Holiday Inn Express Boston North-woburn By Ihg

The hotel's convenient location near major highways and a large shopping plaza with diverse dining options stands out as a primary draw, making it an excellent base for various activities. It is particularly well-suited for business travelers due to its proximity to corporate training centers and easy access to the city, as well as sightseers exploring Boston, Salem, and Gloucester. Families also find it suitable given the nearby amenities and comfortable accommodations, while couples appreciate the overall value and access to local attractions. Guests consistently praise the hotel's overall cleanliness, the comfortable beds, and the generally friendly staff. The complimentary breakfast also receives widespread acclaim for its variety and quality. To enhance your stay, consider inquiring about newly renovated rooms for a more modern experience, and be aware that ongoing renovations might cause some daytime noise.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of amenities, though guest experiences were mixed. Many guests were disappointed by the hot tub, which was frequently reported as being out of order, under renovation, or in poor condition, with some describing it as dirty or having strong chlorine odors. The hotel provides free Wi-Fi, which most guests found reliable, though some noted that the signal strength could be inconsistent. A gym facility is available, with some guests finding it well-equipped, while others felt it was in rough shape. A common point of feedback was the absence of an in-room microwave, with guests needing to use a shared microwave in the lobby. Rooms include a mini-fridge, though some guests reported it was loud or not sufficiently cold, and lacked a freezer compartment. The television experience was mixed; some found the sets small or outdated, with issues like fuzzy reception, limited channels, or a non-functional TV guide. The hotel has a single elevator, which some guests found to be slow or occasionally required resetting, leading to queues during peak times.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel generally receives high marks for cleanliness, with guests frequently noting tidy rooms and a pleasant overall scent. However, room comfort and condition garnered mixed reviews. While some guests were delighted by newly renovated rooms described as stunning, many others found their accommodations outdated, citing issues like stained carpets, damaged wallpaper, or a musty smell. A common complaint was the small size of both the rooms and especially the bathrooms, which were often described as exceptionally tiny, making movement difficult. Specific bathroom concerns included very low toilets, poor lighting, low shower heads, and limited counter space. Despite these points, the beds and pillows consistently received praise for being very comfortable, contributing to a restful night's sleep for most. A significant drawback for many was the pervasive noise, with thin walls allowing sounds from adjacent rooms, hallways, flushing toilets, and even street traffic or construction to be clearly audible, impacting sleep quality.

Dining & Food Quality
The complimentary breakfast consistently receives high praise from guests, often described as delicious, varied, and hot. Many appreciated the wide selection of food options, including hot items, and the availability of a coffee and hot chocolate station in the lobby. Some guests particularly enjoyed the cinnamon rolls and the quality of the coffee. While the breakfast was largely positive, some guests noted that the food could sometimes be unseasoned, and there were occasional issues with slow refills of popular items, stale bread, or watered-down juices. A few guests also desired longer breakfast hours. The hotel features an attached restaurant, Chateau, which guests found convenient and offered good meals. Additionally, the surrounding area provides a wide array of dining options within easy walking distance, making it easy for guests to find a meal to suit their preferences.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is a major highlight for guests, offering exceptional convenience. It is situated directly across the street from a large shopping plaza with numerous restaurants and stores, providing easy access to dining and retail therapy. Its proximity to major highways like I-95 and I-93 allows for quick and easy travel to various destinations. Guests found it an ideal base for exploring nearby cities such as Boston, Salem, and Gloucester, with public transportation options like the 'T' also accessible. The location is particularly beneficial for business travelers due to its easy commute to training centers and work sites. Parking is available on-site and generally free, though some guests noted the lot could be icy during winter conditions.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff generally receives high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and professionalism. Many guests highlighted specific individuals who went above and beyond to assist with requests, provide local tips, or resolve issues promptly. The check-in process was often described as quick and easy, contributing to a positive first impression. However, there were instances of mixed feedback, with some guests encountering staff who were perceived as rude, unhelpful, or inattentive, particularly during shift changes or when dealing with specific payment issues. Despite these isolated incidents, the overall sentiment towards the staff is overwhelmingly positive. A recurring issue mentioned by numerous guests was the frequent malfunction of room key cards, often requiring multiple trips to the front desk for re-keying, which caused inconvenience. While housekeeping was generally efficient and kept rooms clean, some guests reported inconsistencies, such as towels not being replaced or rooms not being fully serviced.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that the hotel has been undergoing renovations, which, while leading to improved rooms, have also been a source of significant noise disturbance. Many guests reported loud construction work starting as early as 7 AM, and sometimes continuing late into the night, impacting their sleep and overall comfort. This was a frequent complaint, with some guests feeling they were not adequately informed about the extent of the noise prior to their stay. Another important point for guests is the hotel's payment policy, which includes a $75 hold on credit cards at check-in, a detail some guests felt was not clearly communicated beforehand. Additionally, the hotel does not accept cash payments for any charges, even with a card on file for incidentals, which caused issues for some travelers.