Holiday Inn Express & Suites - North Carmel / Westfield by IHG

The stairs were very clean and nicely done, which was useful because the single elevator was difficult to use when the hotel was full. Just two exits north there’s a new Holiday Inn Express, which may be a better choice. We booked because we trusted IHG, but this old hotel felt like a pig with lipstick: white paint and new furniture over dirt, mold, sloping floors, a jerky elevator, a poor breakfast, bugs, and peeling ceilings. I’m surprised IHG lets it keep the name.

The building is an old Comfort Suites that’s been renovated and reflagged. It has fresh paint, but still feels dated. The room had large, modern grey furniture, and the location was quiet and safe, backing onto a park. Housekeeping had left some stains and tears in the sheets, and a few corners weren’t properly cleaned. The only ice was on the main floor. Coffee was freshly ground, though nothing special. The room lighting was harsh, with LED bedside fixtures instead of the soft light from traditional lamps. Most frustrating, the Wi-Fi wouldn’t connect on either my phone or laptop. I got a good rate through super.com, but wouldn’t pay the regular price.

Check-in went smoothly and the front desk person was nice, but couldn’t explain where our room was, only saying the floors were different and they weren’t sure how that floor was laid out. The room was large and had plenty of storage, but needs a proper cleaning and some repairs before things get worse. All three shower bottles contained conditioner. Maybe someone thought that was funny?

We had two rooms, and neither reflected well on this worn-out, dirty Holiday Inn. One had a door that looked as if someone had broken in and that wouldn’t close easily or properly. In the other, the carpet was coming up. One room had no couch, just a tiny bench, and both bathrooms looked dirty. I have pictures of the room I stayed in. We stay at IHG hotels often, but I’ll avoid this property in the future and recommend you do the same.