Holiday Inn Auburn-Finger Lakes Region by IHG

The atrium was the real highlight for me. I visited in December during a snowstorm, but the balconies open onto this fully indoor space, so you can step outside your room year-round. It's open and inviting, with a swimming pool, and easily the property's best feature. I just wish there were chairs on the balconies or in good spots to sit and enjoy it. Check-in was smooth, though I got mixed information about parking. The clerk said I could park in back, but when I drove around I found a note saying the large rear doors didn't work. I went back to tell him, and he seemed surprised. Staff communication could be better, since guests end up relaying information one team member hasn't passed along. I booked a one-night stop on my way to a ski trip in Vermont, using a free night, so value wasn't a big concern. My room had a king bed and a daybed that pulled out further, with space for up to four. It was large, had a roomy closet that fit my big checked suitcase, and the beds were comfortable. Everything worked as it should. The decor was memorable in a pretty funny way. The furniture didn't match, from the different bedside tables and lamps to the headboard and the unrelated pieces by the TV. It felt like a mix-and-match experiment. There was also a sink under a shelf in a spot I couldn't make sense of, plus pink ceilings and curtains, which caught me off guard for a Holiday Inn. The room was comfortable and functional, but its unusual look is hard to forget.

The main reason I'm writing is that I wish we'd been told a cage fighting event was happening during our stay. I'm not against those events or the people who enjoy them, but the crowds were loud, parking for returning guests was unavailable, and hotel spaces were being used for the event. Since I booked directly and said I was bringing my two granddaughters for a nearby dance workshop, I expected to know in advance. We had encouraged friends to stay too, hoping the kids could spend time together after the workshop. I'd promised them an evening swim, but the pool area had been turned into a bar with food service and boxing setups. It wasn't appropriate for children. The hallways were crowded, the atmosphere chaotic, and parking was nearly impossible until after 9:30 PM. This is a smaller hotel marketed as family-friendly, and if I'd known, I would have booked somewhere else. The weekend was more stressful than it should have been, and the experience has made me reconsider where I'll book. If traveling with children, I'd ask about scheduled events, especially if you plan to use the pool or shared spaces. There were also problems with the room. We were told we'd been upgraded, which I appreciated, but the clean room was dated and had a noticeable mildew smell. I couldn't tell if it came from the HVAC or furniture. The trundle bed had no bedding, even though the reservation listed two children. I had to request sheets, a blanket, and a pillow, then make it myself. The sink drain was rusting, and the shower was difficult to adjust, spraying water onto the floor. These weren't things I wanted to make a scene over, but they weren't what I expect from a Holiday Inn. I've stayed at many hotels, including Holiday Inns, and usually had positive experiences. I rarely leave negative reviews, but this one left me disappointed. I wanted a fun, relaxing weekend with my granddaughters.

The pool area was busy, which I actually enjoyed, and I'll be back after a great stay. The staff were helpful and respectful throughout, and the Wi-Fi worked well. I liked the TV setup, too.

The staff were all really nice, and parking was convenient, with enough entrances that I was never far from one. My room was large and clean, though the halls and elevator were dusty and could use more cleaning. Some rooms have balconies over the pool, which is nice when it's cold, but you may hear some noise now and then. The pool itself was a little too cold. The breakfast cost $13 and was a bit cold: sausage, French toast sticks, cheesy eggs, cereal, and bagels. I wouldn't recommend it unless it were free. The EV chargers in the lot were very expensive, at 69 cents per kWh for 10 kW charging and over 80 cents for 200 kW charging.