IN JUNE of 1971 The Post House Swindon in Marlborough Road opened amid great fanfare.

The best part of five decades later, the interior of what is now a Holiday Inn has been modernised many times.

The exterior of the main building has changed rather less, and is clearly recognisable on the front of a publicity brochure issued by Trust House Motor Hotels 46 years ago.

Kept in our files ever since, it proclaims: “This brand new motor hotel is well situated to the South-East of the town centre close to the roundabout where the A345 Marlborough Road and the A419 Hungerford/Newbury Road leave Swindon, and is 2 ½ miles from Exit Point 15 off the new section of the M4 which is currently under construction.”

The brochure included photos and descriptions of the facilities. Rooms were said to be of international standard, which in 1971 seems to have entailed providing candlewick bedspreads, free-standing TV sets with integral magazine racks and large headboard-mounted wall telephones.

Potential guests were told: “If you are rushing to keep a business appointment, but feel you cannot survive without a good meal first – you can be sure of a quick efficient service in the Buttery.

“Open throughout the day until late evening for meals or snacks, the Buttery and its adjoining bar have a lively décor illustrating different aspects of the cinema, ranging from the early silent comedies to modern epic films.

“But if eating is one of your favourite hobbies, choose the Restaurant for lunch or dinner, where you can select from an interesting selection of dishes complemented by an excellent wine list.”

The hotel boasted not only 103 bedrooms but also conference facilities in the form of the Dorcan room, which could accommodate 90 people for meetings and 68 for dinner parties.

A single room with a bathroom cost £4.50 per night and a double £5.50. Additional adults sharing paid 50p, while up to two children aged under 12 could be accommodated for a total of 30p.

Booking could be done by writing to the company’s head office in High Holborn and by calling 01 836 4276.

More technologically advanced customers could use Telex teletype machines to reserve their rooms.