The on-site restaurant, Oliver’s, sounds like it should be run by a grumpy uncle, but it’s actually pleasant. The menu is full of comfort food—think burgers, curries, and the kind of chips that make you forget you’re eating in front of a busy roundabout. I once had a steak there that was cooked so perfectly, I almost asked the server if they moonlighted at a Michelin-star place.
Breakfast is a solid “yes”. The self-service hot buffet has those little sausages that snap when you bite them, and the scrambled eggs are actually creamy, not rubbery like they’ve been sitting under a heat lamp since 1995. There’s even a toaster that doesn’t set fire to the toast, which is the mark of a truly civilized establishment.
The Location: A1, But Make It Cozy
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room—or rather, the giant tarmacked elephant outside. The hotel sits right off the A1(M) at Junction 36, which sounds like a recipe for sleepless nights. But strangely, the double glazing is so good that you hear nothing. I’m pretty sure you could host a heavy metal concert in the car park, and your room would still feel like a library for introverts.
It’s also surprisingly close to Doncaster town centre, although unless you desperately need to see a horse race or a big shopping centre, you probably won’t leave the car park. That’s the beauty of it—it’s a destination unto itself, a little bubble of comfort where the biggest decision is whether to get the curry or the burger for dinner.
Holiday Inn Doncaster A1 (M), JCT.36 | Doncaster Accommodation
