Holiday Inn Express & Suites Tucson by IHG

We enjoyed our stay and would come back. Breakfast had freshly made food and lots of choices, including gluten-free items, with different options from one day to the next. There was plenty of seating, and the high-top tables worked better for someone in our group with limited mobility. Staff in both the breakfast area and at the front desk were friendly and welcoming. Our room was spacious and clean, and the regular queen beds were comfortable. The pullout couch worked for our two kids, but its mattress badly needs replacing. An adult would probably have serious back pain sleeping on it. Luckily, the kids are small enough not to notice. That’s the only reason I took off a star.

The good parts were the usual chain amenities: breakfast, coffee, tea, and cocoa any time of day, laundry, a fitness center, and pool access. But for the price, the hotel didn’t work for me, and I’ll stay somewhere else next time. The mattress felt like a box spring, the pool deck needs refinishing, and the lobby furniture looks dated. Shampoo and conditioner bottles were deteriorating in the shower. My room door wouldn’t shut all the way unless I pushed or pulled it firmly, and the luggage cart was hard to maneuver. This location needs some TLC.

Our room and bathroom were very clean, and it was quiet enough for a restful night. The price was great for the stay. Breakfast was one of the better free hotel spreads I’ve had, with bacon, eggs, omelettes, cinnamon rolls, oatmeal and good toppings, yogurt, juice, fruit, pastries, and more. The dining room was clean and spacious, the coffee machine was the best, and the ladies looking after breakfast were friendly and kept everything stocked, warm, and spotless.

We usually stay at IHG hotels, but this one was the worst we’ve been to. The location is convenient, right off the freeway and near good restaurants. Breakfast was amazing, and the breakfast staff were attentive and hospitable despite the dirty hotel. On our first stop, it was cold outside and the room’s air was set to 62 degrees. When we turned on the heater, the unit smelled like fire, the alarm went off, and the room smelled so bad we couldn’t breathe. We had a suite, but after the front desk called and waited for the manager, it took about 45 minutes to move us into a regular room. They did accommodate us, but never refunded the downgrade. The desk said the manager would call, and a week later there was still no call. We had to stop again on the way home. I didn’t want to, but gave it another try. This time the room unit was so loud and rumbled badly, so I turned it off.