Premier Inn Herne Bay

The hotel is widely recognized for its exceptional staff service, which consistently leaves a lasting positive impression on guests. This dedication to guest satisfaction is a signature feature, making stays memorable and pleasant. Beyond the service, the hotel is praised for its consistent cleanliness and the comfort of its beds, ensuring a restful experience. Its convenient location serves as an excellent base for sightseers and families looking to explore the beautiful Kent coast, including nearby beaches and attractions. Business travelers also find the hotel suitable for their needs, appreciating the quiet environment and comfortable accommodations after a long day. For those planning a visit, it is advisable to book breakfast and dinner reservations in advance, especially during peak times, as the on-site restaurant can become quite busy. Additionally, guests with mobility concerns should inquire about the status of the lift and request rooms closer to reception if needed, as there have been instances of the lift being out of service.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers convenient free parking with ample spaces, though some guests noted the car park can appear messy due to nearby building work. While the hotel provides Wi-Fi, feedback on its performance is mixed, with some guests reporting poor connectivity or frequent disconnections, making it challenging for work or streaming. The air conditioning system receives significant criticism, as many guests found it either non-functional or difficult to regulate, leading to uncomfortably hot and stuffy rooms, especially during warmer periods. The lift has also been reported as out of order on occasion, posing accessibility challenges for guests, particularly those with mobility issues or heavy luggage. A vending machine is available in the reception area, offering a limited selection of snacks and drinks. The hotel now features an in-house restaurant, which some guests found small and prone to becoming cramped during busy periods.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Most guests commend the hotel for its clean rooms, consistently describing them as spotless, tidy, and well-maintained, contributing significantly to a pleasant stay. The comfortable beds are a standout feature, frequently highlighted for providing an excellent night's sleep, with many guests wishing they had the same at home. However, feedback on bathrooms is mixed; while some found them immaculate, others reported issues such as leaking showers, rust, chipped panels, or toilets that did not flush properly. Isolated instances of mould or damp smells were also noted. Noise levels vary; some rooms are quiet, but others experienced disturbances from fellow guests, traffic, or ongoing construction nearby, despite efforts like double-glazing. Basic amenities like coffee/tea facilities are provided, though some guests encountered issues with TV signal or non-functional hairdryers.

Dining & Food Quality
Breakfast at the hotel generally receives high praise, with many guests describing it as fantastic, wonderful, and delicious. The cooked-to-order hot food options are particularly appreciated, often arriving quickly and served hot, alongside a good selection of continental items. Guests frequently highlight the breakfast variety and its overall value. However, the restaurant experience for evening meals garners mixed to negative feedback. While some guests found the food lovely and the atmosphere pleasant, many expressed disappointment with the limited menu, often describing it as unappetizing or akin to "microwave food." The lack of starters, fresh vegetables, or diverse options was a common complaint, leading many to seek dining alternatives outside the hotel. Some guests also noted that the restaurant area can feel small and crowded when busy.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a convenient location with excellent road links, making it an ideal base for exploring the Kent coast and nearby towns like Margate, Whitstable, and Herne Bay. While not directly in the town center, it is easily accessible by a short drive or via the bus stop located directly outside the hotel, offering routes to the town and train station. Guests appreciate its proximity to a large Sainsbury's superstore for convenience. However, the surrounding area is significantly impacted by ongoing building work, which some guests found noisy and visually unappealing, affecting the overall impression of the hotel's immediate vicinity. Despite this, the free parking is plentiful and easy to access. Some guests noted that the hotel's signage could be improved, as satellite navigation systems occasionally direct visitors incorrectly.

Staff & Service
The hotel's staff consistently receive overwhelming praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and accommodating nature, often cited as the highlight of guests' stays. Many reviews commend the team for going "above and beyond" to ensure a pleasant experience, from providing local recommendations to assisting with specific requests. The check-in process is generally described as quick and efficient, with staff making guests feel welcome upon arrival. Housekeeping is often praised for maintaining clean rooms, though some isolated issues with room readiness or specific cleaning requests were noted. While most interactions are positive, some guests reported challenges with issue resolution when dealing with management regarding complaints, contrasting with the generally positive feedback for the wider team. Overall, the attentive service provided by the staff is a recurring theme, contributing significantly to guest satisfaction.

Additional Information
The hotel's overall condition receives mixed reviews, with some guests describing it as a little tired or in need of refurbishment, while others found it well-kept. There are ongoing building works in the vicinity, which can impact the guest experience with noise and visual clutter, and guests were not always forewarned. The hotel has adapted its dining setup, with the former adjacent pub now closed and a new in-house restaurant, which some found to lack a traditional bar area or guest lounge. Guests should be aware that early check-in may not always be available, even if requested. A notable incident involved a temporary water supply issue due to an external burst main, which staff handled commendably by assisting guests with alternative arrangements. The hotel also offers thoughtful touches like a lost and found service, which has successfully reunited guests with personal items.