Preston Central

Exceptionally friendly staff provide excellent customer service. Convenient location near transportation and dining. Large, clean rooms with good bedding. Varied, fresh breakfast with attentive service.

Finding myself unexpectedly having to spend the night in Preston, it being impossible to reach my final destination on the train that night, I was pointed in the direction of the Premier Inn, having discovered that two pubs near the railway station, supposedly 'with rooms', no longer offered accommodation. It transpired that the managers of both had apparently decided to live in the former rental rooms themselves! Well, I have stayed in many Premier Inns over the years and, from the outside, I wasn't expecting all that much. HOWEVER, what made this visit exceptional was the welcome by Mikey, the young guy on reception and the cheeriness of the staff at breakfast. But first things first. Mikey could not have done more to welcome me, as a weary late-night traveller on a cold winter's night. He sorted out the perfect room for me and even let me use his mobile to ring my friends to tell them where I was, my own smartphone having gone AWOL. I do not often award gold stars, but this young man was so helpful that I emailed the management a few days later and hope my commendation was passed on. I must confess that I have had some pretty average breakfasts in other Premier Inns, but this offering was absolutely splendid. There was a really good choice of cereals, pastries, bread, hot and cold drinks, as well as an excellent breakfast buffet, including my favourite black pudding. My only quibble is that the kitchen was rather slow in replenishing stock and I heard a few moans about items not being available. That being said, the team at breakfast was cheerful, helpful and keen to please. Well done all round!