Since there are two links for this one hotel, I have copied and pasted my review to this one as well. See below:
INTERNET/WIFI:
Yes, there is free WIFI here. You just have to be an IHG member. I read several reviews stating that WIFI is not free which made me not want to book a room here at first. It turns out you just have to be a member, which is also free. If you don't feel like signing up for some odd reason, you have to pay based on a time plan. Just make sure you give the front desk your IHG member info so you are in the system. Once you try to connect to the WIFI, you will input your guest information, and then select "Complimentary WIFI". The speed is OK. You can listen to music on YouTube for a little bit, but it may lag and need time to buffer. For every other activity (i.e. emails and surfing) it's good. Only two of your devices can connect to WIFI at once.
NOISE LEVEL:
The noise level can vary based on what room you stay at. This can be a real problem for you if you are a light sleeper. My room is facing a street with other apartments and last night they had a party. I believe the street name is GT Titchfield. Loud music was coming from their windows (some good and some not so tasteful). Even with my windows closed and a pillow over my head, I could still hear the bass beat. I'm a heavy sleeper though so it was OK. I'm not sure if all rooms are like this, so you may have to check with the front desk.
Update: Just the other night, I could hear a family arguing from the apartment building right accross the street for about ten minutes. It was a little disturbing, especially hearing a man yell at a kid to "shut up!". Windows are usually open on both sides of the building so sound is easily transferable.
ROOM LIGHTING:
The room can be a bit dim at night, or with the curtains closed. The desk lamp doesn't provide much light neither do all the other light fixtures. I generally have my curtains open which provides plenty of light. At night you may develop eye strain from all the dim lighting.
CONVENIENCE:
There are stores and restaurants all over the place in easy/short walking distance. In fact, there is a small grocery store less than a minute walk from the hotel called Sainsbury. They sell fresh fruit, veggies, drinks, snacks, etc. Right across the street is a restaurant called Efes 2, which is also good (which will be on a separate review). Just on the other side of the block there is a stretch of restaurants for fish and chips, Indian tapas, Lebanese, and Greek.
TRANSPORTATION:
The tube system is about a 10 minute walk from the Hotel, depending on how fast you walk. It's very convenient, unless it rains. Bring an umbrella.
If you plan on using a car to get around, good luck. You are better off using public transportation due to cost, parking, and traffic.
GETTING TO HOTEL FROM HEATHROW AIRPORT:
I recommend using the Tube system to get to the Hotel. Head East on Piccadilly and get off of Piccadilly Circus (~30 minutes) so you can transfer onto Bakerloo. Head North on Bakerloo and get off at Regent's Park (Less than 5 minutes). Again, the Hotel is walking distance. Walk East on Maryleone Rd. Two streets down is called Great Portland Street. Walk South on Great Portland Street until you see Carburton St. From there, head East and you should see the green glow of Holiday Inn Logo in front of you.
PHONE:
If you are international then making phone calls could be expensive. If you make one from your room, it costs 70p the last time I checked. They have a public phone downstairs which is 40p minimum per local call.
FRIDGE:
They have one of those fridges that charge you for each item you take out. The prices are about double of what they normally costs so don't take anything out of the fridge!
ELECTRICAL OUTLETS:
There are several electrical outlets, but non are near the bed. It's a little inconvenient if you like playing on your phone or laptop while you sit on your bed.
COST OF BREAKFAST:
Food and beverage is located on the first floor (not ground floor). The cost of breakfast is 16 GBP. Wow! That's $26.51 in USD as of 8/25/2014!
ROOM RATE:
The cost rises during the weekday and lowers during the weekend. It cost me 89 GBP for a Sunday night and 90 GBP for Monday night. Tuesday night will skyrocket to 149 GBP. Don't forget though, IHG has a price match guarantee, so read up! If you really can't afford these prices, you may try Airbnb or finding smaller uncommon hotels around the area. It really doesn't matter on the location either, as long as it's close to a tube system. read more