Holiday Inn Express & Suites Columbus - Easton Area By Ihg

The hotel offers a highly convenient location near the vibrant Easton area, making it a standout choice for guests seeking easy access to extensive shopping and diverse restaurants. This prime position makes it particularly well-suited for shoppers and business travelers attending local events or conferences. Families also find it appealing due to its proximity to attractions like Legoland and its family-friendly amenities. The hotel is frequently praised for its friendly staff, overall cleanliness, and comfortable beds, contributing to a pleasant stay. To ensure the best experience, guests are advised to confirm the operational status of the pool and hot tub prior to arrival, as these facilities sometimes have issues, and to be mindful of potential noise levels from other guests, especially on busy nights.

Facilities & Amenities
The indoor pool is a significant amenity, particularly for families, though guest feedback is mixed; many report it is often closed, cold, or lacks towels, and some note excessive chlorine. The hot tub is a point of frequent disappointment, as it is consistently described as permanently closed or removed, leading to frustration due to perceived false advertising. While a fitness center is available, its condition and equipment receive varied comments. The hotel generally provides reliable Wi-Fi, which is appreciated by guests. Other conveniences like ice machines and vending machines are present, contributing to the overall guest experience, though some report issues with their functionality.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Many guests find the rooms clean and comfortable, praising the comfortable beds and spacious bathrooms. However, a significant number of reviews highlight issues with cleanliness, including stained carpets, dusty surfaces, and even mold in showers. Noise levels from hallways and adjacent rooms are a frequent complaint, impacting sleep, with some guests noting thin walls. In-room amenities like TVs are often described as laggy, not smart, or having limited channels, and some rooms lack a microwave despite being advertised. Issues with hot water availability and the condition of towels are also occasionally reported.

Dining & Food Quality
The complimentary breakfast is a key highlight for many guests, often described as good, yummy, and well-stocked, providing a convenient start to the day. Guests appreciate the variety of options available, including bacon and coffee, and frequently commend the attentiveness and helpfulness of the breakfast attendants who work diligently to keep the area clean and replenished. However, some reviews indicate that the food quality can be plain or low, with items sometimes running out quickly, particularly during busy periods. The pancake machine is a recurring source of frustration due to frequent malfunctions, which can impact the breakfast experience. Despite these minor issues, the breakfast generally contributes positively to the guest experience, offering a valuable amenity.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently praised as a major advantage, offering exceptional convenience for guests. It provides easy access to the extensive Easton shopping district and a wide array of restaurants, making it ideal for leisure and dining experiences. The property is also conveniently situated near the college, Legoland, and offers an easy commute to the airport, catering to various travel needs. This prime accessibility allows guests to explore the area efficiently. While parking is available on-site, guests frequently express concerns about vehicle security in the lot, advising caution and awareness. Despite these security concerns, the overall accessibility and proximity to key destinations remain a significant draw for visitors.

Staff & Service
The staff consistently receives high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and professionalism. Guests frequently highlight the quick check-in process and the staff's willingness to accommodate requests, such as early check-in or late check-out. Housekeeping is generally seen as attentive, though some guests report issues with room readiness or missed service. The overall customer service is often described as excellent, with staff going above and beyond to ensure a positive stay, even when dealing with challenging situations like noisy guests or unexpected issues. Their welcoming demeanor significantly enhances the guest experience.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of a significant deposit policy, which can be as high as $500 for local residents, causing surprise and frustration upon check-in, as this amount is often unexpected. There are also reports of IHG rewards status not being consistently recognized or points not being issued, leading to disappointment for loyal members who expect their benefits to be honored. The overall hotel condition is a recurring theme in reviews, with many guests noting that the property appears worn down, dated, or in need of updates and repairs, particularly concerning carpets and furniture, despite some positive comments on general cleanliness. Some guests also experienced disruptive fire alarm incidents during their stay, which were often false alarms, causing inconvenience.