Holiday Inn Express Portsmouth – North by IHG vs Similar Hotels

Reviews highlighted large and well-appointed rooms.

Room size and beds often positive but many comments about rooms being tired, dated, hot during a heatwave and with occasional broken fittings (light switches, ripped furniture).

Reports of rooms not being clean and issues with the heaters.

Mixed feedback; some rooms described as dated and needing upgrades, though others were clean and comfortable.

Reviews indicated that the rooms were clean and tidy.

Multiple reviews note tired, shabby or dated rooms, ripped sheets, dusty areas and a toilet that needed deep cleaning; some public areas (restaurant tables) reported sticky/unclean surfaces.

Multiple mentions of unclean rooms and facilities.

Several reviews mention issues like a soiled chair and a need for better upkeep in rooms.

Guests appreciated the location for its convenience, especially for ferry access.

Very frequently praised — excellent proximity to port/dock/sea and convenient for getting around; short walks to coastal paths and local amenities.

Convenient location mentioned positively across multiple reviews.

Location consistently praised for its convenience and proximity to shopping and dining options.

Multiple reviews praised the staff for being helpful and friendly.

Staff repeatedly described as friendly, helpful and attentive (reception, housekeeping, bar/restaurant staff); isolated issue was refusal of service at the neighbouring pub rather than hotel staff.

Staff were mentioned as good, though some were moody. Standard quality for this hotel tier.

Noted for friendly staff and helpful service, though there were some complaints about responsiveness.

Mixed reviews on food quality; some found it disappointing.

Restaurant dinners received generally positive comments, but breakfast was described as very basic, sometimes undercooked or only moderately warm; food quality was described as a bit hit-and-miss.

Food quality issues mentioned, but some positive experiences noted during events.

Generally positive feedback on breakfast, despite some notes on specific items being overcooked.

Basic amenities were satisfying with free WiFi and breakfast.

Good practical extras like free parking and an on-site soft play noted, but issues reported with coffee machines, limited toiletries (no shower gel), occasional broken fans and lack of some fittings (hand rail/hand washer).

Pool and gym were well-received, but cleanliness issues noted.

Compliments on breakfast offerings and coffee/tea facilities, though some amenities like fridges were desired.

Overall, guests found it a good value relative to their stay.

Many guests explicitly praised the hotel as good value or great value for money, though a few felt price did not fully match room condition.

Mixed feedback on pricing relative to experience, but value was noted in some cases.

Reviewed as a good value for location, but some felt the parking fee and room quality diminished overall value.