Premier Inn Bury St Edmunds Town Centre

The hotel offers a highly regarded central location in Bury St Edmunds, often described as an ideal spot for exploring the town. Its unique character as a Grade 2 listed building that was formerly a County Records Office also adds to its appeal. Guests consistently highlight the friendly staff, clean rooms, comfortable beds, and a generally modern and well-kept environment as top features. This makes it an excellent choice for sightseers and tourists due to its proximity to the cathedral, Abbey Gardens, and town centre. Families appreciate the spacious family rooms and child-friendly dining options, while business travelers find it a convenient and functional base. Couples seeking a comfortable and accessible getaway also find it suitable. To enhance your stay, guests should be aware of the recently introduced parking charges and consider paying for the ultimate Wi-Fi if reliable internet is crucial for their needs.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides free Wi-Fi, though some guests found its speed slow or patchy, recommending the paid ultimate Wi-Fi for better reliability. Most rooms are equipped with air conditioning, but feedback is mixed; a significant number of guests reported issues with units not functioning effectively, being excessively noisy, or leading to stuffy rooms due to sealed windows. Conversely, other guests found the air conditioning to work well, contributing to a peaceful stay. Premier Plus rooms are highlighted for being roomy, well-appointed, and including extra amenities like a mini fridge, coffee machine, and an improved shower. Standard rooms are also generally described as spacious and modern. Bathrooms are typically clean and functional, with good water pressure and temperature. Isolated reports mention issues like noisy extraction fans, broken bathroom doors, or blocked toilets in some rooms.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel generally receives high praise for its cleanliness, with many guests describing rooms as spotlessly clean and fresh. However, a few isolated reports mentioned issues such as damp smells, visible mould in bathrooms or around window frames, and general grime around skirting boards, particularly in some ground floor rooms. Rooms are often described as modern, spacious, and well-furnished, providing a comfortable environment, though some guests noted that certain rooms appeared a bit "tired" or "dated." A consistent highlight is the comfortable beds and high-quality bedding, with many guests praising the pillows for ensuring a restful night's sleep. Some guests, however, found the pillows too hard or flat, or noted that beds made from two singles were less comfortable. In-room amenities typically include coffee/tea facilities, body wash, and a mirror with light. A common minor complaint was the limited number of plug sockets near the bed. Many guests commend the soundproofing, noting that despite proximity to a railway track or central location, rooms remained quiet at night. Conversely, some experienced disturbances from noisy air conditioning units or bathroom extraction fans that could not be turned off, impacting sleep quality.

Dining & Food Quality
Most guests highly recommend the breakfast, praising its great value and freshly cooked options. The wide selection includes both cooked items and continental choices, with a popular kids eat free policy. Many found the food quality to be excellent and the coffee very good, often highlighting the chef's skill. However, some guests noted a limited pastry selection or experienced issues with food being cold or staff being overly eager to clear plates, especially during busy periods. The hotel's restaurant generally receives positive comments for its food quality, with specific dishes like the mixed grill being highlighted as excellent. Despite this, a few guests reported slow service or unavailable menu items due to staffing or supply issues. The bar area is described as small, with some guests noting a lack of cocktail options. Overall, the dining experience is considered good value, with many guests enjoying their meals.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent central location, making it ideal for exploring the town. Guests appreciate its easy walking distance to key attractions such as the cathedral, Abbey Gardens, and various shops and restaurants. Its proximity to the A14 and a short walk to the train station also adds to its accessibility for regional travel. While many past guests enjoyed free parking or a very low charge, recent reviews indicate a new parking fee has been introduced, ranging from £3 to £12 for 24 hours, which some guests found disappointing. Despite this change, the on-site car park remains a convenient feature for those traveling by car, and a nearby Tesco superstore is an added convenience. The hotel's position is often described as peaceful despite its central setting.

Staff & Service
The vast majority of guests consistently praise the staff for being exceptionally friendly, helpful, and attentive. Many highlight their professionalism and knowledge of the local area, often going above and beyond to assist guests with various needs, from providing local recommendations to accommodating specific room requests. The check-in process is generally described as warm and efficient, with staff often stepping in when self-service machines are unavailable. Guests appreciate the option for early check-in (though sometimes for a fee) and the willingness of staff to store luggage. The hotel's commitment to customer care is a recurring theme, with staff noted for their willingness to assist with various needs, including room upgrades and ensuring a comfortable stay. While the service is overwhelmingly positive, a few isolated comments mentioned instances of unwelcoming or abrupt service from certain individuals, or perceived understaffing at times, particularly in the restaurant during busy periods.

Additional Information
The hotel is housed in a Grade 2 listed building that was formerly a County Records Office, giving it a unique character distinct from typical hotel designs. As a Premier Inn, the hotel operates under a Good Night Guarantee policy, though some guests reported difficulties in having their complaints addressed or receiving compensation under this guarantee when their stay was unsatisfactory. A few guests experienced issues with room key cards failing to open doors, requiring multiple trips to reception. There were also isolated reports of difficulty contacting the hotel's customer service via phone or email for reservations or inquiries. The bar area is noted as being small and not a "proper bar" offering a full range of cocktails, which might be a consideration for guests seeking extensive evening entertainment on-site. Specific feedback on accessible rooms mentioned a lack of high hanging space and small tables, which could impact convenience for some guests.