Holiday Inn Express Columbia by IHG

Breakfast was hot and fresh, and they were cleaning everything first thing in the morning, so the place smelled fresh and clean. We mostly just needed a good night’s sleep, and the bed was clean and comfortable. The room itself was clean for the most part. The chair was dirty, though I didn’t use it, and there was still hair in the bathtub. I only took one picture. This Holiday Inn was okay.

The front desk staff were really nice, and it was only his second day, but he seemed to know what was going on. It’s also easy to get to I-65 and Columbia, and breakfast was about what you’d expect at a Holiday Inn. The room problems, though, were awful. I know renovations are underway, but a lot could be fixed without them. I’d be embarrassed to charge full price for a room dirtier than many $80-a-night hotels I’ve stayed in. There was mold anywhere there was caulk, and the bathroom ceiling was starting to show mold. It looked like one ceiling patch had already been replaced. A tile was loose enough to trip over, the carpets were stained, and a wall patch from what seemed like a previous guest hadn’t been repainted. The repair looked like an amateur job, even one I could do. The doors and furniture were mostly fine, though some spots showed a lot of wear. The AC’s automatic setting was broken too. Not a big deal at this time of year, but it showed the lack of maintenance.

The pool was nice and relaxing, and breakfast had the best sausage links I’ve had in a while. The cook gets them just right. Mrs. Jo on the morning breakfast staff goes out of her way to get you what you need and keeps the place spotless. It’s a nice, clean hotel, and that breakfast service is what sets it apart.

Getting on and off I65 was easy. The lobby and breakfast area were nice, and of course we love the cinnamon rolls. The rooms need updating and a bit of repair, and it looks like renovations had started. This was the only HIE we’ve stayed at that didn’t have hot chocolate or coffee creamer.