"I chose this Holiday Inn Express for three very specific reasons, especially since we were travelling to Colchester on a very hot 32°C day and unfortunately, the hotel failed us on all three.
1) Air Conditioning
One of the main reasons we booked this hotel was because it advertised air‑conditioned rooms. When we arrived, the room was set to 23.5°C and we were unable to adjust it. We went to reception and were told the entire hotel was locked to that temperature. Their solution was to hand us a small, ineffective fan. I’m travelling with a toddler and I’m heavily pregnant a cool room wasn’t a luxury, it was a necessity. Instead, the room was uncomfortably hot and made the stay miserable.
2) EV Charging Point
We also chose this hotel because it listed an on‑site EV charger. After driving nearly 200 miles, we urgently needed to charge the car. When we arrived, the charger was out of order. No warning, no alternative, nothing. Another major disappointment.
3) Restaurant & Kids Eat Free
Holiday Inn hotels are known for having decent restaurants and the “kids eat free” offer. When we arrived at 5pm with a hungry toddler, we discovered: The restaurant doesn’t serve food until 6–9pm. The “kids eat free” offer does not apply to Holiday Inn Express locations — something only found in the fine print.
Again, another expectation completely unmet.
Positives:
The room was clean and breakfast was good. But when you’re overheated and uncomfortable, it overshadows everything"
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