Holiday Inn Hotels in Atlanta

I have stayed at many IHG hotels, including Holiday Inn. I have stayed at new, old, and renovated properties and have had positive experiences. I stay at Northlake hotels when I am visiting family. I choose this hotel because I am familiar with the brand, and it offered the lowest rate by about $20. I felt like I found a great deal. From the outside, the hotel is a standard, pleasant hotel, although the palm trees out front were kind of suspicious for Atlanta. Lobby looks okay. But after check-in, things got worse. One was not allowed to use the rear entrance to the building; thus, one must walk to the side or front entrance. Elevator looks poorly maintained; hallways were dark with harsh fluorescent lighting and had that really strong ”old building” smell. There was also the smell of pot (and I don't have a problem with it, but I do when I'm in a hotel). As for the room, it had that old smell, the hutch for hanging clothes look well-worn and scratched up. The couch was well-worn. The remote didn't have the battery cover. There was hair in the sink. In the morning, the water didn't drain out of the bathtub while showering. That was the last straw for me. I checked out two days early. I understand those are a lot of negatives but let me stress some things. First, the bed was new and very comfortable. Second, the staff, from the receptionist to the maintenance crew, were *very nice* and *accommodating*. Any request I made was met, and everyone was genuinely proud and happy to be working there. I just wish the hotel physically was as pleasant as the staff. And even though the hotel has been renovated, more needs to be done. As for now, this hotel should not be flagged a Holiday Inn.