Holiday Inn Express Portsmouth - North By Ihg

This hotel offers a comfortable and convenient stay, particularly noted for its spacious rooms and comfortable beds that ensure a restful night. Its signature feature is its strategic location, providing excellent motorway access and close proximity to the ferry terminal, making it an ideal choice for ferry travelers and business travelers. Many guests, including families and couples, appreciate the hotel's overall cleanliness and the generally friendly demeanor of the staff. The hotel is also notably pet-friendly, accommodating guests traveling with their animals. To ensure a smooth experience, guests are advised to promptly register their vehicle for parking upon arrival to avoid potential fines. Additionally, arriving early for breakfast is recommended to enjoy the full selection of items before peak times.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests frequently commend the hotel's ample restaurant space and the convenience of an on-site bar, though some note occasional issues with limited stock or early closing times. The hotel provides free Wi-Fi throughout, which is generally reliable and fast enough for various online activities, including video calls. For added convenience, vending machines and ice machines are available. However, a recurring point of feedback is the absence of a lift, which can pose a challenge for guests with mobility issues or heavy luggage, particularly for rooms on upper floors. While most rooms are equipped with effective air conditioning, a few guests have reported issues with units not functioning correctly or being noisy, impacting comfort. Overall, the facilities are considered functional, providing essential comforts for a stay.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Most guests find the rooms to be of good cleanliness and appreciate their generous spacious rooms, often highlighting the exceptionally comfortable beds and quality linens that contribute to a restful sleep. Many rooms are equipped with effective air conditioning, though some guests have reported issues with its functionality or cleanliness. The bathrooms are generally well-maintained, featuring good showers and complimentary toiletries. However, some reviews mention specific instances of cleanliness concerns, such as stains on carpets or headboards, or uncleaned areas. While some rooms offer good soundproofing, others have experienced noise levels from corridors, adjacent rooms, or the nearby motorway. Some guests also note a lack of wardrobe or drawer space, and occasional discomfort with the sofa bed in family rooms. Tea/coffee facilities are a welcome amenity in the rooms.

Dining & Food Quality
The complimentary breakfast is a significant draw for many guests, offering a decent breakfast variety that includes both hot food items like bacon, sausages, and scrambled eggs, and cold options such as cereals, pastries, and fruit. The pancake machine is a particular hit with younger guests. However, feedback on breakfast is mixed; many guests report that the breakfast area can become very crowded and chaotic, leading to items running out quickly and food often being cold. Staff struggle to keep up with demand during peak times. The evening meal options at the restaurant are frequently described as limited, with some guests finding the food quality disappointing or certain menu items unavailable due to supply or staffing issues. Some guests also note that the juice offered is not fresh and that vegetarian options are scarce.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is highly praised for its excellent motorway access and close proximity to the Portsmouth ferry terminal, making it an ideal stopover for travelers arriving or departing by sea. While not in a central location for city attractions, it offers convenient access to a nearby Sainsbury's supermarket for essentials. Guests appreciate the ease of reaching the hotel by car, though some have noted that finding the exact entrance can be tricky, especially in the dark. A significant and frequently mentioned point is the parking situation; while ample spaces are available, it is a paid service, and guests must register their vehicle upon arrival to avoid fines. Some guests find this charge unexpected given the out-of-town setting, though a discounted rate is offered for hotel patrons.

Staff & Service
The staff consistently receive high praise for being exceptionally friendly staff, helpful staff, and professional staff. Many guests highlight individual team members for their outstanding attentive service and willingness to go above and beyond, particularly in assisting with directions, resolving issues, or making guests feel welcome. The check-in process is generally described as quick check-in and efficient, though a few guests have experienced initial hiccups with room readiness or payment details. Staff are often commended for their efforts in accommodating requests, such as providing ground-floor rooms for guests with mobility needs. While most housekeeping efforts are appreciated, some reviews mention isolated incidents of rooms not being serviced or specific cleanliness oversights, which staff typically address promptly when notified.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of the hotel's pet-friendly policy, which allows companions to stay for an additional fee, with some green spaces nearby for walks. A notable aspect is the parking system, which is managed by a third-party and requires guests to register their vehicle immediately upon arrival to avoid fines, even for short stays. The hotel notably has no lift, which is an important consideration for guests with heavy luggage or mobility challenges, though staff are often helpful in assigning ground-floor rooms. Some guests have reported minor maintenance issues in rooms, such as non-functional air conditioning or worn fixtures. The bar and restaurant operate under a cashless policy, accepting only card payments. There have also been isolated reports of fire alarm incidents and security concerns related to room access, which the hotel addresses.