Holiday Inn Express & Suites Austin SW - Sunset Valley by IHG — Hotel in Sunset Valley

The location of this hotel was the only reason for staying at this hotel - there is very little accommodation in the area. We stayed at the hotel twice, both times in even numbered rooms. The hotel is an L shape, If wishing for a quieter room the best option would likely be odd numbered rooms X03 - X15 (X - floor number - which are on the backside of the L running parallel to the many roads in front of the hotel), or odd numbered rooms X29 - X43 (which are on the inside of the L running at 90 degrees to the many roads). For our second stay at the hotel we where in room 312, facing the at least 3 roads running directly outside the hotel. Despite being double glazed even with special earplugs the traffic noise was relentless 24/7 (it does abate a bit at night). This was probably the nosiest hotel room I have stayed in since India. That said no interconnecting room doors, and rarely heard the guests in the room next door, probably as could only hear traffic. The hotel is currently undergoing renovations (not that we saw any sign of this for the 6 days we were at the hotel) the single greatest thing that could be done to improve this hotel is to install secondary glazing to the even numbered rooms. The even numbered rooms also have flood lights facing at them at night time, but the curtains are fairly effective in this regard. The rooms have very poor lighting at night - the rooms reassemble living in a cave at night, bathroom lighting is great - desk lighting pathetic (but looks cool!). Despite being tall the desk chair was unable to be adjusted to a good working height in either of the two rooms we stayed in. There is a spread out mall about 10 minutes walk from the hotel, but otherwise a car is needed to go anywhere from this location - something that seems common in all but the CBD of Austin. The breakfast room was very busy at times with not a huge amount of space to sit in. The breakfast selection was average, but did include a small selection of hot food. Wireless internet worked well. Staff were friendly and yummy cookies in a jar at the front desk. The cleaning staff seemed to offer erratic service, towels sometimes replaced, sometimes taken and...

Due to unforeseen circumstances, my husband and I found ourselves exhausted and desperately wanting to get into our room early: not just a little early, but 5-6 hours early! We figured staff would allow us to store our luggage and use public restrooms and phones and we'd be on our way until later that afternoon. But NO! Amri and Jacob were more than happy to bend over backwards to accomodate us. They had Housekeeping get a room ready for us immediately, and gathered all the visitor info and transportation options etc., with BIG smiles on their faces! We were in our clean room with the big fluffy white bed in less than 30 minutes! All the staff was extremely friendly and helpful. The next morning, my husband, who always wakes up at the crack of dawn and loves to chat (me? not so much... not 'til after coffee) went down to have his PRE-breakfast. Jacob remembered him from the day before and went out of his way to come over and sit with my husband to have a friendly conversation and be sure we had everything we needed for the day's touring plans. When I joined my husband for breakfast (his second morning meal), I was impressed with the wide selection and quality of food items offered. We travel quite frequently and are "members" of a competitor hotel that includes breakfast, so I can testify that this breakfast is better than most. And of course, the woman serving the breakfast was ON IT- we wanted for nothing, and she had a permanent smile on her face. On our way back to our room, I was happy to see Amri at the front desk, who was also so genuinely pleased to see us. And my shower that morning blew me away.... Water pressure and heat of the water was like no place I've ever stayed, even more than a 5 star hotel.

I could go on and on. I've never written a review before, but felt I simply must. I have never encountered MULTIPLE staff members who are excited to help, serve, make sure you are comfortable. The building itself is on the newer side and SO CLEAN and pleasant. Lastly, the PRICE for this type of service and accomodations, well, it's truly a steal. You'd be crazy not to stay here. Thank you again to the...

So I was booked into this hotel on a business trip. First impressions was decent. Exterior looked great. Upon entering the lobby it appeared to be well maintained. Staff upon entrance was very friendly and kind. And that's when the facade ended. I get to my room on the first floor just down the hall from the desk and it appears clean. Definitely outdated for sure but appears clean. First thing I notice is the yellow skirt on the bed and that is very clearly showing a bed that has a good bow to it. Next i unpack mybag and set up the bathroom with my stuff and it's definitely never been updated in a long time. No fan, old school tub and fixtures. Dull grey metal in the shower. Toilet was clean yes. Downside is the toilet had troubles flushing at times. The bathroom door had very rusty hinges due to lack of fan to dissipate the humidity from bathroom. Bathroom had clearly had major water issues before. Also the light above tub would flicker until it fully kicked on. As I am getting everything settled in the sleep area I keep hearing what sounds like a lightbulb isn't making full contact. That kind of a crackle. It wasn't bad at first. But the more I stayed in the room the worse it got longer and more frequent episodes of it. I deduced that it was the smoke detector but why it was doing that who knows. The tv worked.....sort of. I could change volume (barely) and turn it on (again barely) with the remote. Otherwise it was old get up and switch it. And the sound was not the best. Ensure you either stop at a convenience store beforehand if you are going to stock fridge with water and stuff because at the concessions you are paying close to double or triple cost elsewhere. Also the alarm clock did not work at all. First night in bed I don't know what it was but my skin was on fire from the bedding. Night two was better and sheets obviously had stains.

My point is this. If it's a business trip and your not in the hotel long it's alright as long as you can get sleep. Otherwise if you end up being in the hotel for a bit it's not the...