Holiday Inn Express Leigh - Sports Village by IHG

This hotel is consistently praised for its exceptional staff and excellent breakfast, creating a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere for guests. Its convenient location near a sports village and a supermarket makes it a practical choice for various travelers. The hotel is particularly well-suited for families visiting the area, business travelers attending local events, and sports fans or event attendees due to its proximity to the stadium. Road trippers also find it a convenient stopover with easy motorway access. Guests frequently highlight the hotel's overall cleanliness and the comfort of its rooms. To enhance your stay, consider arriving early for breakfast to enjoy the full selection, and be sure to specify your preferred room type (double or twin) when booking.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests appreciate the hotel's practical amenities, including a well-equipped gym that, while basic, is suitable for a quick workout. The on-site bar is frequently mentioned as well-stocked and reasonably priced, offering a pleasant lounge area for relaxation and socializing. The hotel provides ample free parking, which is a significant convenience for many visitors. Most guests find the free Wi-Fi reliable, especially on the ground floor, though some report connectivity issues on higher floors. While some rooms may lack certain basics like a mini-fridge or USB charging points, and there are no traditional phones in the rooms (communication with reception is often via WhatsApp), the overall convenience of the available facilities is generally well-received.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel generally receives high marks for cleanliness, with many guests describing rooms as spotless and well-maintained. Rooms are often noted for being spacious and providing comfortable beds, ensuring a good night's sleep. The bathrooms are typically large with fantastic showers, though some guests have experienced issues with shower design leading to wet floors. However, there are recurring concerns regarding maintenance issues such as clogged sinks, non-functional air conditioning or heating, and occasional reports of dirt, mould, or stains in rooms and bathrooms. Some guests also mention flat pillows, overly soft mattresses, and noise levels from slamming doors or outside areas impacting their comfort.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast is a significant highlight for many guests, consistently described as good, plentiful, and offering a wide variety of hot and cold options, including a full English buffet. The availability of a coffee machine and takeaway cups is also appreciated. However, feedback on the scrambled eggs is mixed, with many finding them dry, tasteless, or rubbery. Some guests also note a lack of variety in certain breakfast items, such as the absence of fried eggs or specific additions like mushrooms. The restaurant and bar offer evening meals, which receive varied reviews; some guests find the food quality surprisingly good and good value, while others describe it as inedible, overpriced, or below average, with occasional issues of items being unavailable or poorly prepared.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a central location that is highly convenient for guests visiting the Leigh Sports Village stadium and attending local events. Its proximity to the Leigh town center and easy motorway access makes it a practical base for exploring the wider area, including Manchester. Guests appreciate the convenience of a supermarket (Morrisons) located right next door and a pub within walking distance. The availability of ample free parking is a major advantage. While the location is generally praised, some guests note occasional noise levels from the sports village, car park, or nearby roads, particularly during busy periods or late at night. The hotel is also well-situated for those wishing to explore Pennington Flash and its walking paths.

Staff & Service
The staff at this hotel consistently receive glowing reviews for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentive service. Guests frequently highlight their efficiency during quick check-in processes and their willingness to go above and beyond, such as assisting with special requests or remembering guest preferences. The customer service provided by the reception and bar staff is often described as professional and welcoming. However, a few guests have reported instances of unacknowledged reception, slow service at the bar due to understaffing, or less helpful interactions with certain team members. There are also some concerns regarding the responsiveness of management to complaints and occasional issues with housekeeping not replenishing amenities or entering rooms despite "do not disturb" signs.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of the hotel's security deposit policy, which requires a £100 deposit upon arrival, a practice that some find unusual and prefer to be informed about in advance. The hotel operates a card payments only policy, meaning cash is not accepted for transactions. While some reviews mention a pet-friendly policy, there are conflicting reports, with some guests being informed that pets are not allowed, leading to confusion. Some guests who are part of rewards programs have noted that their status or benefits were not always recognized during check-in. The hotel also features a training room used for various courses, and some rooms may be equipped with specific features like a wet room.