Premier Inn Taunton Central North Hotel Taunton

So, you’re off to Taunton. Maybe for work, maybe to visit the cricket ground, or perhaps you just really, really love a good service station. Whatever brings you to the heart of Somerset, you’re probably thinking: where on earth do I sleep?

Enter the Premier Inn Taunton Central North Hotel. It’s a mouthful of a name, isn’t it? Sounds like a medieval castle, but with more free Wi-Fi and fewer moats.

Let’s get real. You’re not booking this place for a romantic getaway. You’re booking it because you want a bed, a bathroom, and a kettle that doesn’t look like it’s seen a war. And honestly? That’s exactly what you get.

Location, Location, and… a Car Park

First things first: this isn’t in the town centre. I know, shocker. But that’s actually the secret.

It’s tucked away near the M5, just off the A38. You’re a five-minute drive from the town centre, and about the same from some very handy retail parks. If you want a 24-hour Tesco and a Costa Coffee within a stone’s throw, you’ve hit the jackpot.

The hotel itself has a massive free car park. I’m talking acres of tarmac. You could park a convoy of clown cars there. So if you hate paying for parking (and who doesn’t?), you’re already winning.

The Room: A Shrine to Sleep

Walk into the room, and it’s like stepping into a beige, comforting hug. It’s not trying to be a boutique hotel. There’s no ironic artwork or a strange lamp shaped like a giraffe.

What you get is the famous Hypnos bed. And yes, it’s as good as everyone says. You will sink into it like a marshmallow into hot chocolate. I once fell asleep there before I finished my email to the front desk.

The bathroom is small but mighty. The shower pressure is aggressive, which I personally love. It’s the kind of shower that makes you feel like you’re being power-washed after a long day. Heaven.

The Breakfast: A Moral Dilemma

Should you get the breakfast? Ah, the eternal question. Let me break it down for you.

They do the “all-you-can-eat” buffet. The full English is, well, exactly what you expect. Sausages that are a little suspicious, bacon that’s either crispy or floppy (no in-between), and eggs that are… eggs. It’s reliable.

But the real star is the pancake machine. Yes, an actual machine that makes pancakes in front of you. It feels like magic. Or like you’re in a sci-fi film. Either way, you’ll eat three of them.

Pro tip: grab a coffee from the machine. It’s hot, it’s free (with breakfast), and it’s exactly 37% better than instant. Don’t ask how I measured that.

The Staff: Unreasonably Cheerful

I don’t know what they feed the staff at Premier Inn, but they are always smiling. It’s almost suspicious. “Good morning! Sleep well? Need anything?” they chirp at 7am.

It’s lovely, but it also makes you feel like you should have your life more together. You’re in your pyjamas, hair looking like a startled badger, and they’re offering you a warm croissant with genuine enthusiasm. Heroes, the lot of them.

The Quieter Side of Taunton

Worried you’ll be woken by traffic from the M5? Don’t be. The windows are surprisingly good. It’s like sleeping in a soundproof bubble.

You’ll hear the occasional seagull having a existential crisis outside, but that’s Somerset for you. Very quiet after 10pm.

If you’re visiting for work, the desk in the room is fine. It’s a little small for a full spreadsheet war, but big enough for a laptop and a cuppa. The Wi-Fi is free and fast enough to watch Netflix without buffering. I tried. For science.

The “North” in the Name

Why “Central North”? Honestly, I think they just wanted to sound important. It’s really just the North side of Taunton. But it sounds more impressive, right?

You’re close to Vivary Park, which is lovely for a morning walk if you’re feeling virtuous. Or you can just walk to the pub next door. The hotel shares a building with a Beefeater restaurant. Yes, a steakhouse and a hotel in one.

This is dangerously convenient. One minute you’re checking in. The next, you’re eating a giant burger and chips, wondering where your life went. No judgment.

Is It Worth It?

Look, I’m not going to lie and say it’s a five-star palace. It isn’t. But it’s a perfect three-star experience for a very good price.

You get what you pay for: a clean room, a great bed, and staff who actually care. There’s no pool, no spa, no butler named Nigel. But do you really need a butler when you have a pancake machine?

If you’re passing through Taunton for a gig, a wedding, or a cricket match, this is your spot. Book it. Sleep in. Eat a silly amount of pancakes. You’ve earned it.

Just don’t forget to bring a sense of humour. And maybe a second pillow. The ones here are flat, but hey, nothing’s perfect. Right?