Holiday Inn Resort Kissimmee by the Parks

I stayed at the Holiday Inn Resort Kissimmee by the Parks (IHG) during a business trip, and unfortunately, it was one of the worst hotel experiences I’ve ever had. While the front desk staff were kind and professional, the hotel itself is in extremely poor condition and raises several safety concerns.

Loved the heated pool. The mattresses need an update. If you are going to offer coffee in the room, offer something decent and enough. Because the room coffee was so terrible, I went to find coffee in the lobby. Most hotels offer free coffee in the morning in the lobby. My only option was to pay $16 as part of the " breakfast buffet", which is just a continental breakfast that this hotel actually charges you for. A fan in the bathroom would be helpful as well.

Holiday Inn by The Parks Kissimmee The following is a personal account of my stay at the Holiday Inn by the parks in Kissimmee Orlando. Arrival We arrived at the holiday inn around 5.30 pm US time and went to reception where we were warmly greeted by a member of the reception staff. We had 3 rooms and check in was very simple with a $150 deposit for the rooms which was split as $50 per room. We requested prior to arrival for 2 of the 3 rooms to be close together / adjoining and on a high floor so that we were not close to noise, whilst they did not have adjoining rooms we did get 2 rooms next to each other with all rooms on the 7th floor. We were in room 752 and when we went in to the room it was a standard type of room with 2 double beds, TV, aircon unit, mirrors, coffee machine, draws and some hanging space. Bathrom consisted of Toilet, sink and shower with 4 shower towels, hand towels and face cloths. The rooms were clean and spacious. The hotel had a bar inside and also outside, pool, Jacuzzi, pizza restaurant and coffee shop. There are ice machines on every floor and also on floor 2 of block A there is a laundrette so that you don’t have to take as many clothes as usual. Room service was daily however we were missed on a couple of occasions so had to pop to reception to ask them to send someone to replenish towels etc. Bar Our first visit to the bar was surprising as the process were not too bad considering where you are. The bar staff for the most part were very friendly and helpful, and also attentive. There was one night where the staff member was alone, the bar was busy and she was also doing food and had to take it to the room for a customer. This meant that waiting time at the bar was very long and annoying. We also noted that the bar added service charge on to the bills. Drinks were tasty and you could tell they were not skinny with the amount they added. Pizza / Restaurant We ordered from here on a couple of occasions. Simple food choices, garlic bread, wings etc. Garlic bread was very tasty, wings for me were too spicy but there were a fair few in the pack. Food again not too badly priced and was ordered from the bar. They also used this area for Breakfast in the mornings. It was an all inclusive breakfast for $19 and whilst we never ate here it did smell lovely. Pool The pool was clean and tidy. Water was very cold but I had a little swim. Towels were available by the doors as you enter the pool area. Laundrette This was on the 2nd floor of the A side of the building and is a pay by card system. You can buy detergent from there as well however you are close to a Walmart so better to purchase something from there. Costs for wash (56 minutes) and dryer (56 minutes) was $3.50 per machine, so was not too bad and means that you don’t have to take as many clothes so that you have more space for the stuff you end up buying. Location The Holiday inn is in a great location for shops, food and supermarkets. Walmart is 15 minutes’ walk or 5 min drive, there are many food places within a 5 minute walk including an iHOP, McDonalds, Del Taco, Wingstop etc. Buses to the parks. There is a free bus to the parks which you have to book online prior to travel. However, there is a catch. Most of the pick up times are 7am from the Holiday Inn. You may think this is stupidly early and you would be right, however they pick up at multiple hotels, and drop off any multiple parks especially if you are going to Universal. Car Parking There is plenty of free parking spaces including a recharging point for the electric drivers. Reception Last but not least is reception. Its directly by the little shop area and the staff were amazing. Always friendly and happy to help. No matter what the issue. We had a few issues with the room door and they were fast to get someone to come and look at it. Also the ice machine on our floor kept failing. Raised this with them and they were again quick to get it looked at. They were also happy to provide information if you needed it. Other info There is a gym in the hotel should you want to work out. Key available from reception. You get 2 bottles of water a day free of charge (330ml). You can drink the water from the tap but may not be ideal if your not used to it. You are close to a Walmart so getting supplies is easy and cheap. Hotel grounds are very well kept and as we travelled over Halloween, they decorated parts of the hotel.