Introduction
Holiday Inn, a globally recognised hotel brand under the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), has built a reputation for offering dependable accommodation at competitive prices. In the UK, both Holiday Inn and its sub-brand, Holiday Inn Express, serve a wide spectrum of travellers—business guests, families, tourists, and solo travellers alike. However, prospective guests often wonder: Are Holiday Inn hotels good value? and How do Holiday Inn Express breakfast reviews stack up? This detailed and professional review will answer these questions, highlighting the strengths, potential drawbacks, and real guest experiences of staying at Holiday Inn properties in the UK.
Are Holiday Inn Hotels Good Value?
When evaluating the value for money of Holiday Inn hotels in the UK, several core factors must be considered: pricing, amenities, room comfort, location, customer service, and loyalty benefits.
1. Pricing and Affordability
Holiday Inn is positioned as a mid-range hotel brand. Room rates in the UK generally range from £70 to £150 per night, depending on the location, season, and booking window. This pricing is competitive for the UK hotel market, especially in cities like London, Manchester, and Edinburgh, where accommodations can often be expensive.
What makes the brand appealing is its flexible pricing model—discounted rates for IHG One Rewards members, advance purchase deals, and family packages make it a cost-effective option for frequent travellers. For the budget-conscious traveller, the combination of amenities and location often justifies the room rate, making Holiday Inn hotels good value in most scenarios.
2. Quality of Rooms and Facilities
The room quality at Holiday Inn hotels across the UK is generally consistent. Standard features include:
- Comfortable bedding with choice of soft or firm pillows
- Work desk and ergonomic chair
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Flat-screen television
- Tea and coffee making facilities
- En-suite bathroom with toiletries
Many properties also offer additional amenities such as a fitness centre, indoor pool, business centre, on-site bar, and restaurant. For those travelling with children, Holiday Inn’s “Kids Stay and Eat Free” policy significantly enhances the value proposition.
3. Customer Service and Staff Reviews
One of the most consistent themes in Holiday Inn reviews UK is the professional and courteous behaviour of hotel staff. Guests frequently commend the check-in efficiency, the attentiveness of reception and housekeeping, and the willingness of staff to accommodate special requests. While not every location performs equally, the brand’s customer service standards remain above average across the board.
4. Locations and Accessibility
Holiday Inn hotels in the UK are strategically placed near major transport hubs, city centres, and key tourist destinations. Whether staying near Heathrow Airport, Central London, Birmingham New Street, or Glasgow City Centre, guests benefit from convenient access to public transport and local attractions. This enhances value particularly for business travellers and short-stay tourists looking for convenience.
5. Loyalty Programme – IHG One Rewards
Another factor that adds value is the IHG One Rewards programme. Members can earn and redeem points across IHG’s extensive portfolio of brands. Regular guests can benefit from free nights, room upgrades, and late check-out, which enhances overall value for frequent travellers.
Holiday Inn Express Breakfast Reviews
Holiday Inn Express, the more budget-oriented counterpart to the standard Holiday Inn, offers a simplified experience aimed at functionality and convenience. One of the major selling points of a Holiday Inn Express stay is the inclusion of a complimentary breakfast—a feature that sets it apart from many competitors in the UK midscale hotel segment.
1. Overview of Breakfast Offering
The free breakfast at Holiday Inn Express includes a mix of continental and hot items. Typical offerings include:
- Scrambled eggs
- Sausages (pork or vegetarian)
- Baked beans
- Toast and pastries
- Cereals and granola
- Fresh fruit
- Yoghurts
- Tea, coffee, juices
The breakfast is typically served in a buffet format in a clean, modern dining area adjacent to the hotel lobby.
2. Guest Feedback and Quality Ratings
Reviews from guests staying at Holiday Inn Express locations across the UK often cite breakfast as a key strength of the brand. Keywords like “great variety”, “good quality”, “well-stocked”, and “clean breakfast area” frequently appear in guest feedback.
However, some limitations do exist:
- The scrambled eggs are pre-prepared and may not meet everyone’s expectations.
- During busy hours, seating and food availability can be strained.
- The menu remains largely the same across locations, with limited regional variation.
Despite these occasional drawbacks, the value of a free, substantial breakfast—especially for families or early morning business travellers—cannot be understated.
3. Dietary Considerations
Holiday Inn Express does make efforts to cater to vegetarian and gluten-free diets, though vegan options may be limited in some locations. Guests with dietary restrictions are advised to inform the hotel in advance to ensure appropriate arrangements.
4. Cleanliness and Hygiene Standards
Hygiene during breakfast service consistently earns positive marks in Holiday Inn Express breakfast reviews. The staff typically replenish the buffet frequently and maintain cleanliness of the dining area. Especially post-pandemic, enhanced sanitisation measures have reassured guests regarding food safety and dining conditions.
Pros and Cons Summary
Pros:
- Competitive room rates
- Free breakfast at Holiday Inn Express
- High cleanliness and hygiene standards
- Reliable customer service
- Convenient locations across the UK
- IHG Rewards benefits for repeat guests
- Family-friendly policies
Cons:
- Limited variety in breakfast menu
- Room design may feel basic to premium travellers
- Peak-time crowding at breakfast or check-in
- Inconsistency in room updates across older properties
Final Verdict: Are Holiday Inn Hotels Good Value?
Yes, Holiday Inn hotels in the UK offer excellent value for a wide range of travellers. Whether you’re a business guest needing a dependable, well-located base, or a family looking for affordable comfort and amenities, the combination of pricing, services, and strategic locations makes Holiday Inn a solid choice. Holiday Inn Express adds further value by including a hearty breakfast at no extra cost, making short stays both efficient and economical.
While not a luxury experience, it reliably delivers what it promises—clean, functional, and customer-friendly stays at affordable prices.
Recommendations and Useful Links
If you’re planning to stay at a Holiday Inn or Holiday Inn Express in the UK, here are some useful links to explore further:
These resources provide up-to-date guest feedback, real-time pricing, and additional benefits to enhance your travel planning.