The hotel is on a bypass, so is away from the town centre. This makes it easier to find, but there are few amenities nearby. HOWEVER, there are a Toby Carvery, a McDonalds and a Chinese restaurant all very close by - the McDonalds was right next door, which was very convenient when you have a fussy 9 year old to feed. There is a restaurant in the hotel, but to be honest, the prices are expensive and the menu isn't inspiring. At £12.50 for a burger and fries, we ate elsewhere. But that was the only downside to the hotel.
We had the buffet breakfast, which was excellent and very varied. The breakfast staff were absolutely wonderful and very helpful. Likewise, the reception staff were also very friendly and welcoming as well as being efficient. Checking in and out didn't take very long.
The room was spacious and well-furnished, though the views were never going to be amazing (on a bypass, remember). Lovely big fluffy towels, warm duvets, two pillows on each bed and properly comfortable mattresses. I am a heavy lady and have had a few trips ruined by uncomfortable beds. These were excellent.
I felt it was an excellent hotel for the price and would happily recommend it to anyone else. And if the Mercure management are reading this, please pat your staff on the back - they are getting everything right, especially breakfast.
