Holiday Inn Express & Suites Toronto - Markham By Ihg

The hotel is widely praised for its spacious rooms and the consistently attentive staff who contribute significantly to a positive guest experience. Its commitment to cleanliness and comfortable accommodations, coupled with a satisfying complimentary breakfast, makes it a popular choice. The hotel is particularly well-suited for families due to its ample room sizes and amenities like a pool, and for business travelers who appreciate the convenient location and dedicated workspaces. Pet owners also find it accommodating, thanks to its pet-friendly policy. To ensure a smoother stay, guests should be aware of the persistent issues with the elevators, which can lead to delays, and consider requesting a room away from high-traffic areas for a quieter night's sleep.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of amenities, though some experience issues. A significant concern is the elevators, with one often being out of service, leading to long wait times and noisy operation for the remaining one, especially in a multi-story building. The pool is available but described as small and can become crowded, particularly with children's groups. The gym is generally available but some guests noted it can be minimalistic and occasionally lacks towels or mats. Free Wi-Fi is consistently praised for its reliability. Ample free parking is a notable benefit, though some guests observed it occasionally being occupied by non-guest vehicles. The lobby provides 24/7 hot tea and coffee, which is a welcome convenience.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Most guests find the rooms clean and spacious, often highlighting the generous size. The beds generally receive positive feedback for being comfortable, though some found them too soft or noted issues with old mattresses and lumpy spots. In-room amenities vary, with some rooms featuring a microwave and refrigerator, which are appreciated. However, some guests reported issues like dim bathroom lighting, slippery bathtubs, or faulty shower doors. Noise can be a concern, with complaints about thin walls allowing sound from adjacent rooms, street noise, noisy heating/cooling units, and the persistent elevator noise impacting sleep. Housekeeping is generally good, but some reviews mentioned stains on sheets, unpleasant smells, or missed cleaning requests.

Dining & Food Quality
The complimentary breakfast is a significant highlight for many guests, offering a good variety of options including hot items like eggs, various meats, and pancakes. The coffee and tea available in the lobby 24/7 are also frequently praised. However, some guests expressed dissatisfaction with the quality of certain items, describing eggs as "powdered" or noting issues with expired milk. Seating in the breakfast area can be limited, leading to crowding, and some found the use of plastic utensils and paper plates less desirable. While the breakfast is generally well-stocked, a few guests reported instances of food not being refilled promptly. The hotel does not have a full-service restaurant for lunch or dinner, which some guests noted as a drawback.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's convenient location is frequently mentioned, offering easy access to highways and placing guests near a variety of restaurants and shops. While some describe it as being on the outskirts of the city, it is considered ideal for those with a car, providing good connectivity to areas like downtown Toronto and the airport. Many guests appreciate the ample free parking available on-site, though there were occasional comments about the lot being crowded or used by non-guest vehicles. Its proximity to conference facilities and various local attractions makes it suitable for both business and leisure travelers. The surrounding area is generally perceived as safe, with many dining options within walking distance.

Staff & Service
The staff consistently receives high praise for being friendly, helpful, and accommodating. Many guests highlight the excellent service provided by the front desk team, noting their efficiency during check-in and check-out, and their willingness to assist with requests like early check-in or late check-out. The breakfast staff are also frequently commended for their attentiveness and cheerful demeanor, ensuring food is replenished. While most interactions are positive, a few guests reported less satisfactory experiences with certain management or front desk individuals, describing them as less friendly or unhelpful regarding specific issues. Overall, the staff's dedication to providing a welcoming and supportive environment is a recurring theme.

Additional Information
The hotel maintains a pet-friendly policy, which is a significant advantage for guests traveling with animals, though a pet fee of $50 for the first night and $25 for subsequent nights applies. Some guests who are IHG Club members expressed concern over being asked to pay a security deposit, feeling that long-standing loyalty should negate this requirement. A unique aspect noted by some is the lack of an electric kettle in rooms, though it can be provided upon request. The hotel also offers laundry facilities, but these are limited to one washer and dryer, and some guests experienced issues with payment methods or availability of change.