Holiday Inn Express & Suites Charlotte Arpt-Belmont by IHG

A few simple things made for a lovely couple of days near Charlotte: the staff were neatly dressed, the front desk was friendly, the area was clean, and breakfast choices were well stocked. I'd definitely stay here again.

The elevator key requirement they added as an "upgrade" is a terrible idea, and the place feels like a nightmare now. I used to think of it as a nice hotel that felt like home. I've stayed here several times a year for 5-6 years, and before the remodel and expansion the staff were nice, the rooms were clean, and I had no issues. Since then, it's been a huge letdown. The newer women I've dealt with on my last three stays were miserable and rude. The ice machines are almost always broken. On my latest visit, November 14-16, there was debris all over the floor, tables, and bench, and the fridge barely kept anything cool. It's a shame because it's so close to my brother's house, but I'll probably have to stay farther away from now on.

I got up, dressed, and left once I'd had enough. Housekeeping on the third floor woke me at 7 a.m., slamming doors, banging carts and laundry bins into walls and the elevator, and shouting down the hall to each other. I couldn't even call the front desk to complain because the room phone didn't work. A tired traveler needs a good night's sleep. If that's what you're after, don't stay here. I'll never come back.

The check-in staff were nice, but the price isn't justified. I paid around $200 a night through the IHG website for a room that looked only partly updated: half-painted bathroom, drywall and ceiling coming apart, and dirty, splashed furniture. The elevator felt sketchy, too. I've stayed in two of these hotels a week, and this one ranks second to last for me. I left feeling gross. It was more like Motel 8 quality than Holiday Inn Express.