Holiday Inn Rochester - Chatham By Ihg

This hotel is widely celebrated for its exceptional staff and convenient location, making it a popular choice for various travelers. Its signature feature is the consistently praised friendly and helpful service provided by the entire team, which significantly enhances the guest experience. The hotel is well-suited for business travelers due to its good facilities for remote work and accessible location, while families appreciate the swimming pool and family-friendly amenities. Couples can enjoy a relaxing stay with good dining options, and pet owners will find the hotel very welcoming to their furry companions. Guests frequently highlight the hotel's overall cleanliness and the quality of its breakfast. To ensure a comfortable stay, it is advisable to inquire about the availability of leisure facilities beforehand and consider requesting a room away from the main road for a quieter experience.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of facilities, though their availability can be inconsistent. Most guests appreciate the presence of a swimming pool and a gym, often finding the pool warm and of a good size. However, many reviews indicate that the sauna, steam room, and hot tub are frequently out of order or not functioning optimally, leading to disappointment for some. The fitness changing rooms have also been noted as needing refurbishment. On the positive side, the hotel provides free Wi-Fi that is generally reliable, and guests benefit from ample free parking on-site, which is a significant convenience. Some areas of the hotel may still require navigating stairs despite the presence of a lift, which can be a minor challenge for guests with mobility concerns.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Rooms are generally described as clean and tidy, though some guests note that certain areas appear tired or in need of refurbishment to match the more modern public spaces. Feedback on bed comfort is mixed; while many find the beds comfortable, a notable number report them as too soft, sagging, or that the pillows are too hard, impacting sleep quality. Sofa beds are frequently cited as uncomfortable. In-room amenities typically include tea and coffee making facilities, and some premium rooms feature a mini-fridge and ironing board. Bathrooms are usually clean, but some reviews mention issues with mould, limescale, or inconsistent water pressure. Noise levels vary, with rooms facing the main road experiencing significant traffic noise, while others are quiet.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast consistently receives high praise from guests, described as excellent, varied, and plentiful, with a wide selection including full English options and gluten-free choices. The breakfast buffet is well-stocked, and the staff are attentive. Feedback on dinner in the restaurant is more mixed; some guests enjoy the food and find it tasty, while others report limited menus, items being unavailable, or slow service, occasionally resulting in cold food. The bar area is generally well-regarded for its good atmosphere, service, and selection of drinks. Room service experiences are varied, with some positive mentions but also reports of significant delays or orders not being fulfilled, particularly late at night.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a convenient location with easy access to the M2 motorway, making it ideal for travelers. It is well-situated for visiting local attractions such as Rochester, Chatham, Diggerland, and Chatham Docks. Public transit links are good, with a bus stop directly outside the hotel and easy access to Rochester train station for connections to London. Ample free parking is a major advantage for guests, though it is crucial to register your vehicle upon arrival to avoid unexpected charges. While an Asda supermarket is conveniently located nearby, some guests find the immediate surrounding area to be less appealing. Rooms facing the main road can experience considerable traffic noise, impacting sleep for some.

Staff & Service
The hotel's staff consistently receive outstanding praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. Guests frequently highlight their professionalism and willingness to go above and beyond to ensure a positive stay. The check-in process is generally described as smooth and efficient, though occasional delays can occur during peak times. Reception staff are commended for their problem-solving skills, including handling room changes and booking issues. The restaurant staff and bar staff are particularly noted for their welcoming demeanor and excellent service, contributing significantly to the dining experience. Housekeeping is generally efficient in maintaining clean rooms. The hotel also offers pet-friendly service, with staff welcoming dogs and providing water bowls, and family-friendly service, including amenities for children.

Additional Information
The hotel maintains a dog-friendly policy, with staff making efforts to accommodate pets, including offering water bowls. Guests participating in the rewards program benefits appreciate the perks, though some note that room upgrades are not always consistently offered. It is important for guests to register their car registration upon arrival to ensure free parking and avoid potential charges. A recurring point of concern is the frequent unavailability of spa facilities, including the steam room and hot tub, and occasional pool closures due to maintenance or heating issues, which can be disappointing for guests who booked specifically for these amenities. Some premium rooms include thoughtful touches like soft drinks in the fridge and biscuits. The hotel is also a popular venue for hosting events such as parties and wakes.