Holiday Inn Express & Suites - San Marcos South by IHG

Hotels
•
Holiday Inn Express
8.1 (227 reviews)
900 Barnes Drive , San Marcos , US

Free
Children allowed

Facilities

Fitness facilities
WiFi available
Free WiFi
Parking
Free Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
Fitness center
Swimming pool
24-hour front desk
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Clean rooms reported by many guests
Friendly and helpful front desk staff
Excellent and varied breakfast
Convenient location and ample parking
Comfortable beds and inviting rooms
Easy check-in/check-out and pleasant views
Cons:
Serious cleanliness incidents: blood, vomit, hair reported
Overcharging / reservation/payment handling problems
AC/fan/room maintenance issues and missing promised furnishings
Pool cleanliness and late-night noise
Inconsistent room refresh/housekeeping service
Perceived poor value / overpriced for some guests

Categories

Cleanliness
7.2
Many guests praised rooms as very clean and well-smelled, but there are multiple serious negative reports (blood in towels, vomit stains, pubic hair on beds, rooms not refreshed) that lower the score.
Service
8.8
Staff frequently called friendly and helpful with warm greetings and prompt assistance, though there are notable service failures (incorrect charges, unhelpful staff regarding missing couch) reported by some guests.
Location
9
Consistently described as convenient — close to shopping, family destinations, and with ample parking; location is a clear strength.
Room Quality
7.5
Rooms often described as comfortable with good views and inviting beds, but several guests reported issues (AC not cooling, missing couch, broken fans, foul smells, stains) reducing overall room quality.
Amenities
8
Breakfast is frequently praised and parking is ample, but issues noted with the pool (dirty, noisy late), elevator problems, and some charging ports not working.
Value for Money
6.5
Multiple comments about being overpriced, unexpected extra charges, and stays not feeling worth the cost drive this below average.
Food and Beverage
8.4
Breakfast is widely described as great with many options and friendly cooks, though a few complaints exist (ants in breakfast area, some poor-quality food reports).
Overall Experience
9.4
Overall sentiment trends positive for many guests (promises to return, improved trips, strong front desk experiences), despite some serious isolated problems; the predominant experience reported is favorable.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-11-05 14:43

Property Description

Modern Amenities & Wellness Facilities

Holiday Inn Express & Suites - San Marcos South offers a range of modern amenities, including a fitness centre, garden, shared lounge, and terrace. Guests can also enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and an ATM. Wellness facilities like a hot tub and spa center are available for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Convenient Business & Snack Options

The hotel features a business centre for guests needing to stay productive during their visit. Additionally, vending machines with a variety of snacks and drinks are conveniently located on-site, ensuring guests have easy access to refreshments.

Scenic Surroundings & Nearby Attractions

Situated near Texas State University, this IHG hotel is surrounded by natural beauty, with Comal Park and Comal River just a short distance away. For travelers, the San Antonio International Airport is within reach, making Holiday Inn Express & Suites - San Marcos South a perfect choice for both leisure and business travelers.

Book your stay now at Holiday Inn Express & Suites - San Marcos South for a memorable experience!

Important information:

Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.
A deposit may be required at the property.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Airport code: AUS

Location

Guest Reviews

8.1
Based on 227 reviews
Cleanliness: 7.2
Service: 8.8
Location: 9
Room Quality: 7.5
Amenities: 8
Value for Money: 6.5
Food and Beverage: 8.4
Overall Experience: 9.4
C
Carlos • extended_group • us
6
Pros:

Clean, room nice with plenty of room.

Cons:

Had some issues before arrival, called to confirm reservation & informed staff member paying with business card at arrival, charged my card instead before I arrived. Staff member stated I told her too. After arguing with staff & manager, she retuned charges & charge business card. Upsetting & a big inconvenience for me since they charged me for two rooms & I had to wait for 4 days to get the funds back.

2026-10-25 • via Nuitee
R
Romanos • solo_traveller • us
9
2026-10-12 • via Nuitee
J
Jaime • extended_group • us
8
Pros:

Near my sister’s home

Cons:

Pricey

2026-10-08 • via Nuitee
C
Cecilia • couple • us
10
Very cozy and clean over all.
Pros:

Breakfast was great. The cooks were very nice. The place was so clean.

Cons:

The pool was a bit dirty with leaves.

2026-10-08 • via Nuitee
S
Samantha • solo_traveller • us
10
Pros:

Breakfast was great! So many options and fresh. Rooms were very clean and comfortable. There was a little shopping center next door. Was very convenient.

2026-08-30 • via Nuitee
M
Mayra • couple • us
8
Pros:

Very clean, fairy new

2026-08-24 • via Nuitee
P
Philleasha • couple • us
10
1000% satisfied
Pros:

The front desk staff greeted us with a smile and our room was sooo clean with a beautiful view!

And the room smelled WONDERFUL! It has been a very long time since I’ve entered a hotel room that smelled great and the bed was so inviting!

We will be back!

Cons:

N/a

2026-08-20 • via Nuitee
T
TERESA • couple • us
10
Convenient to other stores and the location is great, parking has a big space.
Pros:

Clean and friendly staff

2026-08-19 • via Nuitee
L
Larina • couple • us
4
Should have left and gotten better
Pros:

The bedding was nice

Cons:

The air conditioner did not get cold, bathroom fan didnot work, toilet paper was horrible and noise level was the worst

2026-08-07 • via Nuitee
R
rafael • solo_traveller • us
1
2026-08-05 • via Nuitee
N
Nora • family_with_children • us
10
It was a short trip to Austin and this hotel was very nice and improved our trip a lot.
Pros:

The cleanest location I’ve been to and the staff was very nice

Cons:

N/A

2026-08-05 • via Nuitee
M
Martha • family_with_children • mx
10
Perfecto para lo que necesitábamos
Pros:

Instalaciones, personal, desayuno

Cons:

El sofá cama estaba incómodo, Ruido en la alberca hasta tarde

2026-07-23 • via Nuitee
C
christopher • family_with_children • us
1
2026-07-23 • via Nuitee
L
Lopez • solo_traveller • us
10
Weekend getaways
Pros:

It was very nice...we enjoyed our stay and promised to be back...we are now kid free...sometimes we need a Lil night of just us..thank you so much .. weekend getaways for mom and dad...Holiday is the best...

Cons:

There wasn't much not to like everything was right on point for us from the time we walked through the front door and the greeting we received was so welcoming and so we definitely will be back

2026-07-21 • via Nuitee
F
Faustino • family_with_children • us
9
2026-07-15 • via Nuitee
R
Rufus • extended_group • us
4
I'm disappointed and furious.
Pros:

It was nice and breakfast was good. Room was clean

Cons:

The water pressure was terrible. They booked us without a couch even though we were supposed to have one and had to sleep on the floor. Staff was not helpful.

2026-07-14 • via Nuitee
J
Julio • family_with_children • us
10
2026-07-14 • via Nuitee
I
Irene • couple • us
10
2026-07-08 • via Nuitee
G
Griselda • solo_traveller • us
10
2026-07-07 • via Nuitee
V
Veronica • family_with_children • us
3
2026-07-07 • via Nuitee