Holiday Inn Express Antrim - M2, JCT.1 by IHG — Hotel in Ireland

On checking in, I was welcomed as a ICHotels Gold member and offered complimentary drink vouchers for my wife and I. The very helpful receptionist outlined the breakfast times and locations and welcomed us to the hotel.

We were on the second floor, and while waiting for the lift to arrive we were struck by the heat emanating from the ice and vending machines. The lack of air conditioning in this public area was very noticeable and very uncomfortable, particularly as we passed through this area several times during our stay.

Our family room was well presented with the sofa bed (for our grand-daughter) opened out and made up. The décor was neutral beige shades with a nicely appointed bathroom. Outside the bathroom was a full length mirror with a small hair dryer attached. This was alongside a good sized storage unit which incorporated a hospitality tray.

There was a good size flat screen TV on the desk area, but only two power points were available in the room. Given the number of mobile devices in use today, particularly in a family room, this was surprising. Also surprising was the lack of a power point beside the mirror: like many ladies, my wife prefers to use her own hair dryer and straightener: this was not possible here.

Most concerning was the lack of air conditioning in the room. The window (which is quite small) only opens a little, thus restricting the amount of cool air entering the room. A fan was provided immediately when requested, but in truth, only circulates the warm air present in the room, with little cooling effect. On a very warm June day, this made the room very uncomfortable for three people, with sleep being elusive.

When we entered the room, the window was already open. Given the large cobweb in window’s corner, it had been open for some time, and remained unseen by housekeeping.

Breakfast was the usual Holiday Inn Express fare, and very good quality. The coffee machine was particularly good, especially the espresso. Despite the breakfast area being quite busy, food was replenished quickly.

On checking out, I outlined my concerns to Leeann, who took notes of what I said so as to raise them at the management meeting that morning. On hearing that I had a poor night’s sleep, and faced a lengthy drive home, I was offered the use of the room for a few hours past normal check out time. This was appreciated, but as me had activities planned for our grand-daughter, I had to decline. I did, however suggest that the management might care to add some points to my account, which Leeann said she would raise.

At time of writing (one month later) I have had no contact whatever from the hotel. This is a very poor reflection on their attitude to customer service.

This hotel is in an excellent location, but is let down by the scarcity of power points in the bedrooms and most importantly is uncomfortably warm in the summer due solely to the failure of management to invest in air...

Excellent customer service from front desk to housekeeping. Overall friendly staff.

Wifi: Excellent free WiFi with Download rate of 25 -45 mbits. (Tested with speed test by quoka)

Bedding:

Absolutely comfortable Excellent pillows

Breakfast:

The Breakfast is continental and is included in the rate of the room. Everything is well presented and clean. Good selection of different hot beverages juices and milk. Tasty!

RESTAURANT: That's the only negative thing I have to say. Please review your food concept ASAP!

As I got not that hood feedback regarding the food menu of other guests I've ordering myself a "Ceasar Salad " ....

Please,please,please don't call this s Ceasar Salad anymore. No rucola ,no parmigiano, not at all a Ceasar Salad For 14 GBP ( with chicken) it's a real shame . Pizzas look like they are ftom asda and are overpriced in my POV aswell as the Fish&Chips for !!!17!!!! Pounds.

And now the main point :

Mayonnaise has to be stored in a refrigerator!!! In this hotel the Mayonnaise is standing all the day on the table by an approx room temperature of 21 Celsius . It's dangerous as bacteria will raise dramatically and this causes health/stomach problems!

If the food concept gets reviewed by qualified Management and a few additional changes been done,this house can be one of the top Hotels in Northern Ireland compared to prices and service level. That's why I choose to give a 5 star rating and did not cut off 1 or 2 points . I will definitely visit again within the next few months and see if my review was valued. Definitely recommend this hotel for any business trips. It was a pleasure being your guest.

Kind...

I stayed here for nine days whilst in the area for work purposes. My arrival was characteristic of the whole stay: extremely efficient, and very friendly with staff going out of their way to be of service.

The room was typical of the brand, although I remain a huge fan of the blue light in the bathroom, enabling you to find the bathroom easily at night: a very thoughtful touch. Wifi is free throughout the hotel and worked efficiently during my stay.

Many people have mentioned the breakfasts in previous reviews, and it is a change from the usual Holiday Inn Express, including fried or poached eggs, bacon, and soda bread in addition to other items more usually found elsewhere within the chain. Very much enjoyed.

I ate two evening meals in the restaurant and found them to be well prepared and reasonably well priced, albeit similar meals were available across the car park for less! There are a number of restaurants within walking distance of the hotel, along with a large supermarket.

I would have no hesitation in staying here again if in the area and I commend this hotel to you. Customer service was excellent from every staff member, without exception, but Krissi should receive special mention for the way that she went out of her way to ensure that customers had an enjoyable stay and felt valued both as customers and...