Premier Inn Thurrock East

The hotel is widely recognized for its exceptional staff service, with numerous guests highlighting the team's dedication and warm welcome as a signature feature that significantly enhances their stay. Visitors consistently praise the comfortable beds, clean rooms, and convenient location, making it a popular choice for various travelers. It is particularly well-suited for sightseers looking to explore London or the nearby shopping areas, business travelers attending courses or working in the vicinity, and families seeking a comfortable base with spacious rooms and thoughtful touches for children. Couples also find it an ideal spot for a relaxed getaway. To ensure a smooth experience, guests are advised to verify the current operating status of the on-site restaurant, as its availability has been inconsistent, and to be aware of the additional parking fees upon arrival, as these are recurring themes in guest feedback.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of facilities designed for guest convenience, though some aspects receive mixed feedback. A notable point is the absence of a lift in certain parts of the hotel, particularly in the annex building, which can pose a challenge for guests with heavy luggage or mobility concerns. While there are vending machines available, they are primarily located in the main building. Guests generally appreciate the provision of free Wi-Fi, although some note that the standard connection can be slow, with an option to upgrade for better speed. In-room tea and coffee making facilities are provided, but some guests found the supply to be limited. The TVs offer Freeview channels, though a few guests reported issues with sound levels or picture quality. A significant and frequent complaint is the lack of air conditioning in the rooms, with guests finding the provided fans largely ineffective in warm weather. Iron and ironing boards are available upon request.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is varied. While many guests commend the rooms for being generally clean and well-maintained, a notable number report that the decor appears dated and tired, with some instances of stains on carpets or ceilings, and mold or damp smells in bathrooms. The comfortable beds consistently receive high praise, often described as exceptionally soft and conducive to a good night's sleep, with extra pillows available. However, noise levels are a common concern, with reports of creaky floors, thin walls, and disturbances from noisy neighbors or corridor activity. The most significant issue is the room temperature, as the lack of air conditioning leads to rooms becoming very hot and stuffy, even with windows open and fans operating. Bathrooms, while often clean, are sometimes described as outdated, with minor issues like leaking fixtures or blocked sinks. Some guests also reported unpleasant corridor smells.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining experience, primarily through the adjacent Brewers Fayre restaurant, receives mixed reviews. Breakfast is generally well-regarded, with many guests praising the hot and tasty options and a good range of choices. However, some found the breakfast bland or experienced slow service. Conversely, feedback for dinner and evening meals at the Brewers Fayre is often negative, with reports of poor food quality, blandness, and slow service. A significant and recurring issue is the restaurant being unexpectedly closed or operating with limited opening hours, particularly in the evenings and on weekends. This has caused considerable inconvenience for guests who had planned to dine on-site or had booked meal deals, sometimes requiring them to seek alternatives elsewhere. The bar area is also occasionally noted as unstaffed or closing earlier than expected.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a central location that is a major advantage for many guests, offering excellent accessibility to key attractions and transport links. It is conveniently situated near Chafford Hundred train station, providing easy access to central London for sightseeing or business. The Lakeside shopping centre is within walking distance or a short drive, making the hotel a popular choice for shoppers. A large supermarket is also located nearby. The hotel serves as a practical stop-off point for those traveling to or from Tilbury or visiting family in the area. While its proximity to major road networks is beneficial, some guests note that local traffic can be heavy. Parking is available on-site but is a significant point of contention, as it incurs an additional daily fee, which many guests find surprising or unfair. There are also some concerns regarding car park security.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive high praise for their friendly, helpful, polite, and attentive service. Many guests highlight the team's warm welcomes and their willingness to go "above and beyond" to assist with requests, resolve issues, or provide local advice, significantly enhancing the overall guest experience. The check-in process is generally described as quick and smooth. Staff members are noted for their responsiveness to guest concerns, such as room issues or requests for extra amenities like towels or an iron. However, some guests report instances of unhelpful or unempathetic staff, particularly when dealing with complaints about room conditions or unexpected restaurant closures. There are also mentions of staff being occasionally difficult to reach by phone or not consistently present at the front desk.

Additional Information
Several miscellaneous but important details contribute to the overall guest experience. The paid parking policy is a frequent source of guest dissatisfaction, as it is an additional charge not always clearly communicated upfront, leading to unexpected costs. Guests should be aware that the hotel's annex building does not have a lift, which can be problematic for those with heavy luggage or mobility challenges. There are recurring concerns about corridor smells, particularly unpleasant odors that guests find pervasive. Some guests received personalized surprises or treats in their rooms, especially for special occasions or for children, which were much appreciated. The hotel also offers early check-in as an option, which many guests find convenient. Overall, the hotel is often described as dated and in need of refurbishment to meet modern standards.