Holiday Inn Express Derby Pride Park

Breakfast had a decent range, including a full English, cereal, fruit, pastries, coffee and juice. The staff kept topping things up and checking that all was well. There’s a little bar at reception, and plenty of restaurants are just a five-minute drive away. The stadium is also nearby, handy for gigs or football. This was our first time staying here. The desk staff greeted us with a smile, made check-in easy and were helpful. The room was clean, tidy and nicely presented, with fresh towels, bedding and a spotless bathroom. We enjoyed the stay. For the price, it was what we expected, and we’d happily come back.

The location is perfect, the rooms are spacious and comfortable, and the kitchen staff were especially good. I did wish the lighting in the rooms was brighter. Two of the front desk staff were obnoxious, though, and I felt slightly racially judged by them.

Check-in and checkout were easy, and I could get a VAT invoice by email or ask for a paper copy. The staff at reception and in the restaurant seemed friendly and helpful. My room was a good size, clean and tidy, with an ironing board, kettle, tea and coffee. Breakfast was a buffet with hot and cold English options. The restaurant menu was much like pub food, with mains around £15-20. The location worked well for my job and the football stadium, with plenty of places to eat and drink nearby. There’s a car park with a barrier in front of the hotel, and I paid the subsidised rate of £6 per night instead of £12.

Mudd, I think, checked us in and was really nice and capable. The car park is great if you’re travelling by car. I’d only recommend this hotel for a very short stay, maybe a couple of days at most. The room was comfortable enough, but dusty AC units made it seem like they aren’t cleaned often. The flap wouldn’t close when the AC was off, the furniture looked old, and the desk creaked when I tried to use it. There was even a spider in my room. The bathroom worked fine, but the lighting there and in the rest of the room could be better. Breakfast had very little variety, the quality needs to improve, and the breakfast area felt too small.