Holiday Inn Express & Suites Shawnee-Kansas City West by IHG

We arrived late, around 10:30 at night, exhausted and ready for bed. The front desk attendant was helpful in finding us another room, but that second room had the same problems as the first, so we left for another hotel. In both rooms, the bathroom door wouldn’t close, the rooms were dirty, and there were wall stains. The main door in each had damage that looked like someone had tried to force it open, which made us worry about security. In the first room, the shower rod was coming off because it was fastened to broken tile, and there were cracks around the door handle. We also found water damaged spots on the walls, drywall dust on the carpet and stained furniture. That helpful attendant is about the only positive thing I can say.

The gentleman working last night was kind, opening the door for people coming and going because the outside door wouldn’t work in the cold. He’s why I gave service two stars. This morning, though, I slipped on the uncleared stairs outside by the parking lot during the snowstorm. There were warnings on the front door and at the front desk computer, but I hadn’t read them before checkout. I came inside and told the guest service rep that I’d fallen and the stairs needed cleaning. She didn’t respond, ask for my room number, or alert anyone, and the stairs still weren’t cleaned. The photo was taken about 20 minutes after I told her. I hope nobody else fell. The room itself was clean, the location was nice, the bed was comfy and the price was decent, all the usual positives. But the lack of concern for guest safety this morning was a major letdown.

The staff were very kind, but I would never recommend staying here. The place was covered in mold, including the rooms, walls, floors, beds, ceilings, caulking, mechanical areas and fire sprinklers. It looked as if wallpaper had been put over it. The hotel should be shut down by the state boards as unhealthy, and I’m calling the state board to file a formal complaint. I don’t think anyone should have to breathe that much mold. Other complaints from months ago still seemed unresolved, including the broken elevator and no AC in the lobby. We had booked without a cancellation option because I knew we’d be traveling either way, otherwise I would have gone elsewhere. The owners seem greedy and should be fined and shut down until this is fixed. The positive reviews seem fake and paid for.

I stay here often for work, and the staff are always pleasant and personable. The breakfast is consistently good, especially the real bacon, which is better than the thin hotel bacon elsewhere. Parking is plentiful and the hotel is close to the freeway. They take care of your room every day, to some extent.