Premier Inn St Albans City Centre Hotel

Upon check in, i was advised menu was limited and unsure if the restaurant would open, i was travelling and had an allowance from my company to use in the Premier Inn - I was told if i did not use my allowance it would not be charged. I specifically wanted to eat after a long day of travelling and go to my room to do some work. I did not plan to eat out which I had to do. The bar had fruit flies around the counter area. Breakfast in the morning has very limited stock. This is one of the worst Premier Inn I have stayed at and expected better for the location.

When booking into hotel was not informed issues with products for menu and if I required breakfast or evening meal had to pre book. I went for breakfast Saturday morning to be advised that if I had not booked I could not be accepted, although only 3 people sat down,having been here for last 7 years staying at least 4 times a year first time I experienced this,staff told me could recommend somewhere to go meant venturing out in pouring rain and wind,which I had to do. Following day thought Id try again to be informed Chef did not like walk ins and minor issue with product delivery which I found strange. following day managed to get a breakfast with reduced items on offer but still had to pay full price, Chef was seen later relaxing looking pleased with him self when breakfast finished even though he had virtually nothing to do previously as only few people attended breakfast. Evening if you require a drink no one available wait for ages and reduced draught beer available and given above wouldn't attempt to book evening meal and impression I had from floor stayed on was not busy so not understanding issue staff seemed to be going through motions price I paid for 3 nights certainly not value for money bed was uncomfortable and shower was luke warm.

I am a frequent Premier Inn user. I like the good-sized rooms, desk for working, baths in the bathroom and the warm welcome at the reception desk. St Albans badly lets the brand down. 1. There was nobody to check me in - just a machine (and one of the check in machines was out of order). So, no welcome at all. 2. There were not enough staff. I went to the bar for dinner. 'Wait to be seated' It would have been a long wait. Eventually one member of staff appeared at the bar. Could I eat? It will take a long time - maybe 20 minutes he said. So, I went to a restaurant outside. 3. There was a fire alarm at 5:37 am which meant a full hotel evacuation (Tuesday 26th November). No explanation given. Two members of staff frantically checking the alarm system. Then after 15 minutes we returned. No communication to anybody about whether this was a false alarm or a real fire. And no fire brigade in attendance. Shocking and very poor. I understand these things happen - but where was the reassuring explanation? Where was the 'We are sorry about this. If you'd like a complimentary breakfast - please just ask.' 4. No car parking. I have stayed before and knew about the local car parks. But the website is silent about this. So, all in all this was a bad experience. I have asked for a refund.

The beds is super comfortable, staff very friendly, st Albans really pleasant to visit. However we did have issue with air con which did now wanted to go below 19C which was to warm for us during night, and also was switching off to keep 19C. The breakfast is a bit of let down for hotel as choice is very small and some of the food was cold at 10.30. the restaurant also needs a bit of improvement (looks a bit run down) However, this is for us minor issues and we would be happy to come back.