Holiday Inn Milan Nord - Zara

What is your Priority Club status? Platinum

Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay? Generally Yes

Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive? Privelege room booked, "upgraded" to an executive room.
This property sells only standard and privelege rooms with different numbers of beds. No suites or any other "levels" of basic room.
So no suite to be upgraded into and they don't sell "executive" rooms, so i was a little mystified as i approached the room.
It's basically empty and very little to differentiate it from the privelege room except what was missing - an exercise machine, separate chair, coffee machine, slippers, at least from what i remember from before; none of which i would probably have used anyway. There was 1 bath robe though... So much for "an upgrade"
I was too tired to complain to reception, I think the receptionist just gave me any room he could and said "upgrade" as i was a platinum to get rid of me.
The next day another receptionist confirmed they don't have executive rooms, nothing above privelege. Very friendly and helpful with information, offered me another handful of drink vouchers but i declined.
I wasnt really bothered (by the lack of exercise machine etc), it's not like i was there to enjoy the facilities on vacation. But i do object to being intentionally misled.

How are the rooms?
Spartan. little design warmth to welcome you in or give your the impression of a welcome. Almost furnished as a HIX "plus"
still in reasonable condition after all these years
comparatively small, but big enough for 1 on a business trip.

How is the exec. lounge?
N/A

What was good and what was bad?
good
for me, closer to my customer than others, easy access to the highways nearby
big, comfortable bed
decent sized closed wardrobe
good wifi
ask the breakfast staff for your coffee of choice and they'll make a proper one for you; they're much nicer than the ones from the machines on the side.
If you're not there for Milan Centre then it could be quite convenient with Monza just across the way, and lots of local industry if thats your thing
easy access to the TV HDMI connectors
It's not as bad as i may make it out to be, just it doesn't "shine". As a place to sleep, get a shower and do a little work its perfectly fine.
Heating is very effective, in fact too much so some times.
10% discount in the restaurant for all guests.


bad
Their upgrade policy as above - first time i've experienced that here
the flexible shower base is very disconcerting
small bar area/doorways
restaurant a la carte food wasn;t very impressive - first time i've eaten here and unless i have other flight delays in the future also the last.
The irony that at most hotels i visit now that the shower is blocked, but the sink plug can't hold a basin of water for more than a few seconds.
Rooms on the back side of the hotel have a lot of road noise from the A4 right outside. Ask for a room at the front (as i had)
frequent bus loads of tourist who block the lobby area/doorways, slow down lift usage dramatically, etc. At least they have a separate breakfast room. The coaches block car park access as they load/unload
If you're looking for a cheaper IHG vacation hotel for Milan centre this is not for you. There are few local resources and the closest metro stop is a 25 min walk, (and no-where to park if you drive there)
I wasn't offered at checkin a welcome drink or points. As i came by reception after eating i asked the same receptionist for it but his response was "but you've just eaten!". Huh? So what! just give me the voucher...


Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
around 135/night with breakfast booked at the last minute. But it's our company preferred hotel, so i'll be back in a few months.