Holiday Inn Express Warwick - Stratford-upon-Avon by IHG

We felt safe taking the dog out late for her last toilet break, and the location made it easy to get to both Warwick and Stratford by car. The staff were also very helpful when I needed an extension lead because there was no socket beside the bed for my sleep apnea equipment. Our first stay here was a happy one, and we'd gladly come back. We asked for a ground-floor room because we had our dog with us. The £30 dog charge seemed fair, and discounted parking for two nights was just £11, a bargain. The room was clean and a nice temperature on arrival, and the bathroom was spotless. I was glad to find Dove products in the shower. The bed was okay for two nights, though not the most comfortable, and the window took some strength to open. Watch out for the step into the shower. I didn't see it and fell in, so a warning mark might help future guests.

A few guests find the rooms basic, without luxury features, and say breakfast can get crowded at busy times, with queues or limited seating. That seems in line with the kind of hotel it is. For a short stay, the straightforward, efficient setup works well. People often praise the modern, well-kept rooms for being clean and comfortable, and say the quiet surroundings make it easy to sleep. Staff are generally described as friendly and efficient, with smooth arrivals and departures. The included breakfast offers both continental and cooked choices, while free parking and handy road access are useful for exploring by car. Holiday Inn Express Warwick – Stratford-upon-Avon is a popular, good-value base for Warwick Castle, Stratford-upon-Avon, and the wider Warwickshire area. Its practical location and easy motorway access are part of the appeal.

The room was clean and pleasant, though a little dated, and two oddly placed hooks had us howling with laughter. The bed and bedding were lovely, and with the room pitch black we slept really well. Tea and coffee were provided. You can hear the road, but it isn't too loud. There was loud snoring too, though I know they can't control who I bring along. The parking setup was confusing in the dark. McDonald's parking was clearly marked, so we had to work out where the Holiday Inn spaces were. The hotel discount also wasn't obvious, and you pay for it inside. Trisher served us at reception. She asked if I needed an accessible room, and when I said I just didn't want to climb through a window to get in, she didn't seem to catch the joke, so things got awkward. When my husband went to pay, she called across the lobby with instructions for the screen instead of saying she'd walk us through it when handing over the discount card. The bar server was friendly. Later, Trish smiled, though I assumed she was off duty because she had a coat in her hands, while a polished-looking woman was behind the counter smiling and chatting with customers.

Breakfast was excellent, with plenty of freshly prepared choices including hot food, fruit, and cereals. The bathroom was lovely and clean as well. Our family room worked well for us, with a double bed and sofa bed, and the reception area was beautiful and spotless. We got a warm welcome, and the boys were thrilled with the colouring sheets and crayons. The double mattress was very firm, so I didn't sleep particularly well. That's just personal preference, since I usually like a softer bed. We had a very pleasant stay and would happily recommend the hotel.