Sorry guys, very long review to follow…If you’re looking for a Yes No recommendation. Its a yes from us. Do it, book now, you won’t regret it.
We used Holiday Inn Southend for our wedding on the 25th July 2021. Having been to a wedding fayre in January 2020 we initially booked for our wedding to take place on the 23rd July 2020 and fell in love with the venue when we walked in! At an amazing price, we had our perfect wedding planned.
Then COVID struck! And we had to move the date which was done without any issues whatsoever. At some stage we had decided to get married in a registry office and then have this event as a renewal ceremony when the restrictions left, this was January 2021. The team at holiday inn were extremely easy to speak to and happy to change. Then COVID struck again and ruled out registry weddings unless you were on your death bed. So another change was required! I think by this count it was about the 6th time of changing and we finally got married on the 25th July 2021.
Three days before our wedding, we had six people drop out due to COVID therefore our menus, table plans, set up etc all needed to be changed to the new guests. What can I say, they met our needs immediately and changed them all. (We had 16 children at our wedding … if that’s anything to go by) We also added three vegans to our guest lists, so the chef kindly accommodated for this with a large selection of choices for the guests.
At every step of our journey, the team at the holiday inn were more than helpful and friendly. Couldn’t do enough for us to make our day as perfect as it could be.
Now onto the wedding day itself. One word sums it up, Perfection.
Sue, our coordinator was there before the ceremony to make sure everything was ready for our day. Keeping in touch with the bride and wedding party prior to the ceremony. Coordinating our interviews with the registrars etc. Then finding time within our schedule to allow for me and my new wife to go off site with photographers before our wedding breakfast and kept the guests entertained.
Sharon & her team behind the bar were fantastic. Kept the drinks flowing, bubbly personality and nice and chatty to keep us all in the party mood.
The food….Wow.
It had been such a long time since our wedding tasters we had forgotten just how nice they were. Melt in mouth gammon, mouth watering chicken. Need I continue. The food portions were massive and tasted incredible.
Then onto the room … blimey. Being nosey, I made sure to look in everyone’s room at one stage or another – we had 6 rooms booked with a last minute change on the day which was handled smoothly. All of them were immaculately clean and spacious with all the bits and pieces you need for a night away from home. Our room however, the Superior upgrade was out of this world.
Roll top bath enough for two … (proven), rainforest walk in shower and dual sinks in the bathroom, king size bed, two seater sofa, 2 arm chairs and table. TV and not forgetting the extremely large windows with a perfect view of the airport – seeing planes taking off and landing at the airport from the comfort of your bedroom on your wedding night was out of this world. Not forgetting the complimentary and very thoughtful chilled bottle of champagne and card waiting for us in the room by the staff at the Holiday Inn.
Not a single fault to be found anywhere.
So much so, we are returning for a night tomorrow !!
Sue, Hayley, Laura, Sarah, Louise, Sharon, Tom(Sorry if this isn’t your name i was slightly inebriated when i spoke to you on our wedding day) All the bar staff, Head Chef, cleaners, Reception and Events team and absolutely anyone I’ve missed from the Holiday Inn Southend. Thank you for everything.
5 stars is all I can leave, but you deserve so much more.
Thank you.
Mr & Mrs Ambrose