Holiday Inn Ipswich Orwell by IHG

The restaurant staff were polite, professional and helpful, but the food was underwhelming. My steak came out dry and well done instead of medium rare, and the steamed sea bass was dry and bland. The burgers were okay and the chips were very nice. We’d normally have sent the steak and fish back, but the kids were exhausted and we’d already waited 40 minutes. That wouldn’t be a long wait in a busy restaurant, but there were only two tables occupied. I haven’t counted the dinner quality against the rating because we could have gone elsewhere and chose not to, with the kids so tired. The rest of the stay was very good. The hotel is well located, about 10 minutes from Ipswich centre, and the staff were consistently polite and professional. Our room had enough space for four, and the kids’ beds were already made up when we arrived, which isn’t usually the case. The receptionist was especially helpful and gave us all the information we needed. The kids got free snacks and drinks, and the mini fridge also had complimentary snacks and drinks. There was a good coffee machine, tea-making facilities, and the bathroom was clean and stocked with nice soaps, shampoo and creams. Breakfast was good quality, with plenty of continental choices and drinks. The cooked food was nicely done, though I’d skip the bland, dry black pudding. We were in a hurry and didn’t get to try the pancakes, perhaps next time.

The staff were easily the best part: warm, welcoming and very personal, with top-notch customer service. I stayed one night as part of a package and would come back because of them. There’s plenty of parking, plus a decent bar and restaurant and a small gym that’s looking a little tired. The hotel is a reasonable size, the rooms are decent, the beds very comfortable, and there’s no air conditioning, though fans are provided.

The staff were friendly and very good, and the rooms were clean with free parking. The main drawback is the bar and restaurant: the menu is limited and too pricey. They could definitely improve that.

We came for an anniversary weekend, booked through Expedia, and liked the location. But the room was advertised with a king bed, and what we got was two uneven single beds zipped together on castors. It made for an uncomfortable night. A short shower flooded the bathroom, so we had to mop up the floor with towels. I reported both problems to reception. They said they were busy and moving us would inconvenience housekeeping. They offered member points, which we declined since we rarely stay in HI, then offered two free drinks, which only added insult to injury. The hotel was noisy, with sounds from other rooms and banging from the floor above. Breakfast was overpriced for a cold selection of food. The staff were nice and seemed apologetic, but were willing to leave guests in rooms they were unhappy with. There was no attempt to fix the actual problems, which I imagine other guests will face too. Disappointing stay. Guest comfort clearly isn’t being looked after, and I’d never recommend it.