Premier Inn Gloucester - Longford

The rooms were tiny, the food was awful in both quality and quantity, especially for those prices, and they only had bottled beer. Staff seemed like they couldn't be bothered. The heater buzzed when it was on, and the fire alarm head kept flashing. There's nothing nearby unless you drive or get a taxi. Not for me, and I won't be back.

The restaurant was seriously short staffed. One waitress was taking food and drink orders, serving everything, and clearing tables, though she did a fantastic job and never stopped. It wasn't acceptable to rely on just one person. My room was clean and comfortable, but much smaller than most Premier Inns I've stayed in. In the bathroom, I had to shuffle around the door and close it before I could use the loo or bath. It didn't bother me, but it could be difficult for someone with limited mobility. The shower had strong pressure and plenty of hot water.

The car park was spacious, and it was only a five-minute drive into Gloucester City Centre. We found plenty of food options at a retail park a couple of minutes away, so we ate there instead of using the restaurant. Our room was clean, but it felt a little tired and could use some attention. We had a good stay at this Premier Inn.

Beth deserves a huge shout-out. She was an absolute dynamo, and I worry she's the only one keeping this place going. The other staff were pleasant, but didn't have the same grit. The people are trying hard, and they need help from Premier Inn. The attached bar and restaurant closed early, ran out of some drinks, had its till system go down, and didn't have enough staff. The hotel put me in mind of Assault on Precinct 13, my favourite film, the 1976 version. I felt like we were living it, though we weren't being attacked by United street gangs. In the film, a police station in an isolated area is closing down, and its plucky staff, a new and outgoing captain, and a couple of capable hard-core criminals have to defend it against the gangs. This hotel also feels isolated on the edge of town and like it's waiting for the chop. It's a long review because the place isn't great, but the people really are trying.