Britannia has been ranked the worst hotel chain for the seventh year in a row, according to a new survey.

It found that Britannia scored poorly across most categories, including bedrooms, bathrooms, food and drink, cleanliness and value for money.

Customers described the hotels belonging to the budget brand as “tired”, “rundown” and “dirty”.

In addition, Which? Travel found that just under half (44 per cent) of customers encountered an issue during their stay at Britannia, which has 61 hotels across the UK. Britannia also operates Pontins, which has holiday parks across the UK.

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As part of the annual UK hotel chains survey, Which? Travel checked into Britannia’s Gatwick Lodge at the Sussex airport for £71.50 a night.

It reported “stains on the bedsheets, dirty tissues in the bin and grime around the skirting boards” and a bedroom that smelt of damp.

At the other end of the spectrum, Premier Inn was ranked the best UK hotel chain, with a score of 79 per cent. Guests can expect “a five-star bedroom with a comfy bed and a choice of pillows. A sparkling bathroom with an excellent shower is also a constant,” said Which? Travel.

Premier Inn shared the top spot with Wetherspoon Hotels, which has 58 hotels across England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland.

The chain scored 79 per cent, for its “outstanding value for money”. It was praised for its well-located properties in “sympathetically converted” period buildings.