Holiday Inn Express Gatlinburg Downtown

“Great Stay but room for improvement”

The Holiday Inn Express Downtown Gatlinburg was, as always, a great stay. They even allowed us a late checkout at noon, just in case we needed it. The room was clean and fresh, and the overall hotel felt well-maintained. Breakfast was the standard fare you’d expect from a hotel, and the clerks were… more

The Holiday Inn Express Downtown Gatlinburg was, as always, a great stay. They even allowed us a late checkout at noon, just in case we needed it. The room was clean and fresh, and the overall hotel felt well-maintained. Breakfast was the standard fare you’d expect from a hotel, and the clerks were very friendly, offering helpful tips and suggestions about the area. My only ongoing concern is something I’ve noticed over the past six years: the staff doesn’t seem to consistently review the notes attached to reservations. In previous years, I assumed the notes weren’t transferring properly when reservations were made online. This year, however, I called ahead to confirm and was told the notes had not carried over. I asked the clerk to add a note requesting extra towels, washcloths, and toilet paper in our room before arrival. He assured me it would be taken care of, but when we checked in, we only had the standard supply and had to request more from and retrieve them from the desk. It’s not a major issue, but a little extra attention to detail would go a long way. Another point worth mentioning is the “Amenity Fee.” Online, it’s described as a pool fee, but on the bill, it appears as a “Destination Fee.” Guests are required to initial on the registration card to acknowledge it, and it’s explained as covering amenities such as the pool and breakfast. While I understand the concept, I feel the fee has become quite high. When I first started staying here six years ago, it was $4.95 per day; now it’s $15.00 per day plus taxes. I’ve overlooked this increase in the past because of the hotel’s quality and staff, but I do hope it doesn’t continue to rise.

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“Pass if we want to be an appreciated guest”

Basic hotel with a good central location….we arrived at the desk at 3:56p. Attendant had just finished “getting into it” with a guest and when ready for us, we were told our room wasn’t ready. We replied with “Really?”….not in a rude way, just shocked…..with a reply of, “ well, check in isn’t for 4… more

Basic hotel with a good central location….we arrived at the desk at 3:56p. Attendant had just finished “getting into it” with a guest and when ready for us, we were told our room wasn’t ready. We replied with “Really?”….not in a rude way, just shocked…..with a reply of, “ well, check in isn’t for 4 minutes “. I could see if we were hours early, but 4 minutes?? A little nuisance, no biggie….but each time passing the front desk that evening there was clear drama between guests and whoever was at the front. Based on the interaction, didn’t seem like guests were a priority.

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