Holiday Inn Express Blair by IHG

The hotel is widely praised for its modern and exceptionally clean environment, creating a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere for guests. Its signature feature is the consistent delivery of a quiet and restful stay, making it an ideal choice for various travelers. The hotel is particularly well-suited for families seeking a clean and amenity-rich stay with a pool and good breakfast, and for business travelers who appreciate the quiet rooms, convenient location near essential services, and reliable amenities for work trips. Couples and those visiting family also find it a great fit due to its comfortable accommodations and friendly service. To enhance your experience, be aware that the security deposit may take several business days to be returned, and if you have an early departure, confirm breakfast availability as times can vary. Additionally, some guests recommend checking the shower for slipperiness upon arrival.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests frequently commend the hotel's well-maintained facilities, contributing significantly to a pleasant stay. The indoor pool is a popular amenity, especially for families with children, though some guests noted it could be a bit cold or, in rare instances, had minor cleanliness issues like hair. The fitness center is consistently described as nice, clean, and well-equipped, offering a convenient option for guests to maintain their routines. While Wi-Fi is available, a few guests reported minor connectivity challenges. The hotel also provides ample and well-lit parking, including space for larger vehicles like pickups with trailers, which is a notable convenience. The presence of an elevator is appreciated, though some found the placement of ADA rooms on the second floor less convenient.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The cleanliness of the rooms and the overall hotel is a standout feature, consistently receiving high praise from guests who describe them as spotless, immaculately clean, and well-maintained. Guests frequently highlight the comfortable beds and cozy bedding, ensuring a restful night's sleep. Rooms are generally noted for being spacious, well-decorated, and having a modern feel. While most guests experience a quiet and peaceful environment, a few mentioned occasional hallway noise from other guests. Common feedback regarding in-room amenities includes occasional issues with remote-controlled shades or USB plugs not working, and some bathrooms lacking an exhaust fan. The presence of a chaise lounge and quality Dove products in the bathroom are often appreciated touches.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast offered at the hotel is a significant highlight for many guests, frequently described as wonderful, delicious, hot, and plentiful. There is a wide variety of options, including hot items like eggs, sausage, biscuits and gravy, and warm cinnamon rolls, alongside cold choices. The pancake machine is a popular feature, though some guests noted it was occasionally out of order. While the overall quality is high, some guests expressed a desire for more fruit choices or found that certain items were not consistently refilled, especially towards the end of the breakfast service. A few early-departing guests wished the breakfast service started earlier than 6:30 AM, as the area is often locked until the official start time.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's convenient location is a major advantage for guests, particularly those visiting family or on work trips, as it offers easy access to various points of interest. It is situated near downtown and is highly praised for its proximity to essential amenities. A significant benefit highlighted by many is its direct location across the street from a Walmart, providing easy access to necessities. Additionally, guests appreciate being close to gas stations and a variety of other restaurants within walking distance. The hotel also offers ample and well-lit parking, including space for larger vehicles, which contributes to a sense of safety and ease of access for all guests.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, with guests frequently describing them as exceptionally friendly, helpful, accommodating, and attentive. Many reviewers highlighted their professionalism and kindness, noting how they went above and beyond, even during challenging situations like a power outage or late arrivals. The check-in and check-out processes are generally efficient and easy, though a few guests reported initial confusion or rudeness from specific front desk personnel regarding reservations or deposits. Housekeeping is also commended for its thoroughness and thoughtful touches, such as leaving notes. Overall, the staff's commitment to providing excellent customer service is a recurring theme, making guests feel valued and welcomed.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of a few important details for their stay. A recurring concern is the security deposit policy; while standard, guests reported being told it would not charge their card, only to find it pending for 7-10 business days, causing unexpected financial inconvenience. Another significant safety concern raised by multiple guests is the slippery shower floor, often lacking sufficient grab bars or having them out of reach, which poses a potential hazard and has led to concerns about potential accidents. While the hotel generally maintains a high standard of cleanliness, some guests noted a strong "wet dog" smell in certain rooms, indicating a potential issue with the pet policy or cleaning protocols for pet-friendly accommodations, and some wished the hotel allowed pets.