Holiday Inn Express Colchester by IHG

The bed and bathroom were clean, but the sink top and mirror still had water marks from cleaning. The sofa bed and desk chair were filthy and stained, and the furniture needs replacing. When I arrived, cold air was pouring in through open windows and the room was 12 degrees. Turning up the AC barely warmed it and the loud drone kept me awake, so I switched it off. Breakfast had the usual cereals, muffins, croissants and other pastries, but no vegetable alternative to bacon or sausages. That left scrambled eggs, hash browns and tomatoes as the only parts of an English breakfast I could have. The juice machine initially dispensed water until someone changed the bag. It seemed the same person from reception was also handling the breakfast area. I’d called first to ask about a late checkout, since booking a room otherwise seemed pointless for my stay. The receptionist said it was okay, so I booked and drove two hours, only to be told there were no late checkouts and only a manager could help in the morning. The website says it may be possible if rooms are available, and gives members the option of staying until 2 pm. The next day another receptionist extended checkout to noon, which was better than nothing. I was also told I had to pay for parking, despite the website and email saying it was free. They sorted it out, but the receptionist said it was free only for IHG members. Apparently spending money to stay isn’t enough.

The rooms were modern and had everything I needed, and as a Silver Elite IHG member I was given a goodie bag. The staff here are truly wonderful. Lucie, the guest service manager, especially stood out: she replied to my email very quickly and sorted the issue almost instantly, with no hassle. I highly recommend this hotel if you need somewhere to stay in or around Colchester.

Breakfast was tasty and plentiful, and our room was clean, spacious and comfortable. We had a great two-night stay. Even though the hotel is very close to the A12, it was quiet inside.

The parking left a bad taste. I thought £116 for two nights was a bargain, but parking added about £19 for the stay, which felt extortionate at £8 a day. I hadn’t expected a charge because hotels where we live usually have free parking. I was ready to challenge it, but the small print on Booking.com did say they charge, so we had to pay. Keep that extra cost in mind if you book. We stayed for two weekend nights. The rooms were okay, better than a Travelodge, and breakfast was okay too. Staff were hit and miss: a few spoke to us, most didn’t, and there was no greeting at breakfast. It’s comfortable and relatively cheap if you leave the parking out of the calculation, but I don’t think I’d stay again.