Premier stop over. (Premier Inn Thurrock East (Grays))

Member Name: paulhanton

Product:	Premier Inn Thurrock East (Grays)
Date:	21/07/08 (171 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Clean rooms, friendly staff.

Disadvantages: None.

I went to a school reunion last weekend in East London, this coincided with my best friend coming over from New Zealand, she actually organised the reunion from there. Anyway, she was staying with her sister in Thurrock and we decided we have had enough of dodgy Travelodge, so would try out a Premier Inn. There are two in Thurrock and as one was next to the motorway, we avoided that one.

~~~~~To Find and park~~~~~
Not as easy as the address states, it is not in fact Fleming Road, it is Howard Road, though the postcode is correct, good old TomTom. Once there it is easy to spot and there is a huge Bannatynes gymm over the road as a landmark.

There is plenty of parking and the carpark is well lit and right next to the hotel which is very handy.

~~~~~The hotel itself~~~~~
Two storey, very modern, 24 hour staffed reception. The hotel has no restaurant, this is located immediately next door in a 'Brewers Fare' pub. Breakfast is served there.

The front door closes at 10.30 pm, but you only need buzz and someone is there in seconds. Nice and quiet as a hotel, very clean, this always makes a good impression on me.

~~~~~Breakfast~~~~~
Breakfast was absolutely great for £7.50 each. Fresh cooked meal, not left lying in grease, they cook to order. There is a choice of eggs; poached (yes please), boiled, scrambled or fried, award winning prk suasages, lovely, lean bacon, done just right, beans, tomatoes, mushrooms (in water, yuk), choice of breads, croissants. Plus the usual range of cereals and a good range of fresh fruit and fresh fruit juices, including pomegranate.

~~~~~The room~~~~~
Clean, tidy, extra pillows, always a good sign. Much more spacious that I had thought it would be. Plenty of towels. I always look around the seals on the sinks and baths as these do not often get cleaned, this place was sparkling, top marks.
~Satellite LCD TV (which actually worked well)
~Hairdryer
~Decent kettle and hospitality tray
~Phone
~Internet point
~Plenty of hangers for clothes
~Good shower and bath
~Comfy chairs in room
~Good clean linen
~Nice decor
~Plenty of lighting options and mirrors.
~Good thick curtains ensured a good dark room for sleeping.

All windows were well double glazed and the front door was very thick which meant a good nights sleep, in fact they have a 'good night' guarantee, and if something disturbs you and they cannot sort it out you can get a refund, I like that, it is going the extra mile.

~~~~~The staff~~~~~
Could not be more different from most Travelodges, friendly, knowledgable and helpful. They actually seemed to like being there, really refreshing to see.

~~~~~Cost~~~~~
Slightly more expensive than Travelodge, worked out at £65 per room per night, but actually well worth it. the breakfast, as I have mentioned is £7.50 per person for as much as you can eat, kids under 15 eat free. I would rather pay £20 more for a room and have no complaints, so to me itwas very cost effective.

~~~~~Final thoughts~~~~~
I have to say, I will never, ever stay in a Travelodge again if there is a Premier Inn nearby, it was absolutely faultless, I am converted. The whole Lenny Henry advertising thing is well worth paying attention to. Well done Premier Inn.

Also posted on Ciao, same member name.

Summary: Premier inn, Thurrock.