The Willows Training Centre

Value for money and easy access to local pubs and restaurants

Great

My recent visit was marred by a significant oversight that significantly impacted guest experience. While the accommodations themselves were satisfactory, the failure of the hotel staff to mention a planned road closure leading to the hotel created unnecessary inconvenience for myself and fellow guests. This lack of communication led to wasted time and petrol as we struggled to find alternate routes. Despite this issue, the hotel's ambiance and cleanliness were commendable. However, I would suggest a minor improvement in room amenities by providing tissues for guests' convenience. In conclusion, while the stay at the willows training centre had its merits, the failure to communicate the road closure overshadowed the overall experience. I hope the management takes this feedback into account for future guest interactions.

I wish to express my dissatisfaction regarding my recent experience attending two consecutive training courses at your esteemed establishment. As both courses focused on technology and internet usage, integral to my professional responsibilities, it is imperative that such amenities function optimally. During the first week, accommodations were satisfactory, providing conducive conditions for learning and work. However, upon returning for the second week, I encountered a significant hindrance. The internet connectivity in my room was exceptionally poor, rendering it unusable for my operational tasks. Despite bringing this concern to the attention of the reception, it appears that the issue persists due to acknowledged deficiencies in the designated area of the hotel. Regrettably, this lapse in connectivity not only impeded my ability to fulfill essential work obligations but also hindered my preparation for an upcoming examination. In an era where reliable internet access is fundamental, the subpar conditions observed are disconcerting, especially for an establishment of your caliber.

Second stay here and was just as great as the first time! Shame about the breakfast £15 for buffet that had been sat under a heat lamp and gone stale and tough no fresh turnover of food.

Greeting at reception was nothing better than ok, disinterested and failed to really provide any information. Room was cold with only a tiny heater and the quilt was not sufficient to provide much warmth. I was given a disabled room, which in itself is not a problem but the bed slid around on casters when sat on so I don’t think it would have been very suitable had I been disabled. The bathroom was tatty, with broken panels on the wall. I’d arrived quite late and the buffet looked very unappetising so I went to the bar where I waited 15 minute before someone arrived to serve me. Food was very average although not expensive. Had I paid £70 for the room I would have been disappointed but at £116 I felt ripped off.

I'll start with the good - there was plenty of parking and the bed was comfortable! As for the rest of the Willows, the building is old, the inside is tired, run down and in need of complete refurbishment - as a bare minimum, the whole place needs a really good clean. The rooms and bathrooms are basic and at best functional. The carpets in the corridors are rucked up and serious trip hazards; the fire doors have holes in them where handles have been changed (what sort of fire door is that?). You get the gist... They are understaffed - we had to wander around the building trying to find someone to serve us at the bar on our first night. On the second night, there were just 2 young and inexperienced staff behind the bar despite there being a function for over 100 people. The wait was ridiculous, the staff didn't know their red wines from their white, and the drinks were overpriced - £1.70 for a dash of blackcurrant, £6.50 for a pint of beer! As for security, it's a joke. On returning to our room one evening we found that the cleaner had opened the window and left it wide open all day - and I mean WIDE open. Bearing in mind the room was on the ground floor, anyone could have climbed in and helped themselves to our belongings. The whole experience is one I would not choose to repeat. I have just tried to fill in the customer experience questionnaire, which Wyboston Lakes emailed a link for - but guess what... the link doesn't work! That sums up Wyboston Lakes and the Willows.

We had initially booked for the Event Centre (not deliberately, it was just a better price) but were given a free upgrade to an executive room in the Training Centre which was a real stroke of luck. Huge room, MASSIVE comfortable bed (with TV to match) and top spec bathroom. Free hot drinks & biscuits in reception was a nice touch. Cricket Bar was busy with some sort of crypto conference and the bar food isn’t exactly fine dining but service was good and if nothing else it was like a classic picky tea at home! Coming back in December and hoping we have the same luck with an upgrade!

Not the first time I’ve stayed. I was left to check in via machine (the Receptionist wasn’t busy),which took a while but with help I acquired the room card and set off. The room was great with a heated towel rail and in good condition. The tea facilities were also great (milk in sachets, Yorkshire tea) and I had a very comfortable bed in which I slept better than at home because it was quiet as always. However, before turning in I went to the bar for a nightcap. The staff were friendly but the room was cold and looked grubby with tired and uncomfortable seating. Nevertheless I am not put off and will continue to use this hotel which is great value and very convenient.