Holiday Inn Express Federal Way Seattle South by IHG

The location is handy for highways, food, and entertainment, and the rooms are cute and spacious. Breakfast was okay. I didn’t care for the egg omelet, but the two waffle makers kept things moving, the fresh fruit was nice, and having coffee and tea all day was great. The pool was okay, though it could be warmer, and the laundry room was nice. I asked the front desk to change the AC filter because it smelled like sulfur. They didn’t do it. My main safety concern was the homeless people around the hotel. I saw the night shift guy come out with a flashlight to move suspicious cars, but I think they should consider hiring security. There was only one way in and out, too. After a four-hour flight and traffic, I would’ve appreciated a smile at check-in. Instead, both employees had their heads down, and when they looked up, it felt like I was bothering them or causing a problem, even though I was just checking in. I used to work for Marriott and remember the customer service training: greet people with a smile and pay attention. Neither person did that that day.

Breakfast stood out during my stay, with plenty of choices, a clear focus on healthier food, and everything fresh and well organized. It was better than I expected. Holiday Inn Express Federal Way – Seattle South is newly built and has a modern, upscale feel that seems above its usual star rating. The rooms are roomy and thoughtfully laid out, with guest comfort and convenience in mind. I had a wonderful stay and found the comfort, quality, and value impressive. I’d recommend it to business and leisure travelers alike.

I especially enjoyed the yogurt bar at breakfast, which was exceptional for this kind of hotel. The lobby is roomy, with space to work or meet, and the room and location were great. I only took off a star because there’s no hot tub.

This was our second visit, and we’d come back. The daily breakfast was very good, with lots of choices. Bartender Kyle was gracious, and his appetizers gave the lounge a welcoming, appetizing aroma. Thanks, Kyle. The front desk staff were gracious and ready to help. Our room was clean, with a new air and heat unit and clean filters. Housekeeping, kitchen, and maintenance staff were also friendly, greeting us with a hello or good morning. That stood out compared with other Holiday Inn Expresses we’ve stayed at. Everything was clean, and the stay was great.