Holiday Inn Express Braintree by IHG

We booked this hotel because our usual one was full, and it turned out to be a pleasant surprise. It's very well appointed, the staff were friendly and helpful, and we really enjoyed breakfast. The bar stayed open long enough for us in the evening. A lovely place, and I hope to visit again soon.

Kayleigh really made our night away. My husband and I came for a child-free overnight after a big shopping day and a lovely meal out. She greeted us warmly, explained everything we needed for a comfortable stay, and said that even though there was an event on and the hotel was busy, we could ask for drinks in the room or rearrange breakfast if needed. We enjoyed a drink at the bar that evening. Breakfast was extremely busy the next morning, with guests waiting impatiently for plates and forks. They were taken as quickly as they came out, but Kayleigh kept smiling, stayed professional and helped everyone who needed something. During our one-night stay, we saw her serving people, working the bar late, cleaning bins, wiping tables, restocking, checking guests in and out, serving food and managing the rush at breakfast. She stayed calm during the stressful times and said good morning to everyone arriving. She and one other woman were all we saw working there. She deserves a medal, and is a credit to the hotel. The food was lovely, and the rooms were clean and warm. Thank you, Kayleigh!

The beds were a 10/10 for comfort, and the rooms were clean and comfortable, maybe a little dated but completely fine. The staff were lovely, which is the main thing for me. My mum and I stayed one night to attend a family funeral nearby, and the location was perfect. The two women who greeted us were very welcoming. I emailed Becky the day before to ask whether our two rooms could be close together and if one could be accessible. She replied that same day to say she'd arranged interconnecting rooms, with one accessible for my mum, which we really appreciated. We noticed there were no plugs by the beds, and my mum needs one for her CPAP machine. I asked at reception for an extension lead, and they had one ready behind the desk, so it was no trouble. We had dinner and I had breakfast the next morning. The food was okay, nothing fancy but nice enough. Thanks for a nice stay. I'm sure we'll stay again when we're in the area.

There are useful places close by, with an M and S food hall within walking distance for snacks and toiletries, and Toby's Carvery just a stone's throw away. The hotel serves an excellent breakfast. The location also works well for travel, with an easy route from Liverpool Street station to Braintree, Uber in the area and a very efficient taxi service.