Holiday Inn Express Biddeford By Ihg

The hotel is currently undergoing a significant major remodel, which is its most prominent feature, aiming to refresh and update its facilities. This ongoing construction has notably impacted the guest experience, with many areas feeling like a construction site and causing various disruptions. Despite these challenges, some guests found the hotel to be surprisingly quiet and clean, appreciating the comfortable accommodations. The hotel's convenient location makes it suitable for business travelers due to its proximity to local work sites and for general travelers seeking an accessible stopover. Families might find the hotel's amenities appealing, though they should be aware of potential limitations during the renovation period. To ensure a smoother stay, guests are strongly advised to inquire about the current status of renovations and specific amenity availability before booking, and to confirm their room type and requested features upon arrival, as some amenities may be temporarily unavailable or relocated.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel's facilities and amenities are significantly impacted by the ongoing major remodel. Many common areas, including the lobby and hallways, are actively under construction, leading to a less polished appearance and occasional tripping hazards. The swimming pool receives mixed reviews; while some guests enjoyed its warmth, others reported it being closed, small, or having cleanliness issues like a black ring, and a frequent lack of towels. The fitness center is available, but some guests noted issues with temperature control or equipment condition. Wi-Fi generally functions well, though some experienced connectivity problems. The parking lot is typically easy to navigate, but can sometimes be occupied by construction vehicles. Guests also reported issues with in-room amenities such as non-functional telephones and a lack of USB ports for charging. The elevator was noted for being covered in blankets and sometimes having a musty smell.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is notably mixed, often influenced by the ongoing renovations. While many rooms are described as generally clean and having comfortable beds, some guests reported issues such as dust, dead flies, or a strong, lingering chemical or perfume smell upon arrival. The pullout couches were frequently noted as being very uncomfortable. Many rooms are described as outdated, showing significant wear with peeling wallpaper, wall damage, and broken door handles. Bathrooms, in particular, received criticism for being tiny, having mold in the shower grout, or showing signs of water damage. Noise levels were generally quiet, but some guests experienced disturbances from construction noise during the day or from other guests. Issues with in-room amenities included non-functional telephones, inconsistent hot water for showers, and air conditioning units that were either too loud or ineffective.

Dining & Food Quality
The dining and food quality, particularly the complimentary breakfast, has been significantly affected by the hotel's ongoing renovations. Most guests reported that the entire breakfast area was either blocked off or relocated to a limited space near the front desk, resulting in a meager and unappetizing selection. Many found the hot food options, such as eggs and bacon, to be dried out, tasteless, or served cold, with some describing the bacon as inedible. The pancake machine was frequently reported as broken or running out of batter, and essential items like juice and milk were often unavailable or of poor quality. While some kitchen staff were praised for their efforts to keep items stocked, the overall breakfast experience was largely disappointing due to the limited variety and the disruptive atmosphere of the construction zone.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a highly convenient location, making it easily accessible from the Maine Turnpike and ideal for various travel needs. Guests appreciate its proximity to local restaurants and businesses, as well as its direct access to the University of New England, making it a suitable choice for those visiting the campus. The hotel is also well-situated for general travelers looking for a stopover point near the Biddeford/Saco/Old Orchard Beach area and a short distance from Kennebunkport. The parking lot is generally easy to navigate and offers ample space, though some guests noted it could be filled with construction vehicles during renovation periods. While the immediate surrounding area is described as somewhat desolate by some, the hotel's overall accessibility to key destinations is consistently highlighted as a major advantage.

Staff & Service
Feedback regarding staff and service is quite mixed, with some guests praising the friendly staff for being helpful, accommodating, and providing quick check-in. These positive experiences often highlighted individual staff members who went out of their way to assist guests despite the ongoing renovations. However, many other guests reported negative interactions, describing staff as uninterested, unhelpful, or frequently absent from the front desk, leading to long waits. There were numerous complaints about key card issues requiring frequent reprogramming, and some guests experienced rude or dismissive attitudes when seeking assistance. The housekeeping policy was a recurring point of frustration, as rooms were not cleaned unless specifically requested, leading to a lack of fresh towels and overflowing trash bins for longer stays.

Additional Information
A significant point of contention for many guests was the lack of construction disclosure prior to booking, leading to unexpected disruptions upon arrival. This often resulted in disappointment, as guests felt they were not adequately informed about the major remodel impacting their stay. Another frequently mentioned issue was the hotel's housekeeping policy, where rooms were not serviced daily unless explicitly requested, leaving guests to seek out fresh towels or manage their own trash. Guests also reported various in-room maintenance problems, including non-functional telephones, broken door locks, and ADA rooms lacking standard amenities like refrigerators and microwaves, which caused considerable inconvenience. Some guests also noted issues with water shut-offs without prior notice and persistent key card malfunctions.