Holiday Inn Express Windsor By Ihg

The hotel offers a memorable stay, distinguished by its recently renovated and spotless accommodations, combined with an exceptional staff and a prime location near Windsor Castle. Guests consistently praise the hotel's modern aesthetic, high standards of cleanliness, and the genuinely helpful and friendly demeanor of the staff. Its convenient proximity to major attractions makes it an excellent choice for sightseers and families visiting Legoland, as well as couples seeking a comfortable base for exploring Windsor. To enhance your stay, guests are advised to utilize the secure underground parking, though spaces are limited and paid. Be aware that ongoing renovations might affect some public areas, but staff generally minimize disruption.

Facilities & Amenities
Free Wi-Fi is widely available and generally strong, allowing guests to stay connected. The hotel offers underground parking, which is secure and convenient, though spaces are limited and can be tight, with a height restriction. While some guests experienced issues with a slow lift or occasional breakdowns, the hotel provides a bar and a pleasant atrium or seating area for relaxation. Rooms are equipped with air conditioning, though some guests found instructions lacking or experienced issues with its functionality, noting that windows cannot be open simultaneously due to external noise. In-room amenities include a large TV (though some noted limited channels or connectivity issues), coffee and tea making facilities, an iron, and an ironing board. There is no safe or fridge in the rooms.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Rooms are consistently described as spotless, very clean, and newly renovated, contributing to a pleasant stay. Guests frequently commend the comfortable beds, often noting the availability of both firm and soft pillows for a personalized sleep experience. While most find the spacious bathrooms with large showers (some featuring double or waterfall heads) to be excellent, a few reported issues with low water pressure or slow drains. Some guests mentioned the toilets being unusually low. Noise levels are a recurring topic; while the hotel is under the Heathrow flight path, effective sound insulation with closed windows largely mitigates aircraft noise. However, some guests experienced street noise or audible footsteps from above, impacting sleep quality. In-room amenities like toiletries and ample towels are appreciated, though the absence of a toilet brush, safe, or fridge was noted by some.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast receives mixed but generally positive feedback, often described as excellent with a great choice and plentiful options. It typically features a self-service buffet with both hot and cold selections, including pastries, fresh fruit, and cereals. A popular highlight is the pancake machine, especially enjoyed by children. However, some guests found the hot food items, such as scrambled eggs, to be dry, cold, or potentially made from powdered eggs, and noted limited vegetarian options. During periods of renovation, the full breakfast service was replaced with grab-and-go bags, which received varied reviews, with some finding them adequate and others disappointing due to cold items or limited choice. The bar offers a limited menu of food, including pizza and curry, which guests generally found to be of good quality and served quickly.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an ideal location, making it highly convenient for exploring the area. It is within an easy walking distance of 10-15 minutes to Windsor Castle, the town center, shops, and restaurants. Guests appreciate its proximity to the River Thames and Eton College. For families, the hotel is a short taxi journey or bus ride from Legoland. Its location also provides easy access to Heathrow Airport, typically a 15-minute drive, though this means the hotel is under the flight path. Underground parking is available on-site, offering a secure option for vehicles, but it is paid, limited, and spaces can be tight, with a 6-foot height restriction, operating on a first-come, first-served basis. Public transport links, including a light rail station and buses to London, are also conveniently accessible.

Staff & Service
The staff consistently receives outstanding praise, described as extremely friendly, helpful, polite, accommodating, and attentive. Many guests highlight their professionalism and willingness to "go the extra mile." Examples include providing quick check-in and check-out, offering early check-in and late check-out flexibility, and assisting with luggage storage. Staff members are commended for their extensive local knowledge, providing directions and recommendations for attractions and dining. Specific gestures like arranging birthday treats for children, printing coloring pages, and offering umbrellas during rain are frequently mentioned. The housekeeping team is also noted for their efficiency and maintaining high standards of cleanliness. Overall, the staff's dedication to providing excellent customer service significantly enhances the guest experience, making visitors feel welcomed and valued.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that the hotel has been undergoing renovations in public areas, including the lobby, bar, and breakfast facilities. While the hotel generally provides advance notice of these works, some guests noted that the completion dates were occasionally extended. Despite the ongoing work, most reviews indicate that the noise from renovations was minimal, especially on weekends. The underground parking is a significant amenity, offering security and convenience, but it is a paid service and operates on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning spaces are not guaranteed. The hotel offers flexible check-in and check-out times for members, which is a valued perk. The hotel also provides complimentary coffee and tea at the front desk for guests.