Holiday Inn Express Hotels in Gainesville

On 1st impression, the guy at desk at check-in a little scary looking w/ beard, etc., but he was great and welcoming. I shouldn't judge a book by its cover! My bad. There were no Diamond upgrades. Unlike previous HIE, just a key card folder with keys and no mention of Diamond Benefits. We were given points-500 worth about $3 based on my historical calculations? No choices-just told we got points! The room was a typical HIE King Standard. We were given a room on a high floor away from the elevator per my IHG profile. The TV got many channels, including all Atlanta local ones, so a plus there compared to our previous night at HIE south of Atlanta? Our view was of the parking lot and Buffalo Wings next door. Only real perk for being Diamond: 1) dedicated parking space...Whoopie! We were not offered a choice for snack/bottled water! One thing missing in room was coffee station, but we were warned at check-in about such. This is prime example of their cost cutting/inconvenience to guests! On day in between our 2 nights, room was very well cleaned with restocked towels. Where this location really failed was breakfast: From IHG web site: Indulge in all your breakfast* favorites complete with fresh, hot, healthy, and kid-friendly options to fuel you for the day ahead. My understanding from HIE promotion over past decade was that there would be something hot and healthy: egg white omelets, turkey sausage, etc. but NONE here! I don't think HIE has lowered its standards back to those like Hampton Inn? Breakfast: On day #1, I pointed out lack of healthier items such as egg white omelets and turkey sausages. Front desk manager, Margaret, heard (or was told by staff) my complaints. She said they have what is required at Holiday Inn Express! I pointed out that HIE was known for offering 1 or more healthier items as compared to Hampton Inn? They had bare minimum in hot items: cheese omelets, sausage gravy w biscuits, and pork sausage links. (No potatoes or scrambled eggs either) Juice machine, which includes tap water, was broken. I'm surprised that they didn't say they sell bottled water at front desk, but front desk lady had them put out jug of lemon water, which makes me gag! I took coffee cup back to area near pool and got water from water fountain there! Not the best tasting water but NO lemon! They also put some juices out, but I didn’t pay attention since fruit juice has very high sugar. A few pastries and bread slices plus a few pieces of fruit. Day 2 breakfast was about the same with pork sausage patties instead.(and juice/water machine working) IHG Corporate would expect more than the basics, especially since this location and most in this part of state charge inflated rates due to tourist areas nearby! Despite their minimum, it still exceeded the worst Hampton Inn breakfast ever a few years ago at the Gainesville location. I wonder if they are owned/managed by same people? I guess it's back to Hilton Gar