Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Tavares - Leesburg by IHG

The breakfast was really good, clean, and well organized. They had everything I’ve seen elsewhere, plus a working pancake machine and even Nutella. Yum! The hotel was very clean and comfortable, the staff were excellent, and the quiet hours from 9 p.m. to 8 a.m. made it easy to sleep. I’d definitely stay here again.

As a veteran booking through the military website, I was surprised by how little flexibility there was. We had four people, including three children, and I asked about moving to a different room. The difference was only $11.25, and the hotel wasn’t fully booked, but they wouldn’t let me pay it and upgrade. They said I’d have to cancel and book again, and that I couldn’t use my IHG member number. Every request was denied. When I pointed out that everything had been a no, the answer was just “ok.” The room they offered required a rollaway bed, and when I asked where it would fit, they said in front of the air and heater unit. I’m posting the room photo so people can judge for themselves. This cost about $30 more than The Citrus Hotel a few miles away, which is on the water and has more amenities, kitchenettes, and two-room layouts. More money for much less value, with no flexibility even with a military booking and IHG rewards. I wouldn’t stay here again.

I couldn’t see my booking in the HIG app, so when I arrived I asked whether my membership was attached and, if not, asked them to add my number. Reynold at the front desk said that wasn’t possible because it was a third-party booking, while handing me a vehicle form marked “member?” in the top-right corner. I booked through my company portal, the same one I use for all my other HIG stays, and I’ve never had this problem before. Reynold then said it was a location issue and pointed me to the manager’s name on the wall, Leanna. We travel for work and do a lot of service in this area. I’ll pass this along to my company so they can remove this location from our portal. At the very least, you should log your guests’ stays.

It’s a beautiful area, and the nights were surprisingly quiet. The shower had no pressure, though. That was the only issue, and we’ll definitely stay here again.