Holiday Inn Colchester by IHG

I felt so welcomed during both our two-week stay and the earlier visit before we returned to Thailand. Everyone was friendly, including all the restaurant staff. The manager took wonderful care of us too, and I really appreciate it. I’d definitely come back if I get the chance.

I’m here regularly for work, and the rooms, service and location are good. The food is the problem. It’s best to check what’s unavailable before ordering, because menu items are often off the menu. Dessert can take a very long time. Twice I’ve ordered it with my main and then waited an hour after finishing the main. Tonight, even after staff chased it, it still didn’t arrive, so I just went back to my room. Sorry to say, I’ll probably look elsewhere for my next work trip in a couple of weeks.

The bar and restaurant staff were brilliant. They were pleasant to talk to, gave us a little snack, and offered another hot drink when the coffee machine wasn’t working. I really appreciated that. The reception experience, though, was appalling and embarrassing for a four-star hotel. I was at the hotel on Sunday 25/01 for a medical appointment in a conference room. Afterwards, another guest’s car was parked so close to mine that I couldn’t get into the driver’s seat. I explained this to the receptionist and asked if he could identify the owner and ask them to move over a little. He found the room, but came back saying no one answered, probably because they were in the shower, and told me I could wait or try again. I tried several times and couldn’t get in. When I returned, he offered to come outside and look. I showed him how close the car was and said I didn’t have enough room to climb across into the driver’s seat. He became argumentative, saying he didn’t see why I couldn’t get in and that all I’d shown him was the open car doors. He said the other car was within the lines and there was nothing he could do. I tried to demonstrate, and hurt my hip and leg in the process. When I got out, limping, he said he couldn’t help because the other car was parked within the lines. He denied refusing to help, but again wouldn’t ask the owner to move the car, saying the other vehicle had done nothing wrong. I had to look around for someone else to help after hurting myself trying to prove I couldn’t get in. The receptionist did go back to the owner’s room, and when the owner came out, they were polite and apologetic. They said they realised they’d parked a little too close and were happy to move. I don’t think I should have had to physically prove I couldn’t access my car, or be argued with when asking for help. The reception staff are the most customer-facing part of the hotel, and this left me very disappointed in how they represented it.

The room was spotless and huge, with a modern bathroom that looked quite new. Our beds were comfortable, the TV worked, and room service could bring drinks and food right to the room. We booked a double but were also given a sofa bed, which was a nice extra. The place was quiet and out of the way, and parking was easy with lots of spaces. Staff were lovely. A very nice stay, and I’d definitely recommend it.