Holiday Inn Express Columbus Downtown by IHG

The nearby food was a nice bonus. We really liked Local Cantina Brewery, Arepazo, and First Watch. Inside, the rooms were generally clean, though one smelled like smoke when we arrived. We told the staff and they moved us right away, which I appreciated. Breakfast was solid and the staff were great to interact with. The elevator ran slowly, so we usually took the stairs, but it wasn't a big problem. I had a pleasant stay and would recommend it.

The location is great, which makes it even more frustrating that the hotel is run so badly. I’ve stayed here many times, but this was my last visit. Breakfast used to be a reason to choose it, but there was no orange juice or bacon this time. The halls and shared areas were filthy, the rooms were beat up, and my carpet had stains. My iron was broken, too. It felt nasty from top to bottom, with poor management and little oversight from IHG.

Check-in was quick, and the location is a real plus: right off the highway in German Village, a cute neighborhood with plenty nearby. You can walk around, or take an easy bus ride downtown or to Short North. For one night, the hotel did the basic job, though it’s about the lowest level I’d personally choose. The room looked clean, but the whole place, including the lobby, smelled strongly of cleaning chemicals, and our room smelled like bleach. A trash bag sat outside our room for hours. The elevator was slow, the room felt dated, the carpet was worn, and the bed was only average. It was bearable for a night, but I probably wouldn’t return.

There are lots of coffee shops and a cool bookstore nearby, and the location is great. Every staff interaction was amazing. Everyone was eager to help, and I couldn’t have picked a better hotel.