Rated 5.0 out of 5.0 by LondonPeter One of the best Holiday Inns
I've stayed at this hotel on 6 occasions in the last 2 years. All stays have been really good experiences. The rooms are really spacious and clean. The rooms also have modern TVs that have the function to record programs - very handy. The hotel has a very good Italian themed restaurant - I've had some excellent meals there. The bar (Art Deco style) has a very good atmosphere.
The biggest asset of this Hotel is the very welcoming and customer service focused staff - a special mention for Stuart - who provided a warm welcome and excellent service at breakfast.
The Hotel has a large warm swimming pool - a good facility.
In a previous review on Trip Advisor ( Jan 2013) I described this hotel as the best Holiday Inn I'd ever stayed at. However, the excellent customer service provided by the staff is in danger of being negated by the apparent inability of the hotel's management to respond to and rectify complaints from guests. As a platinum member of the loyalty programme, I'm meant to earn points not only for the cost of the room but also for anything I spend in the bar and restaurant. On every stay at this hotel, although points have been awarded for the cost of the room, no credit was given for the spend in the restaurant/bar. It is an irritation to have to submit a "missing points" form and submit a copy of the hotel's invoice to get the error corrected. On 2 occasions I've mentioned this situation to reception staff when checking in. Following my last stay in December 2012 I telephoned the hotel and spoke to the employee who dealt with loyalty points and was informed, after she looked into the situation, that there was a software error that needed to be corrected. Four months later, the situation has not been rectified. All other IHG establishments seem to get this right first time! I note that other guests have raised this issue in reviews - so why no action? The TV system has the function to record programs (much appreciated) but the system time is set about 10 minutes ahead of normal time with the result any program recorded terminates early and the end of the program is lost. I reported this to reception staff in December 2012 - but this problem still existed in April 2013. What is the point of guests reporting problems if management are not going to ensure ongoing problems such as those I've highlighted are rectified.
May 6, 2013
Rated 4.0 out of 5.0 by Smudger63 great experience
Its nice to see this once well known hotel,renewed to past glories..Nice rooms and love the italian restaurant,nice to see your food being prepared and cooked in front of you.All rooms well appointed and ample car parking for all.
April 27, 2013
Rated 5.0 out of 5.0 by Lee6 Overnight stop off
We arrived late at night but the staff were friendly and helpful. Our room was clean, cosy and comfortable, even thou we had arrived during the night I decided to get up early just to make full use of the lovely bath and great shower. Breakfast was tasty and just what we needed and again we were made very welcome by the wonderful staff. For us it was unfortunate that we didn't have longer to spend in the hotel. We'll use the hotel again when travelling in this area. Thanks
April 26, 2013
Rated 4.0 out of 5.0 Very good VFM but a problem if you are trying to stay for business
My colleague and I had a critical project nearby for a few days. It was important to be able to use the internet. Some reviews of this hotel had suggested some rooms were not well served with wi-fi coverage and so on my booking I specified we must have good wi-fi.
Whilst the wi-fi signal was fine in my room the internet service itself was shockingly bad. Every day we were there it repeatedly failed - some nights it had no internet service at all. Even the reception told me theirs wasn't working. The weird thing was that each different member of staff you reported it to feigned surprise but clearly everyone knew about it.
Obviously in this day and age it is not acceptable to have such an unreliable service in a business class hotel. There is also very poor 3G coverage on O2 and Vodafone (not the hotel's fault of course!) so you have no fallback. Technology seems to be a weakness as one morning all of the TVs were stuck on one channel!
A big shame as the hotel itself is lovely.
April 6, 2013
Rated 5.0 out of 5.0 by patricia59 great hotel
stayed at short notice due to snow !! we were so well looked after, very impressed with the standard room, very comfortable and clean, lovely bathroom , everything better than we expected, definitely would recommend the hotel
March 27, 2013
Rated 1.0 out of 5.0 by CleeTraveller Avoid !
Stayed here last week, place had a power cut. Not their fault, but the staff were quite unhelpful, was initially refused a drink as the beer "might be off" after 20 minutes power cut it surely wouldn't. No food offered and rude abrupt waitress/bar staff did not inform me that when power came back 30 mins later that all was restored. So, went back to room, TV had fused and useless, Wifi slow and poor too. Bed uncomfortable so a Spartan night's stay . When checkout all the girl could say was "Everything all right with your stay ?" no apology. I made initial complaint as Manager was away. Put my complaint in writing.. replied 3 days later with a terse response and paltry 20% voucher off the restaurant on my next stay. Well I'll NEVER stay there again, I've already made other plans for my next visit in the area, and would recommend others do the same.
March 21, 2013
Rated 4.0 out of 5.0 by PCPM Good hotel but spoilt by Reward Points experience
Good hotel, comfortable rooms and tasty good value food. Reception team very welcoming and friendly. This hotel spoils itself every time though by not awarding Reward Points for restaurant and bar purchases - I have repeatedly complained but to no avail! Priority Club members be aware that you are probably missing out on points that should be awarded!! If this continues I will be looking elsewhere for accommodation.
March 21, 2013
Rated 4.0 out of 5.0 by Sergio1967 One of IHG's best
What a great hotel and whilst it is a tad remote from general city centre hotels, it is in a good location if used as a stop over. The Italian restaurant serves good value food and this makes it slightly different from most other Holiday Inn's that I have stayed in.
March 11, 2013
Rated 5.0 out of 5.0 by Lindisfarne Our favourite hotel
We have started staying at Scotch Corner on our way north, and then on return, simply because we like it so much. We love the decor, the staff are truly friendly and helpful, and the restaurant cooks fresh food just the way we like it.
March 8, 2013
Rated 5.0 out of 5.0 by Lawnranger Great Stay
Very impressed with hotel, restaurant a cut above the usual hotel fare
March 7, 2013
Rated 4.0 out of 5.0 by Bingonthewing Improved since last visit
Last minute booking, had reservations because it had a pretty bad reputation from past visits. Been changed to holiday inn franchise so better brand standards. Has had a refurbishment recently which is a bit tacky for my taste and not as well executed as other holiday inns I've visited recently.
Overall nothing wrong with the hotel, as always with holiday inns, staff were excellent.
March 5, 2013
Rated 5.0 out of 5.0 by golf My stay at Holiday Inn Scotch Corner
This recently refurbished hotel is conveniently situated just off the A1 intersection with the A66. It is far enough off both roads to be fairly quiet although you may want to request a room at the rear of the building to be sure of extra quiet.
The Frattelis (I spelt it incorrectly no doubt!) Restaurant is really good offering different food than usual at this franchise.
The staff are without exception friendly, courteous and professional, with nothing is too much trouble as their motto it would seem.
The rooms are all well appointed and have good lighting and more than usual power points.
Highly recommended.
March 3, 2013
Rated 5.0 out of 5.0 by Firefly2000 Quite a Surprise
Required a hotel near Middlesbrough at less than 24hours notice and this was the nearest Holiday Inn - I was slightly wary as the price was lower than I would expect to pay for a late booking at Holiday Inn and thought that I may find the property a little tired and in need of refurbishment.
To my surprise on arrival I found the property had been fully refurbished 18 months ago and was bright and airy and excellent all round. Following a polite and efficient reception together with a room upgrade I took a meal in the Italian Restaurant which was well prepared and very good value.
Although located on the junction of major roads their was no traffic noise.
February 24, 2013
Rated 5.0 out of 5.0 by JamakO Best Holiday Inn I have stayed in
I was unsure about staying at this Holiday Innas it is relatively isolated compared to others. However, I am SO glad I did. By far the best Holiday Inn I have ever stayed at. The food at the resaturant (Fratello's# was amazing and so well priced. The gym and pool is far beter than any other I have used at ANY comparable hotel chain let alone Holiday Inn. The staff were so friendly and the service first class. The deco in the hotel is really modern and up to date. The only point I would make is that the bedroom doors do not have a soft close which means they tend to slam when you leave or enter your room which may be a little annoying if you are having an early night. I will be staying here again on all future business #and social) trip to the North East.
February 21, 2013
Rated 5.0 out of 5.0 by 77400 Decent hotel, excellent restaurant
Obviously an old building, but refurbished to a high standard. Clean and well presented rooms and bathrooms.
Located right on the A1(M) so perfect for travellers. Glazing insulates against traffic noise well and sleep is easy to come by,
The restaurant is well worth a visit. Good prices and excellent food.
Staff are always friendly and helpful.
February 4, 2013
Rated 5.0 out of 5.0 by Tony10 much improved now it is holiday inn
Always wanted to stay here since I was a kid but it always got bad reviews. now holiday inn have taken over and refurbished it is the hotel I always imagined and hoped it would be. Friendly welcoming staff, comfortable room with free water and kit Kats and in a convenient position for Darlington Richmond or caterick. when I next need to be in this area if the rate is right I will happily stay again
February 2, 2013
Rated 3.0 out of 5.0 by WhatNoFreeWifi Shame about the heating and maintenance
What was a tired old hotel has now been nicely refurbished and on entering it looks like very good value. Unfortunately I checked in at 10.30pm on a cold snowy evening to find no heating in my room. It was absolutely freezing. After the evening staff had messed around with it to no avail I finally was given a portable heater at 11.45pm. Too little too late and I ended up sleeping in my clothes. Maintenance also poor, light over the desk not working, light in the bathroom not working. I complained at checkout and only had an indifferent response. In all fairness to the receptionist there was a queue of people waiting to check out, the reception phone wouldn't stop ringing. Pitiful staffing for a busy check out time. Overall disappointed, should have been so much better.
January 25, 2013
Rated 4.0 out of 5.0 by Hayabusajohn Nice change
Very nice staff, nice room, really nice food only let down by the very slow Internet , although free I would have paid for a better connection
January 23, 2013
Rated 5.0 out of 5.0 by Paulustoo Friendly and comfortable
Arrived on a snowy Sunday evening to a warm welcome by friendly staff. Hotel was clean and of a good decorative standard. Bar was very quiet in the evening.
Good breakfast and again well looked after by friendly staff.
Free wireless (although a bit slow) and a gym.
Conveniently situated just off the A1 I would definitely stay here again.
January 19, 2013
Rated 4.0 out of 5.0 by ScoEng Our half way hotel
My wife and I frequently travel from home in Kincardineshire to family in England. Scotch Corner is an ideal place to stay over. First time stay since your refurb. Very pleasurable stay, all staff extremely friendly, courteous and helpful.
Found food very good, especially breakfast.
Only one minus, found room very warm. All other aspects of our stay were good. Will certainly make a point of staying again throughout 2013.
January 5, 2013
Rated 5.0 out of 5.0 by roro Home from home
I regularly use this hotel when in the North East on business. The hotel is very compfortable and the recent refurb has been done very well. The staff are very friendly and accomodating. This hotel is great for business and would also be a good holiday base for exploring the North East and North Yorkshire.
November 22, 2012
Rated 5.0 out of 5.0 by UDPEZA01 Best Holiday Inn hotel I stayed so far.
This is the best Holiday Inn hotel I stayed so far. I stayed few times in this hotel and Staff was really helpfull and freindly. I received 5* service every time.
Nice, Clean rooms and located in country side.
November 10, 2012
Rated 3.0 out of 5.0 by willieo Restaurant Disaster
After reading trip advisor comments I had looked forward to my 2 night DBB trip to go racing at nearby Catterick.
Arrived Friday 5.15 to be told restaurant was fully booked till 8.15 so eventually went for meal. Bruchetta served on 3 cold mini crisp bread which was pathetic other starter was nice.
Main course finally arrives 45 mins after starter to be told "the salmon is now tuna" apparently we were supposed to be told by a member of staff someone else had been given our salmon and they had run out after being pressured to pick something else both meal taken away. The one original dish reappeared luke warm, the other new dish was not to our taste. We left the restaurant assured our meals would be deducted from our bill.
Saturday Morning breakfast items were cold and black pudding like a brick. Other guests who were at beakfast earlier confirmed it was the same scenario. Complained to manager.
Asked for room window which could not open to be fixed it was only to lock again when closed.
Sunday breakfast items hot but eggs greasy and undercooked.
Had to ask for tea both mornings.
Paid for all meals and no reward points.
Hotel has been refurbished to a lovely standard, will do room only in future and dine in service station.
October 24, 2012
Rated 5.0 out of 5.0 by SuicideSheep Excellent
Art deco style interior so refreshing. I was well looked after during my stay, good food pleasant atmosphere.
October 10, 2012