Where is it?
Holiday Inn Southend is located just a stone’s throw from Southend airport, sometimes referred to as ‘London Southend Airport’. It takes no more than 3-4 minutes to walk between the hotel entrance and the airport terminal, which makes the hotel very convenient for early morning departures or in connection with a late evening arrival.
There is also a train station at the airport, located right opposite the terminal building, with frequent services to Liverpool Street Station in central London, and to downtown Southend in the other direction. It takes about five minutes to walk from the train station to the hotel.
Downtown Southend-on-Sea is around 4 km away, which is very much a traditional English seaside city.
The arrival experience
I arrived at the airport by train from downtown London. The journey from Liverpool Street station took around 50 mins and although the train ride was somewhat bumpy it was very easy and convenient, the train stops literally in front of the terminal building.
Getting to the hotel was equally easy. As you exit the railway station and arrive at the entrance to the terminal building you make a left turn and follow the airport fence, past a roundabout, and you have the hotel entrance right in front of you. It was very easy and straight-forward.
The room was pre-paid so the check-in process was quick. I was also informed about the hotel facilities and that the bar was still open in case I wanted something to eat or drink.
The room
I had booked a standard room and was assigned a room on the third floor, unfortunately not one overlooking the airport, as the rooms on the north side of the hotel building do.
The room was a fairly standard affair but in an excellent condition. It had everything needed without any excesses. Based on the look of both the exterior and the interior the hotel is presumably fairly new.
The room had a comfortable queen-sized bed and a comfortable armchair with most of the design in beige, grey and dark wood. There was also a work desk and a TV.
Other amenities included a kettle, to make coffee and tea, as well as a safe.
The bathroom was in an equally good condition and offered a bathtub, which also worked as a shower, as well as the standard amenities and toiletries.
A fun thing in the room was the picture featuring a Bristol 170 aircraft from Silver City Airways, an airline which was active from 1946 until 1962 and a frequent visitor to Southend airport. However the picture is based on a photo, and it was taken at Southampton airport.
Food and drinks
The hotel has a bar and a restaurant located on the fifth floor called Rooftop Restaurant & Bar where they serve breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The combined bar and restaurant also offers an outdoor terrace, which is open when the weather permits, but even if you sit inside you get a terrific view of the airport and the apron from the bar. In the opposite direction you have a nice view of Essex.
I visited the bar in the evening to have a beer before going to bed and the view of the airport is really superb, especially if you enjoy aviation.
There is also a lobby bar on the ground floor which is mostly used in connection with events and conferences. The hotel also offers 24-hour room service.
Other facilities
There is a small gym open daily from 6 am until 10 pm. The hotel also offers free Wi-Fi for all guests.
Service
The service was quick, friendly and efficient, although admittedly this was a short stay with a late arrival and an early departure. Everything worked fine without any hassle whatsoever.
Breakfast
As I had a 7 am flight departure and had the option to have breakfast in the airport lounge I decided to skip breakfast in the hotel, which is normally offered in the restaurant on the fifth floor.
Final impression
The hotel was in excellent condition and the room kept a good standard, without any excesses. The location is excellent if you have an early departure or a late arrival at Southend airport. Good value for the money spent.
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