DoubleTree by Hilton Milton Keynes

The stadium in the middle of the hotel makes for a distinctive setting, and it's close to plenty of shops and restaurants. It's a decent choice for a work night or a visit to town. I found the staff friendly and helpful, though they didn't go above and beyond. With the sporty crowd around the stadium, the atmosphere isn't really resort-like if that's what you're after. Room quality varies across visits. Some rooms have been renovated recently; others lacked a mini fridge or table and chair, and had an overused bed frame. Ask reception about the room's condition and distance from the lift. The stadium layout can mean a long walk, so online or phone check-in the day before can help you choose a room nearer the main lift. I liked having separate shampoo and conditioner containers, since I don't like using shampoo, and the sound insulation helped me sleep. The breakfast buffet had a good range, and lunch and dinner were tasty with good portions, without inflated hotel prices or hidden fees. The gym is next to the restaurant and has new machines, a handy short-term substitute for regular gym goers.

The breakfast was perfect, and I enjoyed every bite. I also recommend mixing the available chocolate powder into hot milk. I had two hot chocolates each day, they were so tasty. The rooms were stunning and surprisingly spacious given how many there are, and the beds were very comfortable. I slept really well. We gave it four stars because the shower gel in our room didn't work. It may have been empty and not refilled, or there may have been a problem with the pump. That was a nuisance, but everything else was spot on. With so many rooms, I can see how it might have been missed. A really lovely stay.

The breakfast was very good, and the gym is well equipped. We found the room lovely, with pleasant, friendly staff at the hotel. It's just outside Milton Keynes, within MK Dons Stadium. The price was inexpensive for a higher end hotel.

The location suited our plans well, and most of the staff were pleasant. But noise seriously disrupted both nights, so I can't recommend the hotel. We were travelling with family and had busy days planned, and getting proper sleep mattered. I'd avoid room 3236. A large mechanical vent beside it runs all night and is loud. On the second night, music from an event added to the problem, with bass making the room's doors and walls vibrate. I understand hotels host celebrations, but across both nights we slept badly. The hotel offered 20% off the bill, which I appreciated as a gesture. Still, I'd have preferred to pay full price and get a proper night's rest. A hotel room needs to deliver that basic service.