Holiday Inn Express & Suites Tucumcari by IHG

We'd planned to stay somewhere else, but didn't care for the look or feel of that place, so we switched to this one. We'd stayed at IHG properties elsewhere. Nothing was seriously wrong, but the desk staff member was curt and rude to my husband, as if asking for a room was an inconvenience. Before 7 am, breakfast had already run out of biscuits and gravy and orange juice.

The bed itself was comfortable, though I wasn't sure the sheets were clean. We paid $160 for a Double Queen, among the priciest rooms in town, and the condition was nowhere near what we expect from Holiday Inn Express. There were stains on the walls, the shower drain was broken, and the A/C was gross. At check-in, the receptionist seemed annoyed and wasn't friendly. Some outside lights were out and an elevator button was broken, so the place needs serious renovation as well as much better room cleaning. The La Quinta next door looked nicer.

It's easy to reach from I40, and the floor plan is simple to get around. The staff were friendly and professional, especially the gentleman who usually works evenings. The fitness room has plenty of space, cardio machines, and free weights. Breakfast is free and satisfactory. Guest laundry is available, though you'll need quarters.

The room was roomy, quiet, clean, and comfortable, with both soft and firm pillows, and check-in with the desk agent, Martinez?, was friendly and efficient. The breakfast choices were good, thanks to the woman looking after the dining room. But the room was dark until I asked twice to have the lights switched on. The morning clerk had his head down on the desk with a blue hoodie over it, seemingly asleep, and barely grunted when I asked questions. I'd stay again, but the a.m. clerk needs to wake up and acknowledge guests.