Holiday Inn Express Athens-University Area by IHG

Reviews

• JG

  Jenna Griswold

  Aug 7, 2026
  1.0
  When we entered the front doors, we were immediately hit with a strong mold/mildew smell. The staff greeted us and the check-in process was nice. When we entered our room, the mold smell was even more evident. The room felt damp as well as the linens. I quickly noticed stains and hairs on the sheets and pillowcases. We requested new linens from the desk and they were brought to us in a timely manner. Even after changing the linens the smell of the mattress and pillows was highly unpleasant and didn’t feel clean. Later on in the evening, a cockroach crawled across the floor and into the air unit. It’s just extremely outdated and not well kept at all. I felt icky the whole time I was here. I genuinely am not one to complain or even leave google reviews at all. I just find it odd because a huge majority of the reviews are great and say that the cleanliness is superior. And no, we didn’t complain or make it a big deal with the staff. We booked through booking.com and our stay was non-refundable (a mistake on my part because I can usually rely on Holiday Inn expresses to be clean). We drove in from hours away and got here really late for a wedding in which we had to be up for super early the next morning. We didn’t really have much of a choice and I didn’t have time or energy to fight the battle of getting a refund or trying to work something out because I knew I wouldn’t win. My fiancé and I both have severe asthma and allergies and have have had a really hard time respiratory wise since we’ve been here. I’m truly disappointed as this is a problem I have never had before with any other Holiday Inn Express hotels. It’s filthy, stinky, and moldy. ALSO, why do I have to pay 12 dollars a night to park in the parking lot of a hotel I paid for? I could understand if it was a 5 star hotel or if there was valet parking. Never had to do that at any other location. Just beware.
• S7

  SEB 70

  Aug 6, 2026
  3.0
  My room smelled strongly like wet dog. I don't think it's a housekeeping issue -- the room seemed clean, but the smell was intense. I wish hotels that allowed pets would segregate the rooms like the used to with smoking and non smoking floors so those of us that don't enjoy dog smell could be spared. I love dogs but not the lingering odor.. I won't book here again.
• MP

  Molly Peach

  Jul 31, 2026
  5.0
  I was in need of a last minute room and they were so helpful! Everyone here was kind and warm, and the room was spotless. I’m picky about hotels, and this is a clean, friendly, no frills option for anyone in need of a spot in Athens!
• FR

  Frank Renfroe

  Jul 25, 2026
  4.0
  Overall a great stay. The breakfast left a lot to be desired though. This was our 5th? stay and breakfast gets worse every time.
• KG

  Kyle Gordon

  Jul 25, 2026
  5.0
  I normally don’t take the time to write reviews but here it is. Stayed there recently and had a much better than expected experience overall. Room was clean and the lobby area was immaculate. The free breakfasts buffet was on point (food was hot, decent quality, and the serving area was kept extremely clean). The hotel staff that I came in contact with was also very courteous (entire Front Desk staff the whole time I was there, Buffet Worker, Maintenance Workers). Would definitely stay there again.

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