Like Lowestoft, the Hatfield feels like a place that's trying to get to a better place. We stayed there quite a few years ago and it seemed quite tired and in need of a bit of care. This time the difference was quite notable. The bar and restaurant area had been renovated and modernised, completely unrecognisable from the tired state it had fallen into in the past.
The accomodation part of the hotel, was still a little dated, a garish carpet being in marked contrast to the modern lines of the bar area.While clean and tidy the rooms are comfortable but a little basic, which is absolutely fine for a couple of days stay.
While staying there the weather became typically Autumnal, with a noticeable drop in the temperature. Unfortunately the hotel heating seemed to be playing up, and some of the rooms (like ours) were very cold. After mentioning this, an alternative, and distinctly warmer, room was offered to us without any fuss or disagreement. It's an older building and understandably things don't always run smoothly, but the least you can expect from a hotel in autumn (particularly a British one) is that you're going to feel warm.
At the end of the day this was a minor inconvenience,, the staff were friendly and courteous throughout, from the manager to the cleaning staff and the hotel is a good base to explore the East Coast. I look forward to visiting in the future and seeing the hotel and the town's continued evolution.