Holiday Inn Express London - Golders Green (A406)

The staff were lovely, and the soundproofing worked well. Even with a family and baby in the next room, we didn't hear a thing, and the busy north circular nearby didn't disturb us. The nearest tube takes a bus ride to reach, but buses come often and the stop is right outside. With free parking and a short drive from the M1, it's easy to get in and out if you're coming from the north. We stayed for 2nights, one adult and 2 teens, and found it great value for a family. The room was clean and spacious enough, breakfast was good, and the sofa bed was surprisingly comfy despite how it looked.

That pull-out sofa was really uncomfortable and sagged in the middle, so we ended up putting its mattress on the floor. The main bed, though, was very comfy. Staff at reception, in the restaurant, and at the bar were so friendly and helpful, always willing to do what they could. Breakfast was tasty with lots of choice. I just would've liked tinned tomatoes.

Breakfast was the bright spot for us, with a decent variety and some kosher options. I also drank what felt like my weight in hot chocolate. The room had a ceiling leak on our first night. They repaired it the next day, but a wet patch remained for the rest of our stay, and the damp carpet smelled off. This didn't feel up to the usual Holiday Inn Express standard, at least compared with the US. We ate at the hotel the first night and wouldn't recommend it, since there are nicer places within walking distance for similar prices. Parking is limited, especially if there's an event on. The nearest tube station is a little over a mile away, so another hotel nearer a station might suit you better.

We paid £104 for the room, and on our late check-in found a strong urine smell and two large wet-feeling stains on the carpet. Reception came up after we complained, but said the hotel was full and couldn't move us. They gave us a Febreze bottle, so we had to sleep with that awful smell. When we checked out and complained again in the morning, dealing with it took 30minutes. While we waited, two other guests raised issues about incorrect billing and bed bugs. The receptionist wasn't helpful, and the manager's offer of a 20% discount didn't feel sufficient after the room we'd slept in. Breakfast was crowded with too few tables, so we had to clean one ourselves to make space. I wouldn't go back. It was a bad experience with Holiday Inn Express.