Q: What’s the difference between Flex, Semi-Flex, Advance, Standard and Non-Flex rates?

Flex – Pay now or on arrival, fully refundable with free cancellation up to 1pm on the day of arrival . Our most flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to 1pm on the day of arrival. You can also amend your booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date). Semi-Flex – Pay now, fully refundable with free cancellation up to three full days before arrival. Fairly flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to three full days before arrival. No refunds after that date. You can also amend your booking date at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date). Advance – Pay now, fully refundable with free cancellation up to 28 full days before arrival, free to amend thereafter until the day of arrival. Fairly flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to 28 full days before arrival. No refunds after that date. You can also amend your booking date at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date). Standard – Pay now, non-refundable. Free to amend booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival. Slightly flexible rate – you won’t be able to cancel and get a full refund, but you can amend your booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date). Non-Flex – Pay now. No amends or refunds. Our least flexible rate – you won’t be able to cancel or amend your stay after booking.

Question 1

Is Staines worth visiting?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Staines-upon-Thames is definitely worth visiting, especially if you’re after a relaxing riverside break that’s still close to London. It’s a great place to base yourself for both town and countryside trips. You can enjoy peaceful walks along the Thames Path, take a river cruise or sit by the water with a coffee or picnic. The town has a mix of modern shops, green spaces and good places to eat, making it easy to spend a full weekend here. Plus, it’s near attractions like Thorpe Park and Windsor, so there’s plenty to do nearby if you fancy day trips.

Question 2

Is Staines in London or Surrey?

Accepted Answer

Staines-upon-Thames is in Surrey, but it’s right on the edge of Greater London. It falls under the Borough of Spelthorne in Surrey, but with its close connections to central London – including a direct train to London Waterloo in about 35 minutes – it feels like it sits between both worlds. That makes it a great location if you want easy access to the capital but a quieter place to stay.

Question 3

Is Staines a market town?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Staines has a strong market town history that continues today. A traditional market runs several times a week in the town centre, with stalls selling everything from fresh fruit and veg to clothing, homeware and street food. It adds a lively local feel to the area and is great if you enjoy browsing or picking up something a bit different. Historically, Staines has been a trading place since Roman times, and that spirit continues in the modern high street and shopping centres too.

Question 4

What is Staines-upon-Thames known for?

Accepted Answer

Staines-upon-Thames is best known for its riverside location, its links to major attractions and its mix of urban and green space. It’s also gained pop culture fame thanks to Sacha Baron Cohen’s Ali G character, though the town is far more than that. Staines is close to Heathrow Airport, making it an easy stopover or starting point for holidays. It's also just a stone’s throw from Thorpe Park, one of the UK’s biggest theme parks, and near historical sites like Runnymede, where the Magna Carta was sealed. Plus, it has great access to the River Thames for walking, boating and wildlife spotting.

Question 5

Is there anything to do in Staines-upon-Thames?

Accepted Answer

There’s plenty to do in and around Staines. If you enjoy being outdoors, you can follow the Thames Path or explore nearby green spaces like Lammas Park or Runnymede Meadows. In town, there’s the Two Rivers and Elmsleigh shopping centres, a cinema, restaurants, cafes and a regular town market. Families and thrill-seekers can head to Thorpe Park, which is just a 10-minute drive away. If you like watersports, paddleboarding and kayaking on the Thames are popular during warmer months. It’s also a great place to hop on a river cruise or take a walk over to the Magna Carta monument for a slice of British history.

Question 6

What’s near Staines-upon-Thames?

Accepted Answer

You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to nearby places. Windsor is only 15 minutes away by car or train, with its famous castle, riverside pubs and the Long Walk. Runnymede is close by too – a peaceful area with walking trails, art installations and the site where King John signed the Magna Carta in 1215. Thorpe Park is practically on the doorstep for rollercoaster fun, and you can also reach places like Ascot, Richmond Park and Hampton Court Palace in under 30 minutes. If you’re looking for variety – from history and heritage to adrenaline and nature – you’ve got it all nearby.

Question 7

What shops are in Staines-upon-Thames?

Accepted Answer

Staines is a great spot for shopping. The Elmsleigh Shopping Centre is right in the centre of town and includes popular high street names. Just across the road, Two Rivers Retail Park has larger stores plus restaurants and a cinema. The town centre is walkable and has independent stores, coffee shops and regular market stalls, so whether you’re after fashion, food or tech, there’s plenty to browse.

Question 8

Does the River Thames run through Staines?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the River Thames flows directly through Staines-upon-Thames, and it’s one of the town’s biggest highlights. You can walk for miles along the towpaths, enjoy boat rides or riverside cafes or just relax by the water. The stretch through Staines is peaceful and scenic, with swans, canal boats and plenty of places to stop and take in the view. It’s also part of the Thames Path National Trail, so whether you’re out for a quick stroll or a longer walk, it’s easy to enjoy the riverside setting here.

Question 9

What’s the difference between Flex, Semi-Flex, Advance, Standard and Non-Flex rates?

Accepted Answer

Flex – Pay now or on arrival, fully refundable with free cancellation up to 1pm on the day of arrival. Our most flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to 1pm on the day of arrival. You can also amend your booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Semi-Flex – Pay now, fully refundable with free cancellation up to three full days before arrival. Fairly flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to three full days before arrival. No refunds after that date. You can also amend your booking date at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Advance – Pay now, fully refundable with free cancellation up to 28 full days before arrival, free to amend thereafter until the day of arrival. Fairly flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to 28 full days before arrival. No refunds after that date. You can also amend your booking date at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Standard – Pay now, non-refundable. Free to amend booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival. Slightly flexible rate – you won’t be able to cancel and get a full refund, but you can amend your booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Non-Flex – Pay now. No amends or refunds. Our least flexible rate – you won’t be able to cancel or amend your stay after booking.

Question 10

What time is check-in and checkout?

Accepted Answer

Our standard check-in time is 3pm. For an additional fee*, you can start your stay sooner with early check-in from 11am. Add early check-in to your stay while making your booking, or afterwards by managing your stay in your Premier Inn account. Early check-in is subject to availability and not available at all Premier Inn hotels.

Checkout is by 12 noon on your departure date. If luggage storage is available, our teams will be happy to store any bags for you if you’d like to check out before 12pm.

*Prices and times will vary depending on date and location.

Question 11

Can I check in early?

Accepted Answer

For an additional fee*, you can start your stay sooner with early check-in from 11am. Add early check-in to your stay while making your booking, or afterwards by managing your stay in your Premier Inn account. Early check-in is subject to availability and not available at all Premier Inn hotels.

*Prices and times will vary depending on date and location.

Question 12

What is Premier Inn CleanProtect™?

Accepted Answer

In 2020 we launched Premier Inn CleanProtect™, our rigorous, daily cleaning method that’s used throughout our UK & Ireland hotels. Developed in partnership with Diversey, a global leader in cleaning and hygiene products for the healthcare and hospitality industries, our promise seeks to give you extra peace of mind so you can always book and stay with confidence.

Check-in - minimising contact at reception and providing hand sanitiser in most public areas for peace of mind.

Bed linen and towels - laundering all our linen and towels at over 60°C to thermally disinfect them, so you can enjoy a great night’s sleep. We’ve also placed spare pillows in a zip-up bag, for extra peace of mind.

Equipping our teams - providing our team members with all the equipment and sanitisers they need, as well as always operating in the safest way possible for our teams and guests.

A generous serving of safety - you can relax knowing that enhanced cleaning measures are in place throughout our restaurants. Tables are cleaned between visits and contactless payment is in place too, so you can dine safely and comfortably with us every time.

Clean on request - if you'd like your room cleaned during your stay with us, just let us know at reception and use the handy door hanger on the back of your door by 12pm each day.

Question 13

What facilities are provided for customers with disabilities?

Accepted Answer

Most Premier Inns have specially-adapted rooms allowing easier access for customers with disabilities. If there is no specially-adapted room available at the hotel of your choice, we will be happy to offer you alternative accommodation at a nearby Premier Inn. If you have difficulty walking, but do not need a specially-adapted room, please feel free to request a room near reception on the ground floor for easy access.

If you'd like get in touch, you can reach out to our specialist team via email at pi.accessible@whitbread.com or call us on 0333 0919 817 between 9am and 5pm Monday-Friday (calls charged at local rate).

Question 14

Can I bring my pet to a Premier Inn hotel?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, with the exception of trained assistance dogs, we don't allow pets to stay at our hotels.

Premier Inn Staines

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