Holiday Inn Express & Suites Smithfield - Selma I-95 By Ihg

This hotel is consistently praised for its exceptional cleanliness and its convenient location near a major interstate, making it a popular choice for road trippers and travelers seeking a comfortable stopover. Its proximity to a large outlet mall and numerous dining options also makes it ideal for shoppers and those looking for entertainment. Guests frequently highlight the comfortable accommodations and the generally good breakfast offerings. To ensure a pleasant stay, it is advisable to request a room away from the elevators or higher floors if noise sensitivity is a concern, as some guests have noted issues with sound transfer. Additionally, confirming pool availability upon booking is recommended if this amenity is a priority.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of amenities designed to enhance guest comfort and convenience. A notable feature is the indoor pool, which many families appreciate for its warmth and cleanliness, providing a great way for children to unwind after long journeys. While a fitness center is available, some guests have reported issues with the air conditioning, making it uncomfortably warm. Rooms are generally well-equipped with a refrigerator, microwave, and Keurig coffee station, though some reviews indicate that these appliances, along with the television, may occasionally be non-functional. Guests also noted the presence of USB outlets by the beds and an iron in the armoire. However, some found a lack of convenient power outlets for laptops and experienced issues with slow or creaky elevators.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests overwhelmingly commend the hotel's cleanliness, describing rooms and bathrooms as exceptionally spotless and fresh. The beds are frequently praised for being comfortable, ensuring a restful night's sleep for most. However, some guests found the mattresses too firm. A recurring concern is noise, with reports of squeaky floors from rooms above, audible conversations from adjacent rooms due to thin walls, and occasional noise from the nearby railroad. While many bathrooms are clean and spacious, some older fixtures, such as loose faucets and old shower knobs, have been noted. Issues with low water pressure or lukewarm water in showers were also mentioned by several guests.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's complimentary breakfast generally receives positive feedback, with guests appreciating the variety and quality of the offerings. Hot items often include pancakes, turkey sausage, egg white omelets, scrambled eggs, and bacon, alongside biscuits and sausage gravy. The coffee is typically described as hot and good, though some guests found the juice options to be watered down. While the breakfast area is usually clean and well-stocked, some guests noted that the attendant occasionally struggled to keep all food items replenished. Despite the good breakfast, the hotel does not offer an in-house dinner option, though many restaurants are conveniently located nearby.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a highly advantageous location, offering easy access directly off Interstate 95, making it an ideal stopover point for travelers. Its proximity to the Smithfield outdoor outlet mall and a wide selection of restaurants within walking distance is a significant draw for guests. A movie theater is also conveniently located nearby, providing additional entertainment options. While the area is described as somewhat crowded with other hotels, guests generally find the parking to be ample and easily accessible, including safe options for larger vehicles. This central positioning allows guests to explore local attractions and dining without extensive travel.

Staff & Service
Feedback regarding the staff and service is mixed, though many guests highlight positive interactions. Numerous reviews commend the friendly staff for their helpfulness, patience, and accommodating nature, particularly during check-in. Specific instances of staff going out of their way to assist guests were noted. However, some guests reported encountering unfriendly or rude front desk staff, particularly during check-in, who were sometimes preoccupied with personal phones or uncommunicative. Issues such as staff not acknowledging loyalty program status, overcharging, or being unhelpful with reservation changes were also mentioned. Housekeeping generally maintains high standards, but isolated incidents of rooms not being cleaned or specific items being overlooked were reported.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that the hotel has undergone or is currently undergoing renovations, which means some areas may appear dated or have minor unfinished touches. A notable point of contention for some guests is a service charge that has been applied after initial booking, which was not always clearly disclosed or refunded, leading to frustration. Several guests experienced significant inconvenience due to the hotel being overbooked, resulting in cancelled reservations upon arrival. There have also been reports of persistent issues with hot water availability or pressure in some rooms. Additionally, one guest reported being charged for alleged room damage they denied causing, highlighting the importance of documenting room condition upon arrival and departure.