Name: Ox Hotel Carlisle
Address: Hilltop Heights London Rd, Carlisle, GB

8/10

Excellent

27 Jul 2026

Kevin

Hotel was ok, not the cleanest. Breakfast not great for the money you pay for it. Would have been helpful if had some sort of sanitary bin in the toilet.

6/10

Pleasant

26 Jul 2026

martin

The staff are brilliant just waiting for the hotel to be refurbished properly

10/10

Exceptional

25 Jul 2026

Shaun

Lovely stay brill staff very suffiant value for money too

6/10

Pleasant

25 Jul 2026

Aaron

TV could not get a picture...

4/10

Poor

25 Jul 2026

Janet

No receptionist when arrived had to wait as she was serving in the bar. Check-in ok, went to room first impressions was hotel being renovated. Went shopping only realised when we got back into the room that one of the beds had not been changed and obviously been slept in, used towels left in bathroom, went to reception who moved us into a different room, which was not fully renovated, but ok, bathroom in need or renovating, rust round taps, bottom of bath grey, no toiletries which were advertised. Beds cheap mattresses not very comfy.
Booked in bed and breakfast, breakfast good selection and very good.
Would we stay again? Probably no

4/10

Poor

22 Jul 2026

Graham

Very dated, awfull breakfast, not that clean in the rooms

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

19 Jul 2026

Desmond

Staff helpful and friendly. Due to being out with friends bar not used, and left before breakfast for my bus home. The room itself 143 was great but we stated to the front desk about bathroom fan noise, and cleaning of fan shows needs deeper clean. Roughly 30min walk from train/bus station. Lovely and quite, and we would return again, it's a good work hotel, and areas have been refurbished.

Partner

4/10

Poor

14 Jul 2026

Martin

This is a hard review to right as it appears staff there work and I hesitate try their best to help maintain “the flogging of a dying horse”. On arrival the car park is pot holed and camera driven parking fine so make sure your reg no in system within 10 mins. It’s obvious the building is deteriorated showing age wear and previous leaks in ceilings. Surprisingly room was ok , clean sheets , towels, hot water etc but again no real comfort. Breakfast was buffet but quality , care & presentation disappointing. Interestingly bread had been frozen (wasn’t defrosted) and displaying old past dates. Also chef in attendance had whites on which were grey stained and we thought were maybe destined for a “Daz tv commercial”. If it’s price & a nights sleep and you want to move up from a homeless hostel then this is the place. In fairness a quiet night and a hot shower in morning and easy on the pocket then sign up. As I said full respect to staff toughening it out. In all reviews I finish with my acid test. Would I stay here again. No ! I wish previous guests had been more candid with review and I wouldn’t have booked.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

14 Jul 2026

martin

The cleaning staff are excellent they’re so helpful especially since they’re understaffed on a few days they still go out their way. The reception staff are inviting and helpful.

Self

6/10

Pleasant

13 Jul 2026

Paul

Room was modern and spotless with all facilities required for stay and there is currently work being carried out to entrance to hotel which will look really nice and almost completed.Bar area was fine but glasses weren't very clean and ice machine had broken down but prices were ok for a hotel.Only let down was breakfast which we were looking forward too.Breakfast is made to order with you picking what you want at reception.Our breakfast arrived swimming on top of beans and wasn't very warm so couldn't eat it.We explained to receptionist who had taken our order thatwas passing the issue and asked could we have scrambled eggs instead which she happily agreed to but sat for 20 minutes waiting for eggs then left breakfast area and spoke to receptionist who apologised and offered to refund money we had paid for breakfast which we accepted.Would definitely stay at the hotel again but would miss out breakfast staff were great and very helpful.Hotel is about 15 walk to town centre and has free parking for guests which is a bonus.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

09 Jul 2026

John

The property is in need of a 'refresh' as it's getting 'tired' but, provided you aren't bothered about 4 star luxury it represents good value. The food is good.

10/10

Exceptional

05 Jul 2026

Martin

For what we paid for the room we were not expecting much, from the outside and communal area it looked like its in need of some TLC but we recieved a lovely welcome from reception all reception staff were very friendly, we were pleasantly surprised when we opened the door to our room, nice big room, seats to sit, places to put clothes, clean, the bed was comfortable and we had a wonderful nights sleep some lovely little touches like tea cofee and biscuits plastic cups, we had booked breakfast also not expecting much for what we paid i can not fault the choices and it was very tasty. About a 20 min walk to the town centre but we could have caught a bus at the bottom of the street. We would recommend and would stay again

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

04 Jul 2026

martin

Staff are brilliant

Self

6/10

Pleasant

04 Jul 2026

martin

Staff are brilliant

Self

8/10

Excellent

30 Jun 2026

louise

Comfy beds.
Good shower. Plenty of hot water
Felt safe as a line traveller

Self

2/10

Poor

29 Jun 2026

jean

I booked this for my parents to stay 3 nights. They checked out after the first night. People arguing and doors slamming until at least 3 am. A man climbed out of his window and walked along the roof passing other guests windows. My parents who are in their 70s didn't feel safe to leave the room. I have emailed the hotel directly to ask for a refund but still no reply. I left messages for a manager to call me back but nothing. After complaining to Expedia they eventually made contact with the hotel but I was refused a refund.
Avoid this place.

10/10

Exceptional

27 Jun 2026

Lisa

Lovely clean room, breakfast was amazing fresh and hot. We didn't use the bar. Staff were very polite and helpful

Partner

8/10

Excellent

26 Jun 2026

David

Absolutely fine for the price point. Obviously not the Ritz and a bit cluttered outside, but a load of fast EV chargers, free parking, reasonably priced bar and a bed.

Self

8/10

Excellent

23 Jun 2026

Catriona

A bit dated but I paid £45 for a kingsize bed and for that price you can’t complain

6/10

Pleasant

22 Jun 2026

brian

Inflexible when I wanted to cancel for legitimate reason. But staff pleasant and helpful once on site. Restaurant was fine but closed over the weekend?. Sticky plastic covering room doors was peeling off. Some refurb works taking place. Breakfast ok but not special. Bathroom refurbished but shower not very powerful. Hotel not pretty to look at from outside. Convenient location. Some nice aspects to Carlisle city, castle, cathedral, Hadrian's wall path easily accessible.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

21 Jun 2026

martin

Great staff

8/10

Excellent

20 Jun 2026

lisa

Called here after waking the Cumbria way the room was clean and had a bath so after the 73 mile walk it was a bonus..
Staff where nice there’s a bar and they do food and breakfast in the morning we didn’t eat here
Overall 8/10 it just needs updating
Apart from that it’s fine

Family_with_children

8/10

Excellent

18 Jun 2026

SHEILA

All positive reviews reprised.
Quiet place.
Friendly staff.
Good breakfast.
Free parking

Partner

8/10

Excellent

18 Jun 2026

Louise

We stayed here overnight ahead of doing the Rat Race The Wall. It was only a 30min max walk from registration on the Friday night and back to the Castle for the start the next day - which was perfect. Other options would have been a taxi or a bus from the road outside of the hotel. They also provided an early breakfast but we’d already packed porridge so didn’t bother. Staff were friendly and for a room to sleep in for the night it was just what we needed - no frills. Hopefully will be staying there again next year!

Partner

8/10

Excellent

15 Jun 2026

Joanna

Room clean and spacious. Comfy beds. Friendly staff.

Friends_and_family Friends

6/10

Pleasant

14 Jun 2026

martin

Staff were helpful

2/10

Poor

14 Jun 2026

Lakhveer

Smelly and VERY basic. Only option for Rat Race.

Self

8/10

Excellent

12 Jun 2026

Conor

Good value - get what you pay for. Good clean bed and bedrooms.

8/10

Excellent

10 Jun 2026

Michael

Quiet location nice room a short walk to town centre great service and staff so helpful

Partner

8/10

Excellent

10 Jun 2026

Derek

Check in was fast

Self

4/10

Poor

09 Jun 2026

Malcolm

Nothing fancy here
We stayed for Two nights breakfast included. Unfortunately the chef didn’t turn up on both mornings so no cooked breakfast just cornflakes and toast .
Remote on tv didn’t work so we only had one channel available we informed staff but nothing happened .We got locked out our room twice had to get card key reactivated. I would not recommend this hotel unless you want a cheap overnight stay as they say you only get what you pay for.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

07 Jun 2026

martin

Because of all the renovations all the corridors are dirty and the outside lawns need a really good mow which haven’t been done in a long time so it looks bad from the outside

Self

6/10

Pleasant

05 Jun 2026

Georgina

The stay was fine, room was a bit of a let down. Mark’s & fingerprints in bathroom & on walls. Bed was fine & linen all lovely & clean.
Bit more attention to detail would improve the stay.
Breakfast was tasty and great value for money.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

01 Jun 2026

Ann

We entered the room there was no kettle,no bin then no remote control.
We got down to breakfast for 8.10 am there were no sausages,eggs,or bacon we had to wait untill the receptionist went through to the chef and asked him to put food out.
All of this would have been ok if the room had been safe it was a twin room with wooden floors the beds were on castors so when we went to sit on them the bed went flying across the room I landed on my rear end.
So we pushed the beds to each end against the wall.
So pillows up sat up leaned against the wall the bed shot forward one cup of tea all over me.
So we had to put out a chair at the bottom of one bed and a bag at the bottom of the other to stop them moving.
Next once beds moved it exposed open wires where new wireing had been done and no plate put on to cover the wires.
Safety very poor.

Friends_and_family Family

6/10

Pleasant

01 Jun 2026

Louise

We were given an upgraded room which meant king size bed but narrow window with frosted glass!
Missing items were
Shampoo
Hairdryer
No shelf in bathroom to put stuff
An ironing board provided but no iron!

At least there was a kettle with coffee and tea

Breakfast was average but limited number of fried eggs, probably 12, which were all gone as everyone was there at 8 on Sunday so none for us!!

Price reflects what you get!

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

31 May 2026

martin

Property is getting done up at the moment just the rooms but the corridors are filthy at moment the rooms are okay very noisy with wooden floors since carpet had been replaced
The staff are brilliant though

Self

8/10

Excellent

30 May 2026

Ruth

I stayed because I wanted a cheap bed for the night to break a journey and Ox Hotel was fine for this. Easy to get to from M6- although Sat Nav didn't recognise street name- turn off London Road opposite the Retail Park with B&Q in it- road goes up a hill and you can see an NHS clinic at the top. Hotel and room was clean and quiet. Bed was comfy. Polycotton bedding. There is parking- you have to tell reception your registration number. Car park well lit. The staff member at reception was very friendly. Room as described in booking info. No bedside lamp although the (very bright) overhead light could be turned off from the bed. Good lock on door and as single female I felt safe. I didn't use the bar/breakfast/ fitness facilities

Self

6/10

Pleasant

29 May 2026

Sharon

The beds are not comfortable at all, I hardly slept but it’s what you get for the price

Self

8/10

Excellent

27 May 2026

Karl

Friendly helpful staff, hotel a bit dated but they are working to improve it.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

26 May 2026

ADEEL

This nice value for money is good hotel but breakfast was not good enough.

Self

2/10

Poor

25 May 2026

James

Never dream of staying there.

Didn't even stay, seen the room and turned around. Stains everywhere, dirty and refused a full refund. Awful!

Business

6/10

Pleasant

25 May 2026

Stephen

Obviously has seen better days. Dated but I suppose generally adequate for the one night we stayed

Partner

8/10

Excellent

24 May 2026

C E

This is the third time we have stayed here and previously had an excellent room, especially for the price. This time, we were 'upgraded', and although there was a new shower in the bathroom, the bed was directly under the window and an overight security light outside shone under and around the curtains as well as directly into the bathroom and therefore under the door and then into the bedroom. Not only this, but the mattress and pillows were uncomfortable, which had not been the case on our previous stays.

I am listing these issues as I believe management does check out reviews and need to be made aware of this.

Partner

4/10

Poor

23 May 2026

Suresh

The room was clean, but the bathroom put us off. There were stains in the toilet and also in the bath. The bathroom, the corridor, and the entry looked run-down. When we arrived, some cops came to arrest some people for fighting, so we felt uncomfortable
I wouldn't stay here again

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

22 May 2026

Mark

I stay here when in the area it's good value and clean

Self

2/10

Poor

21 May 2026

Jamshed

Arrived at the hotel only to find a run down building with broken windows and hotel name. Had booked a double room. During check in was able formed my room was “upgraded” to a deluxe complimentary. Room was on the second floor and there was no elevators. Walked up the stairs the dirtiest stairs ever seemed like it never got cleaned, went to the room. The room itself was rather small for a “deluxe” double had no windows only a tiny little window on the top right side but the ceiling of a wall. The room had drinks splattered on the walls on some parts. The bathroom was tiny and had holes on the wet walls all over . The toilet when you flushed splashed all the water out everywhere. Now the bed was a decent sized double bed unfortunately it had two single mattresses which felt like they were years old as all I could feel were the coils . One of the mattress was decent enough but woke up with a sore body the next day. Will never be using this hotel again and would ask everyone to think twice before booking a room here.

Self

8/10

Excellent

20 May 2026

Karl

Tasty breakfast

Self

8/10

Excellent

14 May 2026

Christopher

Low price. Plain but functional room.

Friends

4/10

Poor

11 May 2026

Lorraine

This was the Hilltop hotel which has come a long way since its heyday. The car park is good for a first impression but the broken hotel board on the building as you go to reception tells a different story. Booking in was quick and easy and the receptionist was friendly and efficient. Our room was on the second floor but no lift so got our exercise for the day! Corridors were well lit and the carpet was clean and tidy and the walls had recently been painted white. The room was clean as were the towels and bed linen. Small wardrobe and two bedside cabinets together with a desk and chair which had a kettle with tea and coffee for a quick cuppa. Bathroom with shower also clean and tidy with soap dispensers but no other toiletries. Room felt a bit spartan but serviceable. Bed was a little hard but we got a full nights sleep with no noise from anywhere in the hotel. Breakfast room was a little spartan but also clean and tidy with plenty of tables and chairs available. There was cereal available together with fruit juice and hot drinks. Standard sliced white or brown bread for the toaster which was quick. Hot plate had a good selection: Bacon, Sausage, Hash browns, beans, tomatoes, fried eggs and mushrooms. All very tasty and well cooked. It was self service / buffet with staff around but we only had to check in for the breakfast with no issues. View from the rear of the hotel was worth seeing (hills / trees). Not the worst hotel we have stayed in but not the best either for 1 night

Partner

8/10

Excellent

09 May 2026

Stephen

Only problem was photo id never asked last time we stayed there for it just by luck we had it with us other couple didn't everything else was good

Friends

2/10

Poor

07 May 2026

Akbar

Faulty towers type of hotel. Cold and old like a scary movie type of place.

Business

6/10

Pleasant

06 May 2026

Michael

Nice room helpful staff easy parking quiet location apart from fire alarm going off at ten o’clock not the hotel’s fault gave us a fright

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

03 May 2026

Jamie

Basic hotel, somewhere to put head down for the night

Self

6/10

Pleasant

02 May 2026

Aishah

Room was not clean in the slightest. It was tidy and ill give them that but marks all over the walls, spider webs everywhere and rust and mould all over our bath. Staff were nice enough but there wasnt a member of staff anywhere to be seen when we were trying to check out. We didnt get breakfast or parking so cant speak on that.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

02 May 2026

Paula

No breakfast left

Partner

8/10

Excellent

26 Apr 2026

martin

The staff are very friendly

Self

8/10

Excellent

22 Apr 2026

Lesley

Hotel

2/10

Poor

21 Apr 2026

Graham

The place was falling apart the roof was leaking and the whole place smells, the rooms were basic but the beds were like sleeping on a lump of stone even immigrants would avoid this place like the plague.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

20 Apr 2026

Rebecca

You get what you pay for.Did us for 3 night's but wouldn't recommend any longer.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

19 Apr 2026

martin

This stuff are brilliant and go out the way to help you. Just mind the potholes in the car park.

Self

6/10

Pleasant

19 Apr 2026

Sharon

The bed was not comfortable at all and carpet was dirty. You get what you pay for, cheap but don’t expect 5 star

Self

10/10

Exceptional

18 Apr 2026

Paula

Clean fresh room staff were brilliant nice breakfast parking was safe and easy

Family

8/10

Excellent

14 Apr 2026

martin

The staff excellent and the rooms are good for the price

Self

4/10

Poor

10 Apr 2026

David

Breakfast good. Free parking ideal. Condition of room terrible. No heater. We tried 2 rooms and mattress were terrible in both. Shower leaked permanently. Very difficult to have a restful sleep there.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

06 Apr 2026

William

Always clean and the staff are great

6/10

Pleasant

05 Apr 2026

martin

The staff are brilliant. The heating hasn’t been on this week rooms are very cold.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

03 Apr 2026

Gary

I stayed here while working nights. Wasn’t disturbed at all during the day while I slept. It’s a fairly old hotel so everything is in working order. Not glitchy like a new hotel. The shower is great. The gym looked good on passing. Staff are friendly and courteous.

Self

8/10

Excellent

29 Mar 2026

martin

It’s a good little hotel

4/10

Poor

29 Mar 2026

Chris

Breakfast was a survival of the fittest. There was only mushrooms out and beans when we got to breakfast at 8:15am. Was a mad rush when the chef opened the door. Was like collecting sun-beds abroad. No such thing as toast just warm bread.

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

23 Mar 2026

martin

The rooms are clean the staff are excellent

Self

4/10

Poor

18 Mar 2026

Craig

Seriously Jaded property. Check in staff were excellent,

Self

10/10

Exceptional

16 Mar 2026

martin

Great staff
WiFi poor

8/10

Excellent

16 Mar 2026

martin

WiFi very poor
The hotel is good for its money the maintenance guy that’s doing the rooms up is very poor at doing it. The staff are exceptional very friendly.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

15 Mar 2026

Debbie

Nice breakfast excellent value at £4.00 each
Clean comfortable room..nice staff.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

13 Mar 2026

C E

Don't be fooled by the price and the appearance from the outside. The hotel is clean and comfortable, staff are exceedingly friendly and the breakfast was basic but acceptable and very good value for money

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

06 Mar 2026

Steve

Friendly and helpful staff, reasonable cost, breakfast OK - good quantity.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

04 Mar 2026

Chris

Hotel is a little dated and tatty round the edges. But it’s clean and tidy. It does need a bit of TLC. The staff were great, very friendly and helpful.

WiFi is free but it didn’t reach our room fully so that was a bit of a negative.

Overall a comfortable stay, the place just needs a little spruce up!

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

04 Mar 2026

Ann

Good value and choice of locations nearby for food.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

25 Feb 2026

Caroline

Cheap and cheerful

10/10

Exceptional

21 Feb 2026

Sophie

Brilliant as always lovley staff

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

21 Feb 2026

Paul

Everything seems to be in order.

Self

8/10

Excellent

14 Feb 2026

Alan

Clean room. Amenities suitable

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

13 Feb 2026

Mark

Great value and perfectly acceptable

Business

6/10

Pleasant

01 Feb 2026

martin

The staff agree the cleaning not so good

10/10

Exceptional

25 Jan 2026

Mohammed

Clean room plenty fresh towels..nice staff..excellent value

Partner

8/10

Excellent

20 Jan 2026

martin

Most room out of date but cheap

8/10

Excellent

14 Jan 2026

martin

The rooms are basic. Good for the price.

6/10

Pleasant

09 Jan 2026

David

Room very tired . Bedding clean . Reception staff helpful .

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

31 Dec 2025

MICHAEL

Nice sized room with many amenities.
Friendly staff and easy check in

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

30 Dec 2025

martin

It’s a good site

Self

10/10

Exceptional

29 Dec 2025

Louise

Staff was amazing hotel amazing

Business Family

6/10

Pleasant

28 Dec 2025

Adele

Cooked breakfast was a bit dried even when fresh items were brought out they looked like they had been sitting under a warmer and were dried.

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

23 Dec 2025

John

Second stay here. It's a cheap hotel that offers a cosy, warm room and a good night's sleep. Will stay again if overnighting in Carlisle.

Self

8/10

Excellent

21 Dec 2025

Jithumon

For the price it's worth

8/10

Excellent

21 Dec 2025

Verified traveler

Staff were friendly and polite.

Self

6/10

Pleasant

20 Dec 2025

Sajad

Staff was friendly. Room was ok but when I moved the bed found there to be rubbish under bed including a cotton ear bud! And no soap or shower gel provided. Really wanted to love this place and it was going well until the no soap and rubbish under the bed were found.

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

20 Dec 2025

Dianne

Few problems with the room

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

20 Dec 2025

Dianne

Receptionist was great,

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

17 Dec 2025

Claire

We have stayed here several times, the staff are helpful and friendly, great value for money, we will continue to use this hotel when visiting Carlisle

Leisure Partner

2/10

Poor

16 Dec 2025

M

I had booked 4 rooms in total for 8 friends for 4 nights. Took them 2 hours to find the fourth booking.
Arrived home to find I had a total of £70 parking fines although I had registered the hired vehicle on the hotel registration form at reception.
Sent 4 emails to the hotel with no response. £70 taken out of my account from the hired van company because they received the fines also.

Friends_and_family Friends