wasted money. I hope the standards improve, I used to love my time at St Paul's.

The whole staff team are a credit to the hotel and go above and beyond the call of duty. The room was great bar the very strange noise that kept me awake all night. Food was lovely as is the pool which the kids absolutely loved.

I have nothing but praise for the staff working at the hotel. They gave us a warm welcome and made our football mad son feel very special when they told him about the various clubs who have used the hotel. The pool was accessible to us to use as a family and the room was functional but very clean and the bed was huge. Great for a little family break!

The communal areas such as foyer and restaurant are very modern and attractive, but the bedrooms are dull and dated. We booked four rooms for our family and all of the rooms were cold with no way of turning the temperature up. We did complain about this and we got heaters brought into the rooms of the older people. There was a small amount of black mould in our bathroom. The rooms were very spacious though and the hotel is in a very good location.

Lovely pool, though hours of use for children are restricted. Great breakfast. Very nice staff. Huge, comfy bed.