I have stayed with Premier Suites many times before in numerous cities, even when it was still operating under as 'Premier Apartments', I'm part of their Rewards4U scheme and all my stays have been pleasant except this particular time.
Travelling from Newcastle with some friends to visit Manchester for the Xmas markets, PS rang to query my ETA for check-in, I stated about 4pm, closer to the time about 4:10pm, I rang to inform I was running late and won't be there till 4:30pm.
The woman at the desk said their tills were closing by 4:30pm and needed a deposit to secure the room (to which my previous experiences they've never asked me for but it is stated in the T&Cs and that's totally fine!). I wanted them to take the £250 off another card and it doesn't state in the T&C's that the deposit must be the booking card, she refused my form of payment and insisted I had to be in person if I wanted that option otherwise they would use the initial card. She further stated that without the deposit I wouldn't be able to have my key for the apartment and a refund of the Pre-Paid room would be refunded?! In other words, leaving me without accommodation. Then to ask "do you have anybody that could pop down to make the deposit on your behalf?" This question could not be anymore ridiculous as she knew we were visiting this city.
Later the manager came on the phone and extended their closing time to 4:40pm for me which was half generous. We eventually made it and after check-in, they were still checking other guests at 5pm!
To finish this experience off, the apartment was not clean, tissue paper and stains were stuck to the toilet bowl, bits of glass and sauce stains on the living room/kitchen floor. We ended up purchasing cleaning products ourselves to wipe the toilet seat.
The ONLY up side was a different lady was on reception the following morning and gave us a 20% refund for the dirty apartment but the overall experience was really a disaster.