Premier Inn Barnstaple

The hotel offers a convenient location with an adjacent restaurant, complemented by its consistently friendly and helpful staff, which many guests highlight as the most positive aspect of their stay. While the hotel is often described as being in need of refurbishment, many find the beds comfortable and appreciate the value for money it provides. This makes it a suitable choice for families seeking practical accommodation, budget-conscious travelers looking for an affordable base, and those attending local events or exploring the North Devon area. To ensure a smooth experience, guests should be aware of ongoing building work that may impact parking and some areas, and be prepared for potential WiFi connectivity issues.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides essential amenities, though some areas receive mixed feedback. While free Wi-Fi is advertised, many guests report significant issues with its reliability and signal strength, often finding it unusable in rooms and common areas. Parking is available and generally ample, but its condition is noted as poor by some, and ongoing building work can reduce available spaces or affect accessibility, particularly for disabled parking. A common point of concern is the lack of air conditioning, which leads to rooms becoming uncomfortably hot, especially during warmer periods; however, fans are provided to help mitigate this. Rooms are equipped with a television and tea making facilities, and some newer "Premier Plus" rooms include a coffee machine. An elevator is available, though some older sections of the hotel may require stairs. The bar is available but has been noted to close earlier than advertised.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is varied. Many guests find their rooms to be clean and tidy, with fresh bedding and towels. However, a significant number of reviews highlight issues such as damp smells, visible mould in bathrooms, dirty carpets, and uncleaned fixtures, suggesting inconsistencies in housekeeping standards. The overall room condition is frequently described as tired, dated, and in need of refurbishment, though rooms in the newer extension are praised for being modern and brand new. Bed comfort is also mixed; while many guests report comfortable beds ensuring a good night's sleep, others find them uncomfortable or saggy, with lumpy pillows. Noise levels are generally reported as quiet, especially for rooms located at the back, but some guests experience disturbances from loud fellow guests or early morning industrial activity from nearby areas. Bathroom facilities sometimes suffer from low water pressure and loose fixtures.

Dining & Food Quality
The adjacent restaurant offers a mixed dining experience. Breakfast generally receives positive comments for being hot, tasty, and offering good value, with a wide selection of options, including cooked-to-order items. However, some guests note inconsistencies in service, cold food, or limited continental choices, and the coffee machine can be unreliable. Evening meals garner more varied feedback; while some guests enjoy their food and find it good value, others report issues with food quality, including undercooked or overcooked dishes, cold meals, and specific items like squid being overly salty. The restaurant atmosphere is frequently described as tired, with loose chairs, sticky tables, and a general need for refurbishment, which detracts from the dining experience. Service in the restaurant can be slow and understaffed, though many individual staff members are praised for their attentiveness.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a convenient location that serves as an excellent base for exploring North Devon and its surrounding areas. It is situated just off the main road, making it easily accessible for those traveling by car. Guests appreciate its proximity to local amenities, including a large Tesco supermarket directly across the road and a soft play center nearby. The hotel is also within reach of public transport options, with a local bus service providing access to Barnstaple town center and its theatre. While the location is generally quiet, some industrial activity in the vicinity can be heard in the mornings. Parking is available on-site, though its condition and availability can be affected by ongoing building work, and some guests have noted challenges with accessible parking spaces.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive overwhelmingly positive feedback, standing out as a major highlight of many guests' stays. The friendly staff are frequently praised for their helpfulness, attentiveness, and welcoming demeanor, from the moment of check-in to departure. Guests appreciate the quick check-in process and the staff's willingness to go above and beyond, such as providing directions or assisting with specific requests. Many reviews commend the team for their excellent customer service, often noting their ability to manage busy periods with a positive attitude. While minor issues like key cards needing frequent re-activation have been reported, the staff's prompt and apologetic response ensures these are quickly resolved, contributing significantly to a positive overall experience.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of ongoing building work at the hotel, which is undertaking an extension and refurbishment. This can impact the appearance of some areas, affect parking availability, and potentially lead to some early morning noise. Another recurring issue is the poor mobile signal within the hotel, which, combined with often unreliable Wi-Fi, can make staying connected challenging. The bar closing times have been noted by some guests to be earlier than advertised, which can be inconvenient for those planning evening drinks. Some rooms have been reported to have an unpleasant damp smell, and there have been mentions of an early check-in fee for guests wishing to access their rooms before the standard check-in time.