The survey, which took place in July 2019, asked 8,197 Which? subscribers and members of the public to complete an online survey about their experience of staying in small and large UK hotel chains over the past 12 months.
The results were based on 8,388 hotel stays. To be considered a chain hotel, the group must have a minimum of five UK properties.
Popular choice
Which? said JDW was a ‘surprise contender’ and customers raved about the ‘outstanding value for money’ and its central locations in ‘sympathetically converted’ period buildings.
Guests also commented on the company’s ‘huge stylish rooms’, earning it a full five stars in the bedroom quality category and a 79% customer score overall.
The group, which has prices as low as £39 for a one-night stay and £5 extra for breakfast across its 63 sites with rooms, topped the list alongside Premier Inn – the reigning champion for the past four years.
However, JDW narrowly missed out on becoming a ‘Which? Recommended Provider’ because it only received three stars in the survey for its cleanliness.
First-class condition
JDW spokesman Eddie Gershon said: “We are delighted Which? has voted JDW as the joint best hotel chain.
“Staff ensure our hotel rooms are always clean and in first-class condition at all times. We take on board the comment from Which?.”
Premier Inn also received a 79% customer score and guests continued to praise the reliable, consistently clean, comfortable and affordable chain.
Which? travel editor Rory Boland said: “If you’re looking for a cheap and cheerful stay in the centre of town, you would be better off choosing the ever-reliable Premier Inn or a JDW Hotel, where even paying extra for breakfast, you can expect extraordinarily good value for money.”
