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Summary of reviewsThe Holiday Inn Express London - Watford Junction by IHG, garners considerable positive feedback in multiple areas, making it a favorable choice for travelers seeking a convenient and comfortable stay.
The hotel's location is frequently lauded as one of its strongest assets. Situated just a short walk from Watford Junction train station, it provides easy access to central London and local attractions such as the Warner Bros. Studio Tour. The convenience of the Harry Potter shuttle bus and proximity to the town center, shops and dining options further elevate its appeal to both business and leisure travelers.
Breakfast at the hotel receives a mix of praise and critique. Many guests appreciate the variety and quality of the breakfast offerings, noting the inclusion of hot and cold options that cater to diverse dietary needs. Positive remarks frequently highlight the generous portions and the overall value provided. However, some guests criticize the monotony, flavor and occasional crowdedness during peak times, suggesting room for improvement, particularly in providing more vegetarian and vegan options.
Dinner experiences at the hotel's restaurant provide varied feedback. While the quality and taste of food receive commendation, the limited menu and lack of options for specific dietary needs are points of contention. Guests also report mixed experiences with service speed. Nevertheless, some appreciate the sizable portions and value for money, though exploring nearby dining alternatives is advised for more variety.
The rooms at this hotel stand out for their cleanliness, comfort and modern decor. Guests frequently describe the rooms as clean, comfortable and well-maintained with adequate space and good amenities. While some rooms are noted as compact, the overall positive impressions on comfort and functionality prevail. Occasional minor inconveniences, such as room temperature control and noise from the train station, are reported but generally do not detract from the overall satisfaction.
Cleanliness throughout the hotel is consistently praised. Guest rooms and common areas are frequently described as spotless and well-maintained with housekeeping recognized for their thorough and consistent work. Occasional remarks about specific areas needing improvement are rare compared to the numerous positive comments.
Staff at the Holiday Inn Express London - Watford Junction receives overwhelmingly positive reviews. Guests describe the staff as friendly, helpful and professional with many noting their attentiveness and willingness to go above and beyond. While there are occasional mentions of less satisfactory interactions, the staff's welcoming demeanor significantly contributes to the hotel's favorable reputation.
The WiFi experience is mixed. Many guests report good coverage and performance, particularly in common areas, while others experience issues with connectivity and speed, highlighting some inconsistency that could be addressed.
The hotel is a popular choice for families, especially those visiting the nearby Harry Potter Studios. Guests appreciate the family-friendly atmosphere, helpful staff and convenient breakfast offerings. Room sizes and the comfort of sofa beds receive mixed feedback with some finding them spacious and comfortable, while others find them cramped or uncomfortable.
Nightlife options within the hotel are limited with some guests noting issues like the bar running out of certain drinks. However, the hotel's location provides access to nearby social environments and dining options, supported by conveniences like free parking.
Beds receive mixed reviews with the main beds often described as comfortable, while some guests find them too small or firm. Sofa beds in family rooms are frequently criticized for their discomfort.
Overall, the Holiday Inn Express London - Watford Junction is recognized for its excellent location, cleanliness, friendly staff and overall comfort, making it a reliable option for a range of travelers. Show more
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Hotel near Golf Courses
This hotel appeared in lists referencing golf hotels in Hertfordshire.
3-Star Hotel
This hotel offers a dependable and budget-friendly stay with clean facilities, helpful staff, and comfortable lodging. It is praised for its value for money and reasonable pricing, making it a favorable choice for travelers on a budget. Guests appreciate the consistent standards expected from a Holiday Inn with no surprises in terms of quality and service.
Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability
Family Friendly Hotel
Hotel near Nightlife Spots
Accessible Hotel
Room Types
Standard Room with Free Hot BreakfastThis room offers either a double bed or 2 single beds. Bed configuration is subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed.
Features include satellite TV, tea and coffee making facilities and en suite bathroom. Wi-Fi connection is also available for an extra cost.
Standard Twin Room with Free Hot BreakfastThis comfortable, air-conditioned room features a flat-screen TV, tea/coffee facilities and en suite bathroom with power shower. Wi-Fi connection is also available for an extra cost.
Standard Double Room with Sofa Bed and Free Hot BreakfastThis comfortable, air-conditioned room features a flat-screen TV, tea/coffee facilities and en suite bathroom with power shower. Wi-Fi connection is also available for an extra cost.
Standard Double Room with Free Hot Breakfast - AccessibleAn en suite bathroom, a TV, and tea/coffee making facilities feature in this room with lowered bed.
Standard Twin Room with Free Hot Breakfast - AccessibleThis accessible room offers en suite facilities with a wheelchair-accessible shower.
Guest Reviews
8.1
Very Good
Location
The Holiday Inn Express London - Watford Junction by IHG, receives high praise for its excellent location. Situated just a short walk from Watford Junction train station, it offers easy access to both central London and various local attractions. This prime positioning makes it an ideal choice for visitors planning a trip to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour with many reviews highlighting its convenience for the Harry Potter shuttle bus.
The hotel's proximity to transportation links is a consistent highlight, making it perfect for commuting into London or catching a train to nearby areas. Guests appreciate the short walking distance to the station, often mentioning it's just a few minutes away, which allows for seamless travel.
For those interested in exploring Watford itself, the hotel is conveniently close to the town center, shops and dining options, providing a well-rounded experience for both business and leisure travelers. The surrounding area includes a variety of amenities, further adding to the hotel's appeal.
Overall, the Holiday Inn Express London - Watford Junction stands out for its strategic location, making it a top choice for visitors looking to explore London, visit the Harry Potter studios or simply enjoy the local Watford area with minimal hassle.
Breakfast
Holiday Inn Express London - Watford Junction offers a breakfast experience that has received both praise and critique from guests. Many guests appreciated the wide variety of options available, noting that it included both hot and cold selections, which were frequently replenished. There were plenty of choices, including cereals, pastries, toast, juice and tea, ensuring something for everyone. Some reviewers were particularly pleased with the provision of gluten-free and vegetarian options, though others felt these could be expanded upon.
Guests often highlighted the convenience and value of the included breakfast, describing it as lovely, satisfying and even exceeding expectations. The breakfast buffet with its generous portions and good quality food, was repeatedly singled out for positive comments.
However, not all feedback was glowing. Some visitors found the breakfast monotonous and lacking in flavor with specific criticisms aimed at the quality of certain items like scrambled eggs, sausages and the coffee. Another common issue was the breakfast area becoming crowded and chaotic, especially during peak times, leading to delays in replenishing items and limited seating.
Overall, while the breakfast at Holiday Inn Express London - Watford Junction received a lot of praise for its variety and quality, there were areas noted for potential improvement, particularly in terms of offering more vegetarian and vegan options and ensuring a consistently pleasant dining experience.
Dinner
Guests at the Holiday Inn Express London - Watford Junction have a mix of experiences when it comes to dinner at the hotel. Many appreciate the good quality and taste of the food with comments highlighting delicious pizzas, well-prepared meals and generous portion sizes. The presentation of the meals has also been praised as very well done.
However, the dinner menu tends to be a point of contention. It is often described as limited and basic with some visitors noting a lack of options for gluten-free, vegan and halal diets. This has led some guests to venture outside the hotel for more varied dining experiences. In particular, a nearby pub and a great Chinese restaurant have been recommended alternatives.
Additionally, service speed has been an issue for some with slow service times reported by a number of guests. Despite this, others found the meals to be great value for money, particularly appreciating the sizable portions for the price.
For those looking for a simple and satisfying meal after a day out, the food could meet their needs, but expectations should be managed regarding menu variety and service efficiency. While some nights may find the hotel restaurant closed, particularly on Sundays, other dining options in the vicinity provide suitable alternatives.
Rooms
Holiday Inn Express London - Watford Junction by IHG, receives predominantly positive feedback about its rooms. Cleanliness is a consistent highlight with many guests noting their rooms were kept very clean, spotless or immaculate. The rooms are generally described as comfortable and spacious, offering ample storage and modern decor. Beds are often comfortable and various rooms even provide inviting and well-appointed facilities, including sparkling bathrooms.
The size of the rooms tends to vary with some being described as large, spacious and well suited for families, while others are considered compact, basic or a bit cramped, especially for larger families. Despite occasional mentions of smaller room sizes, many guests felt that the rooms were more than sufficient for their needs.
Temperature control seems to be a mixed bag with some guests finding the rooms too hot or cold, but efforts were made to address these issues with portable heaters or other measures. Noise from the nearby train station is mentioned but seems to be mitigated when windows are kept shut.
Comfort and functionality are recurring themes with rooms often described as modern, tidy and well-provisioned with necessary amenities. However, instances of small inconveniences such as uncomfortable sofa beds, malfunctioning room keys or issues with air conditioning were reported but did not detract significantly from the overall positive experience.
In summary, the rooms at Holiday Inn Express London - Watford Junction are praised for their cleanliness, comfort and adequate space, making the hotel a reliable and pleasant option for various types of travelers.
Beds
The guest reviews for the beds at Holiday Inn Express London - Watford Junction by IHG, show a mixed reception. While many guests described their beds as comfortable, cozy and conducive to a good night’s sleep, others found issues with size and firmness. Several comments highlight the comfort of the main beds, often mentioning them as very comfy or even super comfortable. However, complaints arose about the small size of some double and single beds with some even describing them as the "smallest double beds."
The quality of mattresses received varied opinions. While some found them comfy, others mentioned they were too hard, lumpy or generally uncomfortable. Pillow quality also received mixed feedback with some guests finding them too hard or small, while others appreciated their softness.
A notable point of discomfort was the sofa bed in family rooms. Numerous reviews indicate significant dissatisfaction with these beds with descriptions like "uncomfortable," "messy," and "unsuitable for kids" recurring frequently. The fold-up children’s beds and extra beds also failed to meet comfort expectations for some guests.
Despite some criticisms, rooms and beds were often praised for their cleanliness and several guests noted that they managed to have a comfortable and satisfactory stay overall. In summary, the main beds at this hotel generally cater well to comfort needs, but the additional and sofa beds might require attention to improve guest satisfaction.
Cleanliness
The Holiday Inn Express London - Watford Junction by IHG, generally receives positive reviews for its cleanliness. A recurring theme across guest comments is that the rooms and common areas are spotlessly clean and well-maintained with terms like "spotlessly clean" and "very clean" frequently mentioned. Many guests noted that the rooms were spacious, comfortable and bright with particular appreciation for the cleanliness of the bathrooms and toilets, which were mentioned as spotless multiple times.
Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback on cleanliness, a few guests pointed out areas needing improvement, such as stained carpets, grubby bathrooms and occasional dust. However, these comments were in the minority compared to the numerous remarks praising the cleanliness standards. Housekeeping is recognized for doing a thorough job, consistently keeping rooms tidy and well-provisioned with fresh towels and toiletries. The overall atmosphere of the hotel is clean and welcoming, making it a recommended choice for travelers prioritizing hygiene.
Staff
The reviews for the staff at Holiday Inn Express London - Watford Junction by IHG, are overwhelmingly positive. Guests frequently laud the staff as being friendly, helpful and welcoming with several specifically noting their exemplary professionalism and efficiency. Many guests found the reception staff and front desk personnel to be particularly attentive and accommodating, often meeting specific requests and going above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay.
The hotel management, including individuals like Saeid and Syed, received special mentions for their willingness to assist and for their courteous demeanor. The hotel's atmosphere is notably enhanced by the cheerfulness and politeness of the staff, making interactions with them pleasant and reassuring.
However, there were occasional mentions of unhelpful and rude staff, indicating some variability in service quality. Some guests experienced grumpy or unapproachable personnel at the front desk or bar. Despite these few negative experiences, the vast majority of the reviews reflect a team that is dedicated to creating a welcoming and comfortable environment for their guests, even providing special touches like chocolate muffins for children and being highly responsive to early start requests.
Overall, the staff's friendliness, efficiency and willingness to help stand out as significant positives, contributing strongly to the hotel's favorable reputation among guests.
Wi-Fi
The reviews for the WiFi at Holiday Inn Express London - Watford Junction by IHG, present a mixed picture. On the positive side, several guests mentioned experiencing good, strong and even excellent WiFi, particularly noting good coverage in the lobby and room areas. The free WiFi is appreciated by many and some found it worked well once connected.
However, the WiFi experience is inconsistent with other guests reporting unstable connectivity, particularly at night and general issues with slow or poor performance. Some guests found the connection in their rooms to be weaker compared to the reception and main areas and a few experienced WiFi that did not work at all during their stay. Others mentioned that the WiFi was too slow or unresponsive and acknowledged that it could be spotty in certain areas of the hotel. While the internet accessibility could certainly be improved, the positive mentions indicate that when the WiFi works, it meets guests' needs effectively.
Family
The Holiday Inn Express London - Watford Junction appears to be a popular choice for families visiting the area, especially for those planning a trip to the nearby Harry Potter Studios. Many guests appreciated the hotel’s family-friendly atmosphere and services, noting the helpful and accommodating staff who even treated children to chocolate muffins. The breakfast offerings, including a convenient breakfast bag for later snacks, were particularly praised by families.
The hotel's family rooms received mixed feedback with some guests finding them spacious and comfortable, suitable for a family of four. Others, however, felt that the rooms were a bit on the snug side and could be cramped, particularly for larger families or those with more than two children. Complaints also surfaced about the discomfort of the sofa beds and the room's heating facilities.
Despite the varied opinions on room size, the hotel's cleanliness and the overall family-oriented environment were generally well-regarded. The location was highlighted as a significant advantage, being ideal for both local attractions and providing easy access to Harry Potter Studio tours.
In summary, while the Holiday Inn Express London - Watford Junction offers good facilities and a welcoming atmosphere for families, potential guests might want to be mindful of room size and bed comfort, especially if staying with more than two children.
Nightlife
The nightlife around Holiday Inn Express London - Watford Junction is somewhat limited. Guests noted issues such as the bar running out of draught beer and the unavailability of martinis and martini espresso. However, bottled drinks are available at the bar. While the hotel itself does not offer a vibrant nightlife, its proximity to other social environments and restaurants can provide some evening entertainment. Additionally, the location features conveniences like free parking and easy access to taxis, making it simple to explore nearby areas. Despite a few limitations, the hotel provides a comfortable setting for an overnight stay.
3 Star
Holiday Inn Express London - Watford Junction by IHG, is a budget-friendly option offering a solid three-star experience. The hotel is praised for its value for money and reasonable pricing, making it a favorable choice for travelers on a budget. Guests appreciate the consistent standards expected from a Holiday Inn with no surprises in terms of quality and service.
The hotel provides clean and basic facilities, suitable for a comfortable stay. Rooms are praised for their cleanliness and comfort with comfortable beds being a notable highlight. Despite the basic amenities, the hotel does not fail in delivering a good quality experience as per three-star standards.
Staff at the hotel are frequently mentioned for being friendly and helpful, contributing positively to the overall guest experience. The breakfast offered is described as good and consistent, though basic, meeting the expectations of a budget-friendly establishment.
The location of the hotel is another significant advantage, especially for visitors interested in the Harry Potter tour. It is noted as convenient and comfortable, aligning well with the needs of families. Despite some reviews mentioning that the hotel was a bit expensive for the days spent, most guests still found it to be a great value for money, appreciating the overall good quality of services provided.
In summary, Holiday Inn Express London - Watford Junction upholds its three-star rating with clean facilities, helpful staff and comfortable lodging. It offers a dependable and budget-friendly stay, making it a solid choice for families and value-conscious travelers visiting Watford.
Accessible
The Holiday Inn Express London - Watford Junction, an IHG Hotel, received commendations for its excellent accessibility features. Guests highlighted the ease of access and straightforward check-in process. The hotel boasts excellent facilities tailored for accessibility and provides dedicated accessible areas, including elevators and handicap rooms. The staff were praised for treating every guest equally, contributing to the hotel's welcoming atmosphere for all. The location is conveniently accessible with close proximity to the train station and bus stops, facilitating trips to nearby attractions like the Harry Potter museum. Additional conveniences such as late check-out options and luggage storage on check-out day were appreciated, making stays even more accommodating. The hotel consistently maintained five-star cleanliness standards, thanks to an increased number of cleaning staff. Overall, the hotel offers a highly accessible environment, ensuring comfort and ease for guests with disabilities.
No, Holiday Inn Express London - Watford Junction by IHG doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Holiday Inn Express London - Watford Junction by IHG.
No, Holiday Inn Express London - Watford Junction by IHG doesn't allow dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at Holiday Inn Express London - Watford Junction by IHG.
No, Holiday Inn Express London - Watford Junction by IHG doesn't have a gym.