Days Inn Donington, Derby

Location:
The hotel is on the Westbound carriageway of the A50, and is just a couple of miles from the M1, off of J24. The A50 also joins up with the M6 at the other end.
This is close to the East Midlands airport, Derby, Donnington Park race Track and Alton Towers. Be aware the adverts say its just 30 mins to Alton Towers. Treat the journey as 40 mins and you'll be ok.

Note on Location:
The hotel and facilities ...
...your travelling Eastbound, you have to go up to the junction with the M1 to be able to turn round (but its only a few mins away).

Hotel or Motel:
If your expecting something like the Hilton or Holiday Inn (plush and fancy) then you wont like it here. If you're used to places like Travelodge or Travelinn (quite basic) then you'll be fine here. Think of this as a Motel and you wont go far wrong.

Car Park:
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Location:
The hotel is on the Westbound carriageway of the A50, and is just a couple of miles from the M1, off of J24. The A50 also joins up with the M6 at the other end.
This is close to the East Midlands airport, Derby, Donnington Park race Track and Alton Towers. Be aware the adverts say its just 30 mins to Alton Towers. Treat the journey as 40 mins and you'll be ok.

Note on Location:
The hotel and facilities are ONLY available when travelling on the Westbound carriageway. If your travelling Eastbound, you have to go up to the junction with the M1 to be able to turn round (but its only a few mins away).

Hotel or Motel:
If your expecting something like the Hilton or Holiday Inn (plush and fancy) then you wont like it here. If you're used to places like Travelodge or Travelinn (quite basic) then you'll be fine here. Think of this as a Motel and you wont go far wrong.

Car Park:
Quite a large car park is available in the front of the hotel, with space for +50 cars easily. Its well lit and seems quite safe.

Check in/Out:
They advertise check-in available after 3pm but, if the rooms ready, you'll get in earlier. Check-out is by 11am.

Reception:
A small counter with (always so far) helpful and efficient staff. Checking in is quick and easy. Rooms are opened by keycards, that work for a maximum of 24 hours, so if you stay longer than a day they'll need changing.
They also have a small counter by it, to buy soft drinks and sweets. Tea and coffee is available within the reception area, for a small fee.
The reception is staffed 24 hours a day.

Bar:
This is the reception area (the exact desk). They will sell you various cans of drink, wine or spirits.

TV Room:
They have one and its quite small. Not really a problem as all the rooms have a TV.

Papers:
Free papers are available daily. Always seems to be the Independent.

Rooms:
They have different rooms available. Some are classed as executive, some as family. The family rooms are suitable for 4 people and have a double bed and a sofa bed.
They all have their own bathroom, with a toilet, bath, shower fitting and suchlike.
Generally the rooms are smallish but acceptable. They all have tea/coffee making facilities and your own TV. The TV is free for the normal channels but Pay Per View is available as are Pay Movies.
All rooms also have a hairdryer and, if needed, Broadband Wi-Fi is available at an extra charge.

Pets:
They accept them.

Breakfast:
If you want something you can get an English breakfast, which is currently £7.95 or have a continental breakfast for £4.95.

Next door:
Right next door is a Shell Service station, which has a typical shop selling sandwiches, sweets, papers, et al (all you would expect from such a shop actually).

Also within the area is a couple of eating places for hot food or tea/coffee and assorted snacks. Not too cheap though.
TIP: If not offered, ask the hotel if they have a voucher for use in the restaurant next door. They often have some vouchers for a discount on any meals bought.

Costs:
These do vary but expect about £50 for a night.
I looked at the costs for a week in March: They were £52.95 a night. The Travelodge a few miles further down the road was £59 a night for the same period.

The company web site is www.daysinn.com

Tip: If you book by the company web site you'll pay the basic current price. Check the price first but DONT BOOK! Then go to www.laterooms.com and check their price. They seem to ALWAYS be cheaper by £3 a night. A Saving! and the booking is guaranteed there and then.

Extra Tip: Are you a member of Mutual Points?? If you are, then book using laterooms via the site. You'll get points (4 per £1 spent) and it'll add a little more to your rolling savings.

NB: If you are not a member of Mutual Points or have never heard of them, do a search on Ciao (or my reviews) and read up on them. Just a little extra work sometimes makes for a little extra back!

Overall:
A good priced hotel/motel. Cheaper than many places but with reasonable facilities. If you just want a stopover place or a 'base' for a few days, its ideal. 

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