For a 4 stars hotel, it was a bit of a disappointment. Marriot hotels are definitely better outside the UK.
When we arrived, we had been travelling for over 5 hours, so we were tired and just wanted to collapse in the room. Instead, we were given an extended explanation at Reception on how a hotel 'works' and that we'd get complimentary wi-fi. Don't ALL hotels have free wi-fi these days??? Also, they wanted to charge us for parking without checking first whether we had a car (which we didn't).
When we got to the room, we found it a bit dated. There had been an attempt to update by adding a USB extension on the bedside table - however, this extension had two very bright lights, which I had to cover with a towel to be able to get some sleep. The pillows were way too soft, and they'd also tried to make the mattress softer by placing a duvet (instead of a mattresses topper) under the bed sheet - this ended up making the mattress feel quite lumpy. There was a mini fridge in the room, but it was empty (you had to go downstairs to get snacks). Also, the coffee and tea tray was hidden and very basic. For a 4 stars hotel, the complimentary stuff was basic and when I went to ask about getting slippers or a bath robe, I was told that's only available to premium rooms. However, I have to say that even though the room didn't meet expectations, it was very clean.
In terms of the restaurant, the breakfast was delicious. However, the food was placed in cast iron pots under heat lamps, and covered with lids. The lids got very hot under the lamps, so getting your food was a bit of an endurance challenge. As mentioned above, the room was very clean, but I can't say the same about the restaurant. We were sat by the window and there were some cobwebs and dead flies - since we were in the country, a few flies are to be expected, but when the fly cemetary looks the same two days in a row, that suggests nobody dusted there. Not great having your meal while waiting for a spider to climb up the web and join you.
The gym was good and had free towels and very helpful staff. We didn't use the swimming pool, but it looked nice.
Overall, some good things, but still a bit of a disappointment and never would've guessed that was a 4 star hotel. Not good value for money.
The hotel location is good. Quite quick and convenient for checking in the hotel. However, the room was outdated with old carpet. The air condition was very old and so loud.
I booked this hotel for two nights so my child could enjoy the swimming pool, but unfortunately, it was closed for upgrades. This was not mentioned when booking, and we only found out at check-in, which left my child very disappointed.
The real highlight of this hotel is the staff. From reception to the restaurant team and cleaners, everyone was professional, hardworking, and genuinely kind. Their service was some of the best I’ve experienced in the UK, and they really do their best to make guests feel welcome and comfortable.
The downside is the building itself, which is very dated. The rooms are squeaky, the doors and hallways are worn, and there’s no elevator. I saw several guests struggling with heavy luggage on the stairs, so if you have large bags, I’d strongly recommend requesting a ground floor room.
That said, the building itself is outdated and badly in need of renovations. Doors have chipped paint, the hallway lighting is old, the sauna and changing rooms are poorly designed, and the gym has very limited space and equipment. Compared to other hotels in Swindon, this one feels extremely dated.
Overall, my experience was good thanks to the wonderful staff and their service. I would consider staying here again, but for better value, there are other hotels nearby with larger rooms, elevators, modern facilities, and a better breakfast and restaurant experience. I truly hope Holiday Inn Swindon invests in a full upgrade of the building and facilities—partial, low-quality renovations (like the bathrooms) won’t be enough.
This hotel has got high standards on cleanliness and service consistently. On a bitterly cold weekend the room was warm throughout. In fact very comfortable bed and no need for extra blanket. 2 small issues. The pillows were a bit lumpy but fine and the restarant did not serve evening meals to our liking but overall outstanding !!! Cannot wait to return.
We drove all the way from London to WHATLEY MANOR, the location is really rural bit quiet. IT IS A VERY BEAUTIFUL MANOR SINCE 1929. We booked a suite room and upgraded to extra single bed for my son and cost 150£, which is considered very expensive. We booked for 2 nights and it cost us 1500£, [ breakfast included ] in my opinion is very pricey for this location. I think their selling points are spa, sauna, thermal room , hydro pool but for Asian , it is too common for us.The beds are very comfortable, room is very spacious and cozy, provide good quality amenities. They have really beautiful garden good for walking and reading books. Beside price, everything is good.
MM*****For a 4 stars hotel, it was a bit of a disappointment. Marriot hotels are definitely better outside the UK.
When we arrived, we had been travelling for over 5 hours, so we were tired and just wanted to collapse in the room. Instead, we were given an extended explanation at Reception on how a hotel 'works' and that we'd get complimentary wi-fi. Don't ALL hotels have free wi-fi these days??? Also, they wanted to charge us for parking without checking first whether we had a car (which we didn't).
When we got to the room, we found it a bit dated. There had been an attempt to update by adding a USB extension on the bedside table - however, this extension had two very bright lights, which I had to cover with a towel to be able to get some sleep. The pillows were way too soft, and they'd also tried to make the mattress softer by placing a duvet (instead of a mattresses topper) under the bed sheet - this ended up making the mattress feel quite lumpy. There was a mini fridge in the room, but it was empty (you had to go downstairs to get snacks). Also, the coffee and tea tray was hidden and very basic. For a 4 stars hotel, the complimentary stuff was basic and when I went to ask about getting slippers or a bath robe, I was told that's only available to premium rooms. However, I have to say that even though the room didn't meet expectations, it was very clean.
In terms of the restaurant, the breakfast was delicious. However, the food was placed in cast iron pots under heat lamps, and covered with lids. The lids got very hot under the lamps, so getting your food was a bit of an endurance challenge. As mentioned above, the room was very clean, but I can't say the same about the restaurant. We were sat by the window and there were some cobwebs and dead flies - since we were in the country, a few flies are to be expected, but when the fly cemetary looks the same two days in a row, that suggests nobody dusted there. Not great having your meal while waiting for a spider to climb up the web and join you.
The gym was good and had free towels and very helpful staff. We didn't use the swimming pool, but it looked nice.
Overall, some good things, but still a bit of a disappointment and never would've guessed that was a 4 star hotel. Not good value for money.
MMons007I booked this hotel for two nights so my child could enjoy the swimming pool, but unfortunately, it was closed for upgrades. This was not mentioned when booking, and we only found out at check-in, which left my child very disappointed.
The real highlight of this hotel is the staff. From reception to the restaurant team and cleaners, everyone was professional, hardworking, and genuinely kind. Their service was some of the best I’ve experienced in the UK, and they really do their best to make guests feel welcome and comfortable.
The downside is the building itself, which is very dated. The rooms are squeaky, the doors and hallways are worn, and there’s no elevator. I saw several guests struggling with heavy luggage on the stairs, so if you have large bags, I’d strongly recommend requesting a ground floor room.
That said, the building itself is outdated and badly in need of renovations. Doors have chipped paint, the hallway lighting is old, the sauna and changing rooms are poorly designed, and the gym has very limited space and equipment. Compared to other hotels in Swindon, this one feels extremely dated.
Overall, my experience was good thanks to the wonderful staff and their service. I would consider staying here again, but for better value, there are other hotels nearby with larger rooms, elevators, modern facilities, and a better breakfast and restaurant experience. I truly hope Holiday Inn Swindon invests in a full upgrade of the building and facilities—partial, low-quality renovations (like the bathrooms) won’t be enough.
PPHYO PHYO WAI YANG YINGWe drove all the way from London to WHATLEY MANOR, the location is really rural bit quiet. IT IS A VERY BEAUTIFUL MANOR SINCE 1929. We booked a suite room and upgraded to extra single bed for my son and cost 150£, which is considered very expensive. We booked for 2 nights and it cost us 1500£, [ breakfast included ] in my opinion is very pricey for this location. I think their selling points are spa, sauna, thermal room , hydro pool but for Asian , it is too common for us.The beds are very comfortable, room is very spacious and cozy, provide good quality amenities. They have really beautiful garden good for walking and reading books. Beside price, everything is good.
ผผู้เข้าพักThis hotel has got high standards on cleanliness and service consistently. On a bitterly cold weekend the room was warm throughout. In fact very comfortable bed and no need for extra blanket. 2 small issues. The pillows were a bit lumpy but fine and the restarant did not serve evening meals to our liking but overall outstanding !!! Cannot wait to return.
ผผู้เข้าพักThe hotel location is good. Quite quick and convenient for checking in the hotel. However, the room was outdated with old carpet. The air condition was very old and so loud.