= HOLIDAY INN - LEICESTER =======
The Leicester Holiday Inn was opened in September 1971 and was the first hotel in the chain of the UK franchise of Holiday Inns, it celebrated it's 50th birthday recently and is part of the bass group along with the hotel brands Intercontinental, Crown Plaza and Staybridge Suites. (US)
~ Location~
The hotel is located in the city centre of Leicester which makes it handy for shops and nightlife as it is across the road to the High Street, however noise is not a problem as double glazing is standard, even the noise from the road surrounding the hotel is fairly quiet. The hotel I should warn you though is located on it's own roundabout which also houses an NCP car park. The car park is free to guests, you just need your ticket validating by reception.
Train Station - 15min Walk 5min Taxi (£3.50)
Bus Station - 10min Walk 5min Taxi (£5.00)
~ Check-In ~
As you enter the hotel lobby through the humongous revolving glass door, a sense of calm and serenity hits you like a double decker bus, not the usual hustle and bustle, the main reception houses, check-in, hotel bar/lounge, cocktail lounge and entrances to the several function rooms, plus the mandatory lifts to serve the 188 rooms on 8 floors.
~ Room ~The room I had reserved was an Executive King, it contained an en-suite bathroom with:
The main area contained:
- TV *Tea/Coffee 'Stuff'
- Desk *Power Points for Lap Tops
- ArmChair *Fresh Flowers?!
- Mini Bar *Complimentary Choccie Bars
I was expecting a larger room but they had used mirrors, lighting and decor to give that feeling of extra space, the lighting system was very good as it ranged from bright spotlights through to subdued 'get girlfriend in the sack' lighting! Another bonus was we had our own A/C unit that we could control ourselves, this was electronically controlled by a unit which also featured climate control.Hotel Facilites:~
Our hotel features it's own leisure club but this was closed for refurbishment during our stay so I'm not able to comment, however
~ Licensed Bar/Lounge: Too expensive for my liking
~ Satellite TV: Cool Sky TV..no french movie channel
~ Meeting Rooms: No Comment
~ Restaurant: You name it, they have it
I must say the breakfast was the best thing as they had everthing ranging from Continental meats to good old 'heart stopping' fry ups.
~ Prices ~
We stayed for two nights and only paid £55 per night bed & breakfast not bad for a 4 star 'gaff'. I found this rate on their website and clicking on SPECIAL OFFERS and then click on the link for SUMMER BREAKS.
Be warned these sell out fast!
~ Attractions / Landmarks~
The National Space Centre 10mins by car
Leicester University 5mins by car
Football Stadium 15mins by car
City Centre 5mins on foot
M1 Jnct 21/ M69 30mins by car
In my opinion, although I was sad enough to stay in a hotel in my home town, I would recommend that it does wonders for a relationship. Money Well Spent! and well worth every penny spent at the hotel.
Booking Info:~
Visit http://www.holidayinn.co.uk
by (2%):
by (22%):
30.01.2005 00:53
Good price, although not somewhere I could envisage staying at the moment. Just been looking on their website, and they are now quoting a charge of £2 a day for car-parking. Sue
12.01.2004 23:10
great review...when you say £55 a night..is that per person, or per room? Marc
08.01.2004 22:43
Not sure about the speed trap title ?!? Also, you don't mention the restaurant and meals they serve, nor if breakfast was included and how good this is ? Otherwise, £55 sounds like a bargain for the facilities you had ! Ax