THE STIFFORD CLAYS B and B Farmhouse has been branded “the worst hotel in Britain” by a number of people who claimed to have stayed there.
Disgusted customers have made their feelings known by writing reviews on the website Tripadvisor.
The grade 2 listed farmhouse can be found along a small track around half a mile east of the Stifford junction.
Downham Market resident, Graham McLay visited the B and B in December 2011 and he has recalled his experience to YT.
He said; “My wife and I came down from Norfolk to visit a few friends in the area and to do some Christmas shopping.
The hotel was disgusting. One of the key matters was the discrepancy between the photos on their web site and rooms we stayed in.
You really do need to visit the hotel to appreciate how bad the standards are in the rooms: stains on walls, major dust on blinds, heating only provided by a small electric fan heater, lighting that doesn’t work properly, no milk for tea/coffee. I could go on and on.
“We did not stay for breakfast as we could not even get into the main part of the building. We did not manage to speak to any manager just one man who eventually gave us half our money back.
“This hotel should be investigated by the Health and Safety and or Trading Standards.
YT spoke to Thurrock Council portfolio holder for public protection, cllr Angie Gaywood about the hotel.
Cllr Gaywood told: “My officers have told me that the Health and Safety team were there in June for a progress check.
“Our understanding is that the premises is not currently serving food due to previous issues.”
“In the past we have advised the homeless persons unit not to place people there due to health and safety issues.
The hotel was given 1/5 on the food hygienge website “Scores on the Doors”.
YT visited the hotel on Saturday afternoon but the hotel appeared closed with a large gate preventing access to the main reception.
YT spoke to a member of staff (who did not wish to be named) on Monday morning who informed us that the B and B “was open last week but has only a few rooms.”
Despite a large sign on the side of the A13 saying it is a B and B, the member of staff confirmed that they were no longer serving breakfast.
The hotel appears to be run by East London businessman Mr Mehdi Amersy.
His Linkedin entry states that his role at the B and B includes: “Create sales policies and explore new revenue streams. Ensure Health & Safety Laws are followed by the staff. Ensure that the accomodation is kept in good order in-line with the character of the grade II listed building.”
The last word goes to a person who according to their entry on Trip advisor visited last week.
Ellie S said: Oh my goodness!! I must say I never bother with writing reviews but I feel compelled to add to this so you do not make the same mistake we did.
I also wish I had checked this site before booking the hotel but it’s to late now and £50 out of pocket
“Dirty, filthy, stench of damp which got into all of our clothes even the unpacked ones in the bag.
I did not sleep a wink and tried not to cry. Hated every minute, got up a 5am after 3 hours sleep and drove to local services for a freshen up in toilet and for a decent coffee.
“I am still itching from feeling filthy in that room.”
Wow I cannot believe even though aware of the situation TBC have not taken a firmer stance.
It was a place to stay in the past
It sounds like every aspect of this business is being overlooked by a unscrupulous owner who seems to be using the property as a ‘cash cow’ with no consideration for those using the facility, all this in an area deemed by locals as a sought after and charismatic village,
I feel for one TBC should get on his case, take away his ability to operate and get the signs removed that advertise this disgraceful venue.
This situation is even more hurtful especially as there are ongoing issues over reputable advertising signs around the village, with villagers advising they are unsightly and not inkeeping with the village surrounds once informed TBC instructed permissions were needed for any signing.
I am sure these same villagers wouldn’t want their village name tarnished by the ill repute of this establishment.