Reality Check ➔ HOTEL PREMIER INN, LONDON HEATHROW
THE HOTEL: Premier Inn has over 600 hotels across the country, including two at London's Heathrow Airport – one on Shepiston Lane (referred to as the Premier Inn M4/J4) and one on the airport's Bath Road on the main stretch of airport hotels. I stayed at the latter, which has recently been refurbished. THE CHECK-IN: After waiting what felt like an age for the appropriate Hotel Hoppa bus from the airport terminal to the hotel, the check-in was pleasingly swift. There was a series of automated check-in kiosks in the central atrium but a member of staff called me over and checked me in manually. Questions about the restaurant serving times and the return bus service early the next morning were both answered quickly and to my satisfaction. I was then directed to the central lifts which ultimately meant double-backing down the corridor once on the first floor. A staircase right by my room was a much more convenient option. THE ROOM: Some rooms faced into the central atrium but mine looked outwards on to the Bath Road. Fairly basic plain furnishings were punctuated with splashes of Premier Inn's signature purple. Facilities included a double bed, desk, full length mirror, kettle with tea and coffee, TV with Freeview channels, hairdryer, an adequate bathroom with basic
amenities, and thick blackout curtains. An in-room safe could be activated by reception and is charged at £1.50 a day. Phone calls cost 20p per minute on credit and debit cards. THE FACILITIES: The large central atrium is home to the check-in area, Thyme restaurant (mains are mostly £8 to £12) and bar area, Costa coffee shop, general seating, computer terminals (internet access is 20p a minute), a mobile phone charging facility, and a few vending machines selling drinks, snacks and travel essentials. There are meeting facilities for up to 75 delegates and paid-for wifi
internet access is available throughout the hotel. There is limited paid parking adjacent to the hotel, plus Park and Fly packages. THE VERDICT: The hotel was a real hive of activity and, for a budget brand, had impressive facilities and a smart new look. The only down- side was that sound really carried along the corridors during the night. THE DETAILS: Rates start from £39 per night with occasional £29 per night promotions throughout the year. Tel: 0871 527 8508; or see
www.premierinn.com for more information. ANDY HOSKINS
➔ HOTEL MERCURE BURFORD BRIDGE, DORKING
THE HOTEL: The Mercure Burford Bridge hotel is nestled at the foot of Box Hill, near Dorking, Surrey. It is set in three acres of landscaped gardens on the A24, 15 minutes from junction 9 of the M25. THE CHECK-IN: After completing the registration card I was handed a key – yes, an actual key – to my room. No swipe cards here! I was asked if I would like help with my luggage but as I only had a suit carrier I declined and was instead directed to my room on the first floor. THE ROOM: The air-conditioned room was classically designed and furnished and had an en suite bathroom. There was a flat screen TV offering a range of free to view channels, direct dial telephone, TV, tea and coffee making facilities, iron and ironing board, trouser press and minibar. Wifi internet was also available. THE BUSINESS: The hotel has seven meeting rooms to choose from, ranging from a small, intimate space for up to four guests to the largest offering a capacity of 300. All meeting rooms come with compli- mentary stationery, LCD projector, screen and flipchart. There is wifi access throughout all meeting rooms at the hotel. THE FACILITIES: The hotel’s restaurant
boasts a two AA rosette classification and offered a menu of contemporary cuisine. Breakfast was served in the same restaurant, while the hotel bar also offered a lighter selection of snacks and refreshments. The hotel has a heated outdoor pool which is open from May to October. THE VERDICT: This is a charming property in its own quirky way. The hotel dates back to the 1500s and you can still see the original oak beams and eaves from that period. I have to admit to being slightly
biased as this is where I got married so it will always be a special place for me, although I must admit the bar prices did taint my stay a little. Being only a short drive from the M25, the property is a good resting place after a busy day on the roads. THE DETAILS: At the Foot of Box Hill, Dorking, RH5 6BX. Rooms start from £109 a night including breakfast. Tel: 01306 884561; see
www.mercure.com for more information. Email:
H6635@accor.com. DAVID CLARE
94 I FIND MORE REALITY CHECKS AT
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