Come on, IHG.
I have been an IHG member for more than 25 years and have always had a great deal of respect for the brand and its properties. Unfortunately, my experience at the Holiday Inn Fort Myers on Cleveland Avenue in Fort Myers, Florida, was extremely disappointing.
I specifically selected this hotel because it is a full-service property and after a long day, I expected to be able to sit in the bar, unwind with a beer, and have a easy dinner. Instead, upon arrival, I was informed that the restaurant and bar are currently under renovation. I completely understand that hotels need to renovate and improve their facilities. However, this is something that should be clearly communicated on the IHG app / website before making a reservation, particularly when those amenities are a significant reason for choosing a full-service hotel.
The check-in experience was equally disappointing. The young lady who checked me in was extremely unfriendly and appeared completely indifferent to the fact that I am a Diamond Elite IHG member. There was no recognition of my status, no meaningful welcome, and certainly no feeling that my loyalty to IHG was appreciated. I asked for the complimentary bottle of water that I would normally receive as a Diamond Elite member and was told they did not have any available. I later noticed bottled water in the tiny refrigerator in the lobby, only to find that I would have to purchase it. At that point, I simply said no thanks.
Unfortunately, the problems continued once I reached my room.
The room itself was extremely dated, and the internet signal was so poor that I could not reliably work on my computer. I then decided to take a shower, only to find that there was barely any warm water and the water pressure was terrible.
After the shower, I went to brush my teeth to discovered that the bathroom sink had virtually no water coming out of the faucet. The flow was so minimal that I ultimately had to use the shower water just to brush my teeth.
Then upon check out the next morning as I started to share some of my concern, the lady behind the counter just looked at me then began speaking to another employee in a language that I did not understand. I ask for a printed copy of my receipt and she handed it me with no Thank You, no Have a Good Day, Nothing.
This was not a single minor inconvenience. It was a series of failures involving communication, customer service, Diamond Elite recognition, basic room functionality, internet service, water temperature, water pressure, and plumbing.
I have stayed with IHG for more than 25 years because I have historically trusted the brand and enjoyed its hotels. That loyalty is exactly why this experience is so frustrating.
I can honestly say that I have nothing positive to say about this particular Holiday Inn, and I will not spend my money at this property again.
IHG needs to take a serious look at this hotel. Renovations are understandable. Poor service and basic room deficiencies are not.
As a longtime Diamond Elite member, I expect considerably more from IHG.