Holiday Inn Express and Suites Allentown Cen Dorne

The room was great, but the common areas were lacking. The breakfast space was tiny, there was only one elevator, and there was no guest laundry. First floor rooms weren’t desirable either, since maid carts were prepared in the hallway every morning and public restrooms were next to the guest rooms. During our four day stay, there was absolutely no air conditioning in the lobby or breakfast area. It was hot as an oven each time we came in, and eating breakfast there was out of the question. We just grabbed what we could and took it to the room. I’d never stay here again.

I was in a suite with a kitchenette for six nights. The hotel was decent for the price and in a nice area with access to most things I needed, but I’d give Service 2/5. The first issue was on my second night, when I told the young man at the front desk my safe wasn’t working and the batteries might be dead. He said it was a housekeeping matter, not his job, and I should tell them myself in the morning. I expect the front desk to be my main contact. He could have taken a note and said he’d let housekeeping know. I know I interrupted whatever he was watching on his phone, but he could’ve shown a bit more cheer and better customer service. Then on my last night, we ran out of the water we’d bought, so I went to the lobby just before midnight. The posted fridge price sheet listed the big Smart Water bottles at $6, so I took two to the young lady working late Monday, 9/29. She charged me $21.20. When I asked, she said they were $10 and that the posted $6 price was for smaller Dasani bottles. I pointed out the sheet said “Smart,” but it was close to midnight and my wife was thirsty, so I left it. The next morning, a young man said Smart Water was $6. I told him the woman had charged me $10 each and that I’d paid $20 for two. He was shocked, then said he hadn’t been there and didn’t know if I could be lying when I asked if I could take a third bottle, since I’d paid $8 extra. I’m waiting to see if IHG sends me a survey so I can share this with management. Otherwise, I’ll email corporate directly.

A very nice stop along the way. The beds and bedding were comfortable, everything was very clean, and the staff were courteous and professional. Breakfast had tasty, fresh and healthy options.

The rooms were pretty standard, though there were some questionable stains on the carpet. But what I witnessed was unbelievable: twice in less than 24 hours, groups were given keys to rooms that already had people in one and belongings in another. The first time I thought it was an accident, but then it happened again.