Holiday Inn Express Burton Upon Trent by IHG

The hotel consistently impresses guests with its spotless cleanliness and modern, recently refurbished ambiance, creating a welcoming and comfortable environment. Its commitment to maintaining a pristine setting, combined with the generally comfortable beds and an excellent breakfast offering, makes it a highly regarded choice. The exceptionally friendly and helpful staff are frequently highlighted as a major asset, contributing significantly to positive guest experiences. This hotel is particularly well-suited for families visiting nearby attractions like Alton Towers, business travelers seeking a reliable and well-equipped base, and couples looking for a quiet and comfortable retreat. To ensure a peaceful stay, guests might consider requesting a room away from the main road due to potential traffic noise, and it is advisable to be aware of the daily parking charge upon arrival.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests generally find the hotel's facilities to be well-maintained and convenient, enhancing their stay. The availability of free Wi-Fi is consistently appreciated, allowing guests to stay connected. Rooms are equipped with large flat-screen TVs, ample power points, and adequate storage for belongings. While the air conditioning is present, some guests reported it could be noisy or ineffective, leading to warm rooms. The hotel features a small bar area for drinks and light refreshments, and a selection of snacks and a microwave are also available near reception for guest convenience. However, the lift has been a recurring point of concern, with multiple reports of it being slow or out of order, which can be particularly challenging for guests on higher floors or those with mobility issues.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel receives widespread praise for its spotless cleanliness, with many guests describing rooms as pristine and well-maintained. The beds are frequently highlighted as exceptionally comfortable and often described as large or king-sized, contributing to a restful night's sleep for most. However, a notable minority of guests found the mattresses to be hard. The bathrooms are generally well-regarded for their size, cleanliness, and good showers with ample hot water, though some found the square toilet design unusual. In-room amenities like tea and coffee supplies are appreciated. While many guests found their rooms to be quiet, some reported issues with noise levels from the main road, noisy air conditioning, or sounds from adjacent rooms due to thin walls or interconnecting doors.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast offering is a significant highlight for many guests, consistently described as excellent, plentiful, and a great value addition to the stay. The buffet provides a good variety of hot and cold options, including cereals, pastries, and a full English selection with items like bacon, sausages, and scrambled eggs. Most guests found the food quality to be good, with hot and tasty items. However, some feedback indicated that the hash browns could be underwhelming, and the bacon occasionally too salty. A recurring issue noted by several guests is the coffee machine at breakfast, which was often reported as broken or leading to long queues. The breakfast area itself can feel cramped or busy during peak times, and some guests found the plates provided to be inconveniently small. While a bar area offers some evening food options, the menu is limited, and some guests experienced long waits or found the quality inconsistent.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is generally considered convenient, particularly for those traveling by car, being easily accessible off a main road and a roundabout. It serves as a practical base for visiting nearby attractions such as Alton Towers and St. George's Park. Guests appreciate the proximity to various amenities, including a supermarket and several dining options like a pub next door, all within walking distance or a very short drive. While the hotel is situated in an industrial area rather than a town center, its accessibility is a strong point. A frequently discussed topic is parking, which is readily available and often described as easy and well-lit. However, a significant number of guests expressed dissatisfaction with the £5 daily charge for parking, feeling it was an unnecessary additional cost, especially given the hotel's out-of-town location and ample space.

Staff & Service
The hotel's staff consistently receives outstanding praise, being described as exceptionally friendly, helpful, and professional. Guests frequently highlight their willingness to go above and beyond to assist with requests and resolve issues promptly, contributing significantly to a positive and welcoming atmosphere. The check-in process is generally reported as smooth, quick, and informative, setting a good tone for the stay. Many reviews commend the attentive service provided by the housekeeping team, ensuring rooms are kept spotlessly clean. Even when minor problems arose, such as issues with room setup or amenities, staff were quick to address them. The overall consensus is that the team's dedication to providing excellent customer service is a major strength, making guests feel valued and well-cared for throughout their visit.

Additional Information
The hotel maintains a pet-friendly policy, welcoming dogs, though some guests noted a separate fee and challenges in finding suitable outdoor areas nearby. For families or groups, interconnecting rooms are available, which can be convenient, but guests should be aware that these may not be entirely soundproof. While the hotel generally operates smoothly, a few guests reported minor issues with key cards at check-out, requiring a return to reception, and some found the early check-in process, while offered, could lead to unexpected charges if not fully understood beforehand. The hotel has undergone recent refurbishments, which guests generally appreciate for the modern and clean aesthetic, with any ongoing work causing minimal disturbance. Guests should also note that while the hotel is planning to introduce EV charging, it may not be fully available yet.