For several years now, we've stayed at many Travelodges around the country, but up until last week, hadn't tried a night at a Premier Inn. They seem to offer much the same, and there was little difference in price. This review relates specifically to the Premier Inn at the Longford Inn, Gloucester.

**ARRIVAL**

There was ample parking available outside the Inn, though it doubles as the pub car park too; it was 5pm and already quite full, and whilst we had no problem finding a space, I can imagine that as the pub gets going after 6pm, there might be some difficulty in fitting everyone in.

On entering the Premier Inn, we noticed that the vending machine had been out of order for two weeks; not a problem for us, but it seems unusual that something like this is left broken for so long. The girl on reception was fairly pleasant, though I wish that sometimes they'd stand up to welcome you instead of hiding behind their desk! There seemed to be some confusion because we'd booked two rooms, and they had to be paid for separately; a bit annoying, but not too much of a problem. Unfortunately the Inn's printers were down, so the receptionist was unable to print the receipt or vouchers for dinner and breakfast. The receptionist offered us newspapers in the morning which was a nice touch.

**THE ROOM**

The rooms are reasonably spacious, and well-equipped. Mine provided a kettle, mugs, tea and coffee, milk, wastepaper bin, television (with Freeview), desk with chair, clothes hanging space and bed. The bathroom had both a bath and over-bath shower, though I gather that not all rooms have the bath.

The bed was made with just two pillows, though there was one extra one on the floor next to it. A pity that the pillows were the sort that were stuffed with those little cubes of foam. Apart from this the bed was excellent and very comfortable. It seems a shame to scrimp on the pillows when everything else is so good.

The kettle worked fine, and there were two mugs and two glasses. I felt that we could have done with more than just two teabags and two coffee sachets, given that it was a double room.

They could have saved some space by providing a flat-screen television, though the one there was adequate.

**THE NIGHT**

The bed was extremely comfortable, but the room was very hot. Luckily the window opened, but even so, to provide a heavy winter duvet in August seems excessive. I was slightly put off by the large rat trap outside the bedroom window, though I didn't see any furry friends.

The Inn was reasonably quiet, though up until about 1am doors were opening and closing all over the place.

**BREAKFAST**

As part of the package, a two-course evening meal and breakfast was included in the price of the room. I haven't reviewed the evening meal as it wasn't provided by the Premier Inn itself. Breakfast was served in pub on the other side of the car park from 7am. There was an excellent selection of both hot and cold foods and drinks available. Cooked breakfasts were made to order and you could choose from a variety of items including eggs (cooked as you wished), sausages, bacon, beans, tomatoes, mushrooms etc. White, wholemeal and granary toast was available (make it yourself) and a selection of butters, spreads, jams and marmalades. Alternatively there were a variety of cereals, yoghurts and continental breakfast items. Tea, coffee and fruit juices were all provided, like everything else, on a help yourself to as much as you like basis.

**OVERALL OPINION**

Overall, I found the stay to be excellent, and far more comfortable than a Travelodge. The rooms were let down by the quality of the pillows, and they possibly need to reconsider what types of bedding they offer in summer. The breakfast was excellent with an enormous selection of items and a helpful, friendly service.