Holiday Inn Express Stoke-On-Trent by IHG

You know what you're getting with a HIEx, this didn't disappoint.

Obviously being an old fashioned hotel, you get a TV with an aerial (so live TV, which is smashing) but don't expect a Smart TV with apps or any of that nonsense. We had an accessible room which was lovely, but had a green safety fire exit light above the door, which lights your whole room up like a fairy grotto through the night. I slung a black jumper over it myself. If you have thick black underwear, or a small towel that should do the trick. You could, alternatively, modify a more complete light-excluding device using a shoe box and some masking tape, but I couldn't be arsed.

Helpful friendly staff.

On the last day of departure, leaving to cross the car park there was a bad smell, nothing to do with the hotel, something off in the neighborhood, but very unpleasant right after leaving the clean hotel.

Great hotel with spacious room and breakfast included whats not to like! Lifts to upper floors, guest ‘pantry’ with microwave. Soft comfortable bed and well appointed bathroom. Quiet even though close to major motorway. Awesome pub right next door for evening meals and a cold beverage.

Not close to town

Location

Breakfast was an absolute joke. Almost everything ran out, it was chaos. Too busy, buffet area too small. Staff just stood around when there were tables to be cleared