Holiday Inn Express & Suites Asheville SW - Outlet Ctr Area by IHG

By the second night, we were ready to leave. After going downstairs around 10:30 pm for tea, my friend got hot water but I only managed to get about an inch. The front desk was empty, which seemed to happen often at night. Housekeeping had again left a messy stack of towels, with no beds made and the full trash bins still there. Earlier in the stay we’d let the same towel pile and unemptied garbage slide, since the bins weren’t full and we didn’t need the beds made. But it happened again when the trash was full. Breakfast was another letdown. They’d run out of biscuits and were nearly out of gravy, then replenished them after we said something. The biscuits were still raw in the middle. Staff agreed there was a problem but left them out, so we chose something else. The afternoon coffee station also had no decaf at all, not just an empty pot. Check-in was abrupt too. We were handed our cards and room number with a quick “here you go,” and had to ask where to go. I usually like staying at Holiday Inn, but this visit fell well short of what I expected.

The balcony was a fun surprise, since this was my first time staying at an H.I.E. with one. I slept amazingly well in a room that felt cozy, clean, and very comfortable. Breakfast had plenty to choose from, and the staff gave us top shelf service. I’d definitely recommend this location.

Breakfast was the hardest part of our overnight stay. The lobby was packed, more than 30 people were waiting in a line that stretched halfway out, and the food trays stayed empty. It looked like only two staff members were trying to keep up, and the whole thing felt stressful for guests and workers. Our 2-queen room was clean and roomy, and the brick walkway outside gives the property some charm. There was a stained carpet, though, and just a mini fridge, which wouldn’t suit a longer visit. It was okay for one night, but I wouldn’t choose it for an extended stay or if breakfast matters to you.

The beds and hot shower were the only real highlights. On the first night our TV wouldn’t work. A young woman from the front desk came up to help, but couldn’t get it fixed. She said she was working alone, which didn’t seem safe for such a young employee. Someone repaired it the next morning after we asked. Breakfast was frustrating too. There were no napkins, and when we asked, the man working there said it would take a while and seemed agitated. The next morning there was no decaf coffee, and the orange juice tasted watered down compared with the day before, so we ate elsewhere. This was easily my worst IHG experience. I’d give the hotel a C-minus, and we won’t be back.