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Summary of reviewsHoliday Inn Express London - Dartford by IHG, is highly regarded for its convenient location adjacent to the M25 motorway and near the Dartford Crossing. It serves as a perfect stopover for travelers heading towards the Eurotunnel, Gatwick Airport and popular shopping areas such as Bluewater and Lakeside. The hotel's proximity to Brands Hatch and accessible road networks appeal to families, business travelers and shoppers. However, some guests find traffic and noise from the nearby motorway problematic, especially during rush hours. Despite limited public transport options, the hotel remains easy to find and navigate for those traveling by car.
In terms of overall experience, guests consistently praise the hotel's cleanliness. The rooms and communal areas are described as clean and well-maintained, providing a pleasant and inviting atmosphere. Spacious and modern rooms equipped with comfortable beds and effective air conditioning contribute to a restful stay. However, occasional issues such as dated carpets, odd smells and minor maintenance problems are reported. Noise disturbances are generally minimal, ensuring a peaceful environment within the rooms.
The hotel staff receive widespread commendation for their friendliness, professionalism and dedication. The reception team is particularly noted for their welcoming and efficient service, which significantly enhances the guest experience. The restaurant staff are also appreciated for their hard work and accommodating nature, despite the busy environment.
Breakfast at the hotel garners mixed yet largely positive reviews. Guests appreciate the wide selection of hot and cold dishes, describing the breakfast as lovely and delicious. The complimentary offering is often seen as great value for money. However, some guests mention limited variety, occasional missing items and a busy dining area during peak times, which can lead to delays. Cleanliness and efficient service help maintain a generally satisfactory dining experience.
Dinner offerings receive similar mixed feedback. While the food quality and pricing are appreciated, the limited menu and repetitiveness are noted drawbacks. The delicious and well-cooked meals, particularly the pizzas, stand out positively. However, issues with long waits, incorrect orders and sometimes uncomfortable dining areas are mentioned. An expanded and more consistent menu could enhance the dinner experience.
The hotel's Wi-Fi service is generally praised for being free and high-speed with good performance in public areas and the lobby. However, some guests experience weak signals and frequent disconnections, indicating room for improvement in consistency and reliability.
Parking at the hotel is another highlight with many guests appreciating the availability of free parking. The well-lit, secure and spacious car park is convenient and adds to the appeal for those traveling by car. Some guests, however, find the recently introduced parking fees frustrating and consider them an annoyance.
Families find the hotel accommodating with spacious family rooms, amenities such as extra cribs and sofa beds and a family-friendly atmosphere. While the rooms are often sufficient for smaller families, larger groups may feel slightly crowded. The accommodating staff and practical location make it a preferred choice for family travelers.
Lastly, the comfort and quality of the beds receive frequent praise with many guests enjoying a good night's sleep on the comfy mattresses and sizable beds. While most feedback is positive, some guests find the additional sofa beds inadequate and suggest they could be more comfortable.
In summary, Holiday Inn Express London - Dartford presents a practical and welcoming option for a range of travelers, especially those seeking convenience, cleanliness, friendly staff and good value for money. Show more
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Categories
Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability
As an IHG hotel, this property implements the IHG Green Engage program, which focuses on reducing energy, water, and waste across its properties through various initiatives.
Business Hotel
Provides basic business amenities with a focus on convenience and affordability. Ideal for short stays and budget-conscious business trips.
Hotel with Parking
This hotel offers ample free parking for guests. It is located just a minute's drive from the M25 and near the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge.
3-Star Hotel
The Holiday Inn Express offers a convenient location near the M25 and Dartford Bridge. Guests can enjoy clean, comfortable rooms and complimentary breakfast, making it a reliable and hassle-free option.
Family Friendly Hotel
Dog Friendly Hotel
Accessible Hotel
Room Types
Standard Room with Free Hot BreakfastA standard twin or double room will be allocated to you on arrival at the hotel's discretion. Your room and bedding preference is not guaranteed.
Standard Double Room with Sofa Bed and Free Hot BreakfastA family room suitable for up to 2 adults and 2 children aged under 12 years. The room features a double bed and pull-out sofa bed, free WiFi, a 32-inch TV with Freeview and an en suite bathroom with power shower.
If you require the hotel to set up the extra bed, please inform the hotel via the Special Requests box during the booking process.
Standard Double Room with Free Hot BreakfastA double room suitable for up to 2 adults. This room features a double bed, free WiFi, a 32-inch TV with Freeview and an en suite bathroom with power shower.
Double Room with Free Hot Breakfast - AccessibleA wheelchair accessible room suitable for up to 2 adults. This spacious room has a double bed, wider doorways and adapted bathroom facilities with roll-in shower and emergency cord. It also features free WiFi, a 32-inch TV with Freeview.
Standard Twin Room with Free Hot BreakfastThis twin room has blackout curtains, free WiFi, a 32-inch TV with Freeview and an en suite bathroom with power shower.
Guest Reviews
7.7
Good
Location
Holiday Inn Express London - Dartford by IHG boasts a convenient location, especially beneficial for those traveling by car. Situated right off the M25 motorway and near the Dartford Crossing, it offers easy access for guests en route to the Eurotunnel, Gatwick Airport and key business and shopping districts like Bluewater and Lakeside. The hotel is ideally placed for visits to Brands Hatch and serves as a practical base for journeys into central London, despite being a bit of a distance from the city center.
Guests appreciate the hotel's proximity to major road networks and the convenience it provides for travel. Many have found it a perfect spot for overnight stops or as a gateway to onward journeys to Kent and Folkestone. Families visiting local relatives, business travelers with appointments in the area and shoppers alike find the location favorable.
While the hotel is well-placed for road travel, some guests have noted the challenges posed by traffic, especially during rush hours and around the Dartford Crossing. Noise from the nearby motorway can also be an issue for light sleepers, even though many found the tranquility of the area generally satisfactory.
In terms of accessibility, the hotel is noted to be easy to find and navigate from the highway, making it a practical choice for those traveling by car. For those relying on public transport, however, it may not be as convenient due to limited nearby options.
Overall, guests have praised the hotel for its cleanliness, friendly staff and good value for money, underscoring its suitability for both short stays and longer visits when traveling through or visiting the area.
Breakfast
Reviews of the breakfast at Holiday Inn Express London - Dartford by IHG, present a mixed yet generally positive sentiment. Many guests appreciated the wide selection of breakfast items, noting that the choices were ample and tasty with commendable options for both hot and cold dishes. The breakfast was often described as lovely, delicious and as exceeding expectations, particularly given the value for money provided by the complimentary offerings.
However, some guests found the breakfast to be standard or basic, particularly when compared to other hotels. Certain recurring issues included limited variety with mentions of missing items like fried eggs, fresh vegetables or more extensive cooked options. Additionally, a few reviews highlighted the busy and crowded nature of the breakfast area, especially during peak times, which sometimes led to delays in refilling popular items.
Despite these criticisms, many found the breakfast to be well-organized and satisfactory with the quality of the food generally praised. Cleanliness and efficient service were also noted by several reviewers, contributing to an overall positive dining experience. For those seeking a hearty start to their day, the breakfast at this hotel seems to generally meet, if not exceed, most guests' expectations.
Dinner
Upon visiting the Holiday Inn Express London - Dartford, guests frequently comment on the dinner experience at the hotel's restaurant. While many appreciate the good food quality, reasonable pricing and variety, there are recurring mentions of a limited and largely fried menu with some selections running out.
Notable positive feedback highlights that the food was well-cooked, delicious and that pizzas stood out for being hot and fresh. Guests also appreciated the hard-working restaurant staff who endeavored to accommodate everyone, despite the busy environment.
However, several guests were dissatisfied with the limited options, especially for those who don't eat meat. The menu's repetitiveness and high prices for what was offered were pointed out with some diners experiencing long waits and receiving orders that were incorrect or of poor quality. Issues were also noted with the dining area being uncomfortable and sometimes having to eat in less-than-ideal locations due to the lack of tables.
Overall, while the meals can be delightful and well-prepared, the dinner experience at the hotel reveals a need for broader and more consistent menu options and improvements in service efficiency to meet guest expectations.
Rooms
The rooms at Holiday Inn Express London - Dartford by IHG have received a mix of feedback from guests with many praising the cleanliness and comfort. The spaciousness of the rooms is frequently highlighted, making it a suitable choice for families as well. Guests often describe the rooms as big, nicely furnished and equipped with modern amenities including good air conditioning. Comfortable beds and good showers are regularly noted, enhancing the overall stay.
However, there are several aspects that could be improved. Some guests mentioned that the rooms and carpets can be dated and in need of better maintenance with occasional issues like odd smells, stained carpets and poor housekeeping services. Instances of blocked showers and malfunctioning air conditioning were also reported. Noise from the corridors and occasional external disruptions, such as from nearby traffic, were typically minimal, contributing to a peaceful environment within the rooms.
In summary, while the hotel offers clean, comfortable and spacious rooms with modern features, there are areas that need attention to ensure a consistently pleasant experience.
Beds
Nestled in the heart of Dartford, the Holiday Inn Express London - Dartford by IHG, offers a restful haven with its highly praised sleeping arrangements. Guests frequently highlight the undeniable comfort and quality of the beds with many appreciating their comfy mattresses, sizable dimensions and crisp, white linens. Reviews reveal that most visitors enjoyed a good night's sleep, often pointing out the large, spacious beds and the overall comfortable experience of the rooms. Pillows also receive commendation for their comfortability, contributing to an overall satisfying sleep experience.
However, the additional sofa beds appear to be hit-or-miss. While some find them adequate, others reported them as uncomfortable with issues ranging from stains to squeakiness and the need for an upgrade. Despite a few mentions of minor inconveniences like low-quality duvets and hard pillows, the predominant sentiment remains positive. The rooms themselves are frequently described as spacious, clean and comfortable, which complements the restful sleeping arrangements.
In essence, the Holiday Inn Express London - Dartford excels in providing a comfortable and restful environment for guests, making it a strong choice for travelers seeking a good night’s sleep.
Cleanliness
The Holiday Inn Express London - Dartford by IHG, consistently receives praise for its cleanliness from its guests. The majority of reviews emphasize the clean and well-maintained rooms, highlighting the clean bathrooms and comfortable, well-prepared accommodations. Many guests find the communal areas bright and modern, adding to the overall impression of cleanliness. The bedding receives positive mentions for its clean and comfortable quality with large, fluffy towels being a notable plus.
Several guests appreciate the hotel's quiet and pleasant environment, which, combined with the clean and tidy rooms, makes for an inviting atmosphere. The public spaces are generally clean and the hotel's effort to maintain high standards of cleanliness is noticeable. Additionally, the ample parking and well-lit reception area contribute to the overall positive experience.
However, there are occasional concerns regarding the state of cleanliness in some areas. Instances of dirty carpets and stale smells in the corridors have been reported with some guests noting that room cleaning wasn't always up to par. A few reviewers mentioned that the cleanliness of the windows and some bathrooms could be improved.
Despite these occasional drawbacks, most guests find the hotel to be clean and comfortable, making it a reliable choice for those prioritizing cleanliness during their stay. The friendly and helpful staff further enhance the welcoming environment, ensuring an overall pleasant experience.
Staff
The Holiday Inn Express London - Dartford by IHG, impresses guests consistently with its remarkable staff. Visitors frequently commend the staff for being very helpful, friendly, polite and professional. The reception team, in particular, stands out for their welcoming and efficient service. Guests appreciate the smiling and courteous demeanor, describing the staff as lovely, attentive and accommodating. Housekeeping and other hotel personnel also receive praise for their friendliness and helpfulness. Even during busy periods, the staff's dedication to maintaining excellent service does not go unnoticed. While there are occasional mentions of less than satisfactory encounters, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive. The team's commitment to making guests feel comfortable and valued significantly enhances the hotel experience, making it a preferred choice for many travelers.
Wi-Fi
At the Holiday Inn Express London - Dartford, the reviews for the Wi-Fi have been varied. On the positive side, many guests appreciated the high-speed internet and free availability, describing the Wi-Fi as working well, strong and reliable. The internet service was noted to be fast with some guests complimenting the impressive Wi-Fi performance, particularly in public areas and the lobby.
However, there were mentions of inconsistent experiences. Some guests reported the Wi-Fi connection as problematic with weak signals and frequent disconnections. The service seemed to struggle with issues of reliability and overburdening, leading to spotty and sometimes non-working internet throughout the hotel. A few visitors noted that improving the Wi-Fi would have significantly enhanced their stay, as they faced difficulty connecting their devices.
In sum, while the Wi-Fi at the Holiday Inn Express London - Dartford has received praise for its high-speed and free access, the consistency and reliability of the service have room for improvement as noted by several guest experiences.
Parking
Holiday Inn Express London - Dartford offers a variety of parking options that frequently receive positive feedback from guests. One of the most appreciated features is the availability of free parking. Many visitors find the large, well-lit car park convenient with plenty of parking spaces that make it easy to find a spot. The parking area is also described as secure and accessible with good lighting adding to a sense of safety.
The proximity to major roadways and the fact that the hotel is outside the LEZ/ULEZ zone are additional perks that make the location favorable for travelers. The car park is comfortable and large, facilitating easy access for those traveling by car.
However, there are mixed reviews concerning the cost of parking. While some guests mention that parking charges are reasonable, others find the fees excessive, especially for longer stays. Recent changes have introduced parking fees where it used to be free, which has been a source of frustration for some. The parking costs are considered an annoyance by several reviewers, especially when not mentioned at the time of booking.
Overall, the parking situation is generally seen in a positive light for its convenience, security and ample space, but the introduction of fees has received criticism from some guests.
Family
The Holiday Inn Express London - Dartford by IHG, is a great choice for families seeking accommodation in London. The hotel offers a variety of family-friendly amenities that guests appreciate, including spacious family rooms designed to comfortably fit a family of four. Many guests noted the generous room size, emphasizing its suitability for families with children, even accommodating needs such as extra cribs and sofa beds when required. The presence of play areas and dog-friendly options also adds to the appeal for families traveling with young kids and pets.
Parents of toddlers and babies will find the hotel particularly accommodating, as cribs and cots are set up prior to arrival, ensuring a hassle-free stay. The family-friendly atmosphere permeates the hotel, making it a welcoming environment for guests of all ages. The staff is also commended for their helpfulness and professional demeanor, ensuring that family needs are met with concern and promptness.
While the rooms are often praised for their spaciousness and comfort, there have been occasional mentions of them feeling crowded, especially for larger families. Despite this, many families find the hotel to be a cost-effective and convenient option. The location is noted as a good base for families visiting the area, although not all agree on the suitability of the immediate surroundings for children.
Overall, the Holiday Inn Express London - Dartford provides a practical and accommodating option for families looking to explore London with a range of features that cater specifically to the needs and comforts of family travelers.
Business
The Holiday Inn Express London - Dartford by IHG, offers a tailored experience for business travelers, ensuring a seamless stay for those with professional commitments in the area. The hotel's location is praised for its easy access and proximity to key business sites, making it a strategic choice for work-related trips. Business amenities are thoughtfully provided, including clean, comfortable rooms equipped with a suitable workspace and reliable WiFi, essential for productivity. The availability of private meeting rooms enhances the convenience for holding business meetings. Staff professionalism stands out with guests noting their helpfulness and pleasant demeanor, contributing to a welcoming environment.
Accessibility is another highlight with excellent facilities for guests with disabilities, ensuring comfort and convenience for all. The hotel's quiet ambiance and business-static environment facilitate focus and calm. The overall value for money is commendable with reasonable pricing making it a favorable option for both business and family stays. The hotel’s suitability for business is reflected in the clean rooms, conducive to work and the positive reception from returning guests. Despite a one-size-fits-all approach, the hotel maintains an ideal setting for business travel, meeting the essential needs effectively in a challenging environment like the Covid-19 situation.
Accessible
The Holiday Inn Express London - Dartford, an IHG Hotel, offers a variety of conveniences for guests with disabilities. The hotel's accessible features include good Braille signage, wheelchair accessible areas and specially designed disability rooms and bathrooms. Staff members are noted for their friendly and helpful attitudes, particularly towards guests needing accessibility assistance. The vicinity of the hotel is also beneficial for guests with disabilities, providing reasonable parking spaces for disabled drivers and blue badge parking.
Its location is another highlight with easy access to the M25 motorway and close proximity to a nearby train station, making it suitable for both South East London and Kent. Inside, the hotel features an elevator, though there have been recurring issues with it being out of service, which is a concern for those with limited mobility. Despite this setback, the staff reportedly go out of their way to accommodate guests by arranging ground floor rooms when necessary.
On the downside, the hotel's accessibility is occasionally hampered by the condition of its lift and some guests have noted steep stairs to the basement and at the entrance, which might pose problems for those with mobility issues. Despite these drawbacks, the overall experience for guests with disabilities remains positive due to the hotel's accessible facilities and obliging staff.
Dog Friendly
The Holiday Inn Express London - Dartford by IHG, garners appreciation for its dog-friendly facilities and policies, making it an ideal stay for pet owners. The hotel provides hassle-free accommodations for dogs with positive mentions of no fees required for bringing pets along. Guests have had pleasant overall experiences, emphasizing the convenience of ground-floor rooms, which simplify access for dogs. Upon arrival, dog owners often find thoughtful gestures such as free doggie welcome packs that include goodie bags and necessary pet supplies, adding to the warm welcome.
While the majority of feedback is positive with many noting the hotel as a superb option for traveling with pets, there are occasional criticisms. Some guests feel the fees for dogs can at times be excessive and a few have mentioned the need for more dog-waste bins to maintain cleanliness. There were also isolated incidents where the presence of dogs in common areas, such as the restaurant, was not ideal according to some reviews.
Overall, the hotel stands out as a pet-friendly choice with efficient service and amenities tailored for dogs, ensuring a comfortable stay for both pets and their owners. Maintenance and cleanup related to pets are areas where the hotel may improve, but the general consensus remains favorable for dog owners seeking accommodations in London - Dartford.
No, Holiday Inn Express London - Dartford by IHG doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Holiday Inn Express London - Dartford by IHG.
Yes, Holiday Inn Express London - Dartford by IHG welcomes dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Holiday Inn Express London - Dartford by IHG.
No, Holiday Inn Express London - Dartford by IHG doesn't have a gym.