Holiday Inn Express Hotels in Salt Lake City

We stayed here for a national competition since this is one of the Hotels that was sanctioned by the organizers. The lack of service was just apparent from checkin all the way to everyday interaction. When we checked-in, I already felt the lack of appreciation for their guests as I never felt welcome from the get go. I was not acknowledge about being an IHG rewards member and welcomed at the Hotel. I must add though that when buying things in their marketplace, the interaction of charging our things with the front desk was fast and seamless so that is a positive. Also leading to our stay, I did have phone interaction with some of their staff for my reservation and they have been very helpful and accommodating so was surprised with my current experience here. There are no safebox to store some of your valuables and when I asked the front desk I was just told they have none in a lazy way without effort of providing alternatives or if they can help in any other way. Our first day, they locked breakfast area right at 9:30 sharp without letting the people already eating that they are closing. When we inquired with one of the staff, they replied in a kind of a rude way that ”when its close, its closed”. I could understand the policy but they would not even hear about suggestion of simply announcing that they are closing the breakfast area for last call so people could have a chance to get their last servings if needed. They also literally, close off the breakfast area while people are still eating almost like telling everyone to get out. I think this shows lack of service and professionalism with no empathy to their guests. it does look like they treat their guests as like burglars to close/lock off their breakfast area. For rooms, the area is a little bit smaller compared to some area hotels but typical of a Holiday Inn property so no complains there. Our rooms did not have issue(so far fingers crossed) but a lot of people in our group had room issues. Some have their locks not working after checkins and they have to work on fixing them and someone from our group was given a room that was still occupied. They have 2 gyms in different floors but smaller compared to other gyms from different hotels. They have a sauna and a pool so another positive. I am still checked in and staying for 5 more days so will update the review later but If not for our team choosing to stay on this Hotel I would have checked out and moved to Hilton across the street where we have a very positive experience a few years ago with the same competition.

The room is clean and tidy, the bed is oversized, suitable for a family of three with children, and has a complimentary breakfast, not many varieties, but nutritious, very close to the airport and the Zhongli Pavilion (Sunny's bistro). At 8:51 in the morning, I got up at 6 o'clock, and I was able to get it easily after I had eaten it.