Premier Inn Gloucester - Longford

The room was good and the bed was lovely, but getting in and out of the bath to shower made me nervous about slipping. A walk-in shower would have suited me better. The location worked well for both of us meeting from different directions, with easy access to the city, a quiet setting and plenty of parking. The receptionist was helpful and polite, and let us park our cars before our rooms were ready. Good value for money.

The room was clean and comfortable, and the hotel felt cosy. The man at reception was especially welcoming and friendly, though I’m sorry I didn’t get his name. There was plenty of parking. I was here for work and didn’t venture out, so I can’t say what’s nearby or whether the restaurant next door is any good. One of the nicest Premier Inns I’ve stayed in, and I’d happily recommend it.

The restaurant was very short staffed. One waitress was taking orders, serving food and drinks, and clearing tables all by herself. That’s not acceptable, though she never stopped and did a fantastic job. My room was clean and comfortable, with a powerful shower and lots of hot water. It was much smaller than most Premier Inns I’ve stayed in, and using the toilet or bath meant sliding around the bathroom door and closing it. It didn’t bother me, but could be difficult for someone with mobility issues.

We ended up eating pizza on the floor of the Premier Inn lobby, with other guests walking past. That was a sad end to our day. We’d booked this hotel because its adjoining pub seemed like the only meal option in this remote spot, and reception had told us food orders ran until 9.30. We arrived before 9, but at 8.50 were told the kitchen had already closed at 8.45. There was no food available nearby, although the pub was staying open until at least 10, so our large, hungry group ordered drinks and a delivered pizza. B, the manager, was outraged that we’d ordered food elsewhere, even though we’d been refused service and had no alternative. We stayed calm, but she shouted that we were disrespectful, poured our drinks down the sink, threw us and our children out, and threatened to call the police. The bar lady apologized as we left. I never expected this treatment from Premier Inn. The customer service was far below the respect we expect from the company, and I’ll be lodging a formal complaint.