Holiday Inn Express Norwich

The customer service was OK, and breakfast was basic but did the job. It was busy, though, so we waited about 20 minutes. Room 113 felt dated, especially the bathroom. The sink was cracked, with what looked like a quick repair after the place had been an asylum hotel for a while. There was no toilet brush either. Parking costs an extra £5, another way to make cash. Given the room's condition, I wouldn't pay more than £80 for it.

The reception team gave us a warm welcome, and our room at the end of the corridor was quiet. At first it seemed clean, but then I noticed grime running down the sides of the shower. I wiped a small patch and it was gross. I expect better from an IHG hotel. It takes a minute to wipe down a shower after guests leave.

The staff were pleasant, helpful and friendly, and we had a nice clean room with a comfy bed. It's a nice hotel, conveniently near Asda and David Lloyd's gym. Food and drinks are available at the bar. Breakfast is self-service, with a good choice of cereals, pastries, tea and coffee, plus scrambled eggs, tomatoes, hash browns and beans. Veg sausages are available if you ask. Overnight parking costs £5.00.

Room 109 was the second-best room I've had on my UK tours, and the room, parking and staff were excellent. The bar was a letdown, though. After my shower I fancied a beer, but every tap had a glass over it and Camden lager was the only draught available. I'm not a fan, and the only other option was 330ml bottles at a silly price. So I didn't stay to order food. At breakfast there was no black pudding, mushrooms or fried egg, only scrambled egg, so I made a bap instead of having an English breakfast. Having to eat elsewhere was a big disappointment, and after needing to leave the hotel for food, I'm unsure whether I'd return.