Holiday Inn Express & Suites Southport - Oak Island Area by IHG

Reviews

• KK

  Kirti Konduri

  Aug 6, 2026
  1.0
  I don’t usually leave reviews, but I felt this experience needed to be addressed. The check in process took around 15 minutes, which honestly wasn’t a big issue. Delays happen. What was disappointing was that the front desk staff spent much of that time going back and forth with each other about leftover pizza instead of helping guests. The real issue came once we were finally able to check in. My boyfriend is mixed and has an ethnic last name. When we gave his name for the reservation, the staff member looked at him and said, “(His name) You know that really isn’t your real name, right?” We were completely shocked. Instead of simply checking us in, we were put in the uncomfortable position of explaining his ethnicity because his last name was questioned. It was obvious from our reactions that we were uncomfortable, yet there was no apology or acknowledgment. The check in continued like nothing had happened. A hotel should be a place where every guest feels welcomed and respected. Instead, we were met with a racist comment the moment we checked in. My boyfriend should never have been questioned about whether his name was “really” his name or forced to explain his ethnicity because of how his name sounded. That is not a joke. As people of color, we should be able to check into a hotel without being singled out, questioned, or made to feel like we have to justify who we are. No guest should ever leave feeling embarrassed, judged, or unwelcome because of their name or background.
• SB

  Sarah Billings

  Aug 2, 2026
  5.0
  Boooking was easy. You get a free cookie when you check in! Trevor at the front desk is utterly delightful, super friendly, informative, and helpful. The room is tidy, my child loves the pool. The beach is a few minutes drive up the road. Definitely affordable. Just aces.
• MM

  Mace Money

  Jul 24, 2026
  5.0
  Easily a 10/10 stay! I honestly cannot say enough good things about our time here—from start to finish, everything was absolute perfection. The real standout was the staff. Literally every single person we ran into was beyond welcoming, attentive, and genuinely happy to help. It never felt like standard corporate customer service; you can really tell the team takes pride in making sure guests are completely taken care of. Check-in was quick and seamless, and everyone made us feel right at home from the moment we walked through the doors. The property itself was immaculate. The room was incredibly clean, comfortable, and well-maintained, with so many thoughtful touches that made relaxing super easy. You can tell they pay attention to all the little details that usually get overlooked elsewhere. Between the beautiful atmosphere, top-tier service, and overall great vibe, this easily ranks as one of the absolute best places we’ve ever stayed. We’re already planning our next trip back!
• EM

  Elizabeth Murphy

  Jul 7, 2026
  5.0
  This is a great place to stay especially with pets. The staff is friendly ant welcoming. The location is good too as it’s just a few miles from Southport. I would definitely stay here again.
• SZ

  Scott Zimprich

  Jul 2, 2026
  3.0
  First time staying at a hotel I was ever denied checkout. I was told to call my travel agent to check out. I did that and then the agent was denied checking me out of hotel. I was billed for extra days I did not stay there and am now disputing them. Service is a mess here and management is no help. Nice place though, I will not return though even though I have multiple work trips back due to these issues. Edit: I am changing my rating from a 1 to a 3. The manager did see the review and got a hold of me and corrected the bill which was great. Still keeping it a 3 because of the frustration; but they did the right thing and I appreciate it.

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