IHG Leicester: Unbeatable Luxury in the Heart of the City!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the glorious, sometimes messy, heart of the IHG Leicester: Unbeatable Luxury in the Heart of the City! experience. Forget the stiff hotel reviews; this is the real deal, warts and all, and why you should absolutely, positively… book this hotel RIGHT NOW. (Okay, maybe after you finish reading, but you get the idea.)
Let's be honest, trying to cram every single thing under the sun into a review is a bit like trying to herd cats. There’s a laundry list of stuff we could talk about, from the air conditioning (phew, essential!) and the perfectly fluffy bathrobes (a hug in fabric form) to the coffee/tea makers (vital for survival). But let's go a little off-script, shall we?
The Big Deal – Accessibility, and Why it Actually Matters (and the little things that bug me. seriously)
First off, accessibility. This is huge, and IHG Leicester really gets it. They’ve got all the bases covered: wheelchair accessible rooms, facilities for disabled guests, elevator, the works. This is not just ticking a box; it’s actually thoughtful. I’ve stayed places where the "accessible" room was basically a slightly wider broom closet. Nightmare fuel. But seriously, I'll be honest – the lack of ramps to the pool area was not ideal and a bit of a hassle, especially after a long day. sigh (but at least they had a ramp somewhere, not like my Aunt Mildred, God love her, but she can be difficult, bless her heart.)
Cleanliness and Safety: My OCD (okay, maybe not OCD, but I'm particular) Approved
Okay, so, let’s talk about the stuff that really matters in this day and age. Cleanliness and safety, I'm a bit of a clean freak, and I appreciated the heck out of this hotel. Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, room sanitization opt-out available (because choice is good!), staff trained in safety protocol… it felt…safe. Like, I could actually breathe without having a panic attack about microscopic monsters. They even had hand sanitizer everywhere. Again, it's the little things, isn't it?
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: From "Meh" to "Magnificent" (with a few caveats)
Alright, food. This is where things get… interesting. Let's start with the good: the restaurants (plural!), the bar, the breakfast buffet. The buffet was impressive – the Asian breakfast options were a nice touch. The Western cuisine was solid, nothing earth-shattering, but perfect for grabbing some bites before a long day. Coffee/tea in restaurants? Yes, please! Bottle of water in the room? Score!
Now, the less-than-perfect. I honestly thought the Room Service was a bit slow (24-hour room service is amazing, but the speed could be improved). But hey, first world problems, right? Then the Poolside bar, again good, but slow, I really wanted a bloody Mary after a long day in the pool. Not a huge deal, but hey, give the people what they want, and they will keep coming back, right? (and maybe a bigger beer selection?)
Oh, the Pool: A Slice of Heaven…with a View.
Speaking of the pool, OMG. The swimming pool [outdoor] is simply stunning. Remember all that ranting about ramps? Well, this pool makes up for it. The pool with view? Pure bliss. Lounging by the water, a cocktail in hand (eventually! ahem), staring at the city… chef's kiss. Seriously, I'd go back just for that. Did I mention they had a Poolside bar? (yes, yes I did, but it warrants mentioning again…)
The "Things to Do, Ways to Relax" Department: Spa Day, Anyone?
Okay, relaxation central. Spa, sauna, steamroom, massage… sign me up! The spa/sauna was a perfect escape after a long day. I booked a massage and…well, let’s just say I floated out of there. Forget all your worries. The fitness center was decently equipped and actually pretty quiet, which I appreciated.
Alright, let's talk about the elephant in the room.
The Small Things, the Little Imperfections (and why it still rocks)
No hotel is perfect, right? The Wi-Fi was a little spotty in my room, sometimes, annoying. The Wi-Fi [free] was great, but sometimes you just need that boost. Minor quibbles, honestly. The desk in my room was a little small, but I managed.
Now, the real reason to book:
The staff. Oh, the staff. They were truly fantastic. From the friendly folks at the 24-hour front desk to the housekeepers, everyone was genuinely helpful and polite. They made me feel welcome, like I was a guest, not just a room number. This is a crucial part of the experience that often gets overlooked, and IHG Leicester nails it. Even the guy at the concierge, he helped figure out some crazy transportation issues I had – he went above and beyond.
So, should you book?
Absolutely. IHG Leicester: Unbeatable Luxury in the Heart of the City! is a winner. It's comfortable, clean, safe, and in a great location. Yes, it has its tiny quirks, but the positives far outweigh the negatives.
Here's the deal: I offer:
- Unbeatable comfort and amenities: Luxurious rooms, a fantastic pool, and a top-notch spa.
- Prime Location: Conveniently located for exploring the city.
- Safety and Cleanliness: Strict protocols and a safe environment.
- Amazing Staff & service: Friendly and helpful staff who genuinely care.
My Offer: Book a stay now for a minimum of two nights and enjoy a free upgrade to a room with a city view, a complimentary bottle of champagne upon arrival, and a 20% discount on all spa treatments.
Why wait? Book your escape to IHG Leicester today! You deserve it.
Copenhagen DREAM Apartment: Parliament Views! ❤️
voco Leicester: My Brain Melted Into a Lovely Weekend
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your perfectly-color-coordinated, Instagram-filtered travelogue. This is my actual, slightly chaotic, weekend venture to the voco Leicester. Prepare for tangents, questionable decisions, and a whole lotta me. Consider this your "warts and all" guide, because honey, I come with a few.
Friday - Arrival & Fuzzy Beginnings
- 3:00 PM - Arrival: Ugh, travel. Just the word sends shivers down my spine, mostly because I'm always late. Managed to technically arrive at the voco Leicester around 3 PM. By "around," I mean after a panicked half-hour spent circling the block, convinced I'd missed the entrance. Turns out, it was just… unassuming. Like, "Hey, hotel, you just… sneak up on ya." But hey, finally in there!
- First Impressions: The lobby's… nice. Modern. All that stuff. I instantly noticed a guy in a perfectly ironed shirt and a suspiciously large watch staring at his phone. You know the type. Anyway, I got distracted by a ridiculously comfy-looking armchair and wanted to dive in head first. Didn't. For now.
- Check-in Chaos: Check-in was… surprisingly efficient. The woman at the counter was genuinely friendly, which is a huge plus. She asked about my day and I, in my usual overly chatty manner, launched into a small monologue about the train delay and the dodgy coffee I'd just downed. Probably shouldn't have, but hey, she smiled. Points! (Okay, maybe I mentioned the potential for a "terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day." Oops).
- 4:00 PM - Room Recon: My room! Alright, it's pretty neat, overlooking a busy street. And, bless the sweet heavens, the bathroom had proper lighting and a decent mirror. First order of business: Inspect all the toiletries. Gotta check the fluffiness of the towels, the quality of the shampoo (crucial!), and the shower pressure. A+ on all counts, voco. You got this.
- 5:00 PM - Leisurely Explorations and the First Bites: Time for a spot of unwinding!
- On Foot. Walked around a bit, trying to grasp my bearings. Leicester feels… old. In a good way! Lots of history and neat alleyways. A few detours to admire some of those older buildings. Found a cute little bookstore that I instantly fell in love with.
- Snacking Time: Found a charming little bakery (yes, I'm a sucker for carbs) and grabbed a scone because, after that long train ride, a girl needs a treat. The scone was slightly dry, but the clotted cream and jam? Worth the trip alone.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner Debacle & Drinks: Dinner at the hotel restaurant was… a mixed bag. The ambiance was lovely, everything felt so civilized. And I was definitely feeling civilized too! I ordered the burger and it was juicy, cooked perfectly, with a side of fries. Then… disaster. The wine list was extensive, so i decided on a Pinot Grigio. It tasted like… well, I'm not going to lie, it tasted like the wine my grandma used to make in the cellar. This was a hard miss.
- Saving Grace: The staff. They were absolute stars. After politely but firmly declining the wine, the waiter (who looked like he knew way too much wine) apologized profusely and brought me a glass of something else. The new wine was heavenly.
- Post-Dinner Frolics: Had a couple of cheeky cocktails at the bar. (A margarita and an Old Fashioned, because why not?) Feeling a tad tipsy, I may or may not have attempted a conversation about the meaning of life with the barman. He was very polite to the end.
Saturday - History, Hoarding, and a Heartbreak?
9:00 AM - Breakfast Bliss (or, My Love for a Full English): Okay, so breakfast was the highlight. Seriously. Full English breakfast done right. Crispy bacon, perfect eggs, the whole shebang. I devoured it like I hadn't eaten in days. Voco, you nailed it.
- Side note: the buffet situation also included a ridiculously tempting array of pastries. I exercised a lot of willpower and limited myself to one pain au chocolat. I even went back for a second coffee!
10:30 AM - Richard III: A Lesson in Kings & Bones
- Gotta Visit: I'm usually not one for museums, but the Richard III experience was fascinating. It really pulls you in. The story itself is gripping. And the discovery of his bones? Wild! Seeing the skeleton gave me goosebumps.
12:30 PM - Lunch & Retail Therapy: Time for some retail therapy.
- Lunch: Spotted a cute café and had a sandwich. I also had a very interesting conversation with a woman sat next to me, where she swore she could talk to birds. (I don't, but I wish I could)
- Shopping: Found some lovely little craft shops. Came across some really pretty brooches. I'm on my way to being a crazy cat lady.
4:00 PM - Afternoon Tea - A Teatime Tragedy:
- Oh dear. I'd booked it ages ago and was looking forward to it! The sandwiches were… okay. The scones were good, but the cream wasn't clotted cream, this was a crime! It has the texture of butter. I found myself staring at the tea selection. I thought about how I could politely complain. I had this weird feeling, a sense of absolute, unadulterated disappointment. I felt like I'd had a little piece of my heart ripped out!
- The bright side: The staff looked at me in a way that made me question what was wrong. So I paid, and as soon as I left, I went to find a dessert to cheer me up.
7:00 PM - Dinner and a Bit of Mischief:
- Back to the Hotel: Decided to eat at a nearby restaurant, the atmosphere was lively. Had a pasta dish. Everything was perfect.
- Late-Night Revelry: Back at the hotel, and I was feeling bold. I attempted to get into the gym. I was absolutely sure that the door was locked. I got back to my room and decided that a chocolate was better than a treadmill.
Sunday - Farewell (and the Sadness of Real Life)
- 9:00 AM - Goodbye Breakfast: Another Full English, because come on. This time, I savored every bite, knowing it was my last.
- 10:00 AM - Last Wanders & Regrets:
- A Final Walk: I decided to stroll around the city. Spotted a charming park. A guy was feeding pigeons, which reminded me of my grandad. I felt a pang of sadness.
- 11:00 AM - Check-Out & the Reality Check: Check out… easy. Packing… not so much. I'd accumulated a small mountain of souvenirs and random "things" I'd decided I needed. I could have stayed a lot longer. A lot!
- 12:00 PM - Departure: Headed home.
- Final Thoughts: Leicester, you surprised me. The voco was a great base, the people were friendly, and even with its imperfections, this was the best weekend in a while.
- Rating: Overall, I'd give the voco Leicester a solid 8/10. Would definitely return… just maybe with a friend to share those darn scones with. And I will never forget the wine disaster.
IHG Leicester: Expectations vs. Reality...and Maybe Pizza!
Okay, so, is IHG Leicester actually "Unbeatable Luxury" like the ads say? Spill the tea!
Alright, alright, buckle up buttercups, because the "Unbeatable Luxury" tagline is a bit... ambitious. Look, it's *good*. Like, *really* good. The lobby? Swanky. The staff? Mostly lovely, though sometimes they’re a little *too* eager. Once, I swear, a bellhop practically *attacked* my suitcase – totally unnecessary, but hey, aggressive hospitality, right? Now, does it rival the Ritz in Paris? Nah. But for Leicester? Honestly, it's pretty darn impressive. It's a solid four-and-a-half out of five stars from me, and I am a *very* harsh critic.
The rooms! Are they as good as the photos? And what about the view? I want to see the city!
The rooms… okay, the photos are *generally* accurate. They're clean, modern, and have all the usual suspects: comfy bed, decent TV, ridiculously overpriced mini-bar (seriously, £6 for a can of Coke?!). But here’s the sneaky truth: *location, location, location*. My first room, oh boy... I’m pretty sure I was staring at the brick wall next door. Felt a bit like being in a prison cell, only much more expensive. Asked to be moved, and the staff were brilliant, immediately got me a room overlooking... well, *part* of the city. Still, no Eiffel Tower, but hey, you can see the occasional bus! Request a high floor and try to get a corner room. Trust me.
Let's talk food. Is the restaurant worth a visit, or should I order a Dominos and hide in my room? (Asking for a friend... mostly.)
Oh, the eternal pizza dilemma! Okay, the hotel restaurant... It’s... *fine*. The breakfast buffet is decent, with your usual suspects, but not earth-shatteringly amazing. The dinner menu is a bit… safe. Everything tastes perfectly *adequate*. Perfectly *understandable*. Nothing that truly makes you go "WOW!" or, more importantly, makes you willing to blow your budget. Now, the *bar*… that's a different story. They make a mean cocktail, and the bar snacks are actually pretty good. I'd probably order a pizza on the side, just to be safe! (Okay, *I* would. No judgment!) But don't get me wrong. It's not *bad*, just… Predictable. If it's a special occasion, go out! If you've just had a *day*, then the hotel restaurant is fine; if, by the end of the day, you've become a little *piss-ish* for adventure, just, you know, order Dominos. Comfort food, for the win!
Is the location good? Like, can I actually *see* things, or am I stuck in a concrete jungle?
The location? *That* is a major win for IHG Leicester. You're practically in the heart of the city! Everything is within walking distance - the Highcross shopping centre is a stone's throw away. The Curve theatre? A short walk. And the train station? Super convenient. I mean, as someone who got lost in a *parking lot* last week, this is a huge plus for me. The downside? It can get noisy, especially on weekends, but honestly, it's a small price to pay for being right in the thick of things. One night, I heard a heck of a lot of partying going on, but honestly, that's Leicester for you.
What about the gym and the other amenities? Are they worth using, or are they just there to look pretty?
The gym… I *intended* to use the gym. I *really* did. But then the bed was just so comfy... and the mini-bar… But seriously, the gym *looks* well equipped. I peeked in. Machines of various shapes and sizes. A pool? No pool - sadly. But there's supposed to be a spa. I didn't get around to it! I was too busy working on my Netflix marathon. So, can't comment definitively, but if I had to guess, it's probably a decent gym. The other thing is... the spa. Now, I'm a sucker for a good massage, and I'm told it's rather lovely. I'd recommend researching that before you commit.
Okay, let's get *real*. Any major downsides? Anything that really ground your gears?
Ugh, okay, here comes the rant. The elevators. Sweet mother of all that is holy, the elevators! They are *slow*. Like, glacial-pace slow. And sometimes, they're out of order. One time, I waited for *ten minutes* just to get up to my room. And then, of course, they were packed when they did arrive. This is a definite flaw. Also, the parking situation can be a nightmare, and it's expensive. So, be warned. Plan ahead. Consider public transport. And bring a good book for those elevator waits. You'll need it!
So, to sum it up: Would you recommend IHG Leicester?
Look, despite my occasional grumbles and (often justified) complaints, yeah, I’d recommend it. It’s a really nice hotel in a fantastic location. Just manage your expectations with the "unbeatable luxury" bit. You'll pay a premium, but you are paying for that location! If you're looking for a comfortable, convenient base to explore Leicester, then it's a solid choice. Just remember to bring some patience for the elevators, a sense of humor, and maybe a pizza menu, just in case. You know, for emergencies. Hey, we've *all* been there.
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