Accommodation suggestions and reviews

Holiday Inn, Kenilworth, Warwickshire.

My wife and I stayed here for one night last Thursday/Friday, having found an unusually good price of £76.63 (including taxes, but not including breakfast). Rooms at this hotel usually work out at about £150-165 per night. Having read several Google and TripAdvisor reviews, I would agree that it's a rather tired 1960s building with quite a lot of defects, but with excellent very friendly and very helpful staff.

One recent review stated that gradual refurbishment of the rooms has recently started...so we asked for - and were given - a refurbished room (No. 102 on the first floor) The room itself was fine....clean and recently repainted, with a spacious enough bathroom equipped with a good-sized walk-in shower. The central heating/air conditioning in the hotel didn't seem to be working, but - on entering the room for the first time - we found a portable plug-in electric oil-filled radiator blasting out heat like a sauna. We switched it off immediately and didn't need to use it again.

Two minor problems were that there were no net curtains so - with the large windows facing across the road to a busy shopping precinct - we had to keep the main blackout curtains closed in the morning for privacy. The other problem was that the switches for the small flexi-stick reading lights beside the bed crackled and fizzed alarmingly when switched on and off.

The hotel breakfast - even the continental version - was rather expensive and our appetites these days wouldn't have done it justice - so we went across the road to an excellent coffee shop (Forrest).

We had the impression that the hotel was very quiet that night - hence the half-price rooms - but I imagine that it would be pretty busy for events such as Warwick University graduation days or a major show at the National Exhibition Centre. It's a ten minute walk from Kenilworth station, there's a good micropub - The Ale Rooms - just across the road and a new Wetherspoons and several Indian and Thai restaurants within a 5-6 minutes walk. Overall ....I think we would stay there again if a bargain room came up, but we didn't think it was worth the normal prices

Easy Hotel, Newcastle

A revisit to this hotel from a couple years ago, located near the quayside with a handy Spoons & other restaurants close by, although beware it's a steep hill from the city centre. Usual Easy Hotel style basic rooms but a place which does proper twin beds.

Reasonable heating, but the downside, other than noise from idiotic drunks, is the room I was in had a draught from the window and where the curtain was good quality material, it wasn't quite long enough for the window (left a gap of around an inch).

Friendly receptionist gave us extra pillows on request, as only one is provided and I like to sleep on at least 2 pillows.

Premier Inn, Walsall (Town Centre)

Stayed here last Friday + Saturday night for a railtour, where Premier Inn was a lot cheaper than most of the other suitable Travelodges or other options. Located next to the wharf of the Town arm of the canal around 5 minutes walk from the railway station. Reception & lifts were in a different building with bridge links to the accommodation area (which had a restaurant underneath). I was located at the end of the corridor so had little outside noise (nothing worse than getting a room opposite the main entrance to the corridor so you end up getting the sound of the door opening/closing). Usual Premier Inn in terms of room layout, only member of staff I saw was on the Saturday evening when they were mopping out one of the lifts, reception area was very much focused on the self-service kiosks (complete with various up-selling options)

Travelodge Liverpool Central

First time staying over in Liverpool. This was a pitstop as I was arriving late and leaving early.

The hotel is only five minutes walk from Liverpool Lime St. The building is early 2000s Travelodge and inside it was dated to that era. Friendly guy on reception and was allocated room on 5th floor. Room was clean although dated compared to upgraded rooms.

Never tried breakfast but it was the takeaway bags only.

Holiday Inn Express Dundee

I’ve recently had 9 nights staying here whilst touring the area, especially the Fife Coast, using a Stagecoach East Scotland 7 Day ticket. When doing a stay as long as long as this I usually try to stay somewhere a bit more comfortable than a budget hotel but prices in Dundee and even more so St Andrews were very high. No worries here as although a budget hotel this Holiday Inn Express turned out to be a great place to stay.

No more than 5 minutes walk from the both the railway and bus stations immediately opposite the Tay Road bridge. I had a 4th floor room with views out across the Tay. Good sized room with very comfortable bed. Good sized tv and plenty of electric sockets with USB but unfortunately not near the bed. Plentiful supplies of tea and coffee and I was able to opt out of room servicing on some days and receive bonus IHG loyalty points. The hotel had obviously been recently refurbished. Unlike current trends at Premier Inn and Travelodge there were always plenty of staff on duty. The included breakfast was good and far better than in many hotels which charge high prices for breakfast. Again well staffed with replenishment of foods and clearing tables in a very pleasant dining area with views out over the Tay.

It was no more expensive than a Premier Inn can be these days at around £75 a night at a fully flexible rate with included breakfast.

ChrisC said:

Holiday Inn Express Dundee

I’ve recently had 9 nights staying here whilst touring the area, especially the Fife Coast, using a Stagecoach East Scotland 7 Day ticket. When doing a stay as long as long as this I usually try to stay somewhere a bit more comfortable than a budget hotel but prices in Dundee and even more so St Andrews were very high. No worries here as although a budget hotel this Holiday Inn Express turned out to be a great place to stay.

No more than 5 minutes walk from the both the railway and bus stations immediately opposite the Tay Road bridge. I had a 4th floor room with views out across the Tay. Good sized room with very comfortable bed. Good sized tv and plenty of electric sockets with USB but unfortunately not near the bed. Plentiful supplies of tea and coffee and I was able to opt out of room servicing on some days and receive bonus IHG loyalty points. The hotel had obviously been recently refurbished. Unlike current trends at Premier Inn and Travelodge there were always plenty of staff on duty. The included breakfast was good and far better than in many hotels which charge high prices for breakfast. Again well staffed with replenishment of foods and clearing tables in a very pleasant dining area with views out over the Tay.

It was no more expensive than a Premier Inn can be these days at around £75 a night at a fully flexible rate with included breakfast.

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Ive stayed there a couple of times myself and agree with the excellent location, reasonable pricing and excellent views at breakfast

Do Holiday Inn Express breakfasts vary? I had a week of them at one HI when away from work.

route101 said:

Do Holiday Inn Express breakfasts vary? I had a week of them at one HI when away from work.

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Some marginal differences but largely the same things. That said there is a frozen berry mix that I've encountered in so many Uk hotels, across all the major chains and everything in price from the Kimpton Clocktower to Aberdeen airport Moxy. It is a Uk wide constant.

sh24 said:

Some marginal differences but largely the same things. That said there is a frozen berry mix that I've encountered in so many Uk hotels, across all the major chains and everything in price from the Kimpton Clocktower to Aberdeen airport Moxy. It is a Uk wide constant.

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I suspect that is because they all get it from Brakes

route101 said:

Do Holiday Inn Express breakfasts vary? I had a week of them at one HI when away from work.

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The Dundee Holiday Inn Express did have haggis as part of the hot breakfast selection. There was also porridge available as part of the self service buffet breakfast rather than having to order it. I suppose these are just additions within Scotland.

A few stays on my recent Interrail Trip.

Hostal Guillot, Torremolinos
Decent little place. 5 minutes or so from the station, plenty of bars very nearby. £35 or so for one night, very happy with it. No lift though.

Cruise Barcelona, Grimaldi Lines
Wouldn't have mentioned this, but thought I would as the reviews are absolutely horrendous. And I've no idea why? £96 for the 22 hour crossing from Barca to Civitavecchia with an outside cabin. And by travelling on a Sunday 02:00 departure, you can keep your cabin until 08:00 on the Monday. So that's two nights accommodation in a lovely cabin, and a full crossing of the Med for less than £100? Absolute steal, and a highlight of the trip. Decent little break too being in the middle of the trip.

Penzion Dobre Casy, Kosice
Another decent place. 10 minutes or so from the station. It's a pub with rooms upstairs, and a very impressive range of craft beers. 10% discount for guests too. Was a bit warm in the room though, probably one to avoid in summer. €37 a night IIRC, very happy with that and will definitely be back.

BpHotel 24 Aachen Hbf
Budget hotel. £90 for two nights over a weekend. It was ok, but definitely one to avoid in summer! No AC and windows open onto a busy road. Literally opposite the Hbf though so absolutely perfect in that respect. Would stay again in the right circumstances.

I’ve just been in London and I’ve stayed at the Courtyard by Marriott London City Airport this time. £100/night room only through Avios Hotels for a standard room, though I paid the extra tenner a night for a runway view. Can’t fault the place, the room is a decent size, the air con is cold (just as I like it- I’m the sort who has a bedroom window open in January), the bed is incredibly comfortable, and yes, there’s a view over the touchdown/take off area of the runway at the western end. Plus the DLR. I think the rooms on the other side look out over the Lizzy Line where they should have built a Silvertown station.

I’ve not wanted to leave the room this morning watching all the jets. I did eventually prise myself away from the entertainment though, and went out to Hayes. Nice real ale micropub opposite the station.

Premier Inn .. Free Breakfast deal is back, for stays between 29th May and 27th August.

Must book before 18th May.

Link is HERE​

Willie Bee said:

Premier Inn .. Free Breakfast deal is back, for stays between 29th May and 27th August.

Must book before 18th May.

Link is HERE​

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Shame most of the time Premier Inns have been a lot more expensive than the alternatives. A Thursday in Manchester where various Travelodges are between £25 & £35 depending on location, the cheapest Premier Inn was £49 and that was in a crap location.

Travelodge Milton Keynes the Hub

Stayed last Friday night and paid £40 for cheapest rate booking earlier in the week.

I have stayed in the Premier Inn near the station but the Travelodge is a little further up the hill from the station. I arrived late on the Friday and was given a room on the 6th floor. The room was warm but the window was open, was noisy at night as this appeared to be the night life area of Milton Keynes. I did notice a poster claiming the bar is open serving pizza until 5am, the licensing laws must be less strict around here.

The room was basic and the bathroom shower was of the wet floor/shower curtain only types. I did notice on my floor this hotel may be housing long term residents.

I left early the next morning so not TL breakfast.

Due to the noise, I prefer the Premier Inn which is a little closer to the station.

I have yet to try the Easy hotel, Leonardo or the other Central Travelodge in Milton Keynes.

Welcome Inn, Rotherham

This is a couple of miles out of the centre of town on the road towards Chapeltown. A bit like a Travelodge, there's no luxury involved but it was clean, comfortable and quiet. My ground floor room was on the main road frontage but the trees and foliage between killed most of the traffic noise. Tea and coffee facilities in the room but no sign of a breakfast facility. Suited my needs and for the price (£35) I would happily stay again.

I noticed yesterday that Travelodge have now increased their early check-in charge from £15 to £20. Not so long ago it was £10. The late check-out charge remains at £15 for now.

It was the Morecambe Travelodge I was booking - rather than give them £20 you might as well walk 100 yards down the road to Wetherspoons where your £20 will get you three pints AND a meal while you wait for 3:00!

trainophile said:

I noticed yesterday that Travelodge have now increased their early check-in charge from £15 to £20. Not so long ago it was £10. The late check-out charge remains at £15 for now.

It was the Morecambe Travelodge I was booking - rather than give them £20 you might as well walk 100 yards down the road to Wetherspoons where your £20 will get you three pints AND a meal while you wait for 3:00!

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No doubt the late check-out charge and other non-headline charges will also quietly rise at some point. Probably banking on some people wanting to get checked in early if they have lots of luggage, rather than spending the 3 hours in the local boozer as they are not alcoholics

Premier Inn Lincoln City Centre (Broadgate)


My wife and I have just returned from a short stay here and everything was great

The hotel is only a few minutes walk from the railway station (8-10 minutes at the most)

We had actually bought Plusbus tickets, so were able to take the bus from the bus station, just outside the railway station to St. Swithins Church bus stop, then it was a two minute walk to the hotel. We then used the Plusbus tickets to get up the hill to the Cathedral and Castle. Walking down Steep Hill from the Cathedral (yes, that's it's real name) is hard enough, walking up is not so easy.

Staff were happy to store our bags when we arrived early. Likewise, on our final day we left our bags there, until it was time to catch our train.

We would certainly stay here again

Premier Inn Sheffield City Centre (Angel Street)


My wife and I have just returned from a short stay here and everything was great

The hotel is maybe a 15-minute walk from the railway station and up a bit of a hill.

The hotel is near a Wetherspoons (The Banker's Draft) which served us two good meals.

It's possible, although I can not be certain, the area around the hotel could be a little dodgy at night, but during daylight it was OK

We had actually bought Plusbus tickets, so we were able to take the tram, from just outside the station to Castle Square, then it was a two minute walk to the hotel. We then used the Plusbus tickets around the city on buses and trams.

Staff were happy to store our bags when we arrived early. Likewise, on our final day we left our bags there, until it was time to take the train back to Newcastle.

We would certainly stay here again

Motel One Wien WestBahnhof.

Stayed one night here, location right next to the station, area and hotel was busy upon check in at around 10pm. Not the nicest area at night I would say, was offered drugs.

Motel One do the job, the rooms can be a bit clinical. If you are a member, you get a bottle of water at check in.

This is the second Motel One I have stayed in Vienna, I have stayed at the one at Main station a few years ago.

Willie Bee said:

Premier Inn .. Free Breakfast deal is back, for stays between 29th May and 27th August.

Must book before 18th May.

Link is HERE​

Click to expand...

Best Western have the same offer for stays until the end of the year. Book by July 31st.

Jolly's Hotel Broughty Ferry (just north of Dundee). It's a Wetherspoons hotel so along the lines of a Premier Inn. We've had bigger rooms in other Spoons hotels, ours was quite compact but perfectly adequate for our three nights. It's five minutes walk from the station (be aware - short platforms so for the 5-car trains there's a particular spot you have to stand to board, and one specified door to alight, on both sides, but the guards are very good at announcements and making sure everyone gets on/off okay). Only served by Scotrail as the LNERs and XCs whizz straight through, and I do mean whizz, a bit like Carnforth - none of the slowing down when passing a station that sometimes happens.

Apparently the hotel only has proper windows on one side, the other side just has skylights so we were lucky and did have a window. There's no view except the pub beer garden but it was surprisingly quiet, although the inclement weather may have had something to do with it. Obviously being a Spoons you can eat downstairs, you have to pay normal menu prices but it's the usual fare and perfectly fine, also very handy for going to bed afterwards! Rooms serviced every day unless you put out your Do Not Disturb sign, and no discernible pub noise despite the rooms being directly above.

Hotel is just a couple of minutes walk from the sea/Tay estuary front, and I have to say we were hugely impressed with Broughty Ferry, we would never have discovered it but for the Wetherspoons hotel. There's some lovely walks, superb views back to Dundee and across the water to Tayside, it's a compact smallish town but has everything you could want and plenty of other places to eat should you so desire. If you go there do visit the castle, it's not your usual style of castle with turrets etc. but has an excellent museum (admission free) and it's in a stunning setting on the waterfront. Very well worth a visit.

No direct trains from Edinburgh, you have to change at Dundee, but fairly frequent services to and from Aberdeen, and Glasgow Queen Street via Perth and Stirling. Highly recommend for a few days break. I can think of someone on this forum/thread who would love it, being a couple in our age group and living in reasonably easy reach!

Harbour lights Irvine

Stayed here for a long weekend in Scotland* located less than 5 minutes from the station with several supermarkets & a Spoons close by. My room overlooked Irvine harbour (nice view of the rivers). Small place with 6 rooms located above a busy pub/restaurant. Once the pub closed (midnight) it was reasonably quiet of outdoor noise.

Shared bathrooms (one with a bath, one with a shower), decent WiFi. Mattress was a bit on the firm side and it's another place which uses blinds for the window which leak light round the edges.

(* Based on the cost and location being close to a station with a reasonable level of service)

Currently in the Premier Inn almost under the Tyne Bridge in Newcastle.

Stayed here before, but had forgotten about the constant noise from the local gulls (kittywakes?).

Royal Hotel, Whitby

Very nice, overlooks the bay on top of a hill so it's a steep climb from the station. The good news, however, is that it's downhill to the station.

Pennington Hotel, Ravenglass

Lovely establishment, close to the station and the R&ER.

Bewdley Hill House, Kidderminster
Another good place, complete with train pictures on the walls - but I suggest taking the bus.

Travelodge, Liverpool Strand

Stayed here last night, located a stone's throw from James Street station with a little Tesco Express underneath (plus a Spoons round the corner). Usual Travelodge style of room, this one had USB sockets and a completely rubbish shower (hardly any water pressure). A bit noisy depending if you got a room overlooking the main road, I was round the side and still had traffic noise (so probably a hotel where paying extra for a room might be worth it).

Although I can't complain about £36 on a flex rate, especially when even the crapper Manchester ones were at least £50 when I looked.

Premier Inn St Helier Bath St

Stayed on a Friday night and booked at short notice, so the price was around £150.

A pretty pleasant ten minute walk from the bus station. Was given a Premier Plus room, perhaps I paid that much or that's the only rooms left.

The white hart inn, nettlebed

Stayed there from Tuesday to Thursday with my parents and my dog. Terrific pub/hotel with excellent food. Only 10mins drive from M42 and Henley-on-Thames

The Royal Station Hotel, Newcastle Upon Tyne

Stayed here recently as a one night extension to a long weekend on tyneside. Booked fairly late on (7 -10) days out for just over £50. Without breakfast, as was planning to get out and about.

Lovely building with character, and large room.
Sounds of whittles and door release beeps (you know the ones, can't quite get to the right phrase).
Easy access via the station (open end next to platform 1, thru the car park).
Just the one case of being woken (I assume just after 0500) with the speed compresser going on the 156 prior to departure just after 10 past.

Still, very convient and good food and relaxing/ unwinding opportunities.