Leonardo Hotel East Midlands Airport

This hotel is a prime choice for travelers seeking unparalleled convenience, primarily due to its direct walking access to the airport terminal, a feature consistently highlighted by guests. Its strategic location makes it an ideal fit for airport travelers with early morning flights or late arrivals, as well as race enthusiasts and business travelers attending events at nearby Donington Park. Guests frequently commend the hotel's generally comfortable rooms and the exceptionally friendly and helpful staff. While the hotel offers a range of amenities, some areas show signs of age. To ensure a smoother stay, guests with heavy luggage or mobility concerns should consider requesting a ground-floor room, as the hotel lacks a lift, and be aware that parking incurs an additional fee, though park-and-fly packages are available.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides a range of facilities, though some aspects receive mixed feedback. A significant point of concern for many guests is the absence of an elevator, which can make navigating with heavy luggage challenging, especially for rooms on upper floors; however, staff are often willing to assist. The leisure center, featuring a pool, jacuzzi, sauna, and steam room, is appreciated by many for relaxation, though some note it can be small, dated, or have maintenance issues like a non-functional sauna or strong chemical smells. Guests should also be aware that the pool is sometimes closed for swimming lessons. In-room amenities generally include Wi-Fi, coffee/tea facilities, and a television, contributing to a comfortable stay.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room cleanliness and comfort is generally positive, with many describing rooms as clean, spotless, and spacious. The beds consistently receive high praise for being exceptionally comfortable, ensuring a restful night's sleep. However, some guests note that rooms can appear dated or tired, with occasional reports of stained carpets, grubby bath taps, or black mold in bathrooms. Noise can be an issue, particularly from squeaky floorboards in corridors and thin walls that transmit sounds from neighboring rooms or the hallway, which can disturb light sleepers, especially given the hotel's 24-hour operation for airport travelers.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel offers varied dining experiences, with breakfast generally receiving positive reviews for its good selection and value, including a full English option. However, some guests find the breakfast food to be lukewarm or lacking in healthy alternatives. Feedback on dinner and bar food is more mixed; while many describe it as tasty and enjoyable, others find it expensive, overpriced, or of average quality with limited choices. Some guests note that the bar area can be quite busy and, at times, cold. It is also important to note that the hotel's restaurants and bars do not accept cash payments, operating on a card-only basis.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is its most significant advantage, being just a 5 to 10-minute walk from the airport terminal. This makes it exceptionally convenient for guests with early morning flights or late arrivals, eliminating the need for transfers. Its proximity to Donington Park also makes it a popular choice for those attending events there. Parking is available on-site, though it typically incurs a daily fee, which some guests find expensive. A notable accessibility challenge is the lack of a lift, requiring guests to carry luggage up stairs, which can be difficult for those with mobility issues or heavy bags.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receive high praise, with guests frequently commending their friendliness, helpfulness, and efficiency. The check-in and check-out processes are generally described as smooth and quick, contributing to a positive arrival and departure experience. Staff are often noted for their willingness to assist with luggage due to the absence of a lift and for their attentive service in the bar and restaurant areas. While most interactions are positive, a few guests have reported instances of slow service during busy periods or occasional issues with wake-up calls not being delivered as requested.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of several specific policies and features. The hotel operates a no-cash policy in its dining and bar areas, accepting only card payments. While the hotel is generally quiet despite its airport proximity, interconnecting rooms are available, which can be convenient for families but may lead to increased noise transfer. The hotel has a policy of addressing disruptive guest behavior, which is appreciated by many seeking a peaceful stay. Additionally, the leisure center's pool may have restricted access at certain times due to swimming lessons, so it is advisable to check the schedule if planning to use this amenity.