Holiday Inn Express & Suites Wilmington-Newark by IHG — Hotel in Brookside

As an individual who has endorsed since 2023 in general domestic travel throughout the Continental United States, I have stayed in numerous hotels, but none as perpetual as this most recent Holiday Inn Express I had the pleasure of staying in on a recent trip to William Penn's City of Modest Love, Philadelphia established in 1682 by Sir William Penn, the son of Colonel William Penn of the British Empire, associated with King Charles II of England who ruled from the end of the rule of Oliver Cromwell in 1660 to his demise in February of 1685.

Immediately following my entry directly into this respective hotel on the nocturnal period of July 6th, 2024, I was met with benevolence at check-in and a welcoming atmosphere in the lobby through the presence of a fireplace, rustic fixtures that also remain contemporary, in addition to a convenience store, where other individuals could purchase their favourite frozen food items, snacks or vital essentials, in addition, when I was checking in, the front desk lady, Lisa proceeded to present me with joyous greetings and inform me of the breakfast time and amenities that I was well aware of in case I had forgotten.

Once I approached into the room itself, I was met with a similar room design and appearance that rivaled that of other Holiday Inn Express locations such as the location in Urbandale, Iowa that I have looked at numerous times; the room in addition appeared modern and was not dirty by any means whatsoever, the beds were also equipped with the IHG official bedspread and were relatively comfortable, also adorned with ample room and two pillows in a similar capacity to the bed of Catherine the Great of Late 18th Century Russia while also being one of the most comforting beds I have slept in over the course of the past 13 months, in addition, the room was equipped with a Samsung 40" Television with a diversity of channels including the local stations of Philadelphia which I advocated for warching for the local news, in addition to a microwave, mini fridge, desk and nightstand equipped with a powerbank that would make Benjamin Franklin impressed in addition to Nikola Tesla.

The Restroom also proved to be perpetual. also equipped with a line of Dove Toiletries for proper use, in addition to a contemporary shower with a powerful showerhead prevalent at other locations, and more powerful than most other hotels I have resided at in previous years.

In addition, the Suite Start Breakfast was arguably one of the most perpetual breakfasts, with item diversity ranging from cheese omelets to sausage links and bacon to hotcakes and scrambled eggs in addition to a variety of breads, Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls and much more, which I all but enjoyed and would return here from the basis of Breakfast alone.

Overall, to concede my historically significant review, this hotel was a perpetual experience that was not only comfortable despite the location off of Interstate 95, but also a distinct and fathomable experience that was more than serviceable in every area, lf I ever return to this respective area, I indeed will return to this hotel and check out more attractions in the surrounding area.

2025 Update: I came back here on a recent trip to Philadelphia, and boy was I impressed with just how much better the hotel has gotten. The room quality is still perpetual, as the room remains well appointed, adorned with comfortable beds that have great mattress consistency and also a lot of space to move around. The added addition of a safe, less special compared to my first time around, is still a great addition that is easily great for the purposes of security. The bathrooms also have the same Dove products that are accessible for those who use the products whilst showering.

During my three night stay, another fine addition came to us in the form of daily housekeeping. Most hotels have done away with this, but I am glad that this Holiday Inn Express has kept up with a consistent schedule of cleaning, more gracious than the Hampton Inn for certain.

Additionally, the breakfast still...

We visited on a Thursday night in mid June 2025. We checked in around 8:30PM with 2 older ladies who were very nice and one was very funny to talk to.

Limited parking spots out front in the parking lot and many with weird angles. There are a few more on the side and a back lot shared with a comfort Inn.

We booked this with points only, I think we over paid in points but this was a last min booking that we decided to cut our trip in half instead of doing a long drive. They automatically upgraded us from our 2 queen bed standard to a suite with sofa bed which was a nice surprise. We got room 422.

The room wasn't a standard Holiday Inn Express layout. There were 2 dressers under 2 tvs. Sink in room with mini fridge and cabinets. Always appreciate the extra sink.

Limited number of room lights but the ones present were very bright. So overall it was average.

Microwave was tiny and didn't heat our food very well. We cooked for longer than instructions and still not right. There is a larger microwave downstairs in lobby. We didn't try it. Mini fridge had a separate freezer section which was also nice.

Bathroom was a little dated. Shower head was 7+ ft high (higher than normal). Water pressure was good but shower head was so high that it was not focused enough. Shorter folks may not be able to reach to change settings. Hot was HOT. I think everyone burned themselves at least once during our stay. DO NOT let young kids use on their own. There was also a interesting alcove in bathroom to hold toiletries.

TVs were very finicky. We asked front desk and they said to unplug and plug back in and that seemed to work. TVs looked newer.

Number of outlets around the room were average and USB available on lamps.

Atrium was very large and ornate. Cool fireplace that was 2 sided and large meeting table.

Breakfast was at 6:30AM. Many folks waiting and started getting food before the lights were even turned on. 6:30 is on later end from most IHGs we've stayed at. Classic cinnamon pastries never came out and we left at 6:50Am. Gravy for biscuits were more watered down than normal. Low on yogurt but had Greek yogurt.

Laundry next to pool. 1 unit was out of order. Window looking into pool nice to have if watching kids playing at same time.

Gym smaller than normal and a little lacking but had standard equipment.

Pool was small and max of 4 ft. It was quiet and only had 1 other family there. Looked like grandparents and 1 grandkid. My kid said water was salt water... I didn't test it myself. Hot tub in corner with bubble features. The water and pool looked very clean but the pool deck was a bit dirty. But it was dirty in that it looked like it was just dust build up like it wasn't used very often.

Kids also mentioned sheets for pull out sofa was "best sheets ever".

Overall it was a great stay and would not hesitate to...

Thursday night: Great place to stay, great customer care when we checked in the young man was so inviting,engaging and informative of perks, (Loved his Feckles)!!!! I hope he is there if we return. He was on the right side when u first walk into the lobby, the first counter.

There was another older lady when u walked in, to the left of the lobby, who was NOT inviting, engaging, did not say hello, OR look up,and say welcome in, like the young man did, he also was trying to find the luggae holders.

PLEASE NOTE: the older lady the WHOLE time kept her head down the ENTIRE TIME. Was trying to help him problem solve in any way, he took care of someone before us, after us and he would say each time someone came in and came up hello, ill be with in a moment, she did NOT Look UP. It was crazy, she kept her eyes to the screen the whole time!!!! Mind blowing.

Customers came in one after the other and she did nothing!!!!! (to me, it looked as though she had fake im busy behavior). And like five customers came and went.

Overall, my time there was great, clean room. The bathroom sink water went down slowly, the whole time however it was okay, i forgot to say something. The cleaning staff was inviting and kind. I loved breakfast they had automatic pancake maker, egg white omelette, sausage gravy, tureky sausage fresh fruit, coffee could be better, i dont like the automated selection options (preference) someone else may love it.

Great hot water in the shower HOT!!!!!!!!, spacious bathroom, great bed, needed a few more pillows.

Finally, (cue music) Sunday Of course when we checked out. The older same lady was there and she was forced to talk to us, even then, it was quick as she had her head down still the whole time.

Side note; They may want to give her some professional development refresher hospitality courses. Please... im begging u, for the greater good of fees for services. She is not a good...