Premier Inn Ashington

We picked the place based on photos and facilities of a lovely lakeside frontage and bar/restauraurant in the evenings. Only to find on arrival that the bar/restaurant was permanently shut and the lake heavily dog fouled. Food was available in a limited capacity but when we enquired about getting drinks we were refused because we hadn't booked a meal. Reception staff were wholly negative about the place and suggested elsewhere. On days we requested a room clean it was refused and would only empty the bin. Room pricing was different each of the 7 nights and would have got better service from a hotel at the same price. They have to improve, the standard doesn't match the advertising hype.

We've been staying here at least once a year for a few years now on our way to and from Scotland. There's a large free car park and it's by the lake of Queen Elizabeth Park. I booked it a year ago and at that time Cookhouse and Pub were still providing the meals but they closed before we got there, so I wasn't sure whether we'd get breakfast or an evening meal as I'd had no communication. When we arrived we had to book both, as Premier Inn have taken the restaurant over, but don't seem to be generally open to much business. The decor was the same but there was no seating outside. The menu had changed, but it was good. I ordered a pizza and you could tell it had been hand made as it was irregular in shape. I chose the toppings and I was half way through before I realised there was no chicken, but no worries, it still tasted good. My husband had the curry and said it was also good. All the staff were friendly and welcoming. It's also good that you can enter and exit the restaurant from the hotel without going outside. Our room wasn't as good as some we've had in the past. We had no view except the roof of the rooms in front, but I could open the window and get fresh air. The bed was OK, the Wi Fi OK, and there was a chair and table to sit on/at. It even had a bath, which is very unusual for Premier Inn - normally it's shower only. I would stay again if we needed to but I have other options in the area as well.

With the recent closure of many pub/restaurants adjoining premier inns I was fairly apprehensive about our planned trip to Northumberland,however the remaining staff who escaped losing their jobs,went above and beyond to ensure a very pleasant stay,although understaffed and very busy,they remained cheerful and very helpful,they were excellent,I can’t praise them too highly.