Harwich hotel

Every time we stay with family in Harwich we have previously come here, however, after our last few visits, and now with the new Travelodge just a short walk away fuelling competition, I felt compelled to write this review. This has always been a fairly decent hotel, nothing spectacular, but, then again Claridge's it isn't. Staff are helpful and friendly, but their early check in guidelines do differ from other locations - elsewhere you can check in early for free at the discretion of the receptionist, or sometimes a £10 fee (e.g. at Harlow Mill) before 3pm, where as here you can't (at least this is what we have been told) - maybe because of it's location next to the port? Since the new Travelodge has arrived nearby, we have stayed there over coming back here, as you get an Iron and Ironing Board in your room as standard (here you have to ask, which is a nuisance), can check in earlier and have aircon in the room. There is also ev charging right outside. The Premier Inn carpark is rather untidy - full of litter etc. Rooms here need to be updated! Some of them desperately so, they must be at least 20 years old, and it clearly shows. We have stayed in a few of the rooms over the years, and all need a good lick of paint, carpet replacement, and a bathroom overhaul - rusting taps/pipes, chipped paintwork, cracked mirrors etc. There is also an issue with the curtain rails in the bedroom, where the curtain rail detaches when opening/closing - we have raised this issue several times when staying, but nothing has been done. If you are going to be on average 30% more expensive per-night than your local competition, this needs to be justified! Else, reduce your rates. Until recently, this hotel was our only option, but as said, now we go elsewhere which is cleaner, more efficient, and ultimately cheaper. Clean up your act Premier Inn!

Rooms were hot and ridiculously stuffy, one fan provided but no plug socket anywhere near the bed so pointless in a room with no air that didn't go below 30 degrees.

Attitude at reception when asked for early check in , no air conditioning, fan broken, room was filthy, smelt like a bar, was woke up at 12am by people screaming outside then woken at 7 am by building work in car park would of rather slept in my car , avoid at all costs would of drove Colchester if had known

Good location, friendly staff, basic but clean hotel room, bar and restaurant next door and accessible through lobby, simple but good continental breakfast buffet and for one pound more a cooked breakfast made to order as well, large parking lot. Perfect for an overnight stay, when arriving by ferry in the evening. Be aware, there is no airconditioning in the rooms, but good electric table fan is provided. We stayed on a very hot night and got through and slept well with help of the fan, but do not know if it would have worked good for us should it have been a longer stay than just an overnight.

Best location, directly opposite the port entrance for the ferry to Holland. Comfortable bed, clean room and bathroom, fluffy towels. During the heatwave, a very powerful fan was provided (nice touch!) The Staff are lovely. Restaurant/bar onsite with supermarket opposite.