Christchurch West hotel

Having seen mixed reviews about Premier Inn's Christchurch West Hotel, I had mixed feelings, but was happy with PI's reputation and our past experiences with them (we, as a family, go to a different PI each year). As such, PI at CW, looks a little worn and well-used, but the Family Room was clean, all the amenities worked and was perfect for our needs. We had the meal-deal and the evening meals were as good as ever (probably a good idea to avoid asking for pints of soft drink for the kids, as this was found to be quite pricey, something like £8 per pint glass! The staff are well-versed in asking about and addressing allergies and have folders for people to check ingredients against meal selection. There were menus to peruse in the room, though it would have been nice to see details of the Meal Deal there too. The breakfast has taken a step away from the buffet style, here, one gave the server your choices, with whatever quantity wanted and one's plate was brought to you pre-loaded. The desire or ability to overfeed oneself, is technically there, but we did not feel the need to ask for seconds. The coffee machine works well, but the addition of a hot-chocolate machine would have been nice. All in all, a good selection of foods for breakfast and tasty as ever. Check-in and check-out was easy and the staff helpful and cheerful. While there was plenty of available parking, overseen by cctv, the PI itself is quite well hidden amongst various car showrooms.

We stay in a number of Premier Inns and although the room was as expected and comfortable, the service (with a couple of exceptions) was not. Firstly, it is very difficult to find. We tried to phone, but no one answered the phone. The afternoon staff on the desk for check in are unhappy and unhelpful. The Ultimate Wifi was difficult to use and the staff did not help. The hairdryer kept cutting out and when we asked for another one, a very grumpy person told us that they were all the same although she did get us another hairdryer. She came from the back and was still eating her meal when she got to the reception desk. The staff in the restaurant were helpful, especially the Russian lady.

Lovely room as usual. Staff seem to be struggling a bit with computer systems and having to multi task with reception duties and cleaning. A few computer problems meant that a request for a WiFi code couldn’t be fulfilled which we had prepaid for. One breakfast was a good thing, the 2nd not so much, in fact it was disappointing which is hugely unusual for a Premier Inn. Have the impression that a few more team members might help !

The hotel was nice, nothing above and beyond but it was not below expectations. Staff at reception were nice and it was in a good location.

The exterior really needs maintenance all the paint is pealing, and it looks really run down. The interior is ok, and the staff are welcoming. The restaurant is in the next door former 'table table', it is only now open for hotel guests. We couldn't get a table in the evening at the time we wanted in the restaurant even though it was virtually empty as only 1 chef on ( but this is a common issue) in Premier Inns, so we ate elsewhere. The optics in the restaurant bar were poorly stocked, and it looked like it was closing down. We had the included breakfast the next morning and it was cooked to order, there was only one waitress and lots of guests but she took the orders and served the food quickly, the food was well cooked. I would only recommend for an overweight stay if you can get a cheap price any longer stay would be depressing. The car park requires you to key in your registration and confirm your length of stay otherwise you get a £100 fine. Google maps won't take you to the hotel ignore the instructions and take the turning after Hendy Land Rover and follow the road around to the parking the signage is poor