Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sherwood Park-edmonton Area By Ihg

This hotel is highly regarded for its exceptional complimentary breakfast and its welcoming pet-friendly policy, making it a popular choice for various travelers. Guests consistently highlight the hotel's overall cleanliness, the comfortable accommodations, and the remarkably attentive service provided by the staff. It is an ideal fit for families traveling for events like hockey tournaments, pet owners seeking accommodating lodging, business travelers needing convenient access to the Edmonton area, and those looking for a comfortable stopover near major highways. To ensure the best experience, it is advisable to confirm the availability of specific amenities like the hot tub prior to arrival, and guests traveling with pets should be aware of potential noise levels from other guests in the hallways.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of facilities to enhance guest stays, including a well-equipped fitness center that is often quiet, allowing for undisturbed workouts. Guests appreciate the convenience of free Wi-Fi throughout the property, ensuring connectivity. For practical needs, there are readily available ice machines and vending machines, along with laundry machines (a coin-operated washer and a free dryer). A business center is also on-site for work-related tasks, and an ATM provides easy access to cash. However, a significant and recurring concern is the hot tub, which is frequently reported as out of order for maintenance, disappointing many guests who specifically booked for this amenity. Some rooms feature older TVs and lack modern conveniences like USB ports, and the elevator can be slow or noisy.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally find the rooms to be very clean and comfortable, contributing to a restful stay. The comfortable beds and fluffy pillows are frequently praised for ensuring a good night's sleep. Showers typically offer excellent water pressure, and many bathrooms are stocked with Dove products. Some rooms are notably spacious, and certain suites feature large jet tubs, though some guests found these difficult to access or noted their dated appearance. However, there are mixed reviews regarding cleanliness, with some guests reporting finding dirty rooms, including previous occupants' items or food debris. Issues like mold behind peeling wallpaper in bathrooms, noisy pipes, and inconsistent thermostat issues (making rooms too hot or cold) were also mentioned. While most rooms are quiet, some guests experienced street noise, train whistles, or significant hallway noise from other guests.

Dining & Food Quality
The complimentary breakfast is a standout feature, consistently receiving high praise for being hot and fresh with a good variety of options. Guests can enjoy items such as hot turkey sausage, western omelette, pancakes from a machine, warm cinnamon buns, various pastries, toast, yogurt, boiled eggs, and cereal, accompanied by juices, coffee, and tea. The staff managing the breakfast area are often commended for their friendliness and diligence in keeping the food trays well-stocked. However, some guests reported instances of food running out or being cold, and a few noted undercooked meat. The pancake machine was occasionally reported as broken, and while one review mentioned a few gluten-free options, others did not find them. Some guests also felt that breakfast ended too early, particularly on weekdays.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a highly convenient location, offering easy access to major routes like Anthony Henday and Yellowhead Trail/Highway 16, which facilitates travel to the broader Edmonton area and Sherwood Park. This makes it an excellent base for reaching nearby restaurants and shopping destinations, including a close Costco. It is particularly well-suited for guests with business appointments or those seeking a stopover point. The property provides ample parking, with some stalls equipped with power plugs for block heaters, a useful feature in colder weather. While its proximity to main roads is a plus, some guests found the hotel a bit farther from amenities directly within Sherwood Park, and there were comments about the parking lot being icy due to insufficient snow removal efforts.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receive overwhelmingly positive feedback for their friendly staff, helpful, and attentive service. Many guests highlighted specific instances of staff going above and beyond to assist, whether through room upgrades, accommodating late check-outs, resolving booking discrepancies, or even helping with car troubles. The quick check-in and efficient check-out processes are frequently praised, contributing to a smooth experience. Staff members are described as welcoming, professional, and demonstrating a genuinely caring attitude towards guests' needs. While the vast majority of interactions are positive, a few isolated comments mentioned instances of rude staff during check-out or when addressing specific issues, and some guests found the dated check-in system to be a source of minor frustration.

Additional Information
The hotel maintains a pet-friendly policy, which is highly appreciated by guests traveling with dogs and cats. However, some pet owners reported challenging experiences due to significant noise and disruptive behavior from other guests' children in the hallways, which negatively impacted their pets' comfort. A recurring issue is the hot tub, which is frequently reported as out of order for maintenance, despite being advertised as an amenity. In some cases, guests were offered free passes to a nearby recreation center as compensation for the hot tub's unavailability. The hotel offers various room types, including more spacious King Suites and Jacuzzi Suites, which are generally well-received. Some guests noted a strong air freshener scent in the lobby and foyer, which could be overwhelming for those with sensitivities. The hotel also offers late check-out when feasible, and some guests were inadvertently enrolled in a rewards program.