OYO Lakeside Haydock Hotel, St Helens, A580 East Lancs, Garswood Old Road

Pleasant hotel by a lake and a Toby Carvery next door. The room was spacious and cosy and the staff were friendly and helpful. Parking was also easy.

OYO? More Like "Oh No!" If you're looking for a hotel that turns a simple booking into an unexpected game of Accommodation Roulette, then congratulations—you've found it. I'd booked two family rooms (each with a double bed and a single bed) a weekin advance. Simple enough, you'd think. On arrival, however, we were handed keys for one family room and one twin room. Apparently, at OYO, a confirmed booking is more of a polite suggestion than an actual reservation. When I pointed out that this wasn't what I'd booked, the receptionist—who had literally just started her shift—called the previous member of staff. To be fair to her, she genuinely tried to help. Unfortunately, the man on the phone had clearly graduated from the Customer Service School of Brick Walls. His helpful response? "It's not my fault." Well... perhaps not, but it's certainly not mine either! The reality was obvious: they'd double-booked one of our family rooms and hoped we'd quietly accept a cheaper, unsuitable replacement. Their grand solution? A separate double room. Which meant my son and I—who'd booked a weekend away together—ended up sleeping in different rooms. Exactly the opposite of why you book family rooms in the first place. Overall, if OYO stands for anything, it should be "Oh, You're Overbooked." Or perhaps just "Oh No." ⭐☆☆☆☆ I'd happily stay in a Travelodge car park before I'd trust this hotel with another booking.

Excellent budget friendly hotel. Would definitely use again

Clean and comfortable. Staff excellent, very helpful

We have reasonably high expectations but decided to dive in here for a cheap overnight stay for a family function. Ignore the neg reviews, yes the hotel is basic but the room is clean, quiet and more than adequate for an overnight stay. Staff were very helpful and made us feel very welcome , wouldn’t hesitate to stop her again for a convenient overnight stay