My wife and I normally stay at the Super 8 in Emporia but thought we'd try the Holiday Inn Express for a change. There were a number of disappointments. First they booked us the wrong type of room. That was quickly fixed but the room we got had a very finicky air conditioner. It was all or nothing. Either freeze or be hot. The bathtub is extremely slippery and the shower curtain was poor in keeping water in the shower/tub area. Parking is rather problematic here as much of it is several steps below the lobby area. Room had no plastic drinking cups. The exercise room had no towels and no fan for air circulation. There were some key good points. Breakfast was great and overall the cleanliness of our room was good. We did sleep well so I guess they had the basics covered. But overall, I think one would get much better value by going to a cheaper place or a competitor. This was our first Holiday Inn experience in 10 years. I think it will be another 10 years before I try them again.
Great hotel. Clean, large room with microwave and fridge. Bed was super comfortable and softest sheets I've had in a hotel. Only negative is they need a mirror outside the bathroom so 2 people can get ready at the same time. Breakfast had pancakes, waffles, scrambled eggs, sausage and the other usual breakfast items. Staff very friendly. Front desk lady gave me hot chocolate out of her personal stash when she heard me ask the breakfast lady if they had any.(they don't). The hotel is right off the freeway with 4 other hotels. Easy walking distance to pizza ranch and applebees. Other places too. Toll hint. The toll for 35 begins in emporia. If you're from minnesota like us and not use to tolls this is how this one works. Take a ticket when entering the highway, depending where you get off is how much your toll is. You will need to insert your ticket to get off, pay toll by cash or credit card. Tolls are unmanned.
Hats off to a wonderful staff. The Manager Rebecca was wonderful, friendly and helped me immediately with a reservation glitch making sure all was solved and the best it could be. The hotel was clean and comfortable. The desk employees were friendly and patient. We were in town for a wedding so had multiple rooms booked. Thanks for everything, if ever we need a place to stay in Emporia Kansas again, you will be our choice.