Holiday Inn Express Huntsville Space Center by IHG

The location was handy, just minutes from the attractions, and the whole place felt modern and well cared for. Our room was comfortable and quiet, everything was spotless, and the staff were welcoming and friendly. There were lots of good choices at breakfast too. I'd gladly stay again and recommend it to anyone visiting Huntsville.

At around 8 PM I tried to rent a room, but Toi at reception refused because I'm a foreigner and my ID doesn't show an address. When I asked how they handle tourists, she said outright that they don't serve them. I couldn't believe a hotel would do that. I went next door and they welcomed me without any trouble. A terrible experience, and I'll never return.

I was still dealing with the financial mess more than a month later, and the hotel hadn't resolved it. An unauthorized charge for $15,385 appeared on November 20, then another $15,385 charge posted on December 1. As of December 16, one charge was still on my account despite repeated follow-ups with hotel management and corporate. The manager's response called this “diligent,” which is an interesting choice of word. Guests should consider that risk. I told staff about the room problems while I was there, and they moved me because of a “maintenance issue.” If it had only been dirty sheets, they could have changed the bedding. Moving me suggests the issue was more significant and staff knew about it. The whole situation has been mishandled, and I'm still dealing with the financial fallout. The billing was the worst part of an unacceptable stay. I was charged twice for more than $15,000 each for what was meant to be a short three-night visit. These weren't pending authorizations, and over a month later there was no refund, accountability, or urgency. The problem had to be escalated outside the hotel. I was first put in a room with visibly dirty, unwashed sheets, then had to move rooms. Front desk staff were polite, but that's the only positive I can offer. Friendly service doesn't make up for unsanitary rooms and such a serious billing failure. Until the housekeeping and financial controls improve, I wouldn't trust this place with my stay or card. Avoid this location.

Staff were friendly and the rooms clean. It's also in a good spot near the Space Center and Botanical Gardens. This is the only HIE I've visited where the biscuits were actually browned and the bacon really crispy. The breakfast staff know their stuff!