Holiday Inn Express & Suites Newport South by IHG

At check I asked for upgrade as I am platinum elite. The desk clerk grudgingly gave me a room with a sofa bed and a bit more space. But he said "We don't usually upgrade to a king suite". So just what is the point of status loyalty? The sofa bed was in area by itself with no coffee table or end table, no place to even set a cup of coffee. The bathroom had only 2 towels, just the bare minimum, instead of usual 3 towels. Holiday Inns never provide a bar of soap, only liquid soap. There was no plug in for computer at the desk. No laundry bag, no note pad. Breakfast was adequate, same as most hotels of same type. Covid did the hospitality industry a huge favor by allowing them to cut all amenities and services and increase prices. At check out the lady said she would email receipt.

Stayed for one night and was really impressed by the modern decor and overall hotel cleanliness. Our room had extremely comfortable beds with plenty of pillows. There was plenty of space for a fifth person to sleep on the floor if needed. Great spacious bathroom. Breakfast had a great variety and plenty left for us at the end of the time slot. My only complaint is that the gym was not well kept. It was a little dirty. There were no towels and the water fountain was broken. Also, it had a super awkward set up with the equipment facing the pool area and the mirrors behind you. I know the gym is not the reason you book a hotel but it would be nice if they even paid some attention to maintaining it.

I am a Diamond member with IHG so please read other members:|I was supposed to stay here October 10 but hit a deer on the road headed to hotel in Kentucky that morning. I cancelled my reservation before 12pm as I have all over the country when problems happen. I have never been charged canceling before that time frame. They still charged me anyway and they were sold out when I tried to rebooked after I got going again. I called the front desk for help and refund but got a cold shoulder. I’ve actually stayed at this property before but in the future will go to a Hilton/ Marriott property when in that area.

Saw Roaches in the breakfast area. Notified staff their reactions gave me the impression they knew it was an issue. Tile and bathroom look ready for remodeling. Several area where detailed cleaning or repair work is lacking. Entrance was hard to see at night. Everything else seemed nice enough.

Good location. Pretty close to the aquarium which is why we were there. Staff was nice. Room did not feel very clean like I would expect from a holiday inn express. I’ve stayed at many over the years. I cleaned the bathtub myself since it had hair in it and didn’t appear it was cleaned after the last guest. Breakfast was fine. Probably wouldn’t stay again just due to the cleanliness issue as that’s my biggest concern with hotel rooms.