Hotel Mercury Grand (Poughkeepsie, USA)

Within easy driving distance of both New York City and Boston, this Clarion Hotel and Conference Center is in a highly convenient location, whether you just need somewhere to stop overnight on a road trip, or you're holding an event, such as a conference. Free onsite parking makes it easier still.

Overall, guests seem to enjoy the free buffet breakfast served at this hotel - it offers a range of both hot and cold options, so whether you like a big feast or a small bite in the morning, you should be satisfied. Plus, it has a generous dining space, so you'll have plenty of room to sit and enjoy it.

If you're not worried about the latest interior design or the flashiest gadgets, then the rooms here do the trick for an overnight stay. Most guests seem happy with the cleanliness of the rooms, and they are generously proportioned, allowing plenty of space for couples and families.

From wallpaper that's peeling off the walls to unpredictable plumbing in the bathrooms and broken door locks, there are plenty of signs that this hotel needs quite a major overhaul to bring it back to its best. Guests say it has masses of potential, but to make it feel fresh, a lot of work is needed.

So, you've kicked off your shoes, stretched out on the bed, and you reach for the TV remote. Cue a frustrating period of time in which you wrestle, plead and remonstrate with the old, tube-style TV set because all you can get is white snow. That's the experience of numerous guests here - so don't count on the TV.

While the front desk staff seem generally competent, many guests have commented on the fact that the welcome has been lukewarm at best, and sometimes, check-in can seem to take an inordinately long time, which may try your patience.