Holiday Inn Express Mystic - Groton Area By Ihg

The hotel's prime location directly across from Olde Mistick Village and the Mystic Aquarium stands out as its signature feature, offering unparalleled convenience for guests. This makes it an excellent choice for families seeking easy access to attractions and for sightseers eager to explore the area's charm. Guests consistently highlight the hotel's spacious rooms and the generally positive experience with the included breakfast. While many appreciate the friendly staff, some recurring themes suggest areas for improvement, particularly regarding certain amenities and aspects of room maintenance. For an enhanced stay, guests are advised to inquire about the status of the hot tub and any ongoing renovations prior to booking, and to consider requesting a room away from the elevators for a potentially quieter experience.

Facilities & Amenities
Guest feedback on the hotel's facilities is notably mixed. The indoor pool is a popular feature, especially for children, though many guests describe it as small, often cloudy, and sometimes heavily chlorinated, leading to discomfort. There are also reports of broken pool chairs and early closing times. A significant point of contention is the hot tub, which many reviews indicate is no longer available despite being advertised, causing considerable disappointment for guests who booked specifically for this amenity. The fitness center receives negative comments, with some guests noting a strong, unpleasant odor, lack of towels or sanitizing wipes, and occasional inaccessibility due to construction. While Wi-Fi is generally reliable, some ice machines are frequently reported as out of order, and elevators have been noted for being noisy or temporarily out of service, with dirty carpeting.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel generally receives praise for its spacious rooms, which many guests find comfortable and well-appointed, often including a refrigerator and microwave. Beds are frequently described as very comfortable, ensuring a restful night's sleep, though some guests found the pillows too soft. However, feedback on cleanliness is inconsistent; while many rooms are reported as clean and updated, others mention issues such as stained carpets, mold in bathrooms, peeling wallpaper, and dirty bathroom floors. Noise is a common complaint, particularly from guests in rooms above and from hallways, impacting the overall tranquility. Some guests also experienced issues with low water pressure in showers, non-working electrical outlets, and room safes that were locked or inoperable.

Dining & Food Quality
The complimentary breakfast is a significant draw for many guests, offering a convenient start to the day. Most appreciate the variety, which often includes hot food options like eggs and sausage, along with a popular pancake maker. However, the quality of the hot food receives mixed reviews, with some guests reporting items like burnt eggs, stale bagels, or weak coffee. Many express disappointment over the consistent absence of cinnamon rolls, a signature item for the brand, and note a lack of healthier options like fresh fruit. While the breakfast is generally seen as a good value, some guests found the dining area crowded, and there were instances of food not being replenished promptly or the breakfast service starting late.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently highlighted as a major advantage, placing guests directly across from Olde Mistick Village and the Mystic Aquarium, making both easily accessible on foot. It also offers convenient proximity to downtown Mystic, the Mystic Seaport Museum, and various restaurants and shops, often within a short drive or Uber ride. Its position atop a hill provides pleasant views, and easy access to I-95 is appreciated for travel convenience. While parking is generally ample, some guests note that the back parking lot can be poorly lit at night, raising safety concerns, and the front parking area can be limited during busy periods.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receives high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and accommodating nature. Many guests commend the front desk personnel for their efficient and informative check-in process, as well as their willingness to assist with requests and provide local recommendations. However, feedback on housekeeping is mixed; while some guests report clean rooms and attentive service, others experienced issues such as rooms not being cleaned daily, used towels not being replaced, or a general shortage of towels available at the front desk. Despite these occasional service lapses, the overall sentiment towards the staff's demeanor and willingness to resolve issues remains largely positive.

Additional Information
A recurring and significant point of feedback is the ongoing renovations and construction within the hotel, which have led to certain areas, such as the fitness center, being inaccessible or closed without prior notice. The most prominent issue related to this is the removal of the hot tub, which is still advertised online but is no longer available, causing considerable frustration for guests who made their booking based on this amenity. Guests should also be aware of a security deposit typically charged at check-in, which is refunded after departure. Some guests have noted that the hotel's rewards program benefits were not consistently recognized upon arrival.