HotelWedding VenueBusiness Meeting LocationsHoliday Inn Express
Kent Hotel's Ideal for Golden Flashes FansThe city of Kent is home to Kent State University. Whether you're here on a business trip or vacation, you'll be warmly welcomed at the Holiday Inn Express® & Suites Kent. The hotel's convenient location off I-76 is sure to meet your needs.Business travelers look to this hotel for the free Wi-Fi access, well-appointed executive rooms and a 24-hour Business Center. We also offer easy access to such companies as Hess Print Solutions, Summit Racing, Goodyear Tire & Rubber and Schneller Inc.With this hotel's location near Kent State University, you can easily see the Golden Flashes play or visit campus sights like the Kent State University Fashion Museum and May 4th Memorial. Beyond the university, the area is full of other attractions. The Aurora Premium Outlets offer discounts and popular stores, including Polo Ralph Lauren and Nike. We're also just a short drive from the Pro Football Hall of Fame. For a carefree stay in Kent, Ohio, choose our hotel's rooms and suites, complete with free Wi-Fi access. After working out in the state-of-the-art Fitness Center, you can enjoy a refreshing swim in the indoor pool. The free, hot Express Start Breakfast Bar is a guest favorite every day. Make your reservations today, and "Stay Smart" in Kent, Ohio with us!
Location
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Kent - University Area by IHG
While many guests praised the cleanliness of the rooms, several reviews highlighted issues such as dirty bathrooms, unclean common areas, and reports of bed bugs.
Staff Performance
The staff received mixed reviews; some guests praised their friendliness and helpfulness, while others reported rude or unprofessional behavior.
Breakfast Quality
The breakfast offerings were generally well-received, with many guests enjoying the variety and quality, although some noted that it could be improved.
Room Comfort
Guests appreciated the comfort of the beds and the overall room quality, but some mentioned issues with furniture and amenities.
Management Issues
Several reviews indicated dissatisfaction with management's responsiveness to guest concerns, particularly regarding maintenance and cleanliness issues.
LB
Lon Bugg
Dec 26, 2025
5.0
Always stay here a couple times a year, off the beaten path, and quite, Diamond members get to spin a wheel for free prizes they offer. The people at the front desk are always professional and polite.
PD
Paul Dearing
Dec 18, 2025
5.0
Stayed here to attend a concert at the nearby Kent Stage. The room was spacious and well appointed. The location is perfect for a near-straight 10 minute drive to the Kent Stage. A major snowstorm came through while I was there and I thought the bucket of loaner snow-scraper/brushes in the lobby was a thoughtful touch. The front desk was always manned and the breakfast buffet was well supervised and maintained.
MS
Madison Swartz
Oct 29, 2025
2.0
This place was probably one of the dirtiest Holiday Inns I have visited, lots of stains and dirt on the tiles. The staff was rude upon check in, and the sheets were threadbare in a way that made them look mildewed, I did not enjoy that. Would not go back. Did have a bathtub and indoor pooo though.
TA
Tyler Alley
Oct 17, 2025
5.0
This is the only hotel I will stay at while I travel to the Kent area for work! It’s awesome, plus they just remodeled everything so that just makes it even better! The staff is outstanding, ask for a simple thing and they bend over backwards for the guest!
WH
Wendy Hicks
Oct 5, 2025
5.0
As I was returning from Marblehead, MA, I was exhausted and in search of a decent place to stay. The Holiday Inn Express was fantastic!! However, I did encounter something very odd while asking if there were any vacancies for the night in question. The young man with whom I spoke refused to book me a room because he maintained that travelers "always" reserved rooms in advance. I made a few attempts to get a room but he was adamant in his refusal. I decided to drive to the hotel and, if I was still refused accommodations, planned to pull a 'Karen' and get a manager involved. I drove down to the Holiday Inn Express, walked in and asked the young lady at the counter if there were any availabilities for the night. She booked me a room in no time at all and with no problem whatsoever. The place looks like it might have been recently renovated. The hotel was clean, very quiet, and the employees all seemed very agreeable. I enjoyed a good night's sleep and the continental breakfast was perfect. This is a nice hotel in the midst of a not-so-very nice area. I had nothing but good vibes and would stay here again if I ever found myself in rural Ohio. Good place!
Frequently Asked Questions About Holiday Inn Express & Suites Kent - University Area by IHG
What are the check-in and check-out times at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Kent - University Area?
Check-in time is at 3:00 PM, and check-out time is at 11:00 AM.
Is free breakfast available at the hotel?
Yes, a free buffet breakfast is offered to all guests.
Does the hotel provide free Wi-Fi to guests?
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available in public areas of the hotel.
Are pets allowed at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Kent?
No, pets including cats and dogs are not allowed at the hotel.
Is parking available for guests at the hotel?
Yes, free parking is available for guests at the property.
What fitness amenities does the hotel offer?
The hotel features a free fitness center equipped with an elliptical machine, treadmill, and free weights.
Are there any dining options near the hotel?
Yes, nearby dining includes Salsitas Mexican Restaurant, Los Girasoles, and Mexican bar and grill, offering Mexican and Latin American cuisine.
What nearby attractions can guests visit around the hotel?
Guests can visit Kent State University with attractions like the Fashion Museum and May 4th Memorial, as well as the nearby Pro Football Hall of Fame and Aurora Premium Outlets for shopping.
Is public transit accessible for guests staying at the hotel?
While specific transit stations are not listed, the hotel’s location near Kent State University and central Kent makes it convenient to access local transportation and nearby locations like Sheetz convenience store.
Does the hotel have facilities for business travelers?
Yes, the hotel offers a 24-hour business center and free high-speed Wi-Fi to accommodate business needs.