Holiday Inn Cambridge by IHG

All the staff were fantastic, especially Elliott behind the bar. They seem to be having some internet issues, but Elliott handled them calmly and professionally, a credit to the team. The room was cleaned and presented to a very high standard, and the leisure facilities had everything you could ask for and were kept nice and clean. The mixed grill was perfect 👌. Excellent all round.

The staff throughout the hotel were the real star of the show. Food and bar service were fantastic, and a month later I’m still salivating over the beef dish we had. There was a problem with the first room we were given, but it was dealt with immediately and professionally. The basic spa and sauna were great to have, and they can provide towels. Having to pay for parking when you’re staying at the hotel feels weird and stingy. You pay at the kiosk outside the front doors, which I think only takes card. See you again soon, team.

The only real downside was the on-site Starbucks. I treated myself to a coffee before leaving, and it was made nicely, but I waited over 35 minutes because there was only one person serving. There’s also no lift, so anyone who needs help with stairs should make sure to request a ground-floor room. It’s a lovely, clean hotel in an excellent location. I had access to the lovely pool and gym and got to use everything available to me. Reception staff at the pool were efficient and informative, and had a smile too. Complimentary iced water is available at reception.

The location was the final dealbreaker for me. The hotel is close to almost nothing, separated from most places by a highway, and even the nearest bus stop is a bit of a walk. Unless you have a car or good walking shoes, I’d stay at the Premiere Inn across the highway or somewhere closer to the city centre. I’ll never stay here again, and will try the more convenient Premier Inn next time I’m in town for business. The front desk was the least helpful I’ve experienced at a Holiday Inn. In the evening, customer service seemed lacking. When I asked anything outside the standard questions, staff just stared at me looking confused and mumbled. It might be a language or cultural barrier, as English didn’t seem to be their first language, but it was hard to ask questions or understand instructions. Breakfast was good, but it was the same each day during an extended stay unless you paid extra for something off the menu. Cleaning staff ignored signs asking them not to enter or to reuse towels, perhaps because of more language problems. For three weeks the sink water was scorching, while the shower and tub had no hot water, only lukewarm. The mattress was hard, the covers weren’t warm or comfortable, and the pillows weren’t supportive unless you ordered a better one. On the first floor, I could hear the person above stomping around and was woken several times. There’s no lift to the second floor. I regret not taking my 60lb bag up myself, since I’d bet the staff wouldn’t help. The gym has limited hours and they lock the door an hour before closing. There’s no sign about this, though apparently it’s in the welcome package, so I guess you have to read the whole thing.