Holiday Inn Fort Myers - Downtown Area by IHG

The room was clean, but during our three-night stay the floor was never swept and nothing was replenished, including the coffee pods. When I raised it, the clerk said most people don’t want their coffee refilled after the first day. We’re used to coffee in the lobby and pods in the room, so that response was disappointing. As silver members, we also expected a bottle of water at check-in and a few simple perks, but received nothing extra. Even the basic expectations weren’t met, and after staying with Holiday Inn since retirement, we’re now wondering whether to switch hotel groups. The property was under renovation, with noise from construction and team guests slamming doors at 6 AM. There wasn’t enough parking, and signs said the hotel wasn’t responsible for incidents in the lot. That felt offputting. I think a hotel should provide a basic level of security for its parking area. The restaurant looked worn and oddly decorated. We tried its paid buffet one morning: no eggs, no sausage, grits that looked as if they’d sat all day, and canned fruit. Staff said breakfast would return to a menu the next day, and that they only serve a menu when no team is staying. We also tried to get a cocktail, but the bar wasn’t open during its posted hours. The pool area didn’t look like the pictures, its furniture was worn, and the pool wasn’t heated. This was our first stay at a Holiday Inn rather than a Holiday Inn Express, and we wouldn’t return to this property.

We booked a king room and even called that day to say we’d arrive around 9pm. At check-in we were given a room with two queen beds instead, and only then learned they had no kings left. No one had told us earlier. The only offer was extra points because we’re IHG members. The beds were hard, and the TV didn’t work at first, though someone came up and fixed it. The free buffet at the Edison restaurant was a mess: dirty, sticky tables, dishes left sitting around, and cold food because none of the chafing dish burners were lit. The French toast tasted like cardboard, so we left after two bites. One of the worst Holiday Inn stays we’ve had.

The lobby, elevator, and hallways were dirty and in poor shape, and the whole place felt neglected and unwelcoming. The hotel was under construction, there was no coffee in the lobby, and front desk staff barely acknowledged us or greeted guests. Worst Holiday Inn I’ve stayed at. If zero stars were possible, I’d give that.

The hotel was being remodeled, and no one had told us. In the first room, the blinds didn’t work. It was hard to get the room changed, and the replacement smelled of smoke. The furniture was dirty and had cigarette burns, the TV stand was in deplorable condition, and there was dust throughout the hallways. Breakfast was cold and awful. For that price, you’d think it was a five-star place. I don’t recommend it.