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Summary of reviewsHoliday Inn Express Harlow by IHG, garners primarily positive reviews across various categories, making it a favored choice for budget-conscious travelers. Centrally located in Harlow town centre, the hotel is highly praised for its strategic placement near shopping centers, restaurants and public transport, making it an ideal hub for exploring the area and accessing major roads like the M11. While some mention challenges due to ongoing roadworks and the somewhat rundown surrounding area, the majority appreciate the convenience and value for money.
Guests frequently commend the breakfast offerings, describing them as excellent and delicious with a good variety of hot and cold options. Although a few noted a lack of variety for vegetarians and occasional issues with food running out quickly, the generally positive sentiment emphasizes the breakfast as a strong point.
The dinner service receives mixed reviews. Some guests enjoy the quick and delicious meals, specifically praising dishes like the gammon and pineapple and Angus burger. However, the limited menu, early closing time and occasionally pricier dishes receive some criticism, along with occasional service hiccups.
Room reviews tend towards the positive, highlighting the comfort, cleanliness and spaciousness of the accommodations. Families appreciate the larger room sizes and amenities like sofa beds and travel cots. Minor issues, such as small bathrooms, occasional dust and the absence of fridges, are mentioned but do not overshadow the overall positive feedback.
Cleanliness is consistently praised with both rooms and common areas described as spotless and well-maintained. The staff's friendly and helpful demeanor further enhances the experience, leaving a lasting positive impression on guests. Specific employees are often highlighted for their exceptional service.
The hotel's Wi-Fi generally receives favorable comments for being fast and stable, though some guests experience occasional reliability issues, particularly on the first floor. Parking experiences are mixed; while some find it decent and reasonably priced, others mention limited spaces and issues with the nearby multi-story car park.
Families find the hotel accommodating with spacious rooms and facilities suited to children, contributing to a positive stay. However, there is room for improvement in optimizing family room arrangements and addressing minor disruptions like children running in the corridors.
The beds receive mixed feedback; many guests find them comfortable, while some report issues with bed size and sofa beds. Despite the occasional negative comments, the overall comfort of the beds is generally satisfactory.
As a three-star hotel, Holiday Inn Express Harlow delivers a solid experience. The aesthetic may lean towards budget, but the clean, modern design, spacious rooms and standard amenities like included Wi-Fi and a good breakfast offer good value for money. While minor issues are noted, the hotel's central location, cleanliness, friendly staff and convenience make it a practical choice for short and extended stays alike. Show more
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Categories
Accessible Hotel
Holiday Inn Express Harlow offers an accessible room with one double bed and accommodating guest room amenities. The hotel is near Stansted Airport with easy access to the M11.
3-Star Hotel
Located in Harlow, this hotel provides practical amenities and a comfortable environment. It is suitable for both business and leisure travelers.
Family Friendly Hotel
Business Hotel
Hotel with Parking
Room Types
Standard Room with Free Hot BreakfastAn en suite power shower, 50inch Smart TV with cable channels, and tea/coffee making facilities are featured in this air-conditioned room.
A complimentary breakfast is also included.
Room and bed type preferences are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed.
This room can be set up with either a double or 2 single beds, please specify your preference when booking.
Standard Double Room with Sofa Bed and Free Hot BreakfastAn en suite power shower, 50inch Smart TV with cable channels, and tea/coffee making facilities are featured in this air-conditioned room.
A complimentary breakfast is also included.
Standard Twin Room with Free Hot BreakfastAn en suite power shower, 50inch Smart TV with cable channels, and tea/coffee making facilities are featured in this air-conditioned room.
A complimentary breakfast is also included.
Standard Double Room with Free Hot Breakfast - AccessibleAn en suite power shower, 50inch Smart TV with cable channels, and tea/coffee making facilities are featured in this air-conditioned room.
A complimentary breakfast is also included.
Standard Double Room with Free Hot BreakfastThis air-conditioned double room is comprised of a flat-screen TV with cable channels and a private bathroom. The unit has 1 bed.
Guest Reviews
7.9
Good
Location
Holiday Inn Express Harlow by IHG, stands out with its incredibly convenient location right in the heart of Harlow town centre. The hotel is strategically situated near a plethora of amenities including shopping centers, restaurants and banks, all within walking distance. Its proximity to the bus station makes it a great hub for local transport, offering easy access to both Stansted Airport and central London. For those attending events or working in the area, the hotel provides an ideal spot just a minute away from various venues and facilities.
Despite some challenges posed by ongoing roadworks and the rundown local area, guests commend the hotel for its strategic placement, which facilitates exploration of the town and beyond. The convenience of a nearby noodle bar, shopping precincts and public transport makes it a favored choice for many travelers. Additionally with easy access to major roads like the M11 and quick train links to London, the hotel suits those looking for a base to explore further afield.
While some reviews mention difficulty in accessing the hotel by car and occasional noise due to its busy street placement, the majority highlight the excellent value for money, cleanliness and exceptional service provided by the hotel staff. Overall, Holiday Inn Express Harlow is praised for its central location, making it a practical choice for both short stays and longer visits.
Breakfast
Guests of the Holiday Inn Express Harlow by IHG, have shared a range of experiences regarding the hotel's breakfast offerings. On the positive side, many reviews highlight the breakfast as great with adjectives such as excellent, very good, delicious and exceptional frequently used to describe it. Guests appreciated the plentiful and varied selection, noting that it exceeded their expectations and provided good value for money. The breakfast buffet was often praised for having a good range of hot and cold options with fresh and tasty food being a consistent theme.
However, a few criticisms were also noted. Some guests felt that the breakfast lacked variety, especially for vegetarians and those not partial to a traditional full English breakfast. Specific requests like the addition of fried or boiled eggs, more vegetables or different types of cheese and ham were mentioned. There were occasional complaints about the food being the same every day, sometimes not being warm enough or running out quickly.
Despite these areas for improvement, the general sentiment toward the breakfast at Holiday Inn Express Harlow remains largely positive with its inclusiveness in the room rate and strategic location adding to its appeal. Staff efforts in keeping the dining area clean and well-organized were also appreciated, contributing to an overall enjoyable breakfast experience.
Dinner
Holiday Inn Express Harlow receives mixed reviews regarding its dinner offerings. On the positive side, many visitors found the evening meals to be quite good and delicious with some specific dishes like the gammon and pineapple, Angus burger and breakfast receiving special praise. The food was often described as quick and well-prepared, appealing to those who appreciate prompt service.
However, diners frequently noted that the restaurant menu is quite limited and no food is served after 9 pm, which might be inconvenient for late arrivals. Additionally, some guests mentioned that the bar and restaurant were a bit pricey and the quality did not always match the cost, pointing out that certain dishes, such as the fish and chips or pizza, were disappointing or poor.
The restaurant can get crowded since it is small, potentially leading to a less pleasant dining atmosphere. There have been occasional service hiccups, such as food running out and mix-ups between starters and mains, which detracted from the overall dining experience.
Overall, while the hotel takes pride in a clean and well-presented environment with comfortable, family-friendly rooms, the dinner experience remains inconsistent with some standout positive elements but also notable areas for improvement.
Rooms
The Holiday Inn Express Harlow provides a range of room experiences that generally lean towards the positive. Guests have frequently commended the rooms for being comfortable, clean and spacious, making them suitable for both relaxation and remote work. Many found the accommodations to be quiet and equipped with all necessary amenities, including powerful showers and functional facilities, which are ideal for budget-friendly travelers. Reviews noted the same high standards of cleanliness, mentioning tidy and well-prepared rooms, which cater to both individual and family needs.
The hotel's rooms boast good aesthetics and are often described as big and modern with comfortable beds and decent-sized showers. Families particularly appreciated the larger room sizes that could comfortably accommodate multiple guests. Travelers found the hotel to be easily accessible by public transport, enhancing its convenience.
Despite the predominantly positive feedback, some guests encountered minor issues such as small bathroom sizes, slightly dusty shelves and occasional delays in room readiness upon check-in. A few noted the absence of fridges and limited TV channels. While most rooms received praise for their cleanliness and comfort, there were isolated reports of rooms needing better maintenance with some guests encountering cleanliness oversights like uncleaned surfaces and remnants from previous occupants. There were also mentions of the rooms' interiors feeling somewhat dated and in need of refurbishment.
Overall, the Holiday Inn Express Harlow offers comfortable and spacious accommodations with good cleanliness standards, balancing practicality with affordability, though with a few areas that could benefit from improvement.
Beds
The beds at the Holiday Inn Express Harlow receive mixed feedback from guests. On the bright side, many reviewers praise the beds as comfortable with descriptions such as "comfy bed", "large comfortable beds" and "massive comfortable bed" frequently mentioned. Guests described the beds as very comfortable and accommodating, making them a highlight of their stay.
However, not all comments were favorable. Some guests found the beds too small and uncomfortable, especially the double beds which were noted as being smaller than a standard size. There were multiple mentions of issues with sofa beds, citing discomfort, sagging and worn-out mattresses. Additionally, a few reviewers pointed out that the mattresses were either too soft or had uncomfortable springs sticking out, which affected their sleep quality.
Despite the occasional negative feedback, the consistent praise for the comfort of the standard beds indicates that they are generally satisfactory for most visitors. Nonetheless, improvements in bed size and the condition of sofa beds could enhance the overall guest experience.
Cleanliness
Holiday Inn Express Harlow by IHG, consistently receives high praise for its exceptional cleanliness. Guests frequently describe the rooms and shared spaces as very clean, tidy and well-maintained. The spacious showers and modern facilities only add to the overall pleasant experience.
Visitors note the hotel's hygiene standards, highlighting that both the rooms and common areas are spotless. Housekeeping regularly ensures that the premises remain in immaculate condition. Some guests have mentioned specific issues, such as dusty shelves or carpets, but these cases appear to be exceptions rather than the norm.
The staff further enhances the experience with their friendly and helpful demeanor, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere. The combination of cleanliness, comfortable accommodations and attentive service makes this hotel a top choice for budget-friendly and convenient stays, particularly for those flying from Stansted Airport. Overall, Holiday Inn Express Harlow provides a clean and comfortable environment that meets and often exceeds, guest expectations.
Staff
The staff at the Holiday Inn Express Harlow by IHG, have earned high praise from guests for their exceptional service. Visitors frequently describe the staff as friendly, helpful and efficient. The front desk team, in particular, is noted for their fast check-ins, professional demeanor and courteous service. Several guests highlighted specific employees such as Amber, Jodie, Morgan and Julia for their outstanding hospitality.
Many guests were impressed by the welcoming and supportive nature of the personnel, mentioning that they felt truly accommodated during their stay. The housekeeping and breakfast staff were also appreciated for maintaining cleanliness and providing pleasant interactions. While there were occasional mentions of staff being uninformative or slow, these instances were rare and did not overshadow the overwhelmingly positive feedback.
Overall, the staff's professionalism combined with their friendly and approachable attitude left a lasting impression on guests, contributing significantly to the overall positive experience at the hotel.
Wi-Fi
The Wi-Fi at Holiday Inn Express Harlow by IHG, generally receives positive comments from guests. Many have described the internet connection as good, fast and stable, making it convenient for their needs. Some guests specifically highlighted the Wi-Fi as being very fast and easy to connect to with no issues in their experience. However, reviews also indicate occasional problems, such as the Wi-Fi being unreliable or not working altogether in certain areas, particularly on the first floor. Despite these inconsistencies, the overall consensus leans towards a satisfactory internet experience for most guests.
Parking
Guest reviews reveal a mixed experience regarding parking at Holiday Inn Express Harlow. On the positive side, the parking is described as decent, easy to park, practical and ample with a reasonable price of about £5 per night. Some guests found it straightforward to check in for parking and the proximity to the hotel was generally appreciated.
However, many reviews highlight significant issues. Parking is frequently described as limited with the small size of the car park and a lack of sufficient spaces being common complaints. Disabled access is particularly problematic. Guests often have to use a nearby multi-story car park, which is a short walk from the hotel but lacks clear signage and features narrow spaces, making it less than ideal for families or anyone with mobility issues. Some even found the area around the multi-story car park to be uninviting and unsafe.
The necessity to pay for parking, occasionally without advance notice, left guests disgruntled. Signage for the car park and hotel access was also seen as inadequate, leading to confusion. While some found the parking good and practical, the overall sentiment on parking is that it needs improvement in terms of space, convenience and clear communication.
Family
Holiday Inn Express Harlow by IHG, emerges as a popular choice for families seeking a convenient stay. Its location close to the town centre makes it easier for families to navigate and access nearby attractions. The hotel is lauded for its spacious rooms, making it comfortable for families of all sizes, including those with toddlers and elderly members. The presence of amenities such as sofa beds in family rooms and the availability of travel cots upon request caters well to guests with children. Families noted positive experiences, like kids enjoying the breakfast variety and the overall family-friendliness of the center.
However, some reviews indicated room for improvement in certain areas. The arrangement of family rooms could be better optimized and the fold-out couch was a necessity when no twin rooms were available. Instances of kids running in the corridors were mentioned, signaling a lively atmosphere.
Despite these minor setbacks, the hotel’s welcoming environment and attentiveness, such as providing milk for toddlers and allowing early check-ins, contributed to a pleasant stay for families. Overall, Holiday Inn Express Harlow serves as a practical and accommodating option for family travel.
3 Star
Located in a central area, the Holiday Inn Express Harlow by IHG, offers a solid three-star experience. While the hotel's aesthetic might lean towards a budget style, it is considered good value for money. Guests appreciate the clean, modern design, spacious rooms and the overall cleanliness of the facility.
Standard services and amenities, typical of a three-star establishment, are well-executed. Although there are mentions of minor issues such as unfriendly staff and mediocre breakfast, many guests have found the staff to be welcoming and helpful.
The hotel provides essential comforts, including included Wi-Fi and a good continental breakfast. The value for the price stands out, making it a practical choice for those seeking affordability without sacrificing basic comforts. Some areas could use attention and improvement, but overall, it offers the basics well.
Parking does come with a £5 fee, which some guests found regrettable, but the overall cost still makes it a competitive option compared to similar hotels in the area. For travelers looking for a clean, comfortable and centrally located stay on a budget, the Holiday Inn Express Harlow delivers a satisfactory three-star experience.
Business
Holiday Inn Express Harlow by IHG, is a commendable choice for business travelers. The hotel is well-suited for business stays, offering predictable and reliable accommodation that caters to the needs of professionals. With its close proximity to the bus station and nearby businesses, it becomes a convenient stop for those on work trips.
The rooms are noted for being well-appointed, fresh and clean, providing a comfortable environment. The staff is consistently described as helpful and friendly, which adds to the overall positive experience. The hotel also boasts quick check-in and check-out processes, making it efficient for those with tight schedules.
Business services at the hotel are highly rated with reliable and stable WiFi ensuring uninterrupted connectivity. The availability of public parking nearby adds an additional layer of convenience. Although there is no business center within the hotel, the meeting rooms provided are acceptable for business needs.
Located in a quiet and peaceful area, the hotel allows for a restful stay without much inconvenience. Breakfast receives good reviews, contributing to a productive start to the day. Post-Covid hospitality levels are maintained, ensuring safety and comfort for all patrons. Overall, Holiday Inn Express Harlow proves to be an excellent stop for business travelers, providing the essentials needed for a seamless trip.
Accessible
Holiday Inn Express Harlow, an IHG Hotel, has received high praise for its accessibility features, making it a convenient choice for guests with disabilities. The hotel is centrally located, close to shops, bus stations and public transport, including a bus from the airport. This centrality ensures ease of travel for everyone with the added advantage of being near lifts for seamless movement within the hotel.
The accommodation includes rooms specifically designed for wheelchair users, offering superb facilities. Guests appreciated the comfort and cleanliness of these rooms and many noted the friendly atmosphere. The hotel is described as very accessible and well-positioned, offering a great level of comfort.
While guests overall found the accessibility and central location beneficial, there were some concerns regarding noise levels and parking safety. The parking lot drew mixed reviews with some guests expressing concerns about its safety and noting the additional charge.
Despite a few drawbacks, such as occasional noise and parking fees, the hotel's accessibility and central location make it a strong choice for travelers with disabilities. The clean, comfortable rooms and exceptional wheelchair facilities stand out as key highlights.
No, Holiday Inn Express Harlow by IHG doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Holiday Inn Express Harlow by IHG.
No, Holiday Inn Express Harlow by IHG doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Holiday Inn Express Harlow by IHG.
No, Holiday Inn Express Harlow by IHG doesn't have a gym.