Passing my local Holiday Inn in Swindon UK, one that although I know well I would not have cause to need to stay there as it is quite near home I pulled in.
Firstly I thought it would be interesting to get the hotels view on us guests with status. This Hotel is simple in its room quality (we have discussed this in a thread http://community.priorityclub.com/thread/1593?tstart=0) in that it has only two grades of room, Standard and executive.
The policy for upgrades is from what I understand as follows:-
1) Those who are known to be PC members from their reservation and have indicated a preference are so allocated.
2) Those who have not indicated a preference are upgraded appropriately.
3) Those who turn up with a reservation without indication their PC level and then ask are given the best available but if not an executive room the water robes etc are made available if enough staff are on duty.
4) Ambassadors and Royal ambassadors are noted and receive all platinum benefits.
I took the opportunity to appraise the hotel as although I know it well had not taken note of it as a potential guest. It is set on the Eastern side of town close to both the main Motorway (M4) and the eastern bypass, although far enough away not to be bothered by traffic. It has reasonable grounds for a stroll around if the weather is clement. The town centre is close by both public transport and private car as are the main industrial areas. Although built about 40 years ago the hotel keeps an aura of modernity.
Swindon is well suited for a touring base for a week end as The Thames valley, Salisbury plain Stonehenge etc are close by as is the large outlet village and adjacent steam museum to keep children happy. The cities of Oxford, Cheltenham, Bath and Bristol are all a shortish drive away although Bath and Bristol are often best using the frequent trains from Swindon.
For those who scrape in on a near empty tank there is a filling station on site and another about 400 yards away.
The so called old town is about two miles away with a good choice of eateries and entertainment.
I would feel comfortable and safe at this Holiday Inn although it does not seem to have been rebranded.
