Holiday Inn South Normanton M1, Jct.28 By Ihg

This hotel is highly regarded for its convenient location just off the M1 motorway and its consistently friendly and efficient staff, making it a popular choice for various travelers. Its proximity to a designer outlet offers a unique shopping and dining experience right across the road, serving as a signature feature. The hotel is well-suited for business travelers due to its accessibility and meeting facilities, while leisure guests and families appreciate its clean, comfortable accommodations and easy access to attractions like the Peak District and Chatsworth House. To enhance your stay, guests recommend confirming the availability of specific amenities like the pool, as information can be inconsistent, and taking advantage of the ample free parking.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests frequently highlight the hotel's ample free parking, which includes EV charging points, as a significant convenience. The gym is available 24 hours, though some guests note its equipment is dated and could benefit from an upgrade. While the hotel previously featured a swimming pool, sauna, steam room, and hot tub, these facilities have unfortunately been closed, leading to considerable disappointment among guests who booked specifically for them. The hotel offers stable Wi-Fi in rooms, though some report it can be poor in downstairs public areas. The bar and lounge area provide comfortable spaces for relaxation or informal meetings, although they can sometimes feel cold.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel consistently receives praise for its clean rooms and overall tidiness, with many describing them as modern and spotless. Room comfort, however, receives mixed feedback. While many guests find the beds comfortable and appreciate the spacious rooms, others report firm or hard mattresses, lumpy pillows, and even creaky beds. Some rooms are noted for having air conditioning that works well, while others experience issues with heating or persistent noise from AC units or external fans, impacting sleep quality. In-room amenities vary, with some guests receiving a fridge and dressing gown, while others do not, and TV channel selection can be limited. Bathroom cleanliness is generally good, but some showers have design flaws leading to water on the floor, and occasional issues with hot water pressure or empty soap containers are reported.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast at the hotel is a consistent highlight for many guests, offering a buffet with a wide variety of choices, including both continental and hot breakfast items. While the selection is praised, some guests note that the hot food can occasionally be lukewarm rather than hot, and the coffee machine sometimes experiences issues. Despite these minor points, the breakfast is generally considered good value, especially when booked in advance. The restaurant and bar offer a menu with reasonable quality food, though some find the evening meals to be expensive and service can be slow, particularly when the hotel is busy with events.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location just off the M1 motorway is a primary advantage, offering easy access for travelers and making it an ideal stopover point. Guests appreciate that despite its proximity to the motorway, noise is generally not an issue. Its strategic position provides convenient driving access to popular attractions such as the Peak District, Chatsworth House, Bakewell, Buxton, and Sheffield. Additionally, the Designer Outlet East Midlands is located directly opposite the hotel, providing numerous shopping and dining options within walking distance. The hotel also offers ample free parking, further enhancing its accessibility for guests traveling by car.

Staff & Service
The hotel's staff consistently receive high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and professionalism. Guests frequently highlight the attentive service provided by reception, restaurant, and housekeeping teams, noting that staff go above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay. The check-in process is often described as quick and efficient, with staff being welcoming and accommodating. Many reviews commend the staff's willingness to resolve issues promptly, such as room problems or requests for additional amenities. The overall positive interactions with the staff significantly contribute to a welcoming and enjoyable guest experience, making many guests eager to return.

Additional Information
A significant point of feedback from guests is the closure of the swimming pool and spa facilities, which many were unaware of prior to arrival despite previous advertising. This has caused considerable disappointment, especially for those who booked specifically for these amenities. The hotel offers a pet-friendly policy, with designated rooms and convenient access for guests traveling with dogs. Members of the rewards program often benefit from perks such as room upgrades, early check-in, and late check-out, which are highly valued. Guests should be aware that the bar operates a no-cash policy, which some find inconvenient.