Holiday Inn Express Sandton - Woodmead by IHG — Hotel in Gauteng

I have been using this HIEXWoodmead for a long time, and the likes of Josh, Kele and Bongi have been great. This time around, I found unfamiliar faces; Aubrey, TK and Shadi were amazing, until I met MPHO. This woman was the total opposite of her colleagues. I approached her with an issue regarding my IHG account. I explained to her that IHG had not updated my account and needed to speak with them and asked for her to ring them for me. She blatantly refused. I asked her why it wasn't possible to ring IHG from the reception phone; to which she replied, "I'm using my own phone and won't call them from it." I explained that this was a business call to IHG not to some random company, she wouldn't budge. I then asked to speak to the manager, to which she said she was the manager, and "what she said, goes" As frustrating as this was (and I was losing my cool at this point), I told her that if anything was to go wrong regarding my account that had been messed up by IHG, someone was going to be brought to book. It's at this point that she just gave me the phone with no number dialed. I asked her for the number to IHG, as the internet at the hotel wasn't working. Her response from body language was as if I had asked her to donate an organ to me. She took her time, and eventually dialled the number. Throughout this whole time (a possible 10 minutes, she was coughing away without even covering her mouth, and she saw nothing wrong with that.)

I eventually finished talking to IHG and thanked her and gave back the phone. As I turned round to the seating area, a WHITE woman that was on the queue behind me approached her and told her that she was struggling to order her takeaway. In a split second MPHO was on the phone ringing takeaway companies. She rang quite a few and made the order, smiling away at this WHITE woman. There's NO DOUBLE STANDARDS WORSE THAN THIS. I felt treated differently and was taken aback by this ATROCIOUS CONDUCT from someone that is in a managerial position. To this day I'm saddened by her behaviour. Even when I was having problems with my keys, I was even afraid to approach her at the desk, I would hang around the reception area until someone else came by and I asked them. That's how appalled and scared of her I was. My stay would have been better without this mistreatment from the manager MPHO. Despite this, I will return to HIEXWOODMEAD as all the other staff were great and it's convenient for...

The hotel is located inside a corporate complex so you feel extra safe since there is a private security guard outpost to enter. I have to commend the tall, well dressed security guard from the hotel who is always down at the main entrance… he is super professional and makes you feel like he is doing a great job. Unfortunately I cannot say the same of the front desk team… upon arrival there were 3 ladies attending 2 customers and about 3 more clients on cue… zero acknowledgment of us or a brief greeting saying “soon we’ll be with you”. I stayed over for two nights, the morning of my second night I approached the front desk girl and request an extra key for my room… she starts explaining how the other key will be immediately obsolete once she configures a new one (apparently no copies can be made) so she handles over to me 2 new room keys, at the end as I’m about to leave I say to her “why would you give anyone a room key without verifying their identity first!” She was speechless of course.

Breakfast experience was not nice, a bunch of guests decided that it was a good idea to come down for breakfast without shoes.. absolutely disgusting! One of the restaurant employees tried to ask them kindly to wear shoes and she was “corrected” by the front desk team stating “it was ok”. Coffee machine was not working the first morning, no one seemed to care about it, the floors all dirty with bits of cereal and juices. Total shame on this department.

Upon departure I asked at the front desk if a luggage scale could be borrowed, the lady (who seem to be in charge at the moment) stated that unfortunately due to brand standards… they are not allowed to keep one in hand. Absolutely ridiculous, I’ve been front desk manager of 5 stars hotel and this to me was simply someone not being able to hold accountability for an amenity that could come in handy to all customers and doesn’t necessarily need to be kept on sight. What bothered me is not that they didn’t have one but more, the excuse she stated.

I can commend the good job on the housekeeping staff, they were always cordial on the hallways and the room cleaning was spot on.

Parking facilities are very practical and easy...

Holiday Inn Express offers a superb hotel experience with its cool, cozy, and comfortable rooms. The attention to detail is evident, providing a relaxing atmosphere for guests. The cleanliness and quality of the bathroom further enhance the overall stay.

The hotel's exterior is equally impressive, reflecting a modern and appealing design. The ambiance contributes to a positive first impression, and the overall aesthetic adds to the pleasant stay.

One standout feature is the breakfast, which is not just a meal but a well-served culinary experience. The variety is extensive, ranging from delectable croissants and bread to a hearty selection of eggs, beans, sausages, and vegetarian options. For those inclined towards a healthier start, there are corn flakes, oats, yogurt, and a refreshing array of juices. The inclusion of tea and coffee adds to the diverse options, ensuring that every guest finds something to suit their taste.

The parking lot is not expansive, which may be a consideration for guests with larger vehicles or those seeking ample parking space.

Furthermore, the gym facility, though available, has its drawbacks. It is located in a vulnerable area, potentially impacting the security and privacy of guests using the facility. Additionally, the gym's size is notably small, which could limit the range of workout options for fitness-conscious guests.

It's important to note that Holiday Inn Express does not feature a swimming pool, which might be a relevant factor for guests who value this amenity in their hotel experience. While the hotel excels in providing comfortable rooms, a clean ambiance, and a satisfying breakfast, the absence of a swimming pool might be a consideration for those seeking leisure and recreational facilities during their stay.

These points are worth considering for individuals who prioritize spacious parking and a well-equipped gym in their hotel experience. Despite these minor drawbacks, Holiday Inn Express maintains its charm and positive aspects for those looking for a comfortable stay and a delightful...