Premier Inn Chessington

This hotel is primarily recognized for its prime location directly adjacent to Chessington World of Adventures, making it an ideal choice for families and sightseers looking for convenient access to the theme park. Its proximity allows for easy walks to the entrance, and it offers ample free parking, a significant advantage for those traveling by car. While the hotel provides a practical base for short stays, particularly for those on a budget, many guests note that the property is in need of significant updates. The hotel is well-suited for short-break travelers and theme park visitors who prioritize location and value over modern amenities. To ensure a more comfortable experience, guests are advised to manage their expectations regarding the hotel's overall condition and consider dining options outside the premises.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers ample parking, which is consistently praised by guests for its convenience and cost-effectiveness. While the hotel provides Wi-Fi, many guests report that it is temperamental, unreliable, or difficult to connect to, even when opting for paid premium services. Some rooms are equipped with air conditioning, which is appreciated, though some guests found their rooms cold upon arrival. A notable drawback for guests with heavy luggage or mobility concerns is the absence of a lift to the upper floors. Basic in-room amenities like kettles and hairdryers are generally available, but some guests noted a lack of fridges in rooms, which can be inconvenient for families.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is notably mixed, with many expressing significant concerns. While some guests found their rooms adequately clean, a substantial number reported issues such as black mold, damp smells, dirty carpets, filthy door handles, and general signs of neglect. Specific complaints included pubic hairs on toilet rims, stained toilets, and rusty fixtures in bathrooms. Rooms are frequently described as tired, shabby, and in need of updating, with visible cracked paint, peeling wallpaper, and worn-through carpets. Despite these issues, the beds consistently receive high praise for being comfortable, ensuring a good night's sleep for most. However, noise can be an issue due to thin walls, with guests often hearing conversations, snoring, or general activity from adjacent rooms and corridors.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining experience, particularly the in-house restaurant that replaced the former pub, receives predominantly negative feedback. Guests frequently express disappointment with the extremely limited menu, noting a lack of variety and options, especially for children. The food quality is often described as poor, with many items being microwaved or tasting bland, and hot food at breakfast often being dry or cold. While some guests found the breakfast to have a good selection, others reported frequent shortages of popular items and slow replenishment. The restaurant atmosphere is widely criticized as being soulless and lacking ambiance, with some guests noting unpleasant sewage smells in certain areas. The bar also offers a very restricted selection, primarily bottled drinks, further limiting the on-site dining and social options.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is its most significant advantage, particularly for visitors to Chessington World of Adventures, which is within a short walking distance. This makes it an ideal base for families and theme park enthusiasts. The hotel also benefits from ample free parking, a highly valued amenity for guests traveling by car. While the hotel is conveniently located near the M25, some guests noted its proximity to a ULEZ zone. Public transport access is reasonable, with the local train station about a 15-20 minute walk away, offering connections to London. However, accessibility within the hotel is a concern for some, as there is no lift to the upper floors, posing a challenge for guests with heavy luggage or mobility needs.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel receive mixed but generally positive feedback, with many guests commending their friendliness, politeness, and helpfulness. Many instances highlight staff going above and beyond to assist guests, particularly during check-in or when addressing room issues. The check-in process is often described as quick and efficient. However, some guests reported instances of staff being overwhelmed, understaffed, or unresponsive to requests, such as room cleaning or towel replenishment. There were also reports of staff being difficult to locate at the reception desk at times. Despite these inconsistencies, the dedication of many individual team members to provide good service is frequently acknowledged.

Additional Information
The hotel is widely noted by guests as being in urgent need of a major renovation and updating. Many areas, including rooms and common spaces, are described as tired and run down, with visible signs of wear and tear. Guests frequently suggest that significant investment is required to bring the property up to modern standards. Some guests reported being charged an early check-in fee, which they found unexpected. A concerning issue raised by some reviews is the functionality of security doors leading to guest rooms, with reports that they do not always secure properly, potentially allowing unauthorized access.