Staybridge Suites Long Beach Airport by IHG

Breakfast was a highlight each morning, delicious, varied, and nicely presented. The room was spotless, quiet, and arranged thoughtfully for a comfortable rest, and the whole property felt fresh and well cared for. From the moment we arrived, the staff made us feel welcome. They were warm, attentive, and ready to help with a smile. We had a wonderful experience, with the comfort and hospitality that make you want to come back, whether traveling for business or pleasure. Highly recommend!

After more than 20 years as an IHG Rewards member, I've regularly chosen Holiday Inn properties across the country. I've never before been charged for parking at a standard open-lot location like this one. I paid $177 a night, over $200 after taxes and fees. The reservation process didn't clearly disclose the $15 parking charge. I only learned at arrival that having a vehicle meant I'd be charged or risk being towed. That's unacceptable. This isn't a downtown hotel with valet service or a structured garage, it's a wide open surface lot. My issue isn't the $15 itself, but the lack of transparency and how the charge was presented at check-in. Being told to "check the fine print" after the fact isn't customer service. It feels like a bait-and-switch. IHG builds its brand on trust and loyalty, and undisclosed parking fees damage that trust. If the policy has changed, it should be made clear and prominent before payment, not after arrival. After two decades with the brand, I found this disappointing and unnecessary.

The location worked well for a business trip, and breakfast in the early morning was decent. The rooms were clean and nice, though the sheets were an exception. The pool wasn’t heated, and laundry cost extra, so bring your own detergent. Getting fresh towels took more than an hour in the evening when staff were limited; you may want to bring your own. There was also confusion about room service. A flyer in the elevator suggested food could be ordered, but when I called the number I was sent back to the front desk and told the flyer was for the hotel next door. They said we had to go there for food. I wish guests were told to leave used towels and trash in the hallway by the door if they wanted them collected.

I had booked a week but had to leave on the fourth day because of unexpected circumstances. Before checking out, I asked both the managers and a front desk employee whether I’d get a refund for the unused nights, and they all said yes. A month passed with nothing deposited, so I contacted the hotel and got passed between staff and billing without a resolution. They said it was because I’d booked through a third party. The third party showed me they had requested the refund, but the hotel refused it. I lost $700 after being told otherwise, and feel they lied and acted out of greed. I’ll consider filing formal complaints where appropriate.