Days Inn by Wyndham Michaelwood M5

The hotel is widely regarded as a highly convenient and quiet stopover, strategically located directly off the M5 motorway. Its signature feature is its exceptional accessibility for travelers breaking long journeys, offering a peaceful retreat despite its proximity to a busy road. Guests frequently highlight the friendly and helpful staff as a major positive, contributing significantly to a welcoming atmosphere. While the accommodations are often described as basic and in need of modernization, the hotel consistently delivers good value for money and a generally clean environment. It is particularly well-suited for dog owners due to its pet-friendly approach and for budget-conscious travelers seeking a practical overnight stay. To enhance your experience, it is advisable to confirm parking charges upon booking, especially if using a third-party site, and to clarify the exact location of breakfast, as it often requires a walk to nearby services.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests generally find the hotel's amenities functional, though some aspects are noted as dated. Many appreciate the availability of free Wi-Fi, although some report it can be slow. A significant convenience is the presence of a microwave and toaster in the reception area, accessible for guest use, which is particularly helpful given the limited on-site dining. Rooms typically include tea and coffee making facilities, with extra supplies readily available at reception. While toiletries are provided, some guests note a lack of sufficient power sockets, especially near the bed, and mention that the televisions can be small and outdated. Some rooms are equipped with a fridge, and hairdryers and irons are generally available, though not consistently in every room. The hotel also offers disabled facilities, including accessible parking and ground-floor rooms, and some rooms provide pleasant countryside views.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Feedback on room cleanliness and comfort is mixed, though many guests find the rooms generally clean and functional for a short stay. The beds are frequently described as comfortable, ensuring a restful night's sleep, and guests appreciate the clean linen and fluffy towels. However, some reviews highlight issues with mattress comfort, noting them as old, springy, or too hard. The overall room condition is often characterized as dated, tired, or in need of refurbishment, with mentions of holes in upholstery, peeling laminate, and stained carpets. While most guests report a quiet environment despite the motorway proximity, some experience noise from adjacent rooms or through windows. The bathrooms receive varied comments, with some noting them as clean and having good showers, while others report issues such as mould, black spots, loose fixtures, leaks, or a lack of hot water.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel does not feature an on-site restaurant, and dining options are primarily found at the adjacent motorway services. A recurring theme is the breakfast offering, which is often advertised as included but requires guests to walk across a footbridge to the southbound services, a journey some find inconvenient, especially for elderly or disabled guests. The breakfast quality itself receives mixed reviews, with some describing it as average, poor in choice, or cold, leading many to conclude it is not worth the effort or cost. Guests note the convenience of having various food outlets like KFC, Burger King, Starbucks, and small supermarkets such as Waitrose and M&S within a short walk at the service area. Some guests also appreciate the option to have takeaways delivered directly to the hotel, providing an alternative to the service station fare.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is a primary draw, offering easy access directly off the northbound M5 motorway, making it an ideal stopover point for long journeys. However, guests traveling southbound often face challenges, as direct access is only from the northbound carriageway, sometimes requiring a significant detour. A notable benefit is the service road, which provides convenient access to local roads without re-entering the motorway, and can be used for onward travel southbound. The hotel is situated a short walk from motorway services, providing immediate access to various shops and food outlets. Parking is ample, though a significant point of contention is the parking fee, which is often charged for bookings made through third-party sites, despite being free for direct bookings. Some guests also report difficulties with navigation due to unclear signage or inaccurate GPS directions.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receive high praise for their friendliness and helpfulness, significantly enhancing the guest experience. Many reviews highlight the welcoming and attentive service provided by the reception team, who are often described as going above and beyond to assist guests with various requests, from room changes to local directions. The check-in and check-out process is generally reported as quick and smooth, contributing to a hassle-free stay. Guests appreciate the family-friendly service, with staff accommodating specific needs for those traveling with children, and the pet-friendly service, where staff are helpful in assigning suitable rooms for guests with dogs. While the vast majority of feedback is positive, a small number of guests have reported isolated instances of unhelpful or less engaged staff members.

Additional Information
The hotel maintains a pet-friendly policy, allowing guests to bring their dogs, though a nightly pet fee is applied, which some guests find to be on the higher side. A notable point of feedback concerns the parking policy, where guests booking through third-party websites are typically charged a fee, while direct bookings often receive free parking. This distinction can lead to confusion and dissatisfaction upon arrival. The hotel also benefits from the presence of Tesla Superchargers in its car park, a convenient feature for electric vehicle owners. Guests should be aware that the hotel generally does not have an elevator, which can be a consideration for those with mobility issues or heavy luggage. Additionally, some guests have noted a lack of recycling facilities on the premises.