Holiday Inn Express North Palm Beach-Oceanview by IHG

The location was the best part: about one block from a lovely stretch of beach, and walking distance to the Loggerhead Turtle Rescue, which is absolutely worth visiting. That’s why I’m giving two stars. The rooms were clean but very basic, more like an old motel at a hotel price. We arrived late to find the building doors unlocked, and they stayed that way throughout our visit, which made me uneasy. At check-in I was told there was no bottle-filling station, so I bought two waters for $8. Later I found one about 15 feet from the desk. The room WiFi didn’t work. We waited on hold about 10 minutes the first night, then gave up. Both coffee machines were out during breakfast. Another guest told the front desk, but nothing was done then. When I called about the WiFi again, I was condescendingly asked if I knew how to access it. I said I could connect in the clubhouse but not in our room. I was told to wait because it was “probably down.” Only when I explained it had been down since the night before did someone come check. Checkout was unpleasant too. The guest before me asked about his bill and was told to calm down. While he got his phone, the staff member spoke negatively about him to me. Another guest cut in line with my permission and got similar comments. The staff member was also dismissive to a FedEx employee who was just doing her job. Apart from the location, this didn’t meet expectations, and I wouldn’t stay here again.

The room on the top floor had a nice ocean view and a balcony. Building three is under renovation, though I think those are the newest rooms. The hotel also had bikes available, which was a nice touch. I wish I’d had more time to use them. The beach access nearest the hotel was closed for renovation, but there was another one just north of it and easy to walk to. The hotel is also within walking distance of restaurants and locally owned shops, though some of the roads are busy. After spending all day in the car, it was nice to park and get around on foot. The whole property was extremely well kept and clean, and the staff took pride in their work. I was very pleased with my last-minute stay. This is by far the nicest Holiday Inn I’ve stayed at.

I reserved a king suite that was mobility accessible and asked for early check-in, knowing it wasn’t guaranteed. I traveled with my daughter for a conference and sat in the lobby for five hours being told my room was “waiting for housekeeping.” Gary at the front desk is the only reason I’m giving any stars for service. When he came on shift, he tried to sort it out. Another hour passed before it turned out there wasn’t even a room for me because it was under renovation. They had six hours to tell me that. I eventually got a room with a bed, but not the one I’d booked. They assured me the bill would be adjusted, but it wasn’t. I called before checkout to ask again and spoke with the assistant manager, who offered me a free night. Seriously? Friends at the same conference had problems too: one room’s fire alarm wouldn’t stop, and another had no screws in the top hinge of the door to the hallway. I’ll never stay here again.

The room on the third floor had been newly renovated and was very nice. There was some renovation noise from the floor below, and the coffee machine in my room was broken. The fresh coffee in the lobby was really good, though. I highly recommend the place otherwise.