Local Reviews
In April 2016, TheLastGentleman said about Holiday Inn Preston
If you *have* to go to Preston (and, let’s face it, it is not something you would normally choose to do really) then the enormous Holiday Inn, just off the main ringway, is probably a good bet.
Opened in 2001, it is clear that the exterior was designed to fit in with the surrounding brutalist, 1960s architecture that dominates this part of the city - including a foul bus station in dire need of renovation. Or demolition.
Preston is a combination of unloved and dilapidated Georgian buildings (soot blackened cornices, gargoyles with their faces worn off etc) and Wilsonian city revitalisation. Fifty years on, there’s nothing vital about it. Long story short: the Preston Holiday Inn is in the grotty part of a particularly grotty city.
Our expectations had only one direction to go, so we blithely overlooked the automatic doors that didn’t quite fit together and the climb up two flights to reception. We will never again mention the smell of stale cigarettes in the hallway outside our room or the strange man who bellowed “bless you” across the breakfast room when my girlfriend sneezed. Instead, we will accentuate the many positives this modest hotel has.
Our room, was basic, but clean, pleasant and tastefully decorated. Supplied toiletries were a cut above for the Holiday Inn’s weight class.
My partner and I commented on the Japanese style, built in wooden sliding blinds that covered the double glazed windows instead of curtains. A great idea for shutting out the light.
When open, our room length window afforded a widescreen view over the whole of Preston, which was the only thing I can really complain about.
Heating in the room was easy to control with air conditioning and a good old fashioned radiator. The mattress was a little on the soft side, but that didn’t seem to matter. We both would have had two perfect night’s sleep, if my partner had not kicked me in the shins during a nightmare on the second night, leading to a brief domestic argument at 3:00 in the morning. I have tried to find a way to blame the Holiday Inn for this, but I cannot.
The staff were uniformly helpful and friendly, few as they seemed. It would be easy to imagine this team as part of a reality TV documentary series about a regional hotel, so distinctive was each character - and clearly, each pushed to their respective limits by short staffing. There was a slight tinge of very British panic behind each pair of eyes.
But there was also sincere kindness. We saw one staff member go out of her way to chat with and help orient a pair of very elderly ladies at breakfast, genuinely caring that their needs had been adequately met and that they were comfortable. And neither did she chastise the bald, tattooed behemoth and his bloated son who had mistaken the buffet breakfast for the salad bar at Pizza Hut, piling enough bacon, eggs, beans and hash browns onto their plates to feed an African village for two weeks.
If we ever return to Preston, and I sincerely hope that we never, ever have to, we will stay here again.
Opened in 2001, it is clear that the exterior was designed to fit in with the surrounding brutalist, 1960s architecture that dominates this part of the city - including a foul bus station in dire need of renovation. Or demolition.
Preston is a combination of unloved and dilapidated Georgian buildings (soot blackened cornices, gargoyles with their faces worn off etc) and Wilsonian city revitalisation. Fifty years on, there’s nothing vital about it. Long story short: the Preston Holiday Inn is in the grotty part of a particularly grotty city.
Our expectations had only one direction to go, so we blithely overlooked the automatic doors that didn’t quite fit together and the climb up two flights to reception. We will never again mention the smell of stale cigarettes in the hallway outside our room or the strange man who bellowed “bless you” across the breakfast room when my girlfriend sneezed. Instead, we will accentuate the many positives this modest hotel has.
Our room, was basic, but clean, pleasant and tastefully decorated. Supplied toiletries were a cut above for the Holiday Inn’s weight class.
My partner and I commented on the Japanese style, built in wooden sliding blinds that covered the double glazed windows instead of curtains. A great idea for shutting out the light.
When open, our room length window afforded a widescreen view over the whole of Preston, which was the only thing I can really complain about.
Heating in the room was easy to control with air conditioning and a good old fashioned radiator. The mattress was a little on the soft side, but that didn’t seem to matter. We both would have had two perfect night’s sleep, if my partner had not kicked me in the shins during a nightmare on the second night, leading to a brief domestic argument at 3:00 in the morning. I have tried to find a way to blame the Holiday Inn for this, but I cannot.
The staff were uniformly helpful and friendly, few as they seemed. It would be easy to imagine this team as part of a reality TV documentary series about a regional hotel, so distinctive was each character - and clearly, each pushed to their respective limits by short staffing. There was a slight tinge of very British panic behind each pair of eyes.
But there was also sincere kindness. We saw one staff member go out of her way to chat with and help orient a pair of very elderly ladies at breakfast, genuinely caring that their needs had been adequately met and that they were comfortable. And neither did she chastise the bald, tattooed behemoth and his bloated son who had mistaken the buffet breakfast for the salad bar at Pizza Hut, piling enough bacon, eggs, beans and hash browns onto their plates to feed an African village for two weeks.
If we ever return to Preston, and I sincerely hope that we never, ever have to, we will stay here again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In April 2016, Carpentr said about Holiday Inn Preston
I wasn't expecting a great view from this hotel - though they did recognise my status and give me a nice room on the top floor -, and I wasn't disappointed, with a view of the (in)famous bus station. By car it's a little tricky, as the car park is far too small and the bus station car park, while physically close, requires a certain cunning to drive to. I wasn't impressed that the staff allowed some people to park illegally in the car park, blocking me in and delaying me by some 15 one morning, meaning that I missed my connection. When I needed them, though, the staff were excellent, friendly and polite.
On foot the hotel is a little out of the centre, but everything is walkable if you don't mind the busy main road which runs behind it. The room (and the ambience generally) was rather 70s, but all was spick and span - I really couldn't complain about the accommodation itself. The road problem was most apparent when asking my satnav for a route from the hotel car park towards Clitheroe - the drawn route involved two separate loops before heading off in the right direction!
On foot the hotel is a little out of the centre, but everything is walkable if you don't mind the busy main road which runs behind it. The room (and the ambience generally) was rather 70s, but all was spick and span - I really couldn't complain about the accommodation itself. The road problem was most apparent when asking my satnav for a route from the hotel car park towards Clitheroe - the drawn route involved two separate loops before heading off in the right direction!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In April 2016, Mogsy1927 said about Holiday Inn Preston
We stayed here for one night on the way to Glasgow. The Hotel is a fair way out from the Train Station but a short taxi ride will get you there.
Check in was smooth and quick. The room was very dated but to be fair everything worked as it should.
We used the bar for a snack and a few glasses of wine which was nice enough.
All staff we encountered were friendly and helpful.
Check in was smooth and quick. The room was very dated but to be fair everything worked as it should.
We used the bar for a snack and a few glasses of wine which was nice enough.
All staff we encountered were friendly and helpful.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In April 2016, wickit542016 said about Holiday Inn Preston
Spent 3 nights there as a couple. Location was good and very easy to get to although parking was a challenge. Included breakfast was good. Good bar service in the evening. We were disappointed by the bed and bedding and the bathroom was a little small
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In April 2016, Neil M said about Holiday Inn Preston
The car park is small so you may not be able to park on site.
The rooms are clean tidy and well equipped.
WiFi is a bit slow but available throughout.
Check in was fast and room was available even though we arrived 2 hours before check in time
The rooms are clean tidy and well equipped.
WiFi is a bit slow but available throughout.
Check in was fast and room was available even though we arrived 2 hours before check in time
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2023, Rodney T said about Mercure Bolton Georgian House Hotel
Lovely 1 night stay, staff were great, visited the leisure club, and although dated, the pool was great, gym more than adequate and bigger than expected with a variety of classes on offer in the studio area. Leisure manager and his team spot on, and great customer service.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2023, AUDREY D said about Mercure Bolton Georgian House Hotel
Had our wedding reception here. Fantastic, great staff, we were well looked after from the start. Gorgeous gluten free buffet platter made for us and wonderful breakfast next morning. Some overnight guests said the rooms were too warm.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2023, Jennifer M said about Mercure Bolton Georgian House Hotel
I attended a conference held at the hotel recently and couldn't recommend the service we received enough. special should out to Julie, she went above and beyond to help! i will definitely be back to just enjoy the views of Rivington as we didn't manage to get out much.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2023, Kay said about Mercure Bolton Georgian House Hotel
Was here to go to a gig and it has everything you could need and it being walking distance to the stadium and shops/restaurants made it even better! Reception staff were very friendly even at midnight when everyone was piling in after the concert.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2023, Sherpa62635051908 said about Mercure Bolton Georgian House Hotel
Zowie booked us the room. She put us in room 782 was very spacious and very clean bed comfy too. Had a few drinks in the bar served by James service was excellent got well greeted on check in. Didn't dine there but next time will do. Chris was the manger on shift that evening he was also friendly. Will definitely come stay again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk