Premier Inn Ripley

The hotel's most distinguishing feature is its exceptionally friendly and helpful staff, who consistently go above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay. Guests frequently highlight the team's welcoming demeanor and attentiveness, making visitors feel well-cared for from arrival to departure. The hotel is widely praised for its spotless rooms and comfortable beds, ensuring a restful experience for most. Its convenient location makes it an excellent choice for families visiting local attractions, business travelers on extended stays, and couples seeking a comfortable base for exploring the area. Solo travelers also feel secure and well-looked after. To maximize comfort, guests recommend requesting a room away from the main road to minimize potential noise, and for those with vehicles, remember to register your car upon arrival to utilize the ample free parking. Booking in advance is also advised for better availability.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers convenient free parking with ample space, which guests appreciate, though it's essential to register vehicle details at reception. While some guests experienced significant issues with the Wi-Fi, describing it as slow, unreliable, or non-existent, others found it sufficient for streaming, and there are mentions of upgrades being implemented to improve connectivity. An elevator is available, providing access to upper floors, though some rooms might be a distance from it. The air conditioning generally functions well, contributing to room comfort, but some guests noted it could be loud or that non-opening windows limited ventilation, leading to rooms feeling too warm. Basic in-room amenities like a TV are provided, though channel selection can be limited. A vending machine is on-site, though some found its prices to be high.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently commend the hotel's high standards of cleanliness, describing rooms as spotless, tidy, and well-maintained. The beds are frequently praised for their comfort, contributing to a great night's sleep for many, though a few guests found them to be too firm or even "rock hard." Feedback on pillows is mixed, with some finding them soft and others describing them as too flat or hard, though extra pillows are often available. Room size is generally considered spacious, particularly for family accommodations, but some rooms are noted as feeling a little dated or in need of refurbishment, with concerns about dim lighting. Noise levels receive mixed reviews; while many found the hotel quiet, some reported disturbances from creaky floorboards, loud doors, or external sources like road noise and occasional sirens. Bathrooms are typically spacious with good hot water pressure, though isolated reports mention issues like a non-flushing toilet or a continuously running fan.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's breakfast, served at the adjacent pub, receives overwhelmingly positive feedback for its variety and quality, with many guests hailing it as the "best Premier Inn breakfast ever," featuring well-cooked options and perfectly prepared eggs. However, some guests noted issues with food not being hot enough or a lack of sufficient coffee machines. The on-site pub and restaurant offers both evening meals and breakfast, with many finding the food good value for money and convenient. Conversely, some reviews describe the evening meals as lacking character or flavor, with specific complaints about the quality of certain dishes and the beer selection. While the pub staff are generally friendly, some guests found the overall dining experience to be inconsistent, and there were instances of the restaurant closing earlier than expected, impacting guest access to evening meals.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a highly convenient location, making it an excellent base for exploring local areas such as Matlock, the Peak District, and nearby towns like Derby and Nottingham. Its proximity to the motorway ensures easy access for travelers. Guests appreciate being within a short walking distance to Ripley town center and having several amenities right on the doorstep, including a McDonald's and a Sainsbury's supermarket, which also features a petrol station. The availability of free parking on-site is a significant advantage, with ample space for vehicles. While the area is generally considered safe, some guests noted the presence of a nearby police station and occasional road noise, particularly from the main road. The hotel's accessibility is further enhanced by the presence of a lift and the staff's willingness to accommodate requests for ground floor rooms for guests with limited mobility.

Staff & Service
The hotel's staff consistently receive exceptional praise, being described as incredibly friendly, welcoming, helpful, and attentive. Many guests highlight their willingness to go "above and beyond" to assist with requests, from providing extra amenities to resolving issues promptly. The check-in process is noted as quick and efficient, contributing to a smooth arrival experience. Guests appreciate the thoughtful gestures, such as staff accommodating early check-ins, offering assistance during difficult personal situations like floods, or providing small comforts like sweets for children. Housekeeping staff are also commended for their politeness and efficiency. While the vast majority of feedback is overwhelmingly positive, a few isolated incidents mention less satisfactory interactions, such as perceived harassment regarding non-staying guests or issues with staff communication regarding payment. Overall, the team's dedication to customer service is a standout feature.

Additional Information
Many guests note that while the hotel maintains high standards of cleanliness and comfort, some areas and rooms appear a little dated or are due for a refurbishment, though some newly-refurbished rooms are mentioned. A recurring theme is the hotel's Wi-Fi connectivity, which can be problematic, with reports of poor signal and slow speeds, though staff often offer premium Wi-Fi vouchers or explain ongoing upgrades. The hotel offers an early check-in option for an additional fee, which guests find convenient. For longer stays, it's crucial to re-register your vehicle's details for free parking to avoid issues. A unique and highly praised aspect of the staff's service was their extraordinary support for guests affected by local floods, providing compassionate care and making the hotel a temporary "refugee" home, demonstrating remarkable dedication during a crisis.