Holiday Inn Southend, an IHG Hotel

First time staying at this hotel definitely be staying again. Very clean with friendly staff

What was intended to be a sacred celebration of our anniversary was repeatedly disrespected and diminished by the hotel’s service failures and an undeniable atmosphere of exclusion. Specifically: • At check-in, we were incorrectly told our room was paid for — a careless mistake only corrected after I insisted on a second verification. • Our confirmed room booking was questioned and mishandled, causing unnecessary confusion. • Dietary requests were ignored — dairy milk was served after a clear request for almond milk, disregarding health and personal boundaries. • There were repeated micro aggressions and visible discrimination based on both race and sexuality, creating an environment that felt neither safe nor welcoming. . A room attendant opening the door before knocking. • Attempts to order room service were discouraged, adding to a growing sense of being unwanted. • Our room was not cleaned despite requesting service while we were out. • Basic amenities such as the refrigerator were broken and unresolved. This series of disrespectful actions and oversights made it abundantly clear that inclusivity and guest care are not practiced values at Holiday Inn Southend — they are merely advertised ones. It is unacceptable that in 2025, paying guests should have to experience discrimination, gaslighting, and neglect. We deserved better. The establishment failed not only to meet the basic standards of hospitality but failed to honour the dignity of your guests.

Had a fantastic stay here before an early flight. Lovely room with everything we needed. Didn’t eat here but restaurant was good value according to the menu on display. Friendly check in and out. Cleanliness was top notch. Fantastic bathroom with extras.

Very nice, friendly staff

Very good value for money, comfortable and clean

Helpful friendly staff Clean fresh hotel and room Good selection of toiletries Good shower Room has everything you need Spacious room Good affordable price

Stayed for just one night and everything was excellent from moment arrived to the moment we checked out.Had breakfast which was excellent and room was very nice with lovely beds If I did have a small complaint it would be maybe a small fridge would’ve gone down well

Ideal airport hotel

Great view of airport from restaurant but had not picked up on my request fpr a window seat

The bed needs moving from the wall

Love this hotel. Very clean. Staff extremely helpful.

The trip started been asked for ID when i was paying for parking as well never been asked for ID here then the shower did not work this morning BUT i really have to say the very nice lady on reception dark hair with pony tail was so nice so helpful sorted a shower in another room offered to sort meal next visit so so lovely of them

Excellent stay, very clean, comfortable room. Staff very friendly and helpful.

Deff best so far

Excellent stay, staff friendly and helpful

Despite having paid in full for my stay, I was refused check-in on short notice due to an ID requirement that wasn't clearly communicated at the time of booking. To make matters worse, Hotel.com initially refused to refund me, only to later acknowledge that they were indeed in the wrong—which speaks volumes about the lack of transparency in this hotel's policies. The hotel staff, Anthony and Charles, insisted on scanning my ID using a photocopier, which serves no legitimate legal purpose and raises serious concerns about their data handling practices. The lack of clear policy regarding ID requirements for UK residents is unacceptable. Nowhere in the booking confirmation or Hotel.com’s "Check-in and special instructions" section does it indicate that ID is mandatory for all guests, only that the minimum check-in age is 18. This raises serious concerns—if I had lost my ID on the way to the hotel, would I have been turned away in the same abrupt and dismissive manner, despite having already paid in full? It seems that, without clear guidance, guests are left at the mercy of arbitrary enforcement of policies that should have been outlined beforehand. I was left searching for alternative accommodation at 12am midnight due to their refusal. This experience has completely shattered my confidence in Holiday Inn Southend and IHG hotels in general. If you value transparency, professionalism, and helpful service, I strongly recommend booking elsewhere.

Great food. Great staff Rooms too hot

Fantastic hotel. Easy to find. Easy parking. Ingela on reception was very welcoming. Room spacious & impeccably clean. Quiet & comfortable room. Room service lovely. Couldn't have been better

Good hotel. I would use again.

I stay here for work on average once a month and the service and welcome is consistently high every time.