Holiday Inn Express Bradford City Centre by IHG

The breakfast was included and delicious, and the hotel made our stressful visit much easier. Staff were efficient, understanding and helpful, and one woman was especially caring. When I explained that my husband had gone to BRI, she brought me a goodie bag for when he returned. They also arranged a taxi there directly. It arrived a little late but got him there on time. Our spacious room was clean, the beds were comfortable, and the bathroom was spotless. The room catered for people with needs and was very nice. On the fourth floor it was quiet, with a lovely view across much of Bradford. The only issue was the very noisy tap, which splashed water whenever it was turned on. We had a really good experience and would stay here or at another of their hotels again. Thank you so much. Margaret from York.

We were in Bradford for a gig at Bradford Live, about a ten minute walk from the hotel, and would pick it again next time. It’s a dependable, good value overnight stay in a handy central spot. Check-in was quick, and the staff were friendly throughout. Our simple, clean room did the job, and we slept well despite being in the city centre. WiFi was free and fast. Breakfast is a hot buffet and included in the price. The sausages and bacon were properly cooked, the croissants fresh and flaky, and there was even a pot of Marmite. The hotel is across the road from Bradford Interchange station, around a 15 minute walk from Bradford Forster Square, and there’s plenty of cheap parking next door in the multi-storey at Bradford Leisure Exchange.

The hotel is handy for families, with the city close by and the main train station right outside. Parking is plentiful but run by a third party. It costs £1.50 per day or each exit, and if you leave through the barrier you’re charged again. For several exits or a longer stay, the £10 weekly multi-exit ticket seemed good value, but you can only buy it at the parking office by the entrance. The rooms are decent, though they need updating: there were just two power sockets and no USB ports, and the beds and pillows weren’t the most comfortable. Most rooms seem to connect to another room for larger families, so you may get more noise if you’re placed in one. The cooked breakfast wasn’t great at first. Staff said it was a supplier issue and it did improve by the last day. It seemed different people prepared the food, and the result showed a lack of consistent attention to detail. Customer service felt like a lottery. At check-in, a young woman shouted me down when I tried to ask questions. I reported it, but don’t know her name. It wasn’t a completely bad HIEXP, but it wasn’t the best either. I would stay again, keeping the shortcomings in mind.

Once you find it, it’s a good stay at a good price and in a good location. Google Maps didn’t give us the best route, and the entrance is tucked away beside the cinema, so head there if you’re looking for it. We had a great arrival, got into our clean room early, and the staff were generally very helpful. Breakfast was impressive, with staff checking that all the items were available.