Holiday Inn Express Miami Airport-blue Lagoon Area By Ihg

This hotel primarily caters to an extended-stay model, offering mini-kitchens within its rooms, which many guests find to be a convenient feature for longer visits. Its most notable characteristic is its close proximity to the airport, making it a practical choice for travelers needing an overnight stay or those on business trips requiring easy access to transportation hubs. While some guests appreciate the hotel's functional approach, recurring feedback highlights significant concerns regarding cleanliness and the overall condition of the property. For budget-conscious travelers seeking a basic accommodation near the airport, this hotel might suffice, but those expecting a higher standard of comfort or amenities, such as families or couples on leisure trips, should manage their expectations. To enhance your stay, it is advisable to confirm the availability and functionality of specific in-room amenities upon arrival and consider bringing your own essential kitchenware.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers mini-kitchens in its rooms, equipped with a refrigerator and stove, which is a key feature for guests on longer stays. However, many visitors report that these kitchenettes often lack basic necessities such as cookware, utensils, plates, and cups, requiring guests to request them from the front desk, where availability can be inconsistent. While Wi-Fi is generally available, some guests experienced connectivity issues. The property also includes a laundry room, which is a welcome convenience for extended stays. Feedback regarding the elevator is mixed, with some units reportedly being out of order or non-existent for upper floors. A common complaint is the absence of essential in-room phones, TV remotes, and hair dryers, which guests often have to request or find are unavailable.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
A significant number of guests express strong dissatisfaction with the cleanliness and overall room comfort. Many rooms are described as dirty, disgusting, and smelly, with frequent reports of mold on ceilings and in bathrooms, particularly around rusty fixtures and leaking tubs. Guests commonly find stained sheets and stained towels, and some even report the presence of cockroaches, lizards, or other bugs. The floors are often noted as being filthy, leaving guests' feet dirty after walking barefoot. While some find the beds adequately comfortable, others describe them as uncomfortable beds or having damp sheets. Noise is a pervasive issue, with constant airplane noise being a major disturbance, making it difficult for many to sleep. Additionally, some rooms are reported to have a strong urine smell or cigarette smoke odor, even in non-smoking designated areas, and non-working air conditioning units.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's complimentary breakfast consistently receives negative feedback from guests. It is widely described as very basic and often insufficient. The typical offerings include only coffee, muffins, oatmeal, and occasionally granola bars. Many guests express disappointment that there are no other food options such as fruit, juice, or hot items, and the limited selection often runs out quickly, even before the advertised end time. Some visitors found the quality of the provided items to be poor, with one serious concern raised about potentially expired coffee creamer. Overall, the breakfast is not considered a substantial meal and falls short of typical continental standards, leading many guests to seek dining options elsewhere.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is frequently highlighted for its close proximity to the airport, making it a convenient choice for travelers with early flights or late arrivals. It is also noted for its accessibility to public transportation, with a bus stop directly outside, providing connections to local malls and other areas. While some guests appreciate the central location for its convenience to certain food spots and conference areas, many express concerns about the surrounding neighborhood, describing it as sketchy or unsafe, with reports of visible illicit activities and a general lack of nearby shops or attractions. The most significant drawback related to location is the constant and disruptive airplane noise, which affects sleep quality for many guests. Parking is available, but some guests reported issues with vehicle security or finding available spots at night.

Staff & Service
Guest experiences with the staff and service are notably mixed. Many reviews praise the friendly staff and their helpful staff demeanor, highlighting instances of attentiveness and willingness to accommodate requests, such as providing extra keys or offering local directions. However, a substantial number of guests report negative interactions, describing some staff members as rude staff, unprofessional behavior, or unhelpful, particularly during check-in process and check-out process. Common complaints include staff being unresponsive to requests for in-room amenities like remotes or towels, issues with mail and package handling, and a perceived lack of concern for guest problems. The availability of staff at the front desk, especially during late hours, is also a recurring point of frustration for some visitors.

Additional Information
A significant point of contention for guests is the hotel's no daily cleaning policy, with rooms typically only being serviced every two weeks, requiring guests to request fresh towels and toilet paper themselves. Several reviews mention unexpected water shut-offs without prior notification, causing considerable inconvenience. The hotel also faces issues with its smoking policy, as many non-smoking rooms reportedly smell strongly of cigarettes or marijuana, and guests observe others smoking on the premises. There are multiple reports of severe reservation issues, where bookings made and paid for in advance were not honored upon arrival due to overbooking, forcing guests to find alternative accommodations. The hotel's extended stay model is evident, with some guests noting a transient population and occasional police presence, which contributes to a feeling of insecurity for some visitors.