Holiday Inn Express Canterbury by IHG

3.0 star property
Hotel in Canterbury with free breakfast and a 24-hour front desk

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Holiday Inn Express Canterbury by IHG

Exterior
Room, 1 Double Bed with Sofa bed | In-room safe, desk, free WiFi, bed sheets
Property amenity
Free daily buffet breakfast
Exterior

Reviews

8.2 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Parking available
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Pet friendly
  • Housekeeping

Explore the area

View in a map
A2 Upper Harbledown, Canterbury, England, CT2 9HX
  • Place, University of Kent
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Place, Westgate Gardens
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Place, Marlowe Theatre
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Airport, London (SEN-Southend)

Room options

Room, 2 Twin Beds

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(9 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

Room, 1 Double Bed with Sofa bed

8.2 out of 10
Very good
(29 reviews)
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

Standard Room

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(11 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Twin Bed

Room, 1 Double Bed

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(6 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

About the neighborhood

Canterbury

Holiday Inn Express Canterbury by IHG is located within a few miles (5 km) of University of Kent and St. Dunstan's Church. This 89-room, 3-star hotel welcomes guests with conveniences like free breakfast, a restaurant, and free in-room WiFi.

What's nearby

  • University of Kent - 4 min drive - 3.1 miles
  • Mount Ephraim Gardens - 4 min drive - 3.5 miles
  • Westgate Gardens - 5 min drive - 3.3 miles
  • Marlowe Theatre - 6 min drive - 3.7 miles
  • Canterbury Cathedral - 6 min drive - 3.9 miles

Getting around

  • Canterbury Chartham Station - 6 min drive
  • Gatwick Airport (LGW) - 84 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Cafe Nero - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Caffè Nero - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Artichoke - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Floc Brewing Project - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪The Kings Head - ‬5 min drive

About this property

Holiday Inn Express Canterbury by IHG

Hotel in Canterbury with free breakfast and a 24-hour front desk
Holiday Inn Express Canterbury by IHG features free WiFi in public areas, meeting rooms, and a business center. Self parking is offered for GBP 3 per night. The front desk has multilingual staff on hand 24/7 to help with tours or tickets, securing valuables, and luggage storage. Additional amenities include express check-in, express check-out, and free newspapers.
Flat-screen TVs come with satellite channels and pay movies, and guests can stay connected with free WiFi. Coffee makers, portable fans, and hair dryers are other standard amenities.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Electric car charging station on site
  • Self parking on site (GBP 3 per night)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Food and drink

  • Free buffet breakfast available daily
  • A bar/lounge
  • A restaurant
  • Snack bar/deli

Restaurants on site

  • Great Room

Family friendly

  • Snack bar/deli

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Free newspapers in lobby
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk
  • Vending machine

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Business services

  • Business center
  • Meeting rooms

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • No elevator
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel

More

  • 1 building
  • 2 floors
  • Banquet hall
  • Designated smoking areas

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV with satellite channels
  • Pay movies

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle

More

  • Connecting rooms available
  • Desk
  • Heating
  • Phone
  • Portable fan
  • Safe

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3 PM
Contactless check-in available
Express check-in available

Check-out

Check-out before noon
Contactless check-out available
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Guests booked in breakfast included rate plans receive breakfast for up to 2 adults who are sharing a guestroom. Breakfast fees apply for additional guests.

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • This property welcomes pets for GBP 30 per accommodation (varies based on length of stay), plus a deposit of GBP 100 per stay
  • Service animals exempt from fees

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • Self parking fee: GBP 3 per night
  • Pet deposit: GBP 100 per stay
  • Pet fee: GBP 30 per accommodation (varies based on length of stay)
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, a first aid kit, and window guards
This property affirms that it follows the cleaning and disinfection practices of Clean Promise (IHG)
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
  • Check-in: 3 PM
  • Check-out: noon
The front desk is open 24 hours a day, and checking in and out are easy with express services. Driving? This property offers parking (fees apply), along with a car charging station.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted. 
  • This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
  • Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, a first aid kit, and window guards.
  • This property affirms that it follows the cleaning and disinfection practices of Clean Promise (IHG).

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • Connecting or adjoining rooms can be requested, but all rooms are subject to availability. Contact the property using the phone number on your booking confirmation.
  • There are no elevators.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.
  • This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly).

Property is also known as

Canterbury Holiday Inn Express
Holiday Inn Express Canterbury
Holiday Inn Express Hotel Canterbury
Canterbury Holiday Inn
Holiday Inn Canterbury
Holiday Inn Express Canterbury Hotel Upper Harbledown
Holiday Inn Express Canterbury Upper Harbledown
Holiday Inn Express Canterbury Hotel
Express Canterbury By Ihg
Holiday Inn Express Canterbury
Holiday Inn Express Canterbury by IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Express Canterbury an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Express Canterbury by IHG Canterbury
Holiday Inn Express Canterbury by IHG Hotel Canterbury

Frequently asked questions

Are free cancellation options available at Holiday Inn Express Canterbury by IHG?

Holiday Inn Express Canterbury by IHG provides free cancellation on some room rates. For additional details, review the cancellation policy on our site.

What is there to do around Holiday Inn Express Canterbury by IHG?

This hotel is located in Canterbury, close to Canterbury Cathedral, Chilham Village, and Mount Ephraim Gardens. You'll also find Westgate Gardens and Westgate Gardens and Towers within a short drive.

Is there parking available at Holiday Inn Express Canterbury by IHG?

Yes, parking is offered for GBP 3 per night. Accessible parking and electric car charging are also available for guests.

Does Holiday Inn Express Canterbury by IHG include a casino?

No, Holiday Inn Express Canterbury by IHG doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at Holiday Inn Express Canterbury by IHG?

No, there is no indoor pool at this hotel.

Is Holiday Inn Express Canterbury by IHG a good place to stay for couples?

Couples will appreciate amenities like a bar, a restaurant, and free breakfast at this hotel.

Does Holiday Inn Express Canterbury by IHG have a hot tub?

No, this hotel doesn't have a spa tub.

Does Holiday Inn Express Canterbury by IHG have a restaurant that serves breakfast?

Yes, Holiday Inn Express Canterbury by IHG serves free buffet breakfast at Great Room each morning.

Will Holiday Inn Express Canterbury by IHG allow pets to stay free of charge?

Although they can't stay for free, pets are welcome at Holiday Inn Express Canterbury by IHG for a fee of GBP 30 per accommodation, per stay. A deposit of GBP 100 per stay is collected.

Does Holiday Inn Express Canterbury by IHG have connecting rooms?

Yes, this hotel has connecting guestrooms you can book for your group event or vacation.

How close is the airport from Holiday Inn Express Canterbury by IHG?

The closest major airport to Holiday Inn Express Canterbury by IHG is London (SEN-Southend), which is about 23.5 mi away.

Are there rooms with balconies at Holiday Inn Express Canterbury by IHG?

No, at Holiday Inn Express Canterbury by IHG, there aren't any guestrooms that list a balcony.

Reviews

Holiday Inn Express Canterbury by IHG Reviews

8.2

Very Good

8.6/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Staff & service

8.2/10

Amenities

8.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.4/10

Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 367 out of 1003 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 382 out of 1003 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 170 out of 1003 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 56 out of 1003 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 28 out of 1003 reviews

Reviews

8/10 Good

Danister

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Staff hospitality and the tranquil environment.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Desi

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Really nice clean and comy bed. definitely would stay again Friendly helpful staff
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mary

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Seamless friendly check in Top notch customer service Health varied breakfast options And the complimentary items incase you forget a toothbrush,shaving cream, sanitary products etc..💯
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michelle

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

2/10 Terrible

Tiago

Traveled with family
Disliked: Staff & service, room comfort

Awful, won’t be

Absolutely awful. On the first night, at 23:30 with the kids already in bed out of nowhere the fire alarm starts blaring on the whole floor. We all woke up and a couple of minutes later it stopped. We thought it a false alarm and went back to sleep. Later at 1am again same thing. This time myself with a bunch of other people went to the reception to figure out what the hell was going on and the person at the reception could barely communicate with us as to what was happening. Imagine trying to sleep with two children and being woken up twice in the same night! On top of that: - rooms are absolutely tiny. It’s impossible to walk about without having to squeeze. - no airco. Plus the rooms were boiling even though the outside was a nice cool breeze. Opening the window doesn’t help and just a fan does nothing. - no lift. Get ready to carry your suitcases up and down the stairs. - car parking is paid and is extra. Seriously, a roadside hotel that can literally only be reached by car charging for their parking?! Ridiculous. - the plumbing is old and we could hear a very loud noise whenever the neighbouring rooms had their taps open. - half of the ev chargers are non functional, luckily there are BP ones nearby too. Overall awful, not good value for money at all. Breakfast is a simple full English but nothing to call home about.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

4/10 Poor

Choi

Traveled with family
Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Need more training for house keeping

Pictures show how they made our bed on the last two days. First time i see this in my life. My toddler can do better than this. FYI, rooms does not has AC, not as what they advised in their website. I would not go back and would not recomment, especially in hot summer.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Liked: Room comfort

Practical and basic.

Twin beds were comfortable; breakfast overcrowded and dangerous considering hot drinks and food and also displayed on a very small area. Maybe it could be expanded to a larger space during busy times. Friendly staff.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Anthony

Traveled with family
Liked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very good
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

svetlana

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Hilary

Traveled with family
Liked: Amenities
Clean room comfortable bed and good breakfast with plenty of choice. The staff were all welcoming and helpful. Would thoroughly recommend this hotel and look forward to staying again
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Andrew

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

gavin

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Ben

Business traveler
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Margaret

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent customer service
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Fiona

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Holiday inn , Canterbury motorway review

Great stay . Bit noisy with traffic in room 218. Staff extremely helpful in food area. Bed on small side but very comfortable. Bathroom excellent. Could do with more space to hang clothes/put clothes away but find as we were there for one night. Definitely would go again . Great fan in room !!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Kim

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Staff & service

Not the Best

My check in experience was awful. I was a single traveller & was allocated a twin room. It took a long time to resolve & a huge queue built up. The room itself was fine other than there is no air conditioning & when I opened the window I found there was a flat roof to another part of the building littered with cigarette ends. Considering it was supposed to be non smoking it wasn’t the best. The fan provided just moved hot air around. The bed was a small double & not particularly comfortable. Breakfast was the usual Holiday Inn Express fare. Pretty limited. I did manage to get vegetarian sausages but they took a while to be cooked. The strangest thing about the hotel is that it is tucked behind a service station. Getting access isn’t great as you have to be heading towards Canterbury to get in. Returning from Canterbury means a detour to be able to get onto the road that the Services are situated on. I won’t return unless I’m absolutely desperate.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Wai Kuen

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Everything is good except the shower water temperature is not stable. Sometimes, it is cold and hot…..
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

4/10 Poor

Tim

Traveled with partner, Traveled with family
We phoned to confirm that we would be arriving later than expected only to be informed that the hotel was closed due to a disruption to water supply. An attempt by the manager to find alternative accommodation, that took less than two minutes was fruitless. What would they have done had we arrived as per schedule
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Richard

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great service

The service was 5 star. I eould go back just for that.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Howard

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Grey place to stay.

They were polite, friendly, professional,and fast. The hotel was Clean comfortable and inviting. Also great food.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Brian

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
overnight stay before boarding Le Shuttle - ideal base for a quick visit to Canterbury - looking a little tired but ideal for our needs
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Andrew

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Eva

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Colin

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great staff

Easy access to the ports. The staff made the difference. Everybody we spoke to was friendly and professional. The hotel was just a stopping point. Well done the staff!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Michael

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Pleasant stay good staff
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025