Holiday Inn Express & Suites Austin NW - Lakeline by IHG

The location is a big plus, right across the street from a mall. The best feature for families is the suite layout, with two separate rooms and two TVs, so parents and kids can have their own spaces. The place itself feels old and is starting to look worn. I stayed in a two-queen room, and the bathroom outlets didn't work.

The Wi-Fi kept cutting out during our stay, and that knocked out the TV too, which made it harder for my family to relax in the room. Breakfast was another frustration. At 9:15 a.m. the attendant said it was closed, even though it was meant to run until 9:30; she eventually let us in, but nearly all the food was gone. There was no bread, bagels, muffins, bacon, or eggs, just packaged oatmeal, cold water for it, and juice. Even guests who had already started eating couldn't get seconds. The next morning, the cook put out only around a dozen pieces of bacon at a time, so people had to queue for more. The eggs were burnt, the biscuits inedible, and the pancake mix had run out. This was far below what we expected, and I hope management fixes these problems.

There was no hot water in the morning, so I couldn't shower. I expect a well-known hotel to be able to deal with something like a faulty water heater. The booking agent had been very helpful when I called to reserve, which is why I gave two stars instead of one. Afterward, they called and gave me a partial refund. They're alright.

The breakfast was good, and the woman working the bar was great. The hot tub, though, was closed off with a rope. The rooms felt badly worn, and there was an old, mildew smell throughout the hotel. For what they charge, I wouldn't call it a good stay.