Holiday Inn Express Crystal River by IHG

When our next place to stay unexpectedly fell through, I called General Manager Chale Salzmann in a panic. She helped arrange a longer stay after she'd already helped set up our first one for me and my two dogs. The care she showed, along with the kindness of the whole staff, meant a lot during a really stressful time. The hotel and rooms were very clean, without strong fragrances. We also liked the hot breakfast, comfortable beds, and the excellent setup for pets, including a very large outdoor area.

Tatum has been so pleasant, from our call after booking through meeting her in person. Her voice is like hearing Angels sing ❤️, and she has a gift from God. The room was very clean, and this is a nice place with plenty to do nearby. My husband and I are originally from Florida but now live in Georgia, so it's close to my family when we visit. We'll definitely come back. Tatum would make an excellent Manager.

The clean sheets and towels had no unpleasant smell, the bathroom was in good shape, and the amenities seemed new. Still, it took two room changes to find one without a urine or musty odor, and the toilet seat in the room we kept hadn't been cleaned properly. Housekeeping was polite, but didn't resolve it when we asked, so we cleaned it ourselves. We chose this hotel because we wanted a pet-free place, which tends to have less room odor. The Holiday Inn Express description didn't mention pets, but apparently you can bring one for $30. I have nothing against pets or their owners; I just prefer hotels that don't allow animals. The listing should say clearly that this one is pet-friendly so travelers can make an informed choice. It has potential, but needs clearer disclosure and better room cleaning and inspection.

No coffee maker in the room, and the rating dropped to one star for me. Full price for a room without a basic amenity feels like corporate shrinkflation. Having to get dressed and walk to the lobby just to get coffee first thing is frustrating and disrespectful to a traveler's morning. In-room coffee is part of a proper hotel stay, not some luxury. Management should be ashamed of pinching pennies like this. Unless you want to start your day annoyed, stay somewhere else.