Holiday Inn Express Stamford

The location made it easy to reach both downtown Stamford and uptown, and getting in, parking, and leaving were all straightforward. Staff were pleasant and very helpful. We were there while the pool and fitness room were closed, which was a shame. Our room was quiet, clean, and spacious, with two very comfortable queen beds and plenty of room to move around. The toilet and tub area felt cramped, though, and the bedside reading lights only worked when the main light was on. We slept without any trouble. The hotel could also use a little freshening up.

There are lots of shops, restaurants, and a grocery store within walking distance, so the location worked well. The room was clean and comfortable, with a fridge and microwave, and the shower pressure was great. I slept through breakfast, so I can't say how it was. It closes at 9:30 on weekdays. One thing to keep in mind if you're a light sleeper: the room doors slam loudly when they open and shut.

The Holiday Inn has been replaced by The Armon, but we still had a nice stay. It’s open around the clock, and someone helped us quickly.

I booked a room with extra floor space and asked for a high floor in the notes, but was given a standard double on the second floor instead. I was there for a convention at the neighboring Armon. Housekeeping had left too few towels, and I had to haggle just to get one extra towel and one washcloth. They also had no privacy signs available, which I've never encountered at a hotel. The thermostat touchscreen stopped working and stayed broken despite several calls to the front desk. The first technician said his crew would come back in the morning, but they hadn't before I called again. A second technician came to the room, said he'd look for a replacement, and never returned. The air conditioners were poor, too. They couldn't keep the room at a reasonable 71 degrees during the day when it was 60 outside. I can't imagine how they'd do in midsummer. The staff seemed uncaring at best, and this was by far the most incompetently run hotel I've stayed at. I hadn't stayed at an IHG hotel in nearly six years, and this experience reminded me why.