Holiday Inn Express & Suites Madison-Verona by IHG

In general, this property satisfies expectations that one would normally have of a Holiday Inn Express or other mid-tier lodging. It is clean, quiet, comfortable, secure, and pleasant. With the exception described below, everything worked. There was a glitch that revealed a negative and a positive. Negative in that such things should not happen, positive in that the hotel cheerfully offered an acceptable resolution. Long story short: shortly after checking in, I noticed that the TV was not working (could not control anything other than power and volume). After 45 minutes of a (friendly) maintenance guy fiddling with it (coming and going three times), I asked the front desk if they could just move me to another room. The hotel, to its credit, cheerfully and willingly did so, and due to what seemed to be very light occupancy on the evening before Thanksgiving Day, was able to move me to the room next door so it was an easy move. I noticed later that I was credited with 1,000 IHG points, which I assume was compensation for the trouble. So, yes, sometimes problems happen, but how they are solved can leave a favorable taste. Other notes about the hotel: 1. I requested and was granted an early check-in. I appreciate this. 2. The pool and pool area were very spacious, and the tropical-like warmth and humidity of the pool area were welcome given the seasonal Wisconsin cold. 3. On the downside, the hot tub was closed. 4. The 24-hour fitness center was pretty standard for this kind of hotel. The equipment was in working order. Water and towels were provided. An ice machine was located just outside the fitness room. Unfortunately, there were no cleaning wipes provided. 5. The complimentary breakfast was standard fare. Not 5-star dining, but enough variety to satisfy most tastes. There were hot and cold offerings, including HI Express's iconic warm gooey cinnamon rolls. On Thanksgiving morning, the breakfast offering seemed to be reduced, perhaps on account of very low occupancy. I understand this, but I did miss the healthy warm oatmeal (which was restored for the next day's [Black Friday] breakfast). 6. The hotel design and exterior were aesthetically appealing and inviting. Just one additional comment, and this is obviously NOT the fault of the hotel, and it is behavior that is increasingly common at many hotels. On both mornings, guests, including teens and adults, were showing up at the breakfast in their pajamas. C'mon people, show a little respect for yourself and your fellow guests and the hotel staff, and put on some clothes! Nobody wants to see strangers in pajamas and with an unkempt appearance.

Isaak at the front desk was awesome. He knew his job , was personable, and very helpful. The hotel is updated and clean. The breakfast was nice and the parking lot is well lit and safe. The restaurant across the street Paddy Mac’s was a bonus for sure.

Did not care for the breakfast but they did a good job in vleaning and plenty of food not many choices.

Everything was great and hot tub was warm enough.

Staff was helpful. Parking was easy. The breakfast has substantial options. The room was a little run down but very clean.

Everything was smooth- from checkin to check out. Breakfast was great. Staff was friendly. Place was quiet even though I know it was full with sport fans and a youth soccer tournament. I would definitely stay here again next time we’re in town.

Good