Is Holiday Inn Overrated
#32
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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At this point I'm amusing myself watching people trying to defend the Holiday Inn brand by citing a handful of hotels in Asia. Every hotel chain is better in Asia, as are elite status benefits.
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.
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.
--Jon
#34
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#35
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This question is a proverbial "how long is a piece of string?" question. First of all, I don't think anyone really rates Holiday Inn that highly. That said, IHG has a massive footprint. I travel to a lot of rural parts of North Carolina and I can usually count on a HIX there. Secondly, IHG properties are often cheaper than the other major brands and they're a big enough step up from Choice and Best Western that they're worth a stay. Lastly, IHG still has a good rewards program with a lot of promos so you can arbitrage earnings at HIs and HIXs and redeem at ICs.
Therefore, I think HI is rated fairly.
Therefore, I think HI is rated fairly.
#37
Join Date: Jul 2009
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I don't think any of the IHG properties, outside of some ICs, have that much charm or real identity.
I've stayed in some newer HIX hotels that are really nice, but for the most part, they're functional, with some having extra features like a fridge.
Crowne Plazas aren't too bad.
Generally only stay in these at airports so there's no real incentive there to make them too flashy.
I personally prefer a Hampton Inn if there's a choice as at least they're far more consistent and tend to suit my needs a lot better.
IHG is more interesting if the price is right or if there's some promo like Accelerate that earns me cheap points = free nights.
Stayed in a Holiday Inn a day or so ago at an airport. Did the job, comfy enough and cheap to boot.
I've stayed in some newer HIX hotels that are really nice, but for the most part, they're functional, with some having extra features like a fridge.
Crowne Plazas aren't too bad.
Generally only stay in these at airports so there's no real incentive there to make them too flashy.
I personally prefer a Hampton Inn if there's a choice as at least they're far more consistent and tend to suit my needs a lot better.
IHG is more interesting if the price is right or if there's some promo like Accelerate that earns me cheap points = free nights.
Stayed in a Holiday Inn a day or so ago at an airport. Did the job, comfy enough and cheap to boot.
#39
Join Date: Dec 2013
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I haven't read this whole thread, but just adding my $0.02. I think the HI brand is actually underrated. I've stayed at 3 different HI properties this week, and they've all been recently updated and are solid business hotel options. Although I miss the HIX free breakfast, it's nice having a restaurant and bar onsite and being able to choose a free beer and snack as my welcome amenity.
#40
Join Date: Sep 2011
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I don't stay at Holiday inn much but have to say the couple I have were great better than a few IC's room wise, Holiday Inn pattaya has very nice rooms not all the bells and whistles of a 5 star but there Ocean view Suites have a better view than most of the suites at the Hilton just down the road for half the price.
I think like a lot of hotel chains Holiday inn has good and bad properties it depends how new it is / last referb and the staff can play a big part also not all IC's are worthy of the brand and I find that across Hilton and many other brands also.
I think like a lot of hotel chains Holiday inn has good and bad properties it depends how new it is / last referb and the staff can play a big part also not all IC's are worthy of the brand and I find that across Hilton and many other brands also.
#41
Join Date: Aug 2017
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For US properties, I typically chose HIX over HI. Properties tend to be newer and more consistent across the brand, and you get a comfortable, functional room. HIs and CPs are often older buildings either overdue for renovations, or recently renovated in a 'lipstick on a pig' fashion. It is nice when you find a newer or nicer HI, like where I stayed in Owensboro, KY last month.
That being said, IME, Hilton brands have done a better job are bringing their older buildings up to date.
That being said, IME, Hilton brands have done a better job are bringing their older buildings up to date.
#43
formerly Will Stonehocker
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2017
Posts: 589
This question is a proverbial "how long is a piece of string?" question. First of all, I don't think anyone really rates Holiday Inn that highly. That said, IHG has a massive footprint. I travel to a lot of rural parts of North Carolina and I can usually count on a HIX there. Secondly, IHG properties are often cheaper than the other major brands and they're a big enough step up from Choice and Best Western that they're worth a stay. Lastly, IHG still has a good rewards program with a lot of promos so you can arbitrage earnings at HIs and HIXs and redeem at ICs.
Therefore, I think HI is rated fairly.
Therefore, I think HI is rated fairly.
#44
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#45
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