Premier Inn Manchester - Cheadle

Breakfast was a real disappointment. There was no buffet, just a sit-down setup where you order and wait. I get up early for work and didn't have time for that, especially with Manchester traffic to contend with. Only one staff member was taking orders and serving, and they couldn't keep up. Premier Inns normally do a proper buffet well, but not here. The room was as basic as it gets, with no sockets by the bed and no desk lamp, so it felt dark and dingy, more like a one-star hotel. Premier Inns are usually three-star at best, but this one was dire. My ID Mobile signal was poor, I know it's not the best network, but I'd never before had to sit in my car to get enough signal to work on my laptop. There was only one bar just outside the room. Two stars feels generous.

Breakfast was good, though the food and drinks area was small and got crowded easily. Staff were friendly, but the rooms felt dated, with no socket by the bed. The bathroom fan was loud and didn't do much. Both the old pillows and the spares had no give, and the glass mug in my room had a chip that cut my finger. The duvet was so heavy that I was too hot under it in December and too cold without it. The location is handy for the motorway, but not great without a car. I've stayed at several Premier Inns that were much better.

The continental breakfast was great. We skipped the cooked option because you can't be sure it's cooked just before you eat it. The staff were friendly, the bathroom was clean, and the beds were comfortable. Rooms were spacious too, and the hotel is well placed next to the A34.

It really didn't feel worth the price. I've stayed at many other Premier Inns, and this was the worst for service and value by far. Reception was blunt and rude at check-in. When I asked Charlie simple things, like whether there was a refillable water station or if the bathroom tap water was safe to drink, he repeatedly muttered patronisingly that he didn't know. There were no sockets beside the beds. The rooms were otherwise okay, and one female receptionist was helpful and politely said she'd send up an iron. She then forgot, leaving us waiting more than 30 minutes.