Days Inn by Wyndham Cannock Norton Canes M6 Toll

The reception looked lovely, but the noise through the walls was awful. I could hear the couple next door having sex for about five minutes, and the wall shook so much that the water glass on my headboard was spilling. They were chatting at 6am the next morning, and it felt like they were in my room. Even people walking along the corridor sounded as if my door were wide open.

The room was clean and had the basics I needed, with a comfortable bed and extra pillows available. It was quite bare, though, with no iron or ironing board and no biscuits for the morning. Staff were all friendly and welcoming. There are good discounts at the service station, and parking is free once you register your car. They also explained the intercom exit at a different entrance so I could leave without extra charges for staying on the Toll Road Motorway.

The service station next door is handy, with a McDonald’s, Costa and other shops for food or toiletries. There’s no proper restaurant or bar at the hotel, though. The receptionist was really nice at check-in, but the desk was shut whenever I passed during the next two days, so I left my key with housekeeping when I checked out. I stayed two nights and wouldn’t come back. The room smelled of old smoke and must, the heater didn’t work, and the dated rooms have very thin walls. For what I paid, it didn’t come close to the standard I expected. It’ll do if you just need somewhere to sleep, but families or anyone staying longer should go elsewhere.

The room was pleasant and the reception staff were really friendly. There’s no restaurant on site, so we ate our evening meal in the food court at the adjoining service station. I got a £10 food voucher for breakfast. I wasn’t sure what to expect going in, and I’m not sure I’d stay again since there’s nothing to do once you’ve checked in.