Originally Posted by
craigthemif
But there are so many nasty 50+ year old Holiday Inns across Europe and North America that the brand does have serious issues. Even the most loyal IHG guest would consider trading down to a HIX (knowing what you'll get) or trade up to a CP (probably better) rather than booking a standard HI without confirmation (FT, Tripadvisor, etc.) that it is one of the decent ones.
That's true, but they are getting around to renovating or kicking them out, so it's getting better. Well, except the one in Charleston, SC, an old round one that appears to have been forgotten about. My Accelerate promo had a thing for staying at 4 HI's, so I tried a new one-HI Fayetteville, NC-on my Florida drive in from RDU, and it was one of the better ones. I was concerned as it's right on I-95, and I seldom believe the ratings these hotels claim to get, since it seems thay can weed out the poor reviews. And, did my trusted standbys: HI Irvine, CA, HI St Augustine, and HIR Daytona Beach (which is an older property but well maintained) and the oceanview is always great no matter how the room might look.
I don't mind staying at the HIX's though the breakfast is seldom edible and definitely unhealthy. They are very uniform and seldom find one that is in need of renov.