Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites West Long Branch by IHG

This hotel is frequently praised for its overall cleanliness and the exceptional friendliness of its staff, creating a welcoming atmosphere for guests. Its signature feature is a well-regarded indoor pool and 24-hour fitness center, making it an appealing choice for both families seeking recreational options and business travelers looking for convenience and amenities. The property’s strategic location also makes it ideal for sightseers and those attending local events, offering easy access to various attractions and shopping. To enhance your stay, guests often recommend confirming pool availability and hours, and for light sleepers, requesting a room away from high-traffic areas or the main road.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests frequently highlight the presence of an indoor pool, which is a significant draw, especially for families and those seeking relaxation, though some have noted issues with its cleanliness, water temperature, or occasional closures. The 24-hour fitness center is consistently appreciated for its accessibility and equipment, allowing guests to maintain their routines. While free Wi-Fi is available, some guests found the connection details not immediately obvious. The hotel also offers laundry facilities, though some found them limited or inconvenient due to being coin-operated with no change available. There have been recurring mentions of issues with the elevator, including it being slow or out of service, which can impact guest convenience.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel consistently receives high marks for its clean rooms and common areas, with many guests noting the fresh scent upon entry. The beds are frequently described as very comfortable, ensuring a restful night's sleep, and rooms are often found to be spacious and well-appointed. Guests appreciate in-room amenities such as coffee makers and the provision of Dove toiletries. However, a recurring concern is the HVAC unit, which many guests found to be loud, difficult to control, or prone to blowing cold air continuously, impacting room temperature regulation. Some also reported occasional noise from hallways or other guests, though overall, rooms are generally considered quiet.

Dining & Food Quality
The complimentary breakfast is a prominent feature, with many guests appreciating the variety of options available, including hot items, cereals, and fruit. The cinnamon rolls are a particular favorite among many. However, feedback on the overall food quality is mixed; some guests found items like the coffee to be cold, the pancakes thin, or the oatmeal undercooked. There were also instances where popular items like bread, bagels, or milk were unavailable, especially later in the breakfast service. Despite these inconsistencies, most guests acknowledge the value of having a free breakfast, especially compared to hotels that do not offer this amenity.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is a major advantage, making it highly convenient for guests visiting the area. It is situated within easy reach of various shopping centers, diverse restaurants, and popular beaches, typically within a 10-15 minute drive. Its proximity to major highways and local landmarks like a college or hospital is also frequently highlighted, making it an excellent base for both leisure and business activities. Guests appreciate the ease of access to the property from main roads. Parking is available on-site, providing convenience for those traveling by car, though some noted new regulations regarding VIP spaces.

Staff & Service
The staff at this hotel consistently receives high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and professionalism. Guests frequently commend the quick check-in and check-out processes, as well as the staff's willingness to go above and beyond to assist with requests, such as providing extra towels or accommodating late check-outs. Many reviews highlight specific positive interactions, emphasizing the team's attentive and welcoming demeanor. While the vast majority of feedback is positive, a few guests reported isolated issues with billing discrepancies or perceived unresponsiveness from management regarding specific concerns, but these instances are generally outweighed by the overwhelmingly positive service experiences.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of certain recurring issues that, while not fitting into other categories, impact the stay. A common concern is the hotel's policy regarding security deposits, with some guests reporting delays in receiving their refunds or encountering billing discrepancies. There have been consistent mentions of low water pressure in showers or difficulty operating the shower knobs, which can be frustrating. Some guests also noted occasional unpleasant odors, such as smoke, in hallways or specific rooms, despite the hotel's non-smoking policy. Furthermore, issues with HVAC units that cannot be fully controlled by guests, leading to constant fan noise or temperature imbalances, are frequently reported.