As we were travelling from Blackpool to Bognor Regis (Butlins) with two children - seven months old and seven years we thought it wise to choose a stop over point around half way to minimize any traumas, feed, freshen up, sleep etc.

The Days Inn Warwick Southbound M40, situated at junction 12 seemed to be the ideal location. Located at the Welcome Break Services, there were various amenities available to us - WH Smith, KFC, Burger King etc.
My partner had always wanted to stay beside a motorway (why?!) so we booked a none smoking, family room, pre-ordering a travel cot for our youngest. our seven year old was to sleep on a sofa bed.

The booking process was simple and straight forward although we did not use the Days Inn website, opting instead for Laterooms.com - around £10 cheaper per room at the time of booking. Our room was booked approximately 6 weeks in advance at a cost of £36. Something of a bargain I thought.

Upon arrival at around 8pm we were greeted by a friendly young man on reception. He gave us our room key and provided directions to our room.
The room was on the ground floor. Strangely, whilst all other rooms around us had 'no smoking' signs on the doors, ours did not. Once inside, a 'no smoking' sign had been placed on the desk however, the room reeked of fresh and stale cigarette smoke.
There was no travel cot and the sofa bed had not been made up.

Obviously the smoke issue meant that we did not want to stay in this room and made our way back to reception. The young man was most apologetic and accompanied us to a room on the second floor, bringing a travel cot and bedding for the sofa bed which he made up - chatting pleasantly as he worked.

The room had a flat screen freeview tv, trouser press - my son had great fun with this attempting to press his t-shirt, tea/coffee making facilities and free wi fi. Unfortunately the room did not have a fridge, however we were advised that we could store baby food in the fridge in reception.
The room itself required a major refurbishment. It was like stepping back in time. Premier Inns put Days Inn to shame.

It was clearly obvious that the second room had been used by smokers in the past as there was a faint smell of stale smoke. At this stage we were too tired to once again relocate and popped out for a snack at the service station - a very bizarre concept! It was however the best KFC I have tried for a long time!!

Unfortunately upon our return, there was a very strong smell of cigar smoke in the corridor. Once in our room I place a rolled up towel at the bottom of the door to prevent any seeping through!
The windows would only open a little so we were unable to ventilate the room adequately, resulting in a horribly warm and stuffy atmosphere.

I was awoken during the early hours by banging outside, upon investigation our room was positioned above the area where cleaning staff threw (with some force!) large bags of bedding etc.

After eventually making it back to sleep, I awoke with severe back pain - I have an ongoing problem with a prolapsed disc, my bed at home is very firm so does not aggravate the problem further.
The bed in this room could be likened to a poorly sprung trampoline!
My partner later complained of pain in his stomach area 'as if my insides are going to fall out'. We then realised that he sleeps on his stomach and assumed the lack of support in the mattress resulted in this.

The shower was powerful and hot enough and towels were provided, so at least we left the Days Inn smelling fresh even if we were both hobbling out!!
There was another extremely friendly member of staff on reception during our departure. We felt there was little point in complaining to her although I have submitted a review via Laterooms.

I certainly would not stay here again and would not risk staying in any other Days Inn establishment. I would prefer to drive further afield and lose the convenience of staying at the roadside - I would also prefer to pay much more. Thankfully our room cost only £36. There were rooms available on the day for £52!

I am awarding one Dooyoo star - If permitted I would award none!