Premier Inn Northampton West (Harpole)

We stay in a lot of PI’s … and usually find them faultless however this one was sub standard… receptionist appeared disinterested and didn’t advise us of where we could get breakfast or times ( we have only stayed in those where served on site) Early check in charge of £15.00 which we had no idea about…. My confirmation stated check in 12.00 midday which is why we chose this hotel… I was informed that this was purely for “my calendar “ that’s beyond me as I don’t use that facility! Receptionist then took phone and showed me check in time of 15:00 and said we would need to pay extra charge to get a room which we had to do as we needed to be at an event by 2.45pm seems to me to be further money making as they had rooms ready… a small act of kindness would not have gone amiss… however we were told she couldn’t do it as her manager would not be happy ( felt bad for her to be honest) appreciate it was company policy and the fact that she could be in trouble which seemed mean. Tatty and dirty corridors did not make for a great first impression… rodent traps outside the hotel and scruffy and unattended exterior. A pokey room literally one of us had to sit on the bed when the other wanted to move around 😂 … trust me not enough room to swing a very small cat is a good description! Housekeeping ok but only one hand towel provided. Refills in reception not topped up for tea tray … no one in site to ask! Outside bin caught fire tried to alert reception staff by pressing buzzer no one appeared! Paid for breakfast which is at the beefeater opposite… very good as cooked fresh. It wasn’t a hotel I would return to unfortunately

The staff make this place, in particular… Audrey! Booked by work so little choice my end. But with a premiere inn, I can be pretty confident in getting a decent shower and a good bed. This hotel delivers on that front. What makes a premier inn special on the odd occasion though is the staff. And Audrey has been my shining ray of sunshine after a hard days work far away from home. A smile and good welcome on check in. Then, when heading for dinner I asked if they sold everyday items as I had a headache and needed some paracetamol. Unfortunately not; but Audrey went above and beyond and sourced me a fresh pack from her own person inventory. A decent stay and would recommended.

Smallest Premier Inn room I've ever stayed in. The bathroom was in need of a deep clean. Other guests stood in car park (outside rooms) revving car engines for over 20 minutes at 6.20am on a Sunday. Staff could have said something but didn't. Wouldn't stay here again.