Holiday Inn Basingstoke - Basingstoke, United Kingdom 

I stayed here for a couple of days midweek on a business trip and chose this hotel in the hope that it was better than the (terrible) Basingstoke Hilton, where I'd stayed before. Luckily it was. First impressions of the outside weren't too good as its undergoing some building work and also looks a little dated but the interior is much better and the staff were friendly and helpful. My twin room was modern, clean & had all the basics you'd expect from a chain hotel (TV, phone/internet, tolietries, tea/coffee, fridge, safe, iron, hairdryer). It was also very quiet. The room was fairly near the busy road at the side of the hotel but you'd never know. Breakfast was OK - nothing special but not terrible and there was a reasonable choice of continental & cooked food plus cereals/toast. I got a voucher for half price breakfast (usually £16) when I checked in - not sure if that's normal or if it was a 'special' for my company but I definitely wouldn't recommend you pay £16! There's also a coffee bar in reception where you can get a lighter (& cheaper) breakfast. Overall, this hotel is fine and I'd stay there again next time I'm in Basingstoke.

Quite confusing reception/bar/lounge area ...lots of nooks and crannies but the rooms are really good....even had a window in the bathroom which was a real change from the usual hotel bathrooms. Good A/C and the room was really clean..shame the minibar was empty but it did leave room for our stuff. The bed was comfortable and there was minimal noise.Slight pervading smell of cigarettes ..we couldn't make out if we were in an old smoking room or if the staff were smoking outside. Very convenient location ..only minutes from the M3. Only real criticism is the speed of service in the bar which was shockingly slow..and even after asking where our order was, we still waited over 20 minutes for 2 coffees and 2 pre packaged cakes !!! There were no other guests in the bar at the time. The service was also slow in the evening...so don't bother using this facility unless you've got lots of time on your hands. Breakfast was good but nothing special and the staff were efficient but not memorable. Useful petrol station/ mini market next door. Book at least 3 days in advance and get the Band B for about £55 .