I Stay In A Holiday Inn Express! - I Was Shocked!

[@LeftFlipper]

Hello Tim, I’d like to kindly thank you on behalf of the team here at Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh City Centre for reviewing our hotel! It was an absolute pleasure to have you stay with us and we are happy to see that you enjoyed your visit! Kindest regards, Adam Rochowiak 0:43 Senior Guest Services Manager

[@TM-ht6id]

Nostrils 👍

[@themishmish101]

Fix the water damage in the ceiling .

[@thomasmufc100]

Wow. I stayed in this exact hotel last year and instantly recognised it. I cant think of a single thing that was wrong. Perfect location, nice room. Breakfast. I would happily stay again

[@alouie001]

I stay in them all the time for business travel. All the newly renovated ones are amazing. Clean, airy, and bright.

[@itssamiyoutube]

We do me and my daughter go holiday inns some are bradnew and amazing locations if you go London there really basic but other cities like Birmingham as some indigo ones that are beyond words amazing decorations

[@jkayrichardson3366]

Like travelodge, the quality of a Holiday Inn Express can vary on the location. I once stayed one in Strartford, London, which i was surprised how high quality it was for an affordable hotel, then a couple years later I stayed at a roadside one in Tamworth, which felt more like a budget motel

[@Dan23_7]

I stay in a lot of TL’s through work (I drive and nights out) The TL’s in towns/city’s are mostly decent yet the ones on A roads and at motorway junctions always resemble old folks homes.

[@rorz999]

Agreed, the quality/experience can vary massively

[@rorschak47]

I've stayed at a couple of expresses recently, and this one looks a lot better than those. Especially the bathroom is a new design. That said, £95 is also quite expensive.

[@pgr3290]

You went to see ABBA huh

[@reececollison5101]

I always find Travelodges always have the basics right though. The two oldest I’ve stayed in were in Luton Town Centre (after landing at the airport) and one in Southampton (which is now being refurbed it seems). The buildings were run down and old, the corridors and lifts were old and the rooms definitely had wear and tear in them, and were dated. Some cosmetic things (like the hand soap case) were broken. BUT the bathroom and beds were immaculately clean, so it was definitely hygienic and safe, and their beds are always very comfortable. As long as it passes those things, for less than £40 a night there really is nothing to complain about 😀

[@Chrisb8s]

We stayed in that exact holiday inn express in Edinburgh. It was a great location. Our room was a little bigger as we had a sofa bed. I think that the walls are angled because it is an old building.

[@flowermeerkat6827]

I recently stayed in an Holiday Inn Express in Stockport and my room looked exactly like yours! The bed was really comfy and I had a really good sleep. The breakfast was really good too and my kettle was clean!

[@Ellielucy]

It was great to have you!

[@itssamiyoutube]

We're off one in sauderland looks amazing going with Caledonian travel coach holidays.

[@Platzergraph]

I actually lived in a brand new Holiday Inn Express in Germany for 7 months (long story) and honestly, was extremely comfortable the entire time. I had some of the best sleeps of my life in the bed, and the bathroom was really nice. The only downside was no cooking facilities for guests, but most usually don't need it. I found the different options for lighting the room quite cozy as well, especially when relaxing and watching the TV. The room looked pretty similar to yours. It had excellent free internet too, especially for Germany. All that said, I'd happily stay in a Holiday Inn Express again.🤗

[@juliet7703]

Wow!

[@user-xg8ob4nz6v]

Interesting story! Did this happen because of COVID?

[@Platzergraph]

@@user-xg8ob4nz6v Nope! Simply because I needed somewhere to stay on short notice where I was able to register as a resident. Just a convenience and bureaucratic thing!

[@stormchaser419]

That orange chair is something Blofeld from SPECTRE would sit in petting his cat while he thought up another evil plan to thwart Bond. LOL

[@Zizzily]

I've stayed at quite a few HIE in the US when travelling for work. They usually fall under the travel budget for my company, tend to be fairly clean, tend to be fairly nice and updated inside, and it's super nice to have the breakfast available in the hotel when you have to be up for work in the mornings. Obviously nothing fancy, but I rarely want to get up early enough to go to a sit down restaurant before work. A lot of them also have a pancake machine, which is pretty novel. They do vary some from location to location, but they seem to be improving. Nice when you're going to a lot of different places and haven't really had a chance to evaluate the local hotel quality.

[@WalkWithMeTim]

Good points

[@sarahstrong7174]

It would be good if they offered a breakfast/lunch package for those in a hurry. Just a sandwich in a bag with a bottle of water & a piece of fruit, pre-ordered that you can pick up from a fridge in reception.

[@matgreen8605]

Chains like HI express and Hampton Inn include their breakfast at all properties worldwide and it's a part of their deal. They tend to be priced slightly above prem inns (dependent on availability) but they have the added extra of loyalty cards. If you're a regular traveller points can get you discounted rates and access to executive lounges etc. All down to what works for you. Btw....it was a sign for meeting rooms rather than a kids room

[@Bobrogers99]

The building may have maintenance problems (elevator, ceiling damage), but the public spaces and room looked great. They also had a decent breakfast.

[@WalkWithMeTim]

Agree

[@thezombieflesheater2415]

This is my go-to place to stay on my annual visit to Edinburgh. Each and every year, the hotel is perfect. Great location with Calton Hill opposite for a good morning walk after staying in nearby late bars the night before. Handy for the station, too.!

[@joywebster2678]

I used to travel for 2 different jobs, both in Canada and the USA. I purposely used Holiday Inn Express because they were business focused, the other occupants were keeping business hours. Always a desk to work at, and they were great. Now 20yrs later they are less business focused and everyone uses them. The big holiday inns are vanishing.

[@vinniechudam1835]

The main difference between Holiday Inn and HIE is that HIE is "select service" so therefore offers fewer services than a Holiday Inn, most notably a restaurant offering lunch and dinner. Select service in the hospitality trade is the term used for more budget accomodation, but we don't like to use the term budget. I worked for Hyatt Hotels UK for nearly 9 years, our select service Hyatt Place hotels were in direct competition with HIE but we had far fewer properties than HIE. You will find a full restaurant service at Holiday Inns worldwide and all meals are chargeable unless you choose a meal inclusive rate. Select service properties can also mean fewer amenities in the room compared to full service properties (ie no minibar). It can also mean there might not be a dedicated Concierge or fitness room on site. Thanks for the interesting review.

[@hazelmanship7516]

Good to see a better hotel room, looked comfortable Tim, thanks for sharing

[@lindseyrea9237]

We had 2 stays in a Holiday Inn Express the last time we were in the UK and we really liked them. One of the best things was the staff on reception. they were exceptionally helpful, on one occasion we were fresh off a longhaul flight, and the second time we had been let down by another accommodation provider and were a bit upset. Each time, the staff went out of their way to ensure that we could sort out the things that we needed to do. We love the breakfast, those little sausages are super tasty. The West Ealing one was very well placed for shops etc and public transport, and the Leeds one had a good restaurant for our evening meal as well. We would be quite happy to stay there again for a night or two if the occasion arose. One has recently opened in our home city of Auckland, New Zealand and I would recommend it for people who needed that sort of brief stay.

[@mjwndave]

I stayed in a HI Express in Hammersmith in January and really liked it, the staff were brilliant and couldn't do enough for us. There was a mistake when we checked in (granted we checked in 2 hours early!) in that we booked a room with the sofa bed made up for our daughter and it wasn't done. I told the receptionist and it was sorted within 30 minutes. What was even better I booked it using some points I had left over and it only cost us £115 for two nights so was an absolute steal. Hammersmith is a little away from things but it's well connected on the tube and you can be in most places in about 15-20 minutes so well worth it

[@brycegipple387]

I have traveled quite frequently throughout my 25 years of living. In all my travels, I never went wrong with a Holiday Inn or Holiday Inn Express.

[@mightay6672]

In Edinburgh the old buildings are listed buildings ,so that's why a lot of the walls aren't straight and hence the curves ,you can't just chip away and make them straight ❤I'm was born and raised in Edinburgh 😊

[@DDFreeman]

9:51 I have to cover up stuff like that - the green and blue and red equipment lights. Some rooms have as many as 6 of them - horrors. For healthiest sleep, room should be dark / unlit. 😎

[@jackhodgson8605]

Love the fact that you get breakfast included with your stay, looks very nice indeed above what you would get at some other chains for sure. Always try and stay in a HI Express where I an the beds are so comfy and the staff have always been great not to mention their rewards programme with points that do not expire

[@jasonhindle4054]

Never stayed at a Holiday Inn Express in the UK. They always been more expensive than Premier Inns for my trips. I have stayed at Holiday Inn Express hotels in Hong Kong and Shanghai, back in the Before Times. Both stays were very good. The free breakfast at the Shanghai property (bacon, eggs, fried rice, noodles, pork buns etc.) was pretty spectacular. Compared to Premier Inns, these hotels should be more suitable for longer stays (e.g. typically offering laundry and dry cleaning).

[@fn1202]

I worked at Holiday Inn Express for almost 4 years - I can say first of all this is one of the nicer ones, my location was nowhere near as updated as this one! The 'free' breakfast is most definitely factored into the price and yes they really push their loyalty scheme (they actually have targets to meet in terms of signing people up)/ Overall for the price i'd say it is always worth staying at a Premier Inn instead but HI Express is still a decent option.

[@JBugz777]

Love me some budget hotel reviews! Nice comprehensive review with all the little details🤩

[@oddsandwindsocks5905]

Hi Tim, this one looks lovely, very clean and neat. Breakfast looked good with a great selection of everything you would want to start the day. Price seems to reflect this to .

[@rockjam4534]

Their choice of breakfast is like a main course for dinner. 😁

[@ericholmes4152]

A lot of difference with USA rooms - lots of room, two Queen or one king bed, chair w/footstool, large dresser and TV, microwave and fridge w/coffee pot. Bath has tub, lots of counter space.

[@Kosii]

Always wondered what the difference was between the standard Holiday Inns and Holiday Inn Expess. Great video Tim!

[@aclem8246]

I like Holiday Inn Express in the US. They are all over the country especially along major highway routes. Always clean and well appointed. No surprises. Something to depend on where as other hotel/motels you really don't know what you are getting and a lot of times they are quite disappointing. I always use them when driving cross country etc.

[@KeyNation]

For £95 should inc breakfast. I stay in the Hilton for around that price and some don’t inc breakfast but £95 is a lot for a room

[@OxtonSWA]

I`ve stayed in Holiday Inn Express a few time in the USA and Germany (one in USA several times) and found them to be comfortable, clean and with helpful friendly staff. I joined their loyaity scheme which was free and I always get a good rate. I won`t hesitate to stay at a HIE again.

[@MichaelGGarry]

I stayed in this very hotel back in.....2006 I think, just as I was starting a very lovely year living and working in Edinburgh. Brings back some memories! Decent hotel and a good location too, walking distance to Princes Street, Omni Centre just across the roundabout, St James centre round the corner and Leith Walk too.

[@ursulasmith6402]

Water pressure, that why the shower was weak. The water pressure was too low, could be the city.

[@Phl-ou6vn]

The Holiday Inn's use to have solon style shampoos in foil packs (like Paul Mitchell) back in the early 2000's and monogram towels, remember? Now they have these Dove soap and shampoos that are the size of 50 cent pieces here in the states and want $60 more for the room.

[@simondlatham5939]

Like most hotels, I find Sunday's are usually far cheaper, and with IHG (the loyalty programme for Holiday Inn Express) if you book more than 3 days early, it'll be cheaper again

[@honestmarc]

I’ve never been disappointed at HIE in Canada and USA. I’ve stayed many many nights too. It’s my go to.

[@ca5cada4eva]

Perfect timing for this review for me Tim I'll be stopping in the one in Newcastle next week nice to see what I'll be looking forward to breakfast looks nice pretty extortionate prices when I'm going probably cos it'll be weekend and it's city centre

[@davelynclutterbuck6643]

WE have stayed at the same Hotel many times when visiting family,we have been very pleased with the comfort of the rooms and staff were very helpful, and even though the breakfast is included there are no restrictions on how much you can have many times rather overload the plate and waste food I have smaller portions but get more if I'm still hungry

[@williammullikin2076]

I have always enjoyed my stay at Holiday Inn Express when visiting family out of town

[@yvonneatkins7386]

Thanks Tim for the view as always look forward to the next Yvonne 😊

[@WalkWithMeTim]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Matty12333]

Stayed in one in Wembley in London, and the outside looked a bit run down but the rooms and cleaniness were fine and the staff were friendly

[@TheBabyjane87]

i stayed at this hotel very recently, i was in room 103 and i have to say your room is so much nicer than the room i had although me and my friends did have a ver enjoyable stay there

[@raffinataonline]

That drywall bubble on the ceiling would have had me calling the front desk. 😱

[@paulineparsons9399]

Too many corridors in your vlogs....but ..you do a amazing job....thankyou so.much

[@ulysees321]

IHG reward scheme is excellant as the points dont expire, i usually always try and stay in a holiday in or Crowne plaza when traveling for work, well worth it if you save your points and want to go to Vegas (the Venetian) or Florida (resorts) and get a good discount/free nights

[@stephenmacks23]

One of my favourite people to watch on KZbin!

[@WalkWithMeTim]

Lol

[@socat9311]

Anything in Edinburgh seems magic to me :)

[@accountnumber90]

Holiday Inn Express is always a safe bet in the U.S. I'm glad to see it's the same way in the UK, seeing as I just booked a room at one near Heathrow.

[@2760ade]

I love Holiday Inn Express. Have stayed at many all over the country. If you look for the offers, or book last minute online, the price is drastically reduced. I've never paid more than £60. I know you said the breakfast was average, but you get a massive choice of food and drinks, and best of all, you can eat as much as you like!!

[@brewsterkits]

Nice, neat comfy looking room,usual yummy looking breakfast😊

[@darrenwilson8042]

If they are aimed at the business traveller they are affordable. I have stayed in loads of them - just keep the bill and expenses are your friend - business travellers employers are the one's paying

[@bethenecampbell6463]

When I'm in Edinburgh I stay at HIE in Leith. Same rooms. The chair is quite nice to have and everything else you need is right there. Very clean overall. The included breakfast is not bad at all. Staff are always nice. The location is also very convenient.

[@rain_down_]

Definitely worth signing up with IHG as it includes loads of other hotels as well as Holiday Inn. Edinburgh isn't cheap, but it looks like you found a bargain there.

[@cjone3432]

Looks identical to the one i stayed in in London pre-covid. It was quite comfortable and at the time well priced.

[@madtownbbbear]

I didn't see the trademarked cinnamon rolls that Holiday Inn Express is known for, but UK breakfast differs from USA/Canada breakfast. But those cinnamon rolls are pretty amazing and way too easy to eat! And on the flip side, beans are certainly not offered in the USA/Canada.

[@WindowIntoMyWorld]

my apartment has those exact heaters through every room and hall, they're everywhere

[@shannonlouise3782]

hey tim, love your videos!! i find them so therapeutic, im going on holiday next month and i’m definitely going to be analysing the hotel room now hahah

[@WalkWithMeTim]

A hotel review therapeutic .. lol

[@BirteK1975]

Stayed at th HI Express Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco several times. Always enjoyed my stay.

[@Mostopinionatedmanofalltime]

The Holiday Inn Express locations in the US are uniformly good. It’s one of the best.😊

[@taozhao1797]

Both holiday inn and holiday express are my love!

[@robstanley7381]

Breakfast, like everything else, is never free, it’s part of the total one pays. Great video, thanks!!

[@BunnyTheChi]

I've always liked Holiday Inn Express. We will be staying at one in Toronto out by the airport in three days. They are usually newer, pillows are amazing (soft, form, etc), you can request additional pillows and room location (high floor, away from elevators, etc.). The breakfasts are pretty good and the hotels have a very pleasing scent (odd comment I know, but they really do smell great).

[@77sun222]

Hi Noted your points and agree. Not even a slice of haggus for breakfast. Poor bread rolls😊

[@johnbarnes888]

I do like a powerful shower so that was a shame but fair play, the silver pipework was nicely polished which always gives a hotel a nice vibe. Great design feature with that 'false' curved wall.

[@stusmodels]

For a contrast to this Holiday Inn Express, check out the the Holiday Inn Express in Crewe. Air con not working staff wearing coats at reception but some rooms did have a balcony.

[@lt5976]

Holiday Inn has always had comfy beds. They are a bit higher than other travel lodges, but are pretty clean/comfy. Most travel lodges offer free hot breakfast in the states. My favorite travel lodge is Hampton Inn. They actually wash their comforters, unlike most hotels. And their free hot breakfast is great! Use to be at the Hampton Inn if you had a bad night sleep or maybe didn't like something - your stay was free. Not sure if that still works :)

[@johnmehaffey9953]

I used to stay in a lot of holiday inns but never the express, have to agree with others who have stated that the prices of hotels is very high at the moment, don’t want to be called a racist but quite a few hotels are being used to house immigrants and there’s not as many beds on offer , nice post

[@redcoatryan3079]

The room is behind you. Oh no it isn't! Oh yes it is! I believe there is a lift it London that sings, on doing a voice warm up.

[@77sun222]

Hi Those pegs on the wall are for hanging handbags etc😄

[@RussWWFC]

Stayed in the Motherwell version this weekend. Isolated location but aside from that, it was great.

[@radioweebdx7680]

I went to the one in Excell in London, it was similar to this one. The breakfast was fine, and you had Wifi inside the room too and around the bar and breakfast area. The only thing was that you couldn't open the windows to let some fresh air inside the room. You can have a few drinks at the bar downstairs as well. I remember I got locked out during the night as I went outside for a smoke in the car park, the doors let me out but they wouldn't let me back in. I did have a room key or card with me, but couldn't use it. I had to give the desk a buzz and the lady who was at the desk let me back inside. I actually found a sitting area at the back of the car park which was used by the staff on lunch breaks or smoking breaks. 🙂

[@triciaowings2429]

Another great video.Appreciate your detailed honesty.Also the coat you wear is very smart and attractive.Quite professional and done so well . Your devoted fan from America

[@WalkWithMeTim]

Thank you very much!

[@walterfillingham]

I either use Holiday Inn Express or Premier Inn at Aberdeen airport the night before I travel offshore on an early morning helicopter flight. Despite Premier Inn being cheaper but doesn’t include breakfast it ends up being more expensive than Holiday Inn Express which includes the breakfast. Also as I regularly use Holiday Inn Express at Aberdeen Airport I get membership points which you can add up to get cheaper stays. So generally for me personally Holiday Inn Express cheaper over the course of a year compared to Premier Inn.

[@srfurley]

Have stayed in the Bradford one many times since 2008 when it was quite new, and Middlesbrough twice. Used to sometimes be able to get Bradford for £39, but usually somewhere in the Fifties. Middlesbrough is more expensive. I like them. Bradford used to have reliability issues with the lifts, but after a major overhaul a few years ago that seems to have been fixed.

[@monkeymanbob]

Have you tried Village group yet? Possibly the comfiest beds I've slept in and the exec rooms have excellent showers. Friendly staff. Food is miserable though and while I've had much worse breakfasts, for the price it's utter tosh.

[@WalkWithMeTim]

Not yet!

[@minecachair]

Next time you're in Edinburgh,stay at the Holiday Inn next to Edinburgh Zoo.The windows are double glazed but if you open them,or you're in other parts of the building,you can genuinely hear the lions next door roar.I used to work there and we had customers complaining-what did they expect us to do?Go and tell the lions to pipe down?There was no noise at all in bedrooms so some people would complain about anything!

[@MattCellaneous]

That Holiday inn Express looks nearly identical to the one I stayed in very recently in Istanbul close to the airport.

[@juliet7703]

Completely forgot that there is HEI and Holiday Inn😂 That bed has got to be the most comfortable bed I ve seen in a hotel..definitely in your videos. Very informative. Thanks

[@JAM-65]

I have stayed in a lot of Holiday Inn Express hotels in German. For a family of four these have always been a great bargain. Usually charging less than 75 euros a night and including the breakfast.

[@ginab6142]

I always carry a pad of sticky notes in my luggage. It is very easy to stick one over a bright light to help darken the room.

[@angusmcintosh1857]

Not too much experience with this chain, but I had to stay at the one in Leicester East several times. It had a similar feel and was one of the best designed, most comfortable rooms at that price level I’ve seen.

[@braveheart8063]

Alright holiday Inn express room looks good part from the view thanks for visiting edinburgh

[@deetorrance3659]

If a Holiday Inn Express is available where I am traveling, I will stay there. Never had a bad experiences so far. I have stayed in one near Dublin airport and was very pleased. Customer service was extremely good.

[@richardsequeirateixeira]

Yes, these hotels are generally marketed in the US for people who are on the road. For me a good hotel also needs to have a business center where I can print or fax/scan documents.

[@ocsrc]

I really wish I could see Scotland before I die, but I am too sick to travel. I have 50% of my genetics from Scotland and I really feel like I should have gone there when I was young but I never had the money to travel. 😢

[@chrisamies2141]

I lived in one for a month in Cheltenham (while waiting for the legalities of my flat to be sorted out) and it was good.

[@Holly-kk4nz]

This looks amazing and right where you need to be. Great show.

[@catherineclark4484]

Really love these hotel vlogs

[@WalkWithMeTim]

Glad you like them!

[@MarkCeeee]

I always had wonderful stays at Holiday Inn Express hotels.

[@tomkent4656]

You only get good rates if you book at least six months ahead.

[@WalkWithMeTim]

good point

[@comedyhunter]

You forgot to mention the free fast wifi! I stop in a lot of hotels and I tried a Holiday Inn Express for the first time last year and it blew me away, it ticks so many boxes. the "free" all you can eat breakfast is a nice touch isnt it. I loved the little table you can move around and yes the shower was massive. Its always worth joining the membership as you earn points for each stay

[@WalkWithMeTim]

I missed that lol

[@kelvinosborne3822]

I stayed in a holiday inn express on Monday night. I booked a double room with a sofa bed , and upon opening the sofa bed , there was no bedding just 2 mattress protectors , covered in stains and hairs!

[@WalkWithMeTim]

Omg

[@markh5210]

Your room was in a small extension to the hotel (the planning application was in 2009, the original hotel applied for planning permission in 2003). The hotel opened as a Holiday Inn Express so it has not been converted from another brand. The kettle is likely to be old- Edinburgh tap water is soft so there will not be any limescale buildup.

[@jeffallinson8089]

Great review Tim, definitely a hotel I would choose next time I visit the gorgeous city of Edinburgh and even £95 per night won't break the bank!

[@TheSilverPhoenix356]

I love Holiday Inns. I’d recommend the express on Oxford road, in Manchester for those either on business or going Manchester for a concert.

[@WalkWithMeTim]

Thanks for the tip!

[@scottlewisparsons9551]

Thank you for another great video Tim. All the best from Sydney Australia 🇦🇺

[@brettwilliams5594]

Holiday inn for me has always been about the beds. All that duck down when fresh makes for a good nights sleep for me.. Premier inn way better breakfast but you can get breakfast A hotel is for sleeping, you can get food anywhere.

[@yorkshire_enthusiast3075]

Absolutely love your videos Tim! Ive been a subscriber for a while but never really commented. Im addicted to watching your videos. It would be nice to see more of the Holiday Inns on your channel.

[@WalkWithMeTim]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@ChuckleHoneybear]

Love this video Tim ❤

[@WalkWithMeTim]

Thanks

[@Vondracar]

I really like the design of the room too TIm!

[@WalkWithMeTim]

me too