Review: Holiday Inn Express
Conveniently located near to…read moreBristol Parkway Station, MoD Abbey Wood, UWE and Filton Retail Park. Guests can expect to find superior facilities for what is essentially a budget-range hotel. The car park was ample, conveniently close to the hotel, and free. The reception staff throughout my stay were attentive and welcoming, without being contrived or strained.
During check-in all necessary information was explained clearly and I was presented with several dining options. Bar snacks and pizza are available in the hotel and the nearby Filton Retail Park has numerous dining establishments (in addition to a pub next door to the hotel). At the time of my visit a promotion was available which entitled hotel guests to a 20% discount in the nearby Frankie & Benny's restaurant. A breakfast buffet was included in the rate and featured varied options to cater for most tastes. Continental and Full English items were available, in addition to various juices and hot beverages. The bar area in which breakfast was served benefitted from several large televisions showing the BBC News Channel and as I was travelling alone I took particularly comfort knowing there was something with which to keep myself occupied while dining.
The bedroom was extremely clean and tidy, featuring contemporary furnishings with almost everything required for a short trip. A television with a DVD player would have been advantageous, but its absence is understandable considering the type of hotel. Wi-Fi was also included in the rate and although it could be intermittently slow it was highly appreciated. An option was available to upgrade the speed of Wi-Fi. A kettle was on a shelf tucked under the television with a range of tea and coffee options. The television was modern, large and featured all of the usual Freeview channels in addition to guest services. The bathroom, although small, was not cramped. Like the rest of the room, the bathroom was sparklingly clean and tidy.
The double bed, although possibly a little cramped for two, was perfect for the lone traveller. The choice of both foam and feather pillows was convenient and the soft duvet was just the right tog for December temperatures. Throughout my visit the hotel was peaceful and quiet, and due to the comfortable environment I was completely satisfied with my quality of sleep. Air conditioning and heating was available and easily managed by the in-room controls, although I didn't leave it running for too long as it had a tendency to rattle. The sofa bed was a pleasing addition to this room and although I did not use it as a bed I can confirm the sofa part was comfortable and spacious.
Of this particular type of hotel, this is the best I have had the pleasure of visiting. Due to the low price of my stay and the overall high quality of the facilities I would definitely stay again if necessary.