Holiday Inn Express & Suites Smyrna by IHG

The room was spotless and spacious, and the breakfast buffet was amazing. It could’ve been a five-star stay, but we chose this place mainly for the pool, and the pool room and hot tub weren’t heated. Many hotels only have outdoor pools, so this amenity mattered to us. Nobody even looked into fixing it. We were told, “sorry, the guy who deals with that left for the day,” at 3:10 pm on a Saturday. Check-in was at 3, and we were only staying one night, so we couldn’t use what we’d come for.

Most of the staff were good people, professional and easy to deal with, but our last couple of weeks here went downhill. The manager, an older Black woman with red hair, was bitter, rude, and unprofessional. We were charged twice on the same day for a room we’d already paid for. That was three weeks ago, and we still have no resolution or response from corporate or anyone else about our money. We’ve gotten nowhere, and it feels like they think we’re lying. I wouldn’t stay at this location.

The room was okay but needs a deep clean. It’s probably the least clean updated Holiday Inn Express I’ve stayed in, which is pretty sad. The neighbors were loud late at night, and the hallway smelled strongly of weed when we arrived. What made this a one-star stay was the huge gap at the bottom of our door. I took a photo from inside showing how easily I could look out with my phone. If you’re a woman traveling alone, I wouldn’t stay here.

The hotel looks older and could use a little TLC, but it was good for an overnight stay and had breakfast, which was great. The night front desk clerk was especially friendly and welcoming, always greeting us with a smile. The other staff were friendly too.