Hotel Rising Sun (Newport, United Kingdom)

This hotel's location in the Newport suburb of Rogerstone in south Wales proved handy for drivers as it was just off the M4 and a short drive from the A467. The ample free parking was another bonus. Motorists said they were within easy driving distance of Newport city centre for shopping, dining and the railway station as well as scenic Welsh landscapes in the Brecon Beacons National Park and Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Golf courses, area attractions, seaside resorts and Cardiff were all within easy reach too.

The family-run Rising Sun reportedly benefited from friendly, obliging and welcoming members of staff, who fostered a relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere. The restaurant offered a wide variety of reasonably-priced and well-prepared British favourites, which diners expressed positive opinions about. The cooked-to-order breakfasts were described as tasty and plentiful.

Guests often said the simple but comfortable and bright rooms were clean and had a homely feel. The normally reasonable room rates prompted many budget-minded travellers to say their stays represented decent value for money.

Critics sometimes claimed some of the smaller rooms felt a little bit cramped, especially when they were fully occupied. Moreover, several light sleepers remarked that the curtains in certain rooms failed to fully exclude external light at times.

There was criticism from some quarters over maintenance issues in some of the rooms such as dated decor or tired-looking items of furniture.

Even though diners were largely impressed with the honest pub grub in the restaurant, some critics claimed the service tended to slow down or become chaotic during peak periods.