Jury’s Inn, Hotel, Croydon
This week has seen me sampling the pleasures of the Jury’s Inn, Croydon, a 12 storey soulless place. Arriving Tuesday after a long day was not a good start. Getting to the hotel at about 9.40pm I was incensed to discover they stop serving food in the restaurant at 9.30. Quickly thinking room service would then be an option, my mood worsened further when I discovered they don’t do no service at all. I was not a happy bunny.
The journey to the room consisted of a lift and a short walk down a long brightly lit corridor. It had all the charm of an old persons hospital but for the many kids who seemed to be coming and going everywhere.
The room itself was basic. It made travel lodge look positively up market. The blankets (no duvet) were stained; the bed cover had further marks on it. The sheets thankfully were fine. Still it had air conditioning and plenty of pillows. Thoughtfully they had stopped the window opening any more than a couple of inches in case I was minded to throw myself out.
Anyway, back to the main problem on the first night. Food. I hadn’t eaten properly all day, so was forced into taking drastic measures. The receptionist had the numbers for local takeaways and I eventually ordered a Pizza.
The rest of my stay in this ‘hotel’ was equally appalling. Most nights consisted of noisy neighbours banging doors and poor food. The restaurant staff were cheery and friendly but the food was basic and prepared from cheap ingredients.
By Thursday my patience finally gave up at 10.30pm when I could take the banging of doors by the kids running around everywhere no more. Jumping like a mad man out in the corridor I shouted at the unfortunate little lad who was about to enter the room next door. I said something along the lines of “If I hear another ^£&%£”&^%£ door bang, I will be in an ever more &*^%”&*^”% mood and god help you if that happens.” He looked a little shocked and while I paused for a moment to make sure he understood the message I could hear faint clapping coming from another room. There was no further door banging that night!
Unfortunately I can’t say I won’t be staying at this hotel again. If only because it is only 1 of 2 hotels in the whole of Croydon that supposedly cater for business people. If you know of others please do let me know. The other major hotel in Croydon that business people would normally stay at is closed at the moment because a crane fell on it and you already know what I think of the Hilton.
Score: 1 Star. Visited July 2007.
