Coaching Inn Group has been named the best hotel chain in the UK by consumer group Which?, beating major brands such as Hilton, Marriott and Premier Inn. The group, which operates 36 inn-style hotels often set in historic buildings in beauty spots or market towns, scored a full five stars for customer service and for description matching reality.
With an average room cost of £128 per night, the chain received four out of five stars for value for money. One survey respondent described it as 'a very good mid-price range chain that does all the basic things well', while another praised its 'lovely locations and excellent food and service'. Examples include The Warwick Arms Hotel, a 17th-century building near Warwick Castle, and the Forest Park Country Hotel in the New Forest.
InterContinental came second with a customer score of 80%, earning five stars in most categories but only two for value for money due to an average nightly rate of £300. Hotel Indigo ranked third at 79%, with average room prices of £115, praised for its boutique feel and 'superb room and impeccable service'.
Popular chains fared lower: Premier Inn placed seventh, Holiday Inn eighth, Marriott ninth, and Hilton 12th. JD Wetherspoon came fourth, with average stays at £70 and four stars for value. Travelodge ranked 28th out of 32, while Britannia was the lowest-scoring large chain for the 12th consecutive year, with a score of 44%.
Rory Boland, Editor of Which? Travel, commented: 'A night away should be a real treat but with hotel prices climbing, finding a hotel chain that consistently offers comfort, good customer service and a charming location at a fair price has become harder.'
