Holiday Inn Alexandria - Downtown by IHG — Hotel in Alexandria

I am writing to express my profound disappointment and shock regarding the condition of my hotel room at the Holiday Inn Downtown in Alexandria, Louisiana, during my visit on July 6th, 2025.

For many years, I have consistently chosen Holiday Inn—particularly Holiday Inn Express—because of the brand’s reputation for cleanliness, comfort, and reliable quality. Until now, my experiences have always met or exceeded expectations, which makes this current situation all the more upsetting.

Upon entering the room, I was immediately taken aback by several unacceptable conditions: mold around the bathtub, visible cracks in the floor tiles, and scratched, worn furniture. However, the most alarming issue was the state of the bed. Although I have never before felt the need to inspect bedding at any hotel, the overall appearance prompted me to pull back the sheets. To my horror, I discovered small black specks in the corners and folds of the linens—what I can only assume to be insect droppings. I felt so uneasy that I could not bring myself to sit on the bed, let alone sleep in it.

I am appalled. This experience is in stark contrast to the standard of quality I have come to expect from Holiday Inn properties. I am at a loss as to how such dismal conditions could be deemed acceptable. At this point, I am strongly considering seeking alternate accommodations, as I no longer feel comfortable remaining here.

I truly hope this feedback is taken seriously. I expected far better, and frankly, I am stunned.

Addendum (Next Morning): Unbelievable. This morning I wasn’t even able to take a proper shower—there was absolutely no water pressure in the shower, just a literal trickle.

After noticing a small disclaimer on the IAG website stating that most hotels are independently owned and operated, I have to say: it’s time for IHG to have a serious conversation with the owners of this property. Either invest in a major renovation or consider shutting it down entirely. This is unacceptable for any guest experience.

I want to be very clear: my interactions with the hotel staff have been nothing but positive. The employees are professional, courteous, and eager to help in every way possible. My concerns have absolutely nothing to do with the people working here. The real issue is the condition of the building and property itself, which falls far below even basic Holiday Inn standards. This is a serious problem with the facility—not...

On November 25th my family and I came to Alexandria, and I rented four rooms. I have stayed at your Holiday Inn often, for a decade, and that will be my last stay.

The last time I came I wrote a letter complaining the hotel room was dirty, that there was food left outside of people’s doors for several doors along with dirty laundry. I never heard a response except an automated response which said, “we try very hard to keep our hotel comfortable and hope you will continue to be a visitor.” We decided to try again.

This time, I am sending a letter directly to you, the manager, and letting you know why I do not intend to stay at the Holiday Inn again because of the absolutely horrible experience of Thanksgiving.

My daughter who was in one of the rooms with her dog and 6-month-old child was locked out. No one at the hotel was able to open the doors because something was broken. She sat in the hallway for about an hour on the floor listening to her whining dog with her baby in her lap. No one could open the door because both of your service people were out “on a ride” somewhere and didn’t get back for an hour.

The next morning when we went to get breakfast the restaurant closed because you didn’t have sufficient staff. We were standing in line to get food, which was already out in the buffet, and the manager of the restaurant said we could not get any food because he was not trained to operate the cash register and he didn’t have any backup. So we didn’t eat and your food went to waste. Last time we were here the food was horrible and was addressed in my letter. The staff at the bar and restaurant, server and chef, were friendly, as was housekeeping.

I actually expected to hear something from you after the commotion involving my daughter. I told the manager I was going to my car to get a crowbar to break open the door so that her aging dog would not panic. Your people arrived moments after that, and it should have been clear to whoever was on duty that I was not happy.

I’m coming back to town for Christmas and staying somewhere else.

I thought you would like to know the reason why long-time customers like my family do not consider your hotel to be a friendly, safe, warm, accommodating, clean place. That’s why we’re not coming back and why I intend to share our experiences on social media so our friends will know before they...

There are good employees, and then there are people who truly embody what it means to deliver exceptional hospitality Alexis at the front desk and Kayla at the bar are those people. They don’t just do their jobs; they elevate the entire guest experience in a way that makes you feel like you’re not just staying at a hotel you’re home.||From the moment you walk into this Holiday Inn, Alexis is there with a smile that instantly puts you at ease. But she doesn’t stop at just being friendly she is attentive, professional, and radiates warmth in a way that makes every guest feel like the most important person in the room. Whether it’s answering questions, handling requests, or just making conversation, she does it all with a level of care that is so rare to find in the hospitality industry. It’s not just about checking in it’s about the experience she creates. She’s the reason people come back.||And then there’s Kayla at the bar a true force of nature when it comes to customer service. She has this incredible ability to make a simple evening at the bar feel like an experience you’ll remember long after you leave. She’s not just pouring drinks she’s creating an environment where people feel welcome, appreciated, and genuinely taken care of. She engages, she listens, and she makes everyone feel special. Her energy is contagious, her professionalism is unmatched, and she makes you feel like you’re the only person in the bar, no matter how busy it is.||Together, Alexis and Kayla are the heartbeat of this hotel. They don’t just do their jobs they make people’s days better. They turn first-time guests into loyal customers, and they create moments that stick with you long after you check out. Employees like them are the reason people choose this hotel over others.||To management: Please recognize these two phenomenal women. Their dedication, their energy, and their passion for what they do are truly extraordinary. Holiday Inn is incredibly lucky to have them, and they deserve every bit of praise for the way they represent this brand.||Alexis and Kayla you are both superstars, and the impact you have on people does not go unnoticed. Thank you for making this stay so much more than just a visit you made it an experience...