Holiday Inn Shepperton, The Fourth Wall

Bit of a mixed bag. At short notice I booked for two nights with two kids. Check in was fast and friendly but I don't think all the information I required was imparted on me so I had no wifi code (1st world problems I know, but as a solo parent travelling I required an element of contact with the outside world) and the breakfast situation was not explained either. Which has not have had hungry children with me, walking to and from the room, restaurant and reception wouldn't have been a big deal. But I did so it was not ideal. The room was spotless. Linen white and crisp and towels white and fluffy. Cannot fault the room's cleanliness. The shower shit off in all directions so the door was rotten and swollen at the bottom and made the bathroom rather slippery. Not good for a 4 year old charging around. Breakfast for me was ok, but wish there were more options for the kids. The problem came at dinner time. Kids only get two courses free and the menu comes with 3 courses so it was difficult to navigate that..also you have to pay ahead of getting your food. I explained to our server that it doesn't say and perhaps they should lead with that, but he was completely uninterested and just kept repeating himself that it is the procedure. I asked for a manager and he told me there wasn't one at all. Eventually someone of management level came and I explained that it is not the fact we have to pay upfront, although that didn't feel great in a restaurant, it was the server's bad attitude that upset me. That evening a drunk was outside screaming all sorts of obscenities until around 1:00. When I mentioned it the staff said no one else heard and didn't exactly apologize. I didn't call in the night because although it kept me awake the children slept and I didn't want to wake them by calling reception. The pool is a good size for kids, changing rooms and facilities there are a bit run down. I would stay again as it's a great location and on the whole the room was clean and we felt safe and really enjoyed the use of the pool. Service just needs to improve.

I stayed on this hotel for 3 nights 4 days and have stayed in 3 previous hotels to this. Ups: kind staff members Plenty of staff around Hotel is spotless, no dirt anywhere Ample parking which costs £8 per night which isn't bad. Leisure centre inside with gym and pool but I never tried it as I was occupied with my trip. Full dining menu and breakfast is self serve buffet style with lots of choice, can't fault any of the ingredients everything was tasty. Dining room is large with ample seating Free WiFi with ample speed. Air conditioning inside rooms Downs: Despite the meal being tasty, they originally got my order wrong so I had to return the plate. Also it's expensive but you're being charged the convenience of staying in the hotel. BBC news is on constantly in the dining hall, I never paid attention to the TV but I might have if something less depressing was on. TV in bedroom is not smart, though it does support screen mirroring so I used my phone and just mirrored the screen. Beds are springy and rather hard, definitely not memory foam so comfort will depend on what you're used to sleeping on at home. I got no sleep the first night but got used to it and actually got a full night sleep on night 3. Air con works... A bit too much, randomly coming on during the night. Entrance to the hotel is not exactly well sign posted so if you're not paying much attention like me.. you might go straight past it, as the sign is hidden behind some trees. Overall I'd say this hotel suits being a 3 star, not 4.