Holiday Inn Express & Suites Poteau

We were in town for a concert and needed somewhere to change, but check-in was delayed. We’d been told 3, then were told no room was ready and it would take another 30-45 minutes. The desk employee said they could have one cleaned, but it would take a while. I asked the cleaning crew to start with our room instead of the other end of the hall. Half an hour later, we were still waiting. The floors looked like they hadn’t been mopped in years, with cracks in the sink too. Lots of people were waiting in the lobby and no one acknowledged us. When another guest asked for help, the employee told them they should have spoken up if they wanted something. She wasn’t a mind reader, apparently.

As regular travelers and Rewards members, we know the Holiday Inn brand and usually have a great experience. We like the spacious rooms, welcoming staff, hot breakfast, well equipped exercise room, soft comfortable beds, and choice of soft or firm pillows. This stay also had a clogged bathroom sink. There’s barely anywhere to plug in devices for charging, whether it’s a phone, laptop, charger, or air machine. There’s no smart TV, and only one nightstand, even though both of us need a place for our phone, drink, or laptop. TVs are cheap these days, so I don’t understand why guests can’t log into their own accounts and keep up with their shows. Everyone needs charging spots, and there wasn’t a single one in the room. I carry a charging bank with me that maybe costs $50 and has eight ports.

Clean place, good breakfast, and friendly people. There’s plenty of parking for semis, trucks, and trailers, plus lots of good places close by. Stop in next time you’re going through Poteau, Oklahoma.

We had a clean fourth-floor king room while visiting family. Breakfast was plentiful, and Keith was helpful. The pool and hot tub were out of order, but that wasn’t the reason we were staying there.