Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites-North East

We were booked for 2 nights in a room with a King size bed. We had stayed at this facility about 5 years ago so our expectation was for a pleasant stay. The room was large enough for 2 adults and was very clean. Staff service was professional and polite; however, there was no manager onsite to accommodate complaints. The room we were assigned faced the road right outside of our window and the many semi tractor trailers that passed by our window made bedrest impossible for our first night. My iPhone measured the sound at 60 decibels. Normal conversation occurs at 20 decibels. I can't imagine this situation has not been experienced by other travelers assigned to like rooms as you could barely hear the TV at a normal volume. I was ready to leave after the first night despite having a non-refundable 2nd night ahead. Luckily, the next morning, a room that was vacated that morning became available and it was readied for us. But that meant we had to repack for the move; while inconvenient, it was preferable to paying for another hotel (without a refund for the 2nd night at this one). The second room (#215) was much farther from the road and thankfully quiet. I was informed that this room, being among the "better rooms" were firstly assigned to "Diamond guest cardholders" --which I am not--and that 3rd party sellers (like Trip Advisor) offer rooms that are "left". I was told Holiday Inn would not handle a refund request. Overall, the facility appears to have had some cosmetic upgrades, but soundproofing wasn't one of them. In fact, upon descent, the elevator sounded like a foghorn at full steamship volume and vibrated disconcertingly for the ride down to the lobby. I would tell travelers to demand rooms that were far from the road, facing the front of the hotel or wear noise cancelling headphones at all times while in the room as the rates are not particularly cheap to warrant a sleepless night from road noise.

The Holiday Inn Express & Suites in North East, MD superseded my expectations. The hotel is very clean, well kept and the service is excellent. We were getting in late at night and I called to let the hotel know. I spoke to Jade at the front desk and she was very helpful in answering my questions. I was pleasantly surprised that she referenced our conversation earlier in the evening upon our arrival and check-in. I liked that there was coffee & tea 24/7 and the dining area where breakfast would be served was immaculate. The next morning, I met Julia, who was responsible for getting the breakfast ready and making sure the dining area was kept neat, tidy and clean. She was really helpful when we needed disposable gloves. She went beyond the call of duty in looking for XL ones! The breakfast surpassed our expectations! Later, Amy at the front desk, provided some extra things we needed in the room. Every staff member we encountered during our stay was helpful, very courteous and professional. I applaud the hiring manager! Re: Our room was spacious and very clean. It had two Queens and a nice sized couch. The bathroom's shower was roomy and the water pressure was great. Re: Breakfast... There were cheese omelets, egg white omelets with veggies, sausage or bacon depending on the day, oatmeal, potatoes, gravy for biscuits and a plethora or other foods that you were able to take with you. If you're in North East, MD and need a place to stay that is conveniently located near a shopping center (Walmart, Dollar Tree, etc.), then this is an excellent option.

Stayed at the Holiday Inn Express from 3/14/25 - 3/18/25, during our stay on 3/15/25 there was no hot water and on 3/17/25 there was no water at all. We made the front desk aware of the issues immediately but when trying to speak to the hotel GM he was never available, I'm not sure how this hotel stays in operation when their GM is absent and does not care.