Premier Inn Harwich

The hotel is a highly convenient choice, particularly for ferry travelers due to its exceptional proximity to the terminal, making it a popular stopover before or after journeys. Guests consistently highlight the friendly and helpful staff as a standout feature, contributing significantly to a welcoming atmosphere. The cleanliness of the rooms and the comfort of the beds are also frequently praised, ensuring a restful stay for most. While generally well-regarded, a recurring concern is the room temperature, with many guests finding rooms excessively warm, especially during milder weather, due to the lack of air conditioning. This hotel is well-suited for business travelers seeking a functional and comfortable base, families needing spacious rooms and easy access to amenities, and couples looking for a convenient and pleasant overnight stay. To enhance your experience, consider bringing your own decaffeinated tea if preferred, and be aware that the on-site bar has early closing times on Sundays.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests appreciate the practical amenities available, including ample and free parking directly outside the hotel, which is a significant convenience, especially for those with a car full of luggage. While the Wi-Fi is generally available, some guests reported it to be unreliable or slow, making consistent connectivity challenging. Rooms are equipped with kettles and tea and coffee facilities, though some noted issues with broken kettles or a lack of decaffeinated tea options. A common point of feedback is the occasional absence of water glasses in rooms, requiring guests to request them from staff. Similarly, some guests found that only one bath towel was provided for double occupancy, necessitating requests for additional ones. The hotel provides a fan in rooms to mitigate the lack of air conditioning, though its effectiveness in cooling the room is often questioned. There is no mini-bar or fridge in the rooms, which some guests missed. The presence of a lift is noted, though one review mentioned it being out of order.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The cleanliness of the rooms is a frequently lauded aspect, with many guests describing them as immaculate, tidy, and well-maintained, contributing to a pleasant stay. A standout feature for numerous visitors is the exceptional comfort of the beds, often described as "most comfortable ever," ensuring a good night's sleep. Rooms are generally considered spacious and functional, providing ample space for guests. However, a significant and recurring issue is the room temperature, with many finding rooms uncomfortably hot, even in moderate weather, due to the absence of air conditioning. While fans are provided, guests often report them to be ineffective, leading to restless nights. Noise levels receive mixed feedback; some rooms are quiet, while others experience disturbances from outside traffic, supermarket chillers, or car alarms. The bathrooms are typically clean, though some guests noted issues such as black mold, unusual smells, or poor water pressure in the shower. Some reviews also suggested the overall decor and condition of the rooms appear tired and could benefit from refurbishment.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel offers on-site dining options, with feedback on food quality being somewhat mixed. Most guests found the breakfast to be good, with a great choice and variety, including a satisfying cooked option. However, some guests expressed disappointment, finding the breakfast not up to par or noting issues with availability, especially for early ferry departures. The evening meals and meal deals offered at the attached restaurant are often highlighted as providing good value and tasty options, with dishes like fish and chips or chicken burgers receiving positive mentions. Conversely, some experiences with dinner were negative, citing cold or uncooked food, dirty crockery, or a lack of clear communication regarding ordering procedures. The bar closing times, particularly on Sundays, were a point of frustration for some guests who arrived late and found it already shut, limiting opportunities for a nightcap.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is a major advantage, particularly its exceptional proximity to the ferry terminal, making it an ideal choice for travelers using the service to and from the Netherlands. Guests appreciate the convenience of being able to walk to the port, allowing for a relaxed morning before departure. The hotel also benefits from its close proximity to various supermarkets like Lidl and Morrisons, and a retail park, providing easy access to last-minute essentials or shopping. Parking is consistently praised for being free, ample, and easy to access, accommodating guests with vehicles. While generally well-situated, some guests noted that the town center requires a short car journey or a longer walk. The hotel offers accessible rooms and is generally considered wheelchair friendly, though some specific issues with restaurant accessibility were mentioned. The surrounding area is mostly quiet, but a few guests noted some activity in the car park.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive overwhelmingly positive feedback, with their friendliness and helpfulness being a standout feature. Guests frequently commend the reception staff for their warm welcomes, informative assistance, and willingness to go above and beyond to resolve issues, such as re-issuing key cards or providing extra amenities. The check-in and check-out processes are generally described as quick, easy, and smooth, contributing to a stress-free arrival and departure. Housekeeping is often praised for maintaining clean and tidy rooms, though some isolated incidents of cleanliness issues were reported. The restaurant staff are also noted for their pleasant demeanor and good service, despite occasional reports of communication breakdowns or understaffing. Overall, the hotel's team is highlighted as a significant asset, creating a welcoming and supportive environment for guests throughout their stay.

Additional Information
Several guests noted that the hotel's Wi-Fi can be unreliable or effectively non-existent, making it difficult to stay connected. A recurring theme is the hotel's policy of not having air conditioning, with guests frequently reporting uncomfortably hot rooms even when outside temperatures are mild; while fans are provided, they are often deemed insufficient. Some guests observed signs of cost-cutting measures, such as the provision of only one bath towel per room or the absence of water glasses, requiring guests to request these basic amenities. The hotel's overall decor and condition are described by some as tired, dated, or in need of refurbishment, with mentions of worn carpets and older fixtures. While the hotel is generally quiet, some rooms experienced external noise from sources like supermarket chillers, car alarms, or activity in the pub area. For those attending local events, a free shuttle bus for the Shanty Festival was a welcome, unique amenity.