Holiday Inn Express Aberdeen Airport by IHG

The hotel's signature feature is its exceptional proximity to the airport, offering a short, mostly covered walk, and its convenient location for the P&J Live arena. This makes it an ideal choice for early flight travelers seeking a seamless overnight stay and concert-goers attending events. Guests consistently highlight the hotel's cleanliness, the comfort of its rooms, and the friendly, helpful staff who contribute significantly to a positive experience. The included breakfast is also a frequently praised amenity, providing a convenient start to the day. For those arriving by car, it's advisable to familiarize yourself with the parking system upon arrival, as there are charges and specific procedures to avoid unexpected fines. Additionally, guests sensitive to room temperature might consider requesting a fan, as windows do not open.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of facilities designed for convenience, though guest experiences can be mixed. The Wi-Fi connectivity receives varied feedback, with some finding it unstable or slow, particularly in rooms at the end of corridors, while others report it as good. The bar area is available, but some guests noted issues with understaffing, leading to long waits for service and drinks, and some found the prices high or the closing time early. The restaurant is generally described as basic, with some finding the food underwhelming or service inconsistent, though others found it adequate. The communal areas are often praised for being bright, clean, and inviting. Guests appreciate the presence of a kettle for tea and coffee in rooms. However, the air conditioning and heating system can be a point of contention, as windows are sealed, and some rooms are reported to be too warm, with the system not always effectively regulating temperature.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room comfort and cleanliness is generally positive, with many describing rooms as clean, fresh, and modern. However, some recent reviews noted issues with bathroom cleanliness, including traces of mold on shower doors and dirty grout, and a strange smell in some rooms. The beds receive mixed reviews; while many find them comfortable and conducive to a good night's sleep, some guests found them too soft, too hard, or noted that double beds were smaller than expected. A recurring point of concern is the sealed windows, which prevent fresh air circulation and mean guests are entirely reliant on the air conditioning system, which can lead to rooms feeling too warm. Despite the hotel's proximity to the airport, soundproofing from external noise is excellent. However, internal noise from pipes, corridors, and other guests can be disruptive, particularly at night. The showers are generally good, though some experienced weak water pressure.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast at the hotel is a significant highlight for most guests, consistently praised for its quality, variety, and the convenience of being included in the stay. Many appreciate the hot food options, which are frequently replenished, and the early availability of both continental and cooked items, making it ideal for those with early flights. While the selection is generally good, some guests expressed a desire for more continental choices beyond pastries and croissants, or different egg preparations besides scrambled. The restaurant and evening meal offerings receive more mixed feedback. Some guests found the menu basic, the food underwhelming, or the prices high for the quality, with occasional issues like forgotten side dishes or overcooked items. However, others reported tasty and reasonably priced meals, with some specific dishes like fish and chips or lasagna receiving positive mentions for their quality. The bar also serves food, with pizza being a common option.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is consistently highlighted as its strongest asset, particularly for travelers utilizing the airport. It is just a short, 5-minute walk from the airport terminal, with a mostly covered walkway providing convenient access regardless of weather. This makes it an ideal choice for those with early morning flights or late arrivals. The hotel is also highly convenient for attendees of events at P&J Live, being within walking distance or a short drive. While the immediate surrounding area offers limited amenities beyond a pub and petrol station, the hotel provides easy access to car rental facilities. However, parking is a significant point of contention for many guests. There is a daily charge, and numerous reviews detail issues with an external parking management system, leading to unexpected fines for brief stops, even for check-in or luggage drop-off. This has also reportedly affected taxi services, with some drivers reluctant to pick up directly from the hotel entrance.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness, significantly enhancing the guest experience. Many reviews highlight their welcoming demeanor, professionalism, and willingness to go above and beyond to assist guests with various requests, such as early check-ins or room changes. The check-in and check-out process is generally described as smooth, quick, and easy, though some guests experienced slower check-ins or issues with room key cards. While the staff are largely commended, there were isolated instances of less helpful interactions, particularly concerning a night manager. Some guests noted that bar staff occasionally appeared understaffed or had to multitask, impacting service speed. However, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with guests appreciating the staff's dedication to providing excellent service, including assisting with taxi bookings and resolving payment queries. There were a few reports of missed wake-up calls, suggesting an area for improvement in consistency.

Additional Information
For guests planning their stay, it's important to note the hotel's pet-friendly policy, which allows pets in rooms and even in the restaurant area. While this is a significant convenience for pet owners, some guests with severe allergies found this aspect concerning, particularly the presence of animals in dining spaces. The hotel operates a cashless policy, meaning all payments for services like the bar and restaurant must be made by card, which some guests found to be an unexpected inconvenience. Loyal guests who are part of the IHG rewards program consistently appreciate being recognized and often receive benefits during their stay, enhancing their overall experience. While the hotel generally provides a comfortable experience, one isolated incident reported an electrical issue in a room, leading to fumes and damaged property, which was being addressed by the hotel management.