Holiday Inn Norwich, an IHG Hotel – Norwich

I frequent HI, and especially this one on Ipswich Rd when in Norfolk. Things are finally opening up after restrictions have been lifted in July, yet service has become painfully slow at this Hotel. Never enough staff on shift, maybe its just me, but this will test even the most relaxed individual. Also, we now have to book our food (supper) via a QR code at the table and food will be "delivered" to your table. Why in heavens name do they include an upfront service charge of 10% on the bill for this. We do not even get the option to choose whether we want to pay it or what amount we prefer to pay if we choose to. Hate the fact that we are not given a choice. FYI, McDonald's has a table service like this, which they introduced at some of their branches even before the pandemic hit and there is no gratuity charge included for a food-to-table drop-off. Holiday Inn and this table top service, you are taking liberty here! Have seen many establishments doing this now, where is the customer's choice?! Tips should be dependent on excellent customer service etc. by serving staff, not for this (food delivered to table wasn't even 100% as ordered). Rant over.

Stayed 8 days here with my wife and son so we could holiday around the City and the Norfolk coast. Our room and facilities at the hotel were great and staff super friendly and efficient. We paid for breakfast to be included for the full week and it was absolutely fantastic value setting us up for the day - Full English as well as other healthy alternatives, and as much as you like (working out at about 4 quid each for 3 of us every morning). My wife and son also used the swimming pool and I the Gym. Parking space was ample outside. Overall, we had a very enjoyable stay and would highly recommend.

Very poor service at dinner. Only 3 serving. Long waiting times for food. No menues. Had to use app which did not work. Felt under pressure to order with server standing there waiting to take orders. When we did try to order most of the items were not available. Menu limited to around 5 dishes. Plug in sink got stuck. Sink filling up with water which could not flow away. Informed reception. They "fixed" it. Went to use sink again plug still not fixed. Could not even brush teeth as sink full of dirty water. Only instant coffee available as coffee machine broken. Not a great experience for the price we paid.

Staff are LOVELY!! Building is a bit old and tatty (my bathroom door is warped and has flaking paint). Breakfast is great. Wifi is great. Dinner is fine. Beds are comfy, though twins are VERY close together. Found balled up socks under the mattress like princess and the pea (don't ask why we moved the mattress!!). The pool is small, murky but frustratingly too deep for a 5yo. Jacuzzi and sauna both unavailable on our first day during our slot. Steam room is musty smelling. Free weights area doesn't have full height mirror or space next to racks for shoulder press. Gym air conditioning struggles with hot air from the swimming pool area.

Staff very friendly and helpful. However rooms need upgrading. Bathroom cramped and awkward to get in! Shower pressure poor. No cabinet or obvious place to put anything. No bedside cabinet, just a shelf. No chest of drawers. Bed standard double whereas most hotels have king-size. Bed too soft for comfort dipping in the middle! As for restaurant. Food expensive for what you get. Gave breakfast a miss at £14 pp nd went to garden centre cafe up the road who offer 2 breakfasts for less than the price of one here. Had a really good meal round the corner at Marsh Harriers. I've stayed at Holiday Inns before normally good standard but perhaps the lack of customers during pandemic have taken its toll. But good points: quiet, clean rooms. Parking. Good location.