Holiday Inn Express and Suites Destin E Commons Ma

The breakfast and coffee were good, and most of the desk staff seemed courteous. The location is close to the beach, and parking looked adequate, though it wasn't busy when I stayed. After our first night, staff came to ask whether we had any issues because the room below us had flooded. We hadn't, but our shower had recently been used, which pointed to a serious plumbing problem. The hallway housekeeping didn't make a great impression. I was also shocked to learn that guests couldn't sit in the breakfast common area at around 5 a.m., even though it was empty and nobody was cleaning or setting up. The food area was blocked off too. It seemed like a perfectly good place to sit quietly with a laptop, and I couldn't see how that would inconvenience anyone. From what I saw, a dining staff member seemed to pressure a hesitant desk employee into coming over to confront me. The manager wasn't available that Monday and wouldn't be in until the next day. I've been loyal to IHG for a long time, and at other hotels the common area is usually available whenever you need somewhere to work, have coffee, or gather without waking people in your room. This place felt strange and unwelcoming to working guests. I'd choose one of the nearby alternatives.

The location was fantastic, with the beach just down the road, shops within walking distance, and plenty of places to eat nearby. We slept well on the comfortable beds, and the rooms were fairly clean by hotel standards. The carpet was the one real downside. It needs a thorough steam cleaning or replacing.

We had a really nice stay. Everything we needed was in the clean, comfortable room, including a microwave and mini fridge that came in handy for drinks and leftovers. Breakfast each day had both hot and cold choices, plus coffee, milk, juice, and the usual creamers. The beach, a few restaurants, and a gas station were about a 10-minute walk away. I left my headphones in a drawer and only noticed three hours into a 14-hour drive. I called the hotel, and the woman at the front desk was so kind and helpful. They shipped them, and they arrived the next day. Big thanks to whoever found them and to the front desk staff!

You can walk to the beach, and there's lots around, so the location is great. But during my stay I had to make the bed, ask for fresh towels and more toilet paper, and take out my own trash. It felt like being at home instead of on vacation.