This past weekend (January 17-19th), I spent some time in London to check out the first ever DragCon UK, and Holiday Inn were kind enough to grant me a night's stay in their Bloomsbury branch, with dinner and breakfast, in exchange for a fair and honest review.
One of the most important factors in impressing me when it comes to a hotel stay is the attentiveness and friendliness of the working staff. From the moment I stepped inside the building to check-in, it was clear that those working at Bloomsbury were going to tick all of my boxes. We had a slight problem regarding my reservation, but it was one that was swiftly cleared up whilst my plus one and I were given a complimentary house wine whilst we waited. Free alcohol? Always a great way to start!
Within 15 minutes, we were handed our check-in keys and given all the information we would need to go about our stay, including the location of the in-house restaurant, where dinner and breakfast would be available, as well as timings for both. Service with a smile is something I always appreciate, and it's exactly what was given here.
Our twin room itself was a delight to stay in. It was clean from top to bottom, welcoming and spacious enough to get around. The view wasn’t the best in the world, but when you’re looking for a hotel in central London, that’s something you’ll probably have to come to expect. The beds were incredibly comfy, and the pillows were exactly the sort I love to bury my head into before catching some Zs. One notable service that Holiday Inn offers is the option to ring reception and ask for your pillow to be changed to a softer, or harder option, so that you can get the perfect sleep. Fortunately for us, they were already just right!
There wasn’t a minibar or fridge in the standard room, so if you’re bringing your own drinks along with you that you want to keep cold, you’ll want to bear this in mind. There was however complimentary tea and coffee, as well as a flat-screen TV with full Freeview channels, free wireless internet and in-room air-conditioning for the days it may get too hot! Not so much a problem in January, but great for those summer months.
The bathroom was a moderate size, with shower and bathing essentials offered to guests – just remember to bring your own toothpaste! The shower itself wasn’t the most powerful in the world, but it got the job done. All towels provided were soft and comfortable, providing a valued experience.
So, the room ticks lots of boxes, but what about the on-site Junction Restaurant and food on offer? We dined on the two for £39.99 menu, which includes a glass of wine for each customer, and I started with the Smooth Chicken Liver Pâté with Toasted Bloomer and Onion Marmalade. The offering was generous, and there was still a good chunk of pâté and marmalade left on the plate when I was finished. It was absolutely delicious; a real treat for anybody not partaking in Veganuary.
For my main, I went for a classic – the Gourmet Prime Beef Burger. The burger is served in a brioche bun with crispy bacon, melted cheddar, lettuce, tomato and red onion, topped with mayonnaise and served with skin on fries and a pot of Cheddar slaw, and every bite was packed with flavour. I’m not usually one that enjoys slaw, but this hit the spot perfectly, and the fries were perfectly salted. Another triumph!
Though I was more than happy with what I’d eaten, I couldn’t leave the table without trying a dessert (not including in the original deal). The Chocolate Brownie was top of the list, and grabbed my attention right away. It came with vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce, and was the perfect finish for any chocolate lover.
Breakfast the next morning was also a delight. Holiday Inn Bloomsbury had all of the usual items on offer – I personally enjoyed some scrambled egg, sausage and beans on toast. The food was routinely checked by staff, with fresh items coming in periodically. Servers were also attentive to visitors, cleaning up quickly when they had finished their breakfast and asking if everything was okay.
Holiday Inn London – Bloomsbury offers a wonderful night’s sleep and a homely experience from beginning to end, with staff that never stop smiling and make you feel as if you’re instantly a part of the family. They’re uncompromising in their service, and for that, must be applauded.
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