Premier Inn Colchester - A12

The hotel is just off the A12 and has free parking. It’s easy to reach from the A12, but the roads are pitch black and the exits are easy to miss if you’re distracted. I’m not from the area and missed the exit the first time, so I had to go all the way to the roundabout. That took me 20 odd minutes. The roundabout leading to the hotel is lit, which helped, or I might have missed another turn. I checked in at night, around 8pm, after being at a Festival at Marks Tey. I was surprised they asked my nationality. I could have said any country, since my driving licence was the only ID I could provide and it doesn’t prove nationality. I don’t know why they asked, though other guests checking in also gave their nationality. Staff were professional and courteous, and having someone at reception throughout the two nights made me feel safe. There was a musty smell in the corridor and in my ground-floor room. I assume the rooms and corridors lacked ventilation, since people don’t like opening windows. I left mine open for a couple of hours and the smell went away. The room was big and had a kettle for tea or coffee. The air dryer worked by touch. The bathroom light was loud and noisy, but the sound stopped as soon as I switched it off. I was fine with that, since some fans keep running. The bath tiles were starting to get mouldy. It was minimal, but I notice details and left feedback on the Premier Inn site suggesting sprays that prevent mould buildup and leave the tiles sparkling clean. If you’re not as picky as me, you might not notice much. The restaurant was in a separate building, sort of a country bar or pub. It was pleasant and had outdoor tables. The menu was basic, with Fish&Chips, burgers, a few fries, nachos, tacos and a couple of Asian-style curries. I’d have liked a fresh grilled option like tuna or salmon with a few vegetables. It might have been frozen, but that would still do the trick. I slept well. Premier Inn beds are always comfortable, and I prefer staying at Premier Inns because I find their beds the best. I recommend this hotel and would book again if I’m back in Marks Tey.

The rooms are good, as they are at most Premier Inns, and the staff are brilliant. I always sleep well here. The pub restaurant next door, Balkerne Gate, is absolutely rubbish, though. I’ve been staying for work and have a room allowance, so I can’t eat elsewhere unless I pay myself, which I did. Over four weeks, the service has just got worse. I was left standing for more than 20 minutes before anyone seated me, with no courtesy or word that they’d be with me soon because they were busy. Then, after seating, it took another 30 minutes to take my order, including the drink. The service is terrible.

The room was clean and tidy, with a shower and bath, and the staff were great. We enjoyed our stay, thanks. The attached Table Table was nice for lunch and dinner for the price. Breakfast was terrible, though. We waited 35 minutes, while people who arrived well after us were served first. When our food came, it was cold and the eggs were overcooked. They said we’d get a refund.

The room was clean, the bed was comfortable and there was even a bathtub. I had no real issue with the hotel itself, though the receptionist seemed awkward and a bit negative, as if he didn’t want to be there. He wasn’t rude, but staff at other Premier Inns have been happier and more welcoming. Breakfast was my big complaint. The food wasn’t the issue, there was just one person taking orders. I arrived at the restaurant at 7am and waited more than five minutes just to get a table, then waited again for my order to be taken. My food came almost 30 minutes after I arrived, when I needed to be at work. I had to rush through it and gave myself indigestion. It was by far my worst Premier Inn experience. I stay in lots of hotels for work, mainly Premier Inn when I’m in the UK, and this one is definitely at the bottom of my list.