Holiday Inn Winter Haven by IHG — Hotel in Winter Haven

Due to impending Hurricane Ian, and the fact that I am a 73 yr old living in a mobile home, I decided to book room at this hotel for safety factors. I booked for 2 nights and received a rate and confirmation#. Then, because I was nervous about the storm, I decided to book an additional night to be safe. Got my confirmation and thought I was all set. Arrived at hotel to a flury of activity due to impending storm. Desk clerk in a rush, and basically handed me a pen, said sign this paper with no explanation,and I did, never realizing it was about a room rate increase. Can't say price gauging, but it sure feels like it.....

After checking in, I received a text stating there would be no housekeeping for those days. Not before I checked in, but AFTER the hotel took my money! I can make a bed and re-use towels, so I didn't complain. Got to room, which was adequate. Bathroom floor could have been cleaner, but I was relieved to be staying in a safe place so I overlooked. Went to dinner at the hotel restaurant at 5 pm. Waited until 7 o'clock just for someone to take my order. Total chaos in there, probably due to heavy attendance due to storm and inexperienced and inadequate number of waitresses to handle the large crowd.. The hotel knew about this storm ahead of time and obviously was not prepared to handle the patrons of the restaurant. .Another 40 minutes to get the take out order and when I arrived back in my room, found out it was the wrong order. Guess the peanut butter and crackers that I brought from home was going to be my food for the next 3 nites! I did mention this problem to the desk clerk who basically shrugged her shoulders and said "Sorry". I checked out 9/30 and asked for a bill. When I got home, I checked bill against my email confirmation and found I had been charged $61.00 extra. I know $61.00 doesn't sound like much, but to a senior citizen living on Social Security, it is a fortune and a not expected expense. Tried calling GM twice, no response until I called the third time and told the desk clerk that I would have Corporate straighten out the problem. I then received an email from the GM stating that because I "changed" my reservation by adding a day, I was being penalized with a higher rate. He said, "you signed the paper agreeing to the rate change." Hmmm so an extra day= more revenue for the hotel = punishment for the hotel guest. That is a new one. This is my first, and last experience with a lower end hotel. It shows! The GM, had a rude attitude even though I never spoke a word to him other than our email correspondence. Very arrogant and has no business being in customer service. That's it! Plenty of other hotels in the area if I need to evacuate again! Lesson learned. Shame on a National Chain taking advantage of older people or...

It was my 3rd time back. Back because of prices and location- and free breakfast for the kids is a plus. The “free” breakfast (with my purchase of adult breakfast) is your typical hotel buffet breakfast. Juices, timed waffle maker, scrambled eggs, bacon, grits, fruit, breads and the usual. I will say that the staff maintaining that area is wonderful. They are attentive and polite to say the least!

First time where we were pleasantly surprised with a step stool for our children. Whether it was on purpose or left behind by staff it was a pleasant and great help for our family. The room we had was clean and seemed brand new! We were sold!

The second time back, we brought company. We booked 2 rooms (via third party), but had a HORRIBLE time checking in. It was late, the front desk staff was not very helpful and made it seem as if it was our fault that 2 rooms were not booked. She was not remorseful, helpful, considerate or very polite to say the least. After finally getting a second room, the key did not work and we had to have another encounter with the front staff. The rooms were not in the greatest shape as I remembered last time and the cleanliness definitely wasn’t either. It was so late with toddlers that we just needed to get them cleaned and in bed. Needless to say, the second time was a not so great experience as my first.

The third time we booked it was better than the last, but as good as my first. The check in was smooth and pleasant. Upon arrival to my room I was expecting a step stool that I requested prior to my arrival (day before via telephone and online when I booked weeks ago), but there was step stool. It wasn’t a huge deal, but it makes things so much easier with little munchkins. We tried to obtain one and were given a shower stool that I associate with older folks taking a shower and need to sit. It did the job, but felt icky knowing someone possibly sat on this naked and my kids are using it as step stools. The sheets were better than the last (no stains this time), the AC was a bit loud, but kept the room cool, shower head had lots of calcium buildup (which is just a sight for sore eyes), and Housekeeping missed a spot next to the toilet. It wasn’t that bad to complain, as we were only staying one night and I kept my kids away from it.

Needless to say, although the prices are competitive, I don’t think we will be returning...

We decided to stay at this hotel because they had really good prices for the weekend we wanted to visit the area. Closely located near LegoLand (about 10 min or less) and plenty of stores and restaurants around.

Parking was plentiful and free. Nice lighting at night around the lot.

Before arriving, we received a text asking us if we needed anything or had any questions. We then were told of the breakfast and gave us some discounts if we chose the breakfast buffet.

I thought that was pretty cool customer service with a personal touch to reach out to us like that. That's until we got to the hotel and were greeted by this Amazing front desk receptionist named Chris.

From the moment we walked in, Chris made us feel welcomed and comfortable. Great with kids and fun to talk with. He answered all of our questions, explained the hours of the anemities, and gave us a suggestion on what was popular on the restaurant menu.

As we settled in our room, everything was cleaned and picked up. The AC was set ( you can make it really cold in that room if you want lol). Every floor has a vending machine and an ice machine.

The food at the restaurant was Fantastic and everything tasted fresh and delicious. The hostess lady was very nice, friendly, professional, and attentive and went far and beyond to make sure we got our drinks right and food right away. Each booth has a TV, and they have an open bar with happy hours, usually in the mid afternoon.

Later that night, I needed some personal assistance with something my wife had requested, and Chris took it upon himself to help assist me in locating an item and provided me with what I was looking for. I was very thankful for his help. He truly was my hero that night. He had suggested to me some items from their snack area to take with me upstairs and easily charged it to my room.

I have stayed in Holiday Inn's before back home, but usually not when I travel like this . Let me say this was a pleasant and wonderful experience all around. Think we found our go to Hotel for this area. I am looking forward to...