Reviewed yesterday
The Lion Hotel in Shrewsbury is, at first glance, one of the most iconic and historic properties in the town. Positioned right in the heart of Shrewsbury, it undoubtedly boasts one of the most central and convenient locations for visitors. With an 8 out of 10 rating on Hotels.com and a striking Georgian façade, one might expect a stay here to feel charming and memorable. Unfortunately, my experience was anything but.
I’m a seasoned traveller, familiar with the full range of accommodation options in Shrewsbury, from the quaint to the luxurious. And I can confidently say that the Lion Hotel is no longer worthy of the praise it seems to be coasting on.
Despite the building’s historic character, it feels more like a neglected care home than a proud heritage hotel. There’s been no substantial renovation in decades. The carpets are threadbare, the furniture dated, and the air heavy with the mustiness of neglect. One of my first impressions—sadly accurate—was that the hotel is riddled with carpet moths. Throughout my two-night stay, I encountered them repeatedly in the stairwells and common areas.
My room was clean in a basic sense, but incredibly sparse in amenities. There was no iron, no ironing board, and little to make the room feel comfortable or even up to standard. The bed was tired and lumpy, and the only “luxury” was a functional bathroom. Returning to the hotel after dinner one evening, I was met with a locked front entrance and told to access the hot
