REVIEW: Holiday Inn, What a fantastic turn around.

Gloucester

Venue: Holiday Inn Gloucester - Cheltenham

There probably should not be a lot to say about a refurbishment of an old, established hotel, but the Holiday Inn Gloucester - Cheltenham, on Crest Way in Barnwood, just off the A417 on the outskirts of Gloucester keep making us go ‘Ohhh’.

Arriving to a fresh faced, clean, and modern looking front of a large hotel started well. Peeking at the patio and fenced in wooden dining area next to the main entrance, looked smart and welcoming, this place had impact right from the start.

Entering the cool, welcoming, and airy foyer area, we were instantly struck by the amount of effort that had gone into its upgrade. To the left was the bar and restaurant, to the right the conference facility and ahead was the main reception, with smiling staff and a welcoming committee stood behind, all ready for their grand reopening function.

Being met by Laura, a warm, helpful, and passionate member of staff, who really could not do enough for us, she was just as excited to show us around, as we were with the opportunity to explore.

This was the first update in 20 years of the venue, which is a large two storey complex set out in a cross shape, with ample parking and a leisure facility at the back. Setting off we had a chance to view an accessible room on the ground floor, a standard room and then a large family room, with a very comfy looking sofa and large TV.

The quality and attention to detail was obvious, this was a professional refit with no expense spared to get things right. Everything looked brand new and shiny.
The leisure facility has a gym area, a pool with sauna and steam room and a fitness studio, all of which looked clean and good, but we were told these were also about to be modernised and updated. Holiday Inn are not messing about. They appear to be reinvesting and making an impact on what people might think of them.

Being invited into their function room, which had been set out for their grand opening function, balloons, lights, and table decorations, they were showing off all the needs of a fully functioning space that would be an amazing wedding or party venue. A large, seated patio area came with the space, and it certainly did not disappoint, with a live band, great lighting and wonderful atmosphere presented itself as a beautiful and memorable space.

Having a chance to sample their food, small platters and drinks were brought around, the quiches were amazing and so were the desserts, even though I had to try all that were on offer, I was prepared to make the sacrifice, as they were all so morish.

Our last stop was the conference room space, several options of all differing sizes and functions were available to rent. All clean, with good sized tables, chairs, flip charts and TV screen, for any type of conferencing that you may require. A breakout area with free coffee and snacks (if days are booked) looked comfortable and inviting, any delegate would be thanking the host for booking these.

After spending some time here, with Laura as our attentive guide, it was time for us to take our leave. As a whistle stop tour of the hotel, this had to be one of the nicest and best in the area. The team all appear to be determined to make any visit a good one. If you have not been, it would be worth a visit even if it is just for a coffee or dinner.

Review by Carl and Laura Jones.

 

 

The Mystery Reviewer

See all listings from The Mystery Reviewer

Newsletter
To sign up up for www.glos.info weekly newsletter, please click here.

Please mention www.glos.info when contacting this advertiser.