Holiday Inn Express Tampa N I-75 - University Area by IHG

The staff were great, really friendly, and breakfast was very good. Our room was a nice size, the bed was comfortable, and everything worked the way it should at a Holiday Inn Express. I’d happily stay again. For what we paid, $92 per night total, it was great value. We were there four nights in March, and I’d rate the hotel 8.5/10.

The patio with its pool and hot tub was a nice feature, and breakfast was good and ready on time. The room was spacious enough, and the staff were pleasant and efficient. Just a heads-up, the hot tub was icy cold. If you’re hoping for a polar plunge in sunny Florida, this is the spot. Bring your suit.

There was no hot water in my room, and the hot tub wasn’t available. When I pressed the front desk about it, they said it had been a problem and was supposed to have been repaired. I’ve never stayed at a hotel where they treated me like a bum for booking through a third party. I’m going back to Marriott!

I’m still disappointed that I emailed the manager about these problems and never heard back. The mattress dipped badly in the middle, especially by the edge, and I suspect some springs were broken or missing. It made sleeping comfortably difficult, and I woke up unrested. The bathtub’s refinished surface was peeling in several places, which didn’t look or feel good. The air conditioner did run, but without adjustable vents I couldn’t direct the airflow or manage the room temperature well.