HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS

"Free breakfast" is a joke. Huge slow queue. All cold buffet, which isnt free really, as you pay for your room!!! Not enough tables for guests, scrambling to fibd a table or chair.

Having read previous reviews I was anxious and didn't want to stay here, but it was much better than anticipated. It is essentially for business travellers, and many overnight travellers, couples, young families, en route. Car needed. There is a bowling alley and cinema screens in the vicinity, not near enough to disturb. Not claustrophobic as nothing built up adjacent. A couple of lorries parked up overnight some way along the street visible from our room but did not see any litter. Any sound from their refrigeration units disappeared when the window was shut. There was a coachload or two in the hotel almost every night, but passengers went for breakfast early and hurried, presumably because their schedules had an early departure. I did not see them checking in or otherwise. The girls at reception were polite and did their best to be helpful, as also the young man with fair hair at reception. Our room was clean, the bed linen immaculate every day. There is a 1 litre kettle, 2 each of mugs,teabags, coffee sachets, UHT milk capsules,sugar and sweetener. Small wardrobe with 6 hangers. Desk, wifi was good. Cleaners varied, one was very jolly and made sure we had all that we needed, she left you with a happy feeling as well as a spotless room and everything replenished. I think the few minutes in her cheerful presence contributed a great deal to my stay there. Others sometimes forgot to replace things. We very much disliked the blue light which seemed almost purple in the bathroom, as well as the translucent glass which illuminated the sleeping area as the light woke the other person if one went to the bathroom during the night. I thought there seemed a sort of chemical smell briefly every time the lavatory was flushed but wasn't sure. The shower pressure and control was very good and the water came immediately and refreshingly at the right temperature. Our bed was very comfortable - so very good to find a firm mattress, no sagging, sunken spots, bliss. Although it did not affect me pillows were too high and hard for me personally although "hard and softer" pillows are provided. The windows can open for fresh air for a few inches at the top, this limit ostensibly for safety as there are about 5 floors. I was extremely pleased to find this as I don't like rooms that are sealed up. Breakfast was included and plentiful, constantly replenished immediately by the staff, baskets of various rolls, breads, croissants always brimming. Guests take their used trays and leave them in the wagon. I would stay here again.

Positive: Rooms of reasonable size and clean Free and efficient Internet Free Parking Abroad Negative: Breakfast could be improved