Premier Inn Solihull (Hockley Heath, M42)

Hotel ok. Restaurant is shocking! It only caters for PI guests as it was previously a Beefeater. It’s run on shoestring staff that are not trained and clearly under pressure trying to cater for just 6 tables for the evening meals service. On my visit a waitress was rushing around but not being very productive, telling guests that had pre booked tables that there weren’t any available, but not providing any answers to satisfy the customers needs, Tracey I believe as this was her name badge. It seemed the other waitress was new and clearly had not been trained properly as she looked lost, uncomfortable and left to deal with complaining customers (not fair on her whatsoever!). Customers around me were either standing around waiting to be seen to, or complaining about the food or length of time waiting for it. When my food eventually arrived it was plonked on the table, I wasn’t asked if I wanted any sauces or vinegar, I had to ask for it myself. Premier Inn, at least have the courtesy to invest in quality training for your employees and managers and appreciate that your team members are trying their best! Unbelievable 👎

I chose the premium room, with air conditioning, as I'd stayed here before in the Summer, and the room then was unbearable (the windows only open a tiny amount). The room was great. Reception were great, but the room service was really not good enough. There was no shower gel in the shower (they were empty) and the coffee and tea station wasn't replenished on two of our four day stay. The plethora of towels when we arrived, disappeared (even though we put them on the rail and didn't ask for replacements) and we were left with one bath and one hand towel (and a bathmat). On the first evening, I requested a loo brush (don't ask). Was told it was standard. Asked again, but it never appeared.

For a budget hotel this is first rate. I’ve no complaints about the well appointed clean room or the very pleasant staff. Our room was on the upper floor, Premier Plus, and there is no lift, something to bear in mind if mobility is an issue. I really think they need to engage the services of some gardeners though as the appearance from the road is not good, with unkempt long grass. Not a problem but it spoils the whole place. My wife thinks she left something behind and as my son was still in the area, although not staying at the hotel, I thought I’ll ring to make sure it’s there and get him to pick it up. You can’t ring directly but have to go via the main number. I called eight times in forty minutes and it just rings and rings and eventually cuts you off!I was so annoyed that I sent a terse email to them. Not that it’ll do any good but it made me feel better!

Not the best anymore. Only stayed for 1 night and was one of the worst nights sleep ever (granted this was one of the warmest nights of the year) but unfortunately a desk fan does not cool anything down. To add to this the adjoining pub (The Barn) seems to have closed and only serves meals at tea/evening time. The breakfast was terrible, no longer table service but a small 'hostess trolley' set up offering lukewarm food...along with cold plates. The whole building looks tired with the restaurant also looking less than welcoming.....How things have gone down hill since the last time I stayed begging of last year.

Reception allowed vans without blue badges to take up all the disabled spaces so we had to walk from the back of the hotel to get to reception. They did offer to ask them move, but that would require me to walk back to my car to move it. Extremely unacceptable. Our room also did not have enough towels, we only had one between the two of us.

A nice quiet and comfortable hotel with friendly staff. A well organised restaurant with a freshly cooked as much as you can eat breakfast.