Local Reviews
In July 2012, Cathyluv said about Village Hotel Bury
Stayed here sat & sun on the B&B 2 night deal - which is great value. Negatives - the room stunk of cigarette smoke, I was told they only had 2 other rooms left - both were closer to the bar so didnt swap.
The breakfast was the most stressful and shambolic I have EVER encoutered in any hotel. Firstly we had to wait for a table at 10.30 (served till 11am only) we had to get our own drinks and food - surley it is better to serve tea and coffee then let guests help themselves to food, to avoid people carrying hot drinks around and to avoid people having to get up all the time, management should seriously consider this. There were no glasses, no plates, crap selection of cereals and pastries. The only bread available was sliced and stale and only fit for toasting, no bread rolls or crusty baguette, and the toaster was horrendeous, slowest ever and then after waiting for 5 mins it only did one side! come on people! its 2012! surely you can get a better toaster in this day and age!! it was certainly NOT a pleasant start to the day, there was no management in sight to comment to and the few members of very young staff around were rushed off their feet, I cant think of a better word than shambolic.
My only other comment would be the immediate area around the jacuzzi (where you sit on the side) is grubby, it really could do with a clean. Brilliant that they enforce the no kids swimming times though and the changing rooms and nice and spacious.
All in all we got what we paid for, its a great base to explore the area, great shopping in Bury (10 mins walk away) and only £3.70 off peak return to Manchester city centre on the Metrolink. A bargain with breakfast issues!
The breakfast was the most stressful and shambolic I have EVER encoutered in any hotel. Firstly we had to wait for a table at 10.30 (served till 11am only) we had to get our own drinks and food - surley it is better to serve tea and coffee then let guests help themselves to food, to avoid people carrying hot drinks around and to avoid people having to get up all the time, management should seriously consider this. There were no glasses, no plates, crap selection of cereals and pastries. The only bread available was sliced and stale and only fit for toasting, no bread rolls or crusty baguette, and the toaster was horrendeous, slowest ever and then after waiting for 5 mins it only did one side! come on people! its 2012! surely you can get a better toaster in this day and age!! it was certainly NOT a pleasant start to the day, there was no management in sight to comment to and the few members of very young staff around were rushed off their feet, I cant think of a better word than shambolic.
My only other comment would be the immediate area around the jacuzzi (where you sit on the side) is grubby, it really could do with a clean. Brilliant that they enforce the no kids swimming times though and the changing rooms and nice and spacious.
All in all we got what we paid for, its a great base to explore the area, great shopping in Bury (10 mins walk away) and only £3.70 off peak return to Manchester city centre on the Metrolink. A bargain with breakfast issues!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2012, AlanBest said about Village Hotel Bury
I have stayed at this hotel about 7 times. On this visit, most of the things I found a bit off on the other visits came together with a bang.
Other visits I have been in the annexe. Word of warning there, it is quiet but if you have loads of luggage or are lugging around small children it is a bit of a trek and a warren.
I was in the main building on this visit. The room was excellent, obviously recently refurbished and of a very high standard. No adverse complaints on that level. The new flat screen TV was tempting till you realise that the communal aerial serving it is not up to the job. Anyone who has lived in a flat with one will know what I mean. Also the TV package is not even FreeView, just a few assorted channels in a snowstorm.
In general the TV would not have bothered most of the guests there because Friday night is Karaoke night! (Saturday night is Party night by the way). And hen parties were the order of the day. The girls were all pretty well behaved by the way, just out for a good time.
Having been traveling since 5.00 a.m. and finished my last meeting at the hotel at 10.00 p.m. I was hoping to get some sleep. Sadly, room 111 is right above the bar and the soundproofing is shocking. That ended at midnight but the noise from the bar continued till five to one in the morning. It was not possible to move rooms because the hotel was full..
The soundproofing above the bar meant that I noticed a few things that probably would have gone unnoticed. Noise from the corridor was intrusive and I am talking normal speaking voices not singing and shouting. Noise from the room above was apparent and the constant hum of the nearby motorway was audible. Some attention is needed to all these things but it is probably a fundamental building defect.
I complained at the time, the next morning and on the guest comment card. The complaints were dealt with professionally. I was offered the breakfast free of charge and received an adequate, if not fulsome, email from the manager later. The point I made to the manager in my reply was that having booked a room with a bed there was an expectation of a good night's sleep.
Breakfast was pricey but very good. The first good breakfast I have ever had in a Village Hotel, especially this one. They have finally worked out how to keep the stuff warm and they had butter. Avoid the croissants, the one I tried was stale and deadly.
I used to use this chain a great deal. In fact I was a leisure club member for a few years. Over the past few years I have seen a steady move of emphasis that has recently culminated in the change of name to "Village Urban Resorts". If you are getting on a bit like me or have small children then it may not be suitable for you, especially on Friday and Saturday. That is a shame because the pools are brilliant for small children. The addition of a coffee bar in reception jars a bit aesthetically. It is more in keeping with a low grade motorway service area than the well appointed reception it blights.
Free wi-fi is good and there is masses of parking. Very close to the motorway for access. Disabled access exists as it must but is a lengthy walk up. Probably alright for wheelchair users with a motor but if you just have trouble with steps and walking you will probably find getting up to the hotel a bit of a pain, especially with a lot of luggage. This is a design feature of all of them I am afraid.
If you want a party night or place with lots of people then you will be ok. On balance I would go for a hotel offering a good night's sleep next time.
Other visits I have been in the annexe. Word of warning there, it is quiet but if you have loads of luggage or are lugging around small children it is a bit of a trek and a warren.
I was in the main building on this visit. The room was excellent, obviously recently refurbished and of a very high standard. No adverse complaints on that level. The new flat screen TV was tempting till you realise that the communal aerial serving it is not up to the job. Anyone who has lived in a flat with one will know what I mean. Also the TV package is not even FreeView, just a few assorted channels in a snowstorm.
In general the TV would not have bothered most of the guests there because Friday night is Karaoke night! (Saturday night is Party night by the way). And hen parties were the order of the day. The girls were all pretty well behaved by the way, just out for a good time.
Having been traveling since 5.00 a.m. and finished my last meeting at the hotel at 10.00 p.m. I was hoping to get some sleep. Sadly, room 111 is right above the bar and the soundproofing is shocking. That ended at midnight but the noise from the bar continued till five to one in the morning. It was not possible to move rooms because the hotel was full..
The soundproofing above the bar meant that I noticed a few things that probably would have gone unnoticed. Noise from the corridor was intrusive and I am talking normal speaking voices not singing and shouting. Noise from the room above was apparent and the constant hum of the nearby motorway was audible. Some attention is needed to all these things but it is probably a fundamental building defect.
I complained at the time, the next morning and on the guest comment card. The complaints were dealt with professionally. I was offered the breakfast free of charge and received an adequate, if not fulsome, email from the manager later. The point I made to the manager in my reply was that having booked a room with a bed there was an expectation of a good night's sleep.
Breakfast was pricey but very good. The first good breakfast I have ever had in a Village Hotel, especially this one. They have finally worked out how to keep the stuff warm and they had butter. Avoid the croissants, the one I tried was stale and deadly.
I used to use this chain a great deal. In fact I was a leisure club member for a few years. Over the past few years I have seen a steady move of emphasis that has recently culminated in the change of name to "Village Urban Resorts". If you are getting on a bit like me or have small children then it may not be suitable for you, especially on Friday and Saturday. That is a shame because the pools are brilliant for small children. The addition of a coffee bar in reception jars a bit aesthetically. It is more in keeping with a low grade motorway service area than the well appointed reception it blights.
Free wi-fi is good and there is masses of parking. Very close to the motorway for access. Disabled access exists as it must but is a lengthy walk up. Probably alright for wheelchair users with a motor but if you just have trouble with steps and walking you will probably find getting up to the hotel a bit of a pain, especially with a lot of luggage. This is a design feature of all of them I am afraid.
If you want a party night or place with lots of people then you will be ok. On balance I would go for a hotel offering a good night's sleep next time.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2012, LoveGreece83 said about Village Hotel Bury
Stayed here for one night as part of a group-on deal. It was fine for what we paid for but wouldn't be worth the full price. My friend and I had a twin room, it had a musty stale smell to it and the light fittings were very dusty. The beds were very uncomfortable and i obly slept for about 3 hours. The bathroom was clean but there were hairs on the floor from previous guests. We had one of the lighter roomsbut some of the hotel rooms appeared very dark and gloomy and parts of the hotel were very dark decor was dark striped carpets with grey walls and dark teal doors. There is a Starbucks on site which was great! Hotel is 5 minutes drive from town centre. Pool and gym facilities were good, but children's swimming lessons were going on when we went in pool so was quite busy. Staff were all friendly. Overall pleasant stay.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2012, ManchesterTravel_Fan said about Village Hotel Bury
This hotel seems to be mainly aimed at the business traveller or those attending the party nights that they hold semi-regularly.
The Village Hotel is certainly not a tourist hotel. That said, if visiting family in the area and you want easy access to a variety of north west towns or cities, than its location just off the motorway could be conveniant but a car would be an absolute must.
Some of the more newly refurbished rooms and public areas may appear a little dark and imposing to some (although this is personal taste) as the dark and smokey colour tones are aimed at providing a contempory feel. Also, a number of rooms have fairly poor finishing-paint being touched up with a completely different colour, etc. Generally though, the rooms are fairly spacious and will probably fit the needs of most travellers for an overnight stay before a meeting or conference- but don't expect top of the range luxury.
The gym area is a little dated and not consistantly the cleanest, or best maintained. It certainly is not worth the membership fees of the leisure club were you to join just for this facility. The fitness equipment available is generally quite dated now, apart from the odd cardio machine that seems to have been added in a row of obsolete treadmills and bikes. At these prices and fees, that is a real poor show for its regular members!! Unforgiveable.
I stayed here with many colleagues for a conference (therefore I could compare many different rooms which in my experience all fitted this fairly poor standard of finishing) and therefore I didn't pay for my own room. Had I have been parting with my own hard earned cash for this stay, I wouldn't have been too happy at the price.
An average hotel but one that is definitely overcharging its gueasts and leisure members.
The Village Hotel is certainly not a tourist hotel. That said, if visiting family in the area and you want easy access to a variety of north west towns or cities, than its location just off the motorway could be conveniant but a car would be an absolute must.
Some of the more newly refurbished rooms and public areas may appear a little dark and imposing to some (although this is personal taste) as the dark and smokey colour tones are aimed at providing a contempory feel. Also, a number of rooms have fairly poor finishing-paint being touched up with a completely different colour, etc. Generally though, the rooms are fairly spacious and will probably fit the needs of most travellers for an overnight stay before a meeting or conference- but don't expect top of the range luxury.
The gym area is a little dated and not consistantly the cleanest, or best maintained. It certainly is not worth the membership fees of the leisure club were you to join just for this facility. The fitness equipment available is generally quite dated now, apart from the odd cardio machine that seems to have been added in a row of obsolete treadmills and bikes. At these prices and fees, that is a real poor show for its regular members!! Unforgiveable.
I stayed here with many colleagues for a conference (therefore I could compare many different rooms which in my experience all fitted this fairly poor standard of finishing) and therefore I didn't pay for my own room. Had I have been parting with my own hard earned cash for this stay, I wouldn't have been too happy at the price.
An average hotel but one that is definitely overcharging its gueasts and leisure members.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2012, babysmiler said about Village Hotel Bury
Stayed here as was attending an event close by. It was £45 for the room. Check in was simple. The room was very very nice. Check out was 11am but we didnt leave til 11.30 and it was no issue. Was a nice bar but thats all we saw! If i needed to be in the area again i would book here!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2012, Justine M said about Village Hotel Bury
My partner and I stayed here for a quick getaway. I've stayed in other Village Hotels and this one seemed a little tired. The finishing in the bathroom was awful - in need of re-grouting and painting, not what you expect from a hotel of this standard. The shower didn't work and there was a large wet patch outside the bedroom door. There was also a leaky gutter outside the bedroom window, which was like a waterfall running onto a flat roof. Additionally there were problems with wedding guests that night who were exceptionally noisy and it appeared there was a fight on our corridor. We were offered an alternative room but at 10.30pm after dinner we really couldn't face moving. The staff were fantastic and dinner & breakfast lovely. It was busy, but there are clear signs stating the busiest time for breakfast is 10-11am. The management dealt with our complaint sympathetically and to our complete satisfaction.
All in all a pleasant stay, but think some upgrading & refurbishment is required here.
All in all a pleasant stay, but think some upgrading & refurbishment is required here.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2012, Del121 said about Village Hotel Bury
We stayed here once again and were delighted that the standards we had come to expect from previous visits had not slipped.
Suzie & Gina on reception were once again very welcoming and the room was the best yet.
Although it was a little further to access being in the hotel extension, it was so quiet, clean & well equipped.
The breakfast was first class and all the staff friendly and helpful.
We would recommend this hotel to anyone and will be back at the first opportunity.
Suzie & Gina on reception were once again very welcoming and the room was the best yet.
Although it was a little further to access being in the hotel extension, it was so quiet, clean & well equipped.
The breakfast was first class and all the staff friendly and helpful.
We would recommend this hotel to anyone and will be back at the first opportunity.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2012, Geetucker said about Village Hotel Bury
First appearances were not good. Lots of tribute acts etc. advertised with huge banners and the outside decor looked tired. We needn't have worried though. Our room was smallish but clean and very comfortable. Fortunately, we had a room on the second floor around the back. There was no view to speak of but we settled for that as it was very quiet. Breakfast was buffet style with plenty of options from the full English to croissants. The hotel has full leisure facilities which are obviously very popular with the locals. The car park is big and very busy, but there were always spaces.We booked our stay at a very good rate and on that basis would recommend it as a very good place to stay.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2012, tina d said about Village Hotel Bury
just spent a night here . reception staff very friendly and helpful. room was lovely although bathroom was dusty and bedroom had a veiw of a flat roof. pool area was ok . food was lovely at dinner although be sure to ask for jug of water if you want water as wen asked if we would like water for table we were charged over £3 as they brought a bottle. they state breakfast till 10 and by 10;01 all the breakfeast had been cleared away.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2012, Houst21 said about Village Hotel Bury
We booked a two night stay inc buffet breakfast and a 3 course dinner each night for £177 for both of us, which includes use of pool, gym etc - very good dea!. Chose Bury as wanted to be near Manchester but far enough away to chill out. Some reviews say the hotel is too near the motorway, is noisy and poorly decorated - but this was not my experience at all. The hotel is set back from the motorway (I didnt find this at all noisy, from the outdor seating area or room!), hotel is really handy to drive to, is on a small business park and has a local pub near to it. The train station and metro link is only a 15 min walk away, 5 min car ride - Metro only took 15 mins to centre of Manchester and cost £5 return for two people.
The hotel is decorated as most other De Vere's, its personal taste but I find the darker colours very modern and tasteful. Check in is after 3pm, we arrived at 1 and asked if we could check in early and have a quieter room ie not over the bar area. We were offered a room straight away and were very happy with our room. It was spacious, at the front of the hotel (136), decorated well with everything you could need, plus we had a sofa bed. The only thing which would make the room more comfortable is some air con, but I found if leave windows wide open while not in room then is nice and airy when return. I do prefer individual soaps and shower gels in bathroms rathr then a dispenser, but this is again is only a personal taste. As we booked a standard room, I asked to see the "Superior" room to compare - it was right at the back of the hotel through lots of corridors - this section had not been updated to De Vere corporate colours and was the same size room but with 90's yellow walls, not my taste at all - did have a nice view of a river though. Im glad we didnt book this room.
We used the gym which was well equipped and spacious, the pool was a good size and had two lanes for swimmers sectioned off and a kids pool. The jacuzzi, sauna and steam room were very full so didnt get to try them. The female changing rooms were spacious, with hairdryers and a spinner for wet swimmers. You get a towel from spa reception.
The bar area was cosy and served light meals. Yes drinks are rather pricey but so are all hotels! You can take your own bottle(s) with you and staff are happy to provide ice buckets, glasses etc for your room.
The 3 course evening meal was served in the verve, which is a beautiful restaurant. We booked on both nights. We were given two menu's to choose from and the choice was fantastic, the food was of exellent quality and we really enjoyed picking six different foods each to try both nights.
We had a great sleep, comfy bed and pillows - no noise what so ever! The bathroom is compact but has everything you need in it.
Loved the breakfast, I much prefer buffet styles anyway, so can pick what you actually want rather then end up with a plate of certain foods you dont like. I found the food plentiful, hot with a good selection and choice. Starbucks is a good option too.
In summary, all staff were very professional and friendly, the facilities were excellent, we liked the location and very much enjoyed our stay!
The hotel is decorated as most other De Vere's, its personal taste but I find the darker colours very modern and tasteful. Check in is after 3pm, we arrived at 1 and asked if we could check in early and have a quieter room ie not over the bar area. We were offered a room straight away and were very happy with our room. It was spacious, at the front of the hotel (136), decorated well with everything you could need, plus we had a sofa bed. The only thing which would make the room more comfortable is some air con, but I found if leave windows wide open while not in room then is nice and airy when return. I do prefer individual soaps and shower gels in bathroms rathr then a dispenser, but this is again is only a personal taste. As we booked a standard room, I asked to see the "Superior" room to compare - it was right at the back of the hotel through lots of corridors - this section had not been updated to De Vere corporate colours and was the same size room but with 90's yellow walls, not my taste at all - did have a nice view of a river though. Im glad we didnt book this room.
We used the gym which was well equipped and spacious, the pool was a good size and had two lanes for swimmers sectioned off and a kids pool. The jacuzzi, sauna and steam room were very full so didnt get to try them. The female changing rooms were spacious, with hairdryers and a spinner for wet swimmers. You get a towel from spa reception.
The bar area was cosy and served light meals. Yes drinks are rather pricey but so are all hotels! You can take your own bottle(s) with you and staff are happy to provide ice buckets, glasses etc for your room.
The 3 course evening meal was served in the verve, which is a beautiful restaurant. We booked on both nights. We were given two menu's to choose from and the choice was fantastic, the food was of exellent quality and we really enjoyed picking six different foods each to try both nights.
We had a great sleep, comfy bed and pillows - no noise what so ever! The bathroom is compact but has everything you need in it.
Loved the breakfast, I much prefer buffet styles anyway, so can pick what you actually want rather then end up with a plate of certain foods you dont like. I found the food plentiful, hot with a good selection and choice. Starbucks is a good option too.
In summary, all staff were very professional and friendly, the facilities were excellent, we liked the location and very much enjoyed our stay!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk