Holiday Inn Charlottesville-Monticello by IHG

June 2025 We checked in and the room immediately smelled like urine. The hotel's fix was an aerosol spray meant for industrial use. They said there were no other rooms available that night, so we tried to put up with the smell. Then, after one of us shut the bathroom door to shower, we found literal poop on the floor. Only then did they offer a room that had been blocked off for a business account. We declined, asked for our money back, and had to contact management ourselves. In my opinion, the refund should have been automatic, and we weren't otherwise compensated. Avoid this hotel at all costs unless you like a urine-smelling room with a piece of poop in it.

The bed and pillows were comfortable, but the road noise was really loud, which is why I can't give five stars for comfort. I arrived late at the last minute without a reservation, and the front desk agent, Roan, was great. He was very helpful, and I appreciated his kindness.

The rooms were tidy and comfortable, and the hotel is nice with a great location. Staff were helpful, though the lobby was empty for the first ten minutes of our stay. It felt awkward, like everyone might have been locked in a vault somewhere. If sleep is difficult for you, watch out for the super bright bathroom and bedside lights. They practically blind you and chase away any sleepiness. The toilets flush so forcefully they sound like a firecracker going off next to your ear. The bathroom doors roll, too, and rumble loudly whenever they open or close. Shower water pressure was really poor, so that's another downside.

Avoid this place. It's an old Holiday Inn converted without the upgrades you'd expect from an "express." Check-in service was downright abrasive, and the room had a musty smell. One bed frame was broken, with the foot end raised above the head, and I nearly rolled off. On the other bed I could only sleep on the edge because it felt like I might fall in. I went to the restaurant for breakfast, which wasn't complimentary, but no one was there to seat me. On my way back hungry, I saw three people in line. The first person asked if I'd seen anyone from the restaurant. After my experience, it's hard to believe the reviews are so good.