Holiday Inn Express Woodstock

This was the worst of the 18 hotels I’ve stayed in over the years, and I wouldn’t recommend it. The front desk clerk was hardly ever there and came across as cocky, as if she thought she was better than me. Breakfast was a waste: just waffles with no syrup, coffee grounds in the coffee, and no bagels or toaster. There’s no elevator, so you have to carry your bags up the stairs. It was convenient and $10 cheaper than the other places, but I’d tell people to spend a little more at the next hotel and keep driving.

The room was basic, with ashes on the wall and a stained bedspread. The tub had very low water flow, though the shower itself worked. The shower plumbing was reversed, with cold on the hot side and hot on the cold side. The light switches didn’t seem to do anything.

The hotel might be alright if it weren’t for Nicki at the front desk. She’s rude, lazy, and condescending, and seems to go out of her way to make guests’ experiences terrible. I’d avoid dealing with her if you can.

We checked out after only an hour and drove the 70 minutes home after the wedding instead of staying here. We’d booked as part of a wedding block, and had only gone to the room to change and get settled before the event. It was dirty everywhere: black mold stained the shower and tub floor and covered the headboard, there were unexplained splatters on the walls, two stains on the sheets, and dust and dirt in every corner. The remote’s battery cover was missing, and my toddler picked up a battery while we were getting ready. I was rushing to the wedding when I checked out, but I’ll be calling to request a refund. This was the worst hotel I’ve stayed in, or almost stayed in. Disgraceful.