Holiday Inn Express & Suites Laurel, an IHG Hotel

I booked this hotel because my sister came to visit me and we wanted a night at the casino and to come back and relax in the pool and the hot tub for a girls night. Upon entering the pool area we were absolutely disgusted! We refused to get in. It was raining outside and the windows were leaking rain water inside the pool area, random hairballs, rusty old handicap chairs that they want you to put your loved one in, old sunken in chairs, ceiling tiles falling apart, green dirty pool, hot tub only some jets functioning, only half full, and only Luke warm water. I went straight to the front desk to complain about the pool area and the awful condition it was in. I was informed that they are aware it needs renovated but they haven’t gotten there yet. I was told the hot tub was half full because when they last checked someone was in it so they never filled it, and I was told that the pool is not dirty that it is due to be painted. I was told after complaining that they tested the water and the chlorine levels were high but the ph levels were fine and no one has reported being sick from this pool! The hotel was sold out for a hockey tournament and I questioned why a sold out hotel didn’t have not a single person in the pool on a Friday night and the desk lady told me that hockey players don’t swim because they save their energy for the hockey games… apparently even the parents and families. Absolutely disgusting. We refused to get in. Ruined our night. We were however credited back 50% of our day to the appearance of the pool. As far as our room… beds are like rocks. The door was slanted and a huge gap could be seen between our room and the hallway. Some random people knocked on our door 2-3 times throughout the night. Not sure what that was about. Picture are posted for your pleasure. If your looking for a night to swim with your family, don’t come here.

I *rarely* post reviews, but I was so impressed with Christmas Cockrell and her staff that I absolutely had to. My wife and I had to book this Holiday Inn at the last moment when a neighboring hotel didn't have any rooms clean. After we had gotten set up in our room, there was a minor incident, and the response to help my wife and I was incredibly quick and down to earth. The staff was all very friendly, the amenities were clean, the room was comfortable, and the breakfast was awesome. Point blank: If you are staying in or around Laurel, do yourself a favor and book your stay here. To all the staff and Christmas, thank you for your help and hospitality!