Premier Inn Thurrock East – Premier Plus Room Review (Pre-Cruise Stay)

Ahead of our recent cruise from Tilbury, we chose to stay at the Premier Inn Thurrock East and opted for one of their Premier Plus rooms. For just £12 more than the standard rate, the upgrade felt like excellent value. The room itself was clean and contemporary, with thoughtful design touches that gave it a more boutique feel than you’d expect from a budget chain. A wall-mounted television set against a decorative slatted panel, ambient lighting, and a dedicated seating area with a modern bench and brass floor lamp all contributed to a sense of comfort and style.

The Premier Plus extras made a difference too: a mini-fridge, Nespresso machine with pods, complimentary bottled water, upgraded toiletries, and plenty of charging points including USB sockets and the Ultimate Wi-Fi package included as standard. These are small details, but they add up to a more relaxed and practical stay, especially when preparing for a holiday. Whilst Premier Inn doesn’t claim to be luxury, this room compared favourably to many hotels that do, and often charge considerably more for the privilege.

Dining is straightforward, with a Brewers Fayre restaurant next door offering reliable options for dinner and breakfast. Parking is also easy to manage: £7.50 for 24 hours, payable on departure with a voucher provided by reception. 

The location works well for cruise travellers, with the London Cruise Terminal at Tilbury around 15-20 minutes’ drive away, and Lakeside Shopping Centre less than 5 minutes' drive for any last-minute essentials (or Christmas shopping as in our case)

Overall, the Premier Plus room at Thurrock East delivered comfort, convenience, and value. It’s not about indulgence, but about starting your holiday feeling refreshed without unnecessary expense. For anyone driving to Tilbury before a cruise, it’s a sensible choice that balances practicality with a touch of extra comfort.

I’m Rich Rochester, a travel specialist and franchise owner with GoCruise & Travel. As a CLIA Ambassador and ABTA/ATOL‑protected member, I bring decades of first‑hand experience across more than 40 cruises on 15 different lines. My role is to make travel personal, matching the right journey to each client’s style, whether that’s a family holiday, a luxury escape, or an expedition adventure.

Map of Thurrock East













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