Thistle Hotel Poole

On arrival our room was totally inadequate for 3 adults and I immediately requested an upgrade with a sea view for which we would pay. Was told the hotel was fully booked. I pointed out that parts of the sofa bed had been put in the wardrobe plus an ironing board which meant we couldn't get our clothes in. An Assistant Manager came to remove them, and my husband asked for subtitles on the TV as he is profoundly deaf. Not possible as the TV was so old. This was 6pm Monday. On Tuesday evening I helped my husband into the bath to have a shower. The shower was broken and seemed to have been so for some time. I had to get dressed and go to reception to complain as our daughter also needs a shower, especially for hair washing. Both have epilepsy and do not use a bath. Had to wait for a 'phone call which informed me we could use the facilities in room 10 down the corridor! Had to escort husband in nightshirt there and back then do likewise next morning with daughter. Very, very unhappy and distressed.
Were told at reception after breakfast that the shower would be fixed or another room made available. On our return from Brownsea Island told room 10 had been made ready. Sea view through tables, chairs and traffic! To make room for the sofa bed (brought from room 17) a bedside cabinet had been put in the wardrobe and a table and 2 bucket armchairs still left in the room with a desk, old bulky TV another bedside table and three beds! We could hardly move round. In my anger and frustration I put the two chairs in reception and got the bedside cabinet out of the wardrobe so we could get our clothes in, but only five hangers so had to beg more. Then had to move all our stuff although to be fair the receptionist offered to get someone to help, but I was past it. I refused to pay the £20 we were going to be charged for the sea view. All the hassle upset and stress absolutely spoilt my holiday and that impacted on my husband and daughter. So needed and looked forward to that holiday which was also for my 70th birthday, and it was so, so disappointing all due to the poor accommodation.
The breakfasts were excellent although tea/coffee service was slow. The evening meals were disappointing, but the staff were very pleasant and tried to please. The location is fantastic and we loved Poole and want to visit again.
My final point is that designers and management need to realise that sometimes through medical necessity it is essential for three adults to be accommodated in one room or inter-connecting rooms. We have enjoyed many holidays with hotels offering this facility including Thistle and even a Premier Inn on one occasion. Deafness is also a disability and should be catered for by having TVs with subtitles.