Eastbourne (Polegate) hotel

We have family in Hailsham, but there wasn't room to accommodate us on this occasion, so we thought we'd try the Premier Inn. It is set back off the main road, next to a petrol station and Asda minimart and a 24 hour Macdonalds (at time of writing). Having nervously read earlier reviews about how hot it was in the heatwave, we packed our trusty electric fans and hoped for the best. We needn't have worried. There are two blocks to the hotel; rooms numbered in the 300's and 400's are in a new block (which still smells of fresh paint/new carpet) with excellent aircon. We booked a standard rooms for our student daughter and splurged a further £6 for ourselves to get a 'nespresso' machine and fridge (which can accommodate a bottle of wine and snacks). To my eye, the rooms looked to be of a similar standard and finish (daughter was in a spacious family room). Everything seemed well thought out. The curtains were on separate tracks to ensure that they overlapped to keep the room dark. The TV was easy to use. The bathroom had to option to have purple lights (actually quite useful in the dark as not as bright). You need a keycard/creditcard-sized card to work the lights and you need the keycard to access the new accommodation block. There looked to be some mobile aircon units in the "old block", but we had no need to be there. Staff were super-helpful and worked as a team (we had to ask for a second set of towels and it was immediately dealt with). I expect we'll be back, especially if it remains such good value.

The corridors were dirty and on entering the room, the floor had not been properly hoovered as there were bits , parts of wrappers etc on the carpet. The second bed had biscuit crumbs on it. Only one bath towel was provided for a couple, and when we took the duvet out of its cover, (as it was very hot and we just wanted to sleep under the cover) it was quite disgusting, with coffee/ tea stains all over it. We made a complaint and was asked to go through the guest relations channel, but it was really difficult to enter the information required on our phone, and no facility to include photos which we had shown to the receptionist. Several days later now we have not received a response. All night long there was a high pitched peep-peep-peep which kept me awake. It was still going when we left at 10am.

One of the worst Premier Inns we have stayed in. No air conditioning in the heat wave, only a fan blowing warm air. This hotel has two blocks. The new block has air con, the old block does not. Make sure you are booked into the new block. No iced water in reception even though it was promised in an email. The carpets in the hallways & stairs had not been hoovered although our room had been, thankfully. No chef for evening meal so only microwave meals were available. Was told I had to pay extra for Doom Bar beer even though menu stated it was included in the meal deal. One bath towel & two bath mats provided for two adults!? TV volume limited to 15 so could not hear it with the fan on & the window open. Will not be staying here again.

I stayed here by myself for a couple of nights while walking parts of the South Downs Way, and it was exactly what I needed. It’s located just off the main road in Polegate, meaning it’s a bit out of Eastbourne town center, but that actually makes parking free and super easy. My room was spotlessly clean, properly spacious, and the bed gave me a brilliant night's sleep. The staff were absolutely lovely and helped me out with directions to the nearest train station, which is only a short walk down the road. There is a Beefeater restaurant right next door which makes grabby a hearty evening meal or breakfast completely hassle-free. It’s a reliable, fantastic value choice for a solo trip.

Great value. It's actually in a service station so you have an little fuel station asda and a macdonalds walking distance. The south downs are close by for some amazing walks in nature (eg Bo Peep Lane Car park). The breakfast was excellent and good value. Friendly staff. No fridge in the room and they can't heat food for you so you can't really cater for yourself