Waltham Abbey hotel

It was very unfortunate that I visited during a serious heat wave as this hotel is not air conditioned. Fans were provided but proved to be insufficient. Not that this is the hotel’s fault but it turned out to be not a usual Premier Inn experience, where you know exactly what you’ll get, and you actually get it! Other than that, good efficient service, good breakfast, comfy bed, clean room, ample parking - you know the score!

Tried to book online - system failed. Booked by phone and was given booking reference and told I would receive email - didn't arrive. Following day I spent 20 minutes on the phone to reservations because the booking reference failed when I tried the online "Manage your Booking" system and was again told an email had been sent and would arrive within one hour. It didn't. Requested a written conformation by post but that was beyond their capabalities. Not a good experience and I haven't stayed their yet!

I will start with the positives. The staff are excellent, very professional and friendly. A special nod to Karen who was cleaning a room next door who kindly helped me with the shower settings. The breakfast was very average, pastries all very small and very basic standard ingredients that most people would buy better for themselves if making a fry up at home. The sausage was one of the nicest I have had though! Now the harsh reality. The hotel itself is very tired. The air conditioning was out of action and it was 28 degrees even with the fans turned on which they had left in the room. We had a ground floor room, so upon arrival the window had been left ajar to let some air in. However this meant that the room was FULL of flies, this including the bed nearest the window, the kettle, even as far as the furthest bed (we had a family room). It left us very itchy and not wanting to even make a hot drink. Finally. The car park should be big enough, but when we arrived there were no spaces left. Multiple cars parking in disabled bays without disabled badges, making it difficult to find a space near enough for my mobility to not cause a problem. Maybe if they could fix the air conditioning, and control the bugs it would be better. I would give this one more try in the future, but I would insist on a top floor room and check if the air conditioning was working before booking.

I booked this hotel for my mother and partner that are in there 70’s for a family gathering. Very welcoming staff upon arrival very helpful in every aspect of there needs, Room was clean with everything you would expect within a double room. Booked them for breakfast as well which they both said was fresh and very plentiful with very friendly helpful staff to hand.

The hotel is a little dated and dark, not the best Premier I've stayed in but it was spotlessly clean and the staff were friendly and accommodating and as a solo traveller I felt safe. The room was far too hot (June) but a floor fan was provided. Breakfast was disappointing and not worth the cost. WiFi was patchy despite paying extra it access didn't last as long as I'd paid for. The hotel was very convenient for the venue I was visiting. Excellent pub next door, good food and friendly staff, made me welcome as a solo customer.