Holiday Inn Express & Suites Utica by IHG

The room and laundry area were both very clean, and I enjoyed the pancakes at breakfast, especially watching the machine make them. Peter got us checked in efficiently and made us feel welcome right away. He was kind, courteous, and funny. I’d recommend this hotel.

The room was basic but clean, and after such a warm welcome that was plenty. I called ahead because a late check-in was adding stress to an already hectic workday. I wish I’d gotten the woman’s name, because she was friendly, sharp, and really human about it. She offered to check me in early so I could go straight to my room and rest. When I arrived, she remembered our call and had the keys ready. The whole check-in took less than two minutes. Sincere hospitality like that can be hard to find.

The room was clean, though a little dated, and the hotel was about what I expected from a four-star place. The downside was the smell of weed. It hit as soon as we drove into the parking lot, then seeped into my room again around 2 a.m. It must have woken me up, it was so strong, almost as if someone were smoking outside my door.

We arrived before our room was ready, so the staff took us to the lounge and coffee area to wait. Everyone was helpful and professional from the moment we walked in until we left. It’s a very clean, nice hotel, and I’d recommend staying here again.