Invited to a concert at Manchester MEN I started an eleventh hour search for a hotel room eventually securing a room at the Express by Holiday Inn.
Here's where my troubles began
Despite calling me Fiona on the phone and having me spell out my full name when they took my debit card details the e-mail confirmation bore a different initial. No problems I thought, I have driving lisence and anyway my card details can be checked.
I set off from home for the six hour journey and all went well until I was within spitting distance and then I got lost, very lost!
The hotel is situated away from the main road on what I guess is a small retail park, the sign for the hotel wasn't clearly visible from the direction I was travelling. It was dark and I didn't know Manchester so being fair I guess I could have missed it.
I arrive knackered and a bit naffed off but glad to be there. I lug the case out the car and await a cheery reception. I got grunted at then there was a to-do about the e-mail confirmation.
I had booked a twin smoking room. I got a double non-smoking room. It made for an interresting discussion with my companion! They couldn't change the rooms as there were none left. It ended up ok as we got very drunk in the bar before bed...more of that later.
I unpacked and gave reception a ring to ask them to book a taxi. I was told there was a phone in the lobby and I would have to call myself. They wouldn't give me the number for me to call from my room.
The room.....well it was fairly standard fare. A bit cramped but there was an ok bed, a TV, hairdryer and all the other bits and bobs you normally get.
It took us a while to work out the lights. No comment was made when we checked in and it was only down to my eagle eyed companion that I didn't make a complete fool of myself.
Once you've unlocked the door you have to put your keycard in a slot on the wall to turn the lights on. Very natty but if you don't knoow then you fumble around in the dark looking for light switches and mumbling about crap hotels.
The bathroom was small and had an interesting interlocking door combination to seperate toilet and shower (no bath). There was soap and shower gel however it was in big squeezy bottles attached to the wall.
Whilst we were out there was a shift change and we arrived back at the hotel to find a nice smiley recptionist/barman/jack of all trades.
The bar doubles as the reception area and dining area but it was well stocked and not too pricey. Bottle of ok plonk was £13. My only complaint would be that this area was no smoking but I am used to being a social pariah!
Breakfast was a let down, they hadn't told me what it was when I booked so I was anticipating a big greasy fry up to help my hangover. It was healthier fare. Croissants, danish pastries, toast, cereal, cheese and fruit. There was a never ending supply.
Generally it was an ok hotel and much as you would expect from Holiday Inn. I thought it was pricey for what we got, I paid £89 and to be fair it wasn't very different from a travel lodge or premier inn.
Would I stay there again? Hmmm, I guess if there was no comparable but cheaper alternatives.
very helpful as i may be travelling up there soon...though i dont think i will be staying the night!
daylehall 02.12.2006 09:26
Excellent review, sorry to hear you didnt enjoy your stay. xx
trevorbrock 01.12.2006 11:50
So who did switch out the lights ??? - the more I travel, the more I realise just how many different formulae hotels have for unlocking doors, activating lights, operating TV's and utilising the showers.! - Good review, though - Trevor
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Nov 30th, 2006
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