I usually choose Holiday Inn Express because they’re reliable, but this location was a major disappointment. While the location is convenient and prices weren’t bad, the condition of our room was completely unacceptable.
When we pulled out the sofa bed, we found extensive black mold under the pullout mattress. While I can understand if an unused mattress had moisture damage over time, what is inexcusable is the fact that we also found mold on one of the comforters on the queen bed. That indicates complacency on the part of hotel staff and a serious lapse in cleanliness. A room in this condition should never have been rented out.
The bathroom was also in poor shape: the shower leaked water all over the floor, there was visible rot on the bathroom door, the bathtub was dented, and the drain was heavily corroded (photos attached).
Breakfast was well stocked, but the food quality was disappointing — cheap cinnamon rolls, powdered eggs, and not enough fresh fruit options. The pancake machine (the one thing our kids were most excited about) was broken.
On a positive note, the outdoor pools and Jacuzzi were pleasant, and my kids enjoyed swimming for hours. The pool seemed heated (maybe from the Florida heat), which was nice. Unfortunately, the pool deck was littered with empty beer cans and smelled strongly of beer, which made the environment feel neglected.
Additionally, some staff members had limited English skills, which created barriers when we tried to get problems addressed. While they were polite, communication gaps made it difficult to resolve issues effectively.
Overall, this was a 1-star experience. Mold in the room, poor upkeep, and lack of cleanliness are unacceptable. I will not be staying at this location again, and I recommend that IHG take a serious look at management and maintenance practices here.