Holiday Inn Gloucester - Cheltenham By Ihg

The hotel stands out for its impressive leisure facilities, particularly its spacious swimming pool and well-equipped gym and spa area, making it a popular choice for families and leisure travelers seeking relaxation and recreation. Guests consistently commend the hotel's exceptional cleanliness and the remarkably friendly and helpful staff who contribute significantly to a positive stay. The comfortable accommodations and generally high quality of the breakfast are also frequently highlighted. Its convenient location near major road networks makes it ideal for business travelers and those exploring the surrounding areas like the Cotswolds. To ensure a smooth experience, guests are advised to register their vehicle at reception upon arrival to avoid parking issues and consider requesting a ground floor room if stairs are a concern, as there is no lift.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests highly value the hotel's comprehensive leisure facilities, which are often described as excellent and well-maintained. The swimming pool is a major draw, frequently praised for its size and cleanliness, often accompanied by a jacuzzi, sauna, and steam room for relaxation. The gym is noted for its modern and high-quality equipment, appealing to fitness enthusiasts. While some guests mention the pool area can get busy, especially during peak times, the availability of lockers and towels is appreciated. Rooms generally include tea and coffee making facilities, and guests find the Wi-Fi to be fast and reliable. Some guests, however, note the absence of an in-room fridge, which would enhance convenience.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Rooms are consistently praised for their cleanliness and overall comfort, with many guests highlighting the comfortable beds and spacious layouts. The hotel's commitment to being spotless is a recurring theme. While most find the rooms quiet, some have noted occasional corridor noise or issues with air conditioning temperature control, with some finding rooms too warm. Amenities like a large TV with streaming capabilities and USB charging points are appreciated, though the absence of an in-room fridge is a common remark. Bathrooms are generally clean and well-maintained, often featuring a full-sized bath, though some guests desire stronger shower pressure or better lighting around mirrors.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast consistently receives high praise for its variety and quality, with many guests enjoying the extensive selection of hot and cold items, including a full English breakfast, cereals, and fresh fruit. The coffee is generally well-regarded, and staff are often commended for their attentiveness during breakfast service. While the restaurant and bar areas are described as modern and inviting, feedback on dinner quality and portion sizes is mixed, with some guests finding the food expensive or the menu limited. Service in the bar and restaurant can sometimes be slow, particularly when the hotel is busy with events or coach parties, leading some guests to opt for dining outside the hotel.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is highly convenient, situated just off the M5 motorway, making it easily accessible for travelers. It serves as a good base for exploring nearby areas such as Gloucester, Cheltenham, and the Cotswolds. While not within immediate walking distance of city centers, there are nearby shops like Sainsbury's and Aldi, and public transport options like a bus service to Gloucester. Parking is ample and generally well-regarded, though there is a daily fee, and guests must remember to register their vehicle at reception to avoid unexpected fines, a point of frustration for some. The hotel also offers EV charging points, though their availability can be limited.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and professionalism. Many guests highlight the warm welcome received at check-in, describing the process as quick and efficient. Staff across all departments, including reception, restaurant, and leisure facilities, are frequently commended for going above and beyond to assist guests and make their stay enjoyable. The housekeeping team is noted for maintaining the hotel's high standards of cleanliness. The hotel's dog-friendly service is particularly appreciated, with staff often making special efforts to accommodate pets and their owners. Overall, the attentive and accommodating nature of the team is a standout feature.

Additional Information
A significant point for guests to note is the absence of a lift, which can pose a challenge for those with mobility issues or heavy luggage, making a ground floor room request advisable. The hotel maintains a pet-friendly policy, allowing dogs to stay for a fee and even dine with owners in the bar area, with some staff providing special treats. Guests must remember to register their vehicle at reception upon arrival to avoid parking fines, a recurring issue for some. The hotel has undergone recent refurbishments, contributing to its modern and clean appearance, though some areas are still being updated. While generally well-regarded, some guests have experienced mixed recognition of rewards program benefits.