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Summary of reviewsHoliday Inn Express Cheltenham Town Centre by IHG, receives commendations for its strategic location next to the Brewery Quarter, making it a prime spot for accessing Cheltenham's array of restaurants, bars and entertainment venues. Guests found the central positioning convenient for exploring local attractions, shopping areas and parks, as well as for accessing the Cotswolds for day trips. The nearby NCP car park and proximity to Cheltenham Racecourse further enhance its appeal for both business and leisure travelers.
The breakfast at the hotel is well-received for its good value and variety, offering both English and continental options, including freshly cooked food, pastries and a pancake machine. The staff are highly praised for their professionalism and friendliness during the breakfast service. However, guests occasionally encountered issues with long queues and slow replenishments during peak times, suggesting potential areas for improvement in managing the breakfast spread.
Regarding dinner, the onsite bar area is noted for its cozy and welcoming ambiance, but the limited dinner menu encouraged many guests to dine out at nearby restaurants. Despite this, the bar serves as a relaxing retreat with attentive staff and a pleasant setting for evening gatherings.
Rooms at the hotel offer a mix of positive and negative experiences. On the plus side, cleanliness and comfort are frequently highlighted with modern, well-equipped spaces and comfortable beds. The hotel is family-friendly, providing adequate facilities for children. However, issues such as small room size, poor ventilation, noise from busy roads and occasional outdated decor detract from the overall experience.
The hotel’s cleanliness stands out, earning high marks from guests. The rooms and common areas are maintained to a high standard, contributing to a modern and welcoming environment.
Staff at the hotel consistently receive high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness and professionalism with special mentions for individuals who went above and beyond to enhance guest experiences.
The free Wi-Fi service is generally appreciated for its availability and reliability, although some guests experienced connectivity issues, indicating a need for better coverage and speed in certain areas.
While the hotel does not have an onsite gym, guests appreciated access to a nearby well-equipped gym and swimming pool, adding to the hotel’s amenities. However, the off-site location and limited access times were noted as minor inconveniences.
Parking presents a mixed experience; the nearby NCP car park is convenient but comes at a cost. Although the hotel offers discounted rates, some guests still found the fees high and the process cumbersome.
For families, the hotel offers a friendly environment and a good location, although room size and noise levels were points of concern. The breakfast and clean facilities were appreciated, but improvements in room configuration could enhance family comfort.
Finally, the hotel’s location next to the Brewery Quarter makes it a perfect base for experiencing Cheltenham's vibrant nightlife with ample dining and entertainment options just a short walk away. Show more
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Categories
Hotel near Golf Courses
Located in Cheltenham town centre, this hotel provides convenient access to nearby golf courses, including Cheltenham Golf Club.
Family Friendly Hotel
This hotel is conveniently located and family-friendly. It is clean, and the staff are courteous and helpful. The rooms are spacious enough to accommodate families, and there is a pool table available.
Dog Friendly Hotel
This hotel is a great dog-friendly option, located opposite The Brewery Quarter with many dog-friendly eating options.
Hotel with Free Wi-Fi
This hotel offers free Wi-Fi. It is located in the town centre, providing convenient access to local attractions.
Business Hotel
The hotel is centrally located and has undergone recent renovations. It is suitable for meetings and corporate events with business facilities, conference rooms, and meeting spaces. Free WiFi is available.
Accessible Hotel
This hotel provides wheelchair accessibility throughout its grounds, with facilities for disabled guests including accessible rooms, toilets, and bathrooms. Specific wheelchair accessible double rooms and two twin bed standard accessible rooms are available. The property offers ramp/level access to the main entrance and permits assistance dogs.
Hotel with Gym
Guests at this hotel have free access to health facilities at the nearby Fitness First gym.
Hotel with EV Charging Stations
This hotel provides electric vehicle charging stations. It is located in the town centre of Cheltenham.
3-Star Hotel
This hotel is located in a shopping district and offers convenient access to The Wilson Gallery. It is an ideal base for exploring the Cotswolds and is located opposite the Brewery Quarter, offering exclusive discounts for guests.
Hotel with Indoor Pool
This hotel offers guests access to leisure facilities, including an indoor pool, at a nearby Everlast Gym. This provides an option for swimming and fitness during a stay.
Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability
Hotel near Nightlife Spots
Hotel with Swimming Pool
Indoor Pool
Hotel with Parking
EV charging stations
Room Types
Standard Twin Room with Free Hot BreakfastSatellite TV, tea and coffee making facilities and an en suite bathroom are featured in this room.
Standard Room with Free Hot BreakfastSatellite TV, tea and coffee making facilities and an en suite bathroom are featured in this room.
Room Allocated on Arrival
Standard Double Room with Free Hot BreakfastThe spacious double room provides air conditioning, soundproof walls, as well as a private bathroom featuring a walk-in shower and a hairdryer. The double room features carpeted floors, a seating area with a flat-screen TV, a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe as well as city views. The unit offers 2 beds.
Standard King Room with Free Hot Breakfast - AccessibleThe spacious double room features air conditioning, soundproof walls, as well as a private bathroom boasting a walk-in shower and a hairdryer. This wheelchair accessible double room has a tea and coffee maker, a seating area with a flat-screen TV and a roll-in shower. The unit has 1 bed.
Standard Twin Room with Free Hot Breakfast - AccessibleThe spacious twin room provides air conditioning, soundproof walls, as well as a private bathroom featuring a walk-in shower and a hairdryer. The unit offers 2 beds.
Guest Reviews
7.8
Good
Location
Holiday Inn Express Cheltenham Town Centre boasts an enviable location that reviewers consistently commend. Situated prominently next to the Brewery Quarter, the hotel places guests within a stone's throw of numerous restaurants, bars and entertainment options such as cinemas and a bowling alley. Its central positioning means that the town's key attractions, shopping areas and parks are all within easy walking distance, making it an ideal base for both leisure and business visitors.
The convenience of a nearby NCP carpark, as well as close proximity to Cheltenham Racecourse and easy access to the historic town centre, add to the hotel's appeal. Guests appreciate the short stroll to local amenities such as supermarkets and the high street, ensuring that everything needed for a comfortable stay is readily accessible. The excellent location also provides a perfect starting point for exploring the broader Cotswolds area, offering a mix of urban convenience and opportunities for picturesque day trips.
Overall, the strategic placement of Holiday Inn Express Cheltenham Town Centre makes it a highly recommended choice for anyone looking to experience the best of Cheltenham with ease and comfort.
Breakfast
The reviews of breakfast at the Holiday Inn Express Cheltenham Town Centre by IHG, offer a generally positive outlook with some areas of contention. Guests consistently praised the breakfast for its good range, excellent value and the inclusion of fresh, tasty options. The breakfast buffet was noted for its variety, including both English and continental choices with some highlights being freshly cooked food, pastries, a pancake machine and a selection of cereals, toast and fruits.
However, several guests pointed out issues during peak times, mentioning that the breakfast experience can be chaotic with long queues, slow replenishments and occasionally running out of key items like bacon or hash browns. The dining area at times felt overcrowded, making it difficult to find a seat. Some reviews suggested that the quality of certain items, like scrambled eggs and sausages, could improve and highlighted a lack of vegetarian and vegan options.
Despite occasional operational hiccups, the overall sentiment leans towards a satisfying breakfast experience with many guests appreciating the value for money and the range of choices available. The professional and friendly staff were also frequently acknowledged for their efforts in managing the breakfast service.
Dinner
The dinner experience at the Holiday Inn Express Cheltenham Town Centre by IHG, garnered mixed feedback from guests. Although the bar area was often praised for its welcoming and cozy ambiance, the dining options themselves left something to be desired. Guests frequently mentioned that the dinner menu was limited and lacked variety, causing some to seek meals at nearby restaurants instead. Nonetheless, staff members, particularly an older gentleman known for his attentiveness, enhanced the experience by providing cutlery and plates for takeaway food and creating a pleasant dining atmosphere.
While some found the nearby restaurant options satisfactory, many guests felt the absence of an in-house restaurant or a more extensive evening menu. Despite these shortcomings, the bar area provided a relaxing, cozy setting for evening gatherings where families could meet and chat. The festive decorations added to the pleasant ambiance, making it an enjoyable space for drinks and light snacks.
The overall takeaway suggests that while the bar area provides a cozy retreat, those looking for a substantial dinner might need to venture outside the hotel to fulfill their dining desires.
Rooms
Holiday Inn Express Cheltenham Town Centre offers a mixed experience when it comes to room accommodations. On the positive side, many guests appreciate the cleanliness and comfort of the rooms, frequently describing them as spotless, tidy and well-equipped. The beds are often praised for being comfortable and the rooms are generally seen as modern and functional with some guests enjoying spacious layouts and nice views, particularly from the rear of the hotel.
The hotel is family-friendly and rooms are often described as having adequate facilities, such as sofa beds and hideaway areas for kids. Guests also commend the hotel for its central location and the helpfulness of the staff.
However, there are several recurring issues. The most common complaints concern the size and temperature of the rooms. Many visitors found the rooms to be small and cramped, especially for families or groups and there are consistent reports of poor ventilation and the absence of air conditioning, resulting in rooms that are often uncomfortably warm. Noise is another frequent complaint with many rooms facing busy roads, having inadequate soundproofing or being located near noisy manhole covers and other external disturbances.
Further criticism points to outdated décor and a general need for refurbishment with some rooms exhibiting issues such as cracked tiles, stained carpets and malfunctioning fixtures like broken toilet seats and faulty lighting. Additionally, some guests noted specific problems such as unpleasant smells, dirty windows and a lack of sufficient storage.
In summary, while the Holiday Inn Express Cheltenham Town Centre is commended for its cleanliness, comfort and central location, it faces significant challenges with room size, noise, temperature control and the upkeep of its facilities, which can impact the overall guest experience.
Beds
The beds at Holiday Inn Express Cheltenham Town Centre garnered mixed reviews from guests with a significant emphasis on their comfort. Many reviews highlight the comfort of the beds, noting that they are clean, comfy and provide a good night's sleep. Several guests described the beds as very comfy or super comfortable, appreciating the added touches like extra pillows and soft duvets.
However, comfort levels varied, especially when it came to sofa beds, which received frequent complaints about being uncomfortable and not well-suited for a restful sleep. The main beds were generally seen as comfortable, although some were described as too small or too hard. Issues with bed size, including beds being too small for two people or for the number of guests in a room, were recurrent points of dissatisfaction.
There were occasional mentions of poor mattress quality, such as beds being lumpy or having springs poking through, which detracted from the overall sleeping experience. Despite these issues, the general cleanliness of the beds was frequently praised.
Overall, while many guests enjoyed a comfortable stay with suitable bedding, there are areas that could benefit from improvement, particularly regarding the quality and comfort of sofa beds and addressing concerns over bed sizes and mattress conditions.
Cleanliness
Holiday Inn Express Cheltenham Town Centre by IHG, consistently stands out for its exceptional cleanliness. Guests frequently highlight the spotless and modern environment of the hotel. The rooms and communal areas are described as very clean, tidy and comfortable with many appreciating the contemporary decor. Bathrooms are often noted for their cleanliness, contributing to an overall tidy and welcoming atmosphere.
The efficiency and thoroughness of the housekeeping staff are praised with rooms maintained to a high standard. Despite a few isolated incidents where more detailed cleaning may have been necessary, the general consensus is that the hotel meets and often exceeds cleanliness expectations.
Located centrally, the hotel offers both convenience and a fresh, clean environment, making it a reliable choice for travelers seeking comfort and hygiene.
Staff
The staff at the Holiday Inn Express Cheltenham Town Centre by IHG, are consistently praised for their friendliness, helpfulness and professionalism. Numerous reviews highlight the staff's accommodating nature and excellent customer service with specific commendations for being polite, courteous and efficient. Guests frequently mention the warm welcome they receive and the staff's willingness to assist with various requests and queries. Special mentions are given to individuals like Penny, Ashley and Calum for their exceptional service. While there are occasional mentions of less favorable experiences, such incidents are relatively rare. Overall, the staff team is a significant highlight of guests’ stays, contributing positively to the hotel's reputation.
Wi-Fi
The reviews for the Wi-Fi at Holiday Inn Express Cheltenham Town Centre by IHG, indicate a mix of experiences. On the positive side, many guests appreciated the availability of free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel with several noting that the connection in both rooms and public areas worked well and was reliable. The presence of free internet access was frequently mentioned as a significant plus.
However, some guests encountered issues with the Wi-Fi, such as difficulty accessing the network, unstable connections and moments when the Wi-Fi was not functional, particularly in some rooms. There were comments about needing better Wi-Fi coverage and improvements in speed to support working needs. Despite these challenges, a number of guests found the Wi-Fi to be good and quick, contributing positively to their stay.
Gym
The Holiday Inn Express Cheltenham Town Centre offers guests the convenience of accessing a well-equipped gym nearby, which many visitors found to be a significant bonus. Although the gym is not located on the premises, it is just a short walk across the road, making it easily accessible. Guests appreciated the quality of facilities available and enjoyed the added benefit of a local gym and swimming pool. However, some found the process and terms of access, such as limited usage times and restrictions on family swim, to be somewhat constrictive. Additionally, there were instances where the gym facilities, including the pool, were temporarily out of order. Despite these issues, the proximity and quality of the gym were generally seen as a positive enhancement to the hotel's amenities.
Pool
The Holiday Inn Express Cheltenham Town Centre by IHG, offers access to a swimming pool, but it’s worth noting that this pool is not located on-site. Guests need to cross the road to access the pool, which is in a different building, specifically within a commercial gym. However, many reviews highlight that the pool itself is nice, clean and heated to a perfect temperature, making it ideal for small children and families. The swimming pool is well-maintained, featuring great facilities that guests have enjoyed, such as an inner pool area and adequate heating.
Children can enjoy specific pool times, although access during these hours can be limited. Some guests found the limited pool access inconvenient, but for others, the close proximity and free use of the pool and gym were a definite bonus. While a few reviews mentioned that the pool needs updating and can be busy at times, overall, it provides a good experience for those looking to take a swim during their stay. Despite its off-site location, the pool area, including facilities for sunbathing and a child's play area, contributed positively to the leisure experience at this hotel.
Parking
Parking at the Holiday Inn Express Cheltenham Town Centre presents a mix of convenience and expense for guests. The hotel doesn't offer free on-site parking, but a nearby NCP car park is frequently mentioned as a close and convenient option. This multi-storey car park is directly opposite the hotel and offers discounted rates for guests, typically around 25% off, making it somewhat more affordable.
Despite the discounts, many guests find the fees remain high and express dissatisfaction with having to pay extra for parking. Some note that the parking validation process can be fiddly or occasionally doesn't work as expected.
For those needing electric vehicle charging, limited spaces are available, though some noted these can fill up quickly. Overall, while parking is easily accessible and discounted by the hotel, the costs can still be steep and clearer communication regarding parking fees and options would be beneficial for guests. Various parking options around the area are also available, but some are noted to be cheaper than others.
Family
The Holiday Inn Express Cheltenham Town Centre by IHG, is particularly noted for its friendly and accommodating environment for families. The hotel is situated in a good location that's suitable for family visits, offering ease of access to the nearby city center. Despite the overall positive sentiment, the size and arrangement of the family rooms received mixed feedback with numerous guests pointing out that the rooms are often on the smaller side, especially for families of four.
For those traveling with children, the availability of pools is a plus, though the limited hours for family use was a common point of inconvenience. Several guests appreciated the clean and welcoming atmosphere of the hotel and the breakfast received favorable comments, making the mornings enjoyable for families.
However, room configuration and size were frequent criticisms with families noting the difficulty in comfortably accommodating everyone, particularly with the fold-out beds for kids. Some rooms were reported to be noisy, especially those near the road and there were occasional complaints about the temperature and parking availability.
Overall, while the facility offers a friendly and well-located base for family trips, improvements could be made in room allocation and amenities to better suit the needs of larger families and ensure a more comfortable stay.
Nightlife
Holiday Inn Express Cheltenham Town Centre by IHG, offers an enviable location for those looking to dive into the vibrant nightlife of Cheltenham. The hotel is ideally situated close to an array of bars, restaurants and nightclubs, all within walking distance. Guests have noted the abundance of nearby entertainment options, including pubs, nightclubs and even a cinema. The area is bustling with activity, providing an exciting atmosphere for those looking to enjoy a night out. However, the lively nightlife scene can also contribute to noise levels late into the evening. Despite this, the convenience of having a multitude of dining and entertainment options just steps away makes this hotel a prime choice for visitors looking to experience everything Cheltenham's nightlife has to offer.
3 Star
Holiday Inn Express Cheltenham Town Centre by IHG, stands as a commendable three-star establishment that lives up to the IHG standard. Guests consistently highlight its value for money, classing it as decent for its star rating and providing a clean, fresh and modern environment. While the hotel does not offer luxurious amenities, it delivers exactly what one would expect from a Holiday Inn—reliable and satisfactory services. The rooms are clean and generally well-received, providing a solid option for those on a measured budget. The breakfast buffet, although crowded at times, adds to the overall convenience and appeal. This hotel serves as a good standard mid-range option for travelers seeking a reliable place to stay without expecting high-end frills.
Business
Holiday Inn Express Cheltenham Town Centre by IHG, stands out as a top choice for business travelers due to its strategic central location, ideal for both meetings and corporate events. The hotel features numerous business facilities, including well-equipped conference rooms and dedicated meeting spaces, which are conducive to productive gatherings. Guests have highlighted the availability of a business center and free WiFi, which are essential for seamless business operations.
The common areas are noted to be well-suited for business use, allowing executives to meet and work efficiently. Many reviewers have expressed satisfaction with the value and the supportive customer service provided during their business stays. The hotel has maintained a reputation for being clean and quiet, creating a conducive environment for focused work.
Holiday Inn Express Cheltenham Town Centre has been frequently chosen by business travelers, indicating a reliable service standard and the ability to cater to the needs of corporate guests. However, it is noted that during certain functions, food services might be unavailable, which is a minor inconvenience.
Despite occasional issues with room allocation when booking through specific platforms, the feedback from executives on rented workspaces and the overall business environment remains overwhelmingly positive. The hotel's comprehensive amenities for business, including ergonomic user desks and direct login facilities, further enhance its appeal for corporate stays.
Accessible
The Holiday Inn Express Cheltenham Town Centre, an IHG Hotel, appears to be well-equipped to cater to guests with disabilities. The availability of wheelchair accessible rooms and easy access for disabled guests are some of the hotel's highlights. They offer specific rooms on the 5th floor designed to meet accessibility needs, including appropriate room access for wheelchair users. Guests have noted that the hotel provides excellent disabled provisions, such as great accessibility in bathrooms and additional wheelchair availability.
The hotel's infrastructure supports easy access throughout with specialized tiles in designated zones and a range of access services that facilitate movement for all guests. Pre-arranged access ensures a comfortable stay, accommodating any specific requirements. Problems related to access are promptly solved with air conditioning systems noted to be in good working order.
Moreover, the hotel's commitment to accessibility is evident as they swiftly offer room changes to more accessible ones upon request, ensuring that every guest has a comfortable and inclusive experience.
Indoor Pool
The indoor pool at the Holiday Inn Express Cheltenham Town Centre, available through the Everlasting gym across the road, has received mixed reviews. Guests appreciated the convenience and highlighted that the pool was nice and warm, making it enjoyable for kids. The heated indoor pool was noted to be clean on several occasions, adding to the positive experience. However, some reviews mentioned that the pool needed cleaning at times and pointed out that it can be closed in the mornings. The location of the pool, not being on the hotel premises, was seen as a drawback for some guests.
Dog Friendly
Holiday Inn Express Cheltenham Town Centre by IHG, offers a welcoming environment for guests traveling with their canine companions. The hotel is consistently noted for being dog friendly with specific areas within the establishment where dogs are allowed. Guests have appreciated the opportunity to stay in a nice place alongside their furry friends. The hotel does not impose charges for assistance dogs, adding to its appeal as a pet-friendly destination.
Despite the overall positive experience, there are a few areas for improvement. Some guests encountered issues when trying to enjoy breakfast with their dogs, noting that staff were not always accommodating. Additionally, the designated area for dining with dogs, including a decking area, has been found to be less than spotless with remnants of cigarette dumps and shot glasses from previous evenings.
Nonetheless, for those seeking a pet-friendly stay in Cheltenham, the Holiday Inn Express remains a viable option with its accommodating policies and dog-friendly facilities.
Yes, Holiday Inn Express Cheltenham Town Centre by IHG has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Indoor Pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Holiday Inn Express Cheltenham Town Centre by IHG.
Yes, Holiday Inn Express Cheltenham Town Centre by IHG welcomes dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Holiday Inn Express Cheltenham Town Centre by IHG.
Yes, Holiday Inn Express Cheltenham Town Centre by IHG has a gym.