Stayed at the Certificate of Excellence Idaho Falls HIE on Sun 07/21/19. Our cost with tax was $158.88 which we thought was pricey. This was our first stay at this property and I'll admit my rating is one star lower due to the check in process. Hotel is fine, rest of staff are fine, but the dissatisfaction lingers and we won't return.
As a multi-year IHG Spire member (75+ stays a year and over 100 stays last year) I called ahead as we approached town to ensure two beds would be available since it was out of my way to get to this hotel. Yes 2Q were available but could not be held for me without a credit card. I was 5 min away, driving, and could not recite my card number from memory. When I arrived, there was a friendly confrontation on rates and rooms available. I booked a "Standard Room to be assigned at Check-in" using the IHG app and told the way I booked it gave the hotel the right to switch me to a king bed since 2Q rooms were limited. Very unhappy with the whole process and attitude of one particular staff member. After a tense discussion, I got the 2Q - but bitterness lingers. Other counter staff displayed the friendliness typical of IHG staff.
The 3 story hotel is well off the freeway on a main highway with other hotels, shopping and auto services nearby. Plenty of free well lit parking. Once upstairs we found hallway width was average with clean carpets and good lighting. Room access was via a standard card reader. No issues with locking mechanism. Luggage went on a folding luggage rack. Our 2Q room was large and clean with all expected amenities.
Power outlets were available on the nightstand between beds. Wifi access was via IHG connect but we found signal strength to be quite low and connectivity very unstable. The mid size TV had plenty of channels but experienced intermittent dropouts. HVAC controls were wall mounted and the unit was quiet and efficient.
Beds were comfortable with clean sheets and four pillows. Everything in the average size bathroom worked as designed. Shower had excellent water pressure, which we value highly, and plenty of clean towels.
Room noise was quiet and overall maintenance was pretty good. Their breakfast area is attractive with typical hotel food. Had pre-open coffee but did not stay for breakfast.
Bottom line.. Probably would have rated it a 4 since room was not bad and water pressure in shower was terrific, but TV/Internet connectivity was not good and the bad check-in experience makes staying here in the future unlikely.
