Name: Holiday Inn Express Hamilton - Upper James by IHG
Address: 1276 Upper James St., Kernighan, Hamilton, Canada, Hamilton, Ontario, CA
Price range: US$112–US$298 per night
Rating: 8.93

What guests think

At Holiday Inn Express Hamilton - Upper James by IHG, travelers highlight a new, modern feel, very clean rooms, friendly staff, and a convenient location near the airport and many eateries, with a popular included breakfast.

Rooms are spacious and modern with comfortable beds, though guests mention periodic issues like sliding bathroom doors that do not close, TV or cable glitches, noisy or ineffective HVAC, and blinds that allow in light or street noise. Breakfast is appreciated and generally varied, but several reviews note hot items can be lukewarm and choices may not change much. A few guests cite policy misunderstandings at check in and uneven housekeeping. Overall, it suits short, convenient stays near the airport.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

New property with underground and surface parking; several note the garage or driveway is narrow or tight. There is a clean gym, no pool, and a few brief elevator or system glitches were reported.

Related guest reviews

10

John

21 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Appreciated the underground parking in the rain! Tv was a little hard to figure out…perhaps better instructions

10

Rosa

7 Jan 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great location. The driveway quite narrow and a bit dangerous the access to the underground parking.

8

Andrea

14 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Room was nice. Bed was comfortable. Room above had a plumbing leak and the ceiling was stained. Door handle on the bathroom was not fastened properly and fell off a few times. Service was quick and friendly. The gym is nice and clean.

10

Rand

18 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Nice friendly staff, clean rooms good breakfast. Liked the underground parking .. carry safe and convenient spot .

8

sarah

7 Feb 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The stay was great. Nice hotel and clean room. I came with a big van and the parking is narrow with a dead end. I do not recommend it with a very big vehicule.

10

marie

19 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

This is a new hotel, still working out some bugs, TV and Eleavator did not work for a short while, the staff was great, breakfast was great. Close to shopping and easy to get to. Manager discounted our room for the inconviences we encountered. Will stay there again.

8

Joel

17 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Rooms and hotel clean. Buffet breakfast was well supplied and hot. Staff very friendly. However on checkout day, in the morning live TV and streaming stopped working. Also just before leaving our room card key wouldn't open our door, had to ask for assistance to open our room. Not clearly marked for check-in parking.

4

Jeovanny

17 May 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The hotel itself is clean like any other holidays inn. First day I was there, my family and I were getting ready to go out and the fire alarm went off. My wife and I had to run out of the building with our 3 toddlers. one of the elevators wasn't working properly, The bathroom door lock was not working. Its a new building so there are lots of small issues they need to fix. there is no pool. I think so many little things happened that we don't think its worth paying $200 a night. Would not be coming back to this hotel

8

Jackie

24 Jan 2026

·

Stayed 1 night

The room was comfortable. Close to the Hamilton airport and where else we were going. The hot breakfast was ok, typical hotel breakfast. Have underground parking.

10

Jeff

19 Dec 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Overall good experience Surface parkjng is alittle tight

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Cleanliness

Most reviews praise very clean rooms and common areas. A smaller number note lapses such as hair in bathrooms, dirty fridges or microwaves, or missed restocking.

Related guest reviews

10

Veronica

9 Feb 2026

·

Stayed 1 night

Room was very clean and cozy, staff was very friendly!

2

Amy

12 Apr 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

I wasn’t going to leave a review, as the person who we talked to at the front desk told us we were getting a $100 refund for the room being dirty. Unfortunately that never actually happened. When we arrived the fridge was dirty, the toilet had been used and not flushed, and there was old Chinese take out in the microwave. I just feel for what we paid this is unacceptable, we ended up cutting our stay short.

8

Destiny

20 Dec 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The front desk was great, however id say house keeping needs to check the fridges and the washroom. I found hair in the bathroom and a half opened pop in the fridge. Besides that its smaller but pretty good.

4

Radia

13 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

L’emplacement de l’hôtel est très bruyant et difficile de sortir du parking. Le tapis des chambres est sale et le ménage est à désirer. Nous étions obligés de se plaindre à la réception pour que notre chambre soit nettoyée. Le petit déjeuner est juste un continental, rien de surprenant! Nous étions déçu!

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4

Linda

28 Apr 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Did not realize cost of stay was in U.S dollars. I have an Expedia app and didn’t realize it wasn’t Canadian. The staf was quite rude at the front desk when I questioned the cost. I guess it was my error, but the person told me that because I used a service provider there was going to be an additional charge. Also, coming in on a Saturday, I was not aware that there would be no cleaning service in the room I.e. towels, bed making , coffee supplies, cups, creamer etc. We were equipped with 2 styrofoam cups. Three Kerrigan pods and 2 packets of non dairy creamer for a 2 day stay. I can make my own bed and realize that changing sheets every day may environmentally unfriendly, but I feel the cost was exorbitant for what we received.

6

Melissa

21 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 5 nights

Did not like that Breakfast options never varied. And had to ask two times over a five night stay for clean towels, hand towels, facecloths and toilet paper even though our room was cleaned daily.

10

Adriana

18 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Very clean, large room ,good breakfast

10

Connie

7 Feb 2026

·

Stayed 1 night

It was so clean and smelled clean, too!

10

David

20 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Very clean and comfortable. 5 stars across the board. Recommended

4

Elizabeth

23 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

This property is barely a year old and things are already falling apart. The toilet paper holder was like a seesaw and the roll kept falling on to the floor. My room wasn't cleaned properly. There was hair in quite a few spots throughout. The ice bucket had melted ice from the guest before. All the pillows smelled of other people's odors. There are no blackout curtains meaning at 530 am you're up due to the brightness from outside. Breakfast wasn't great. Staff were pleasant though.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Rooms

Rooms are modern, spacious and comfortable with well liked beds, though guests mention periodic issues like sliding bathroom doors that do not close, TV or cable glitches, noisy or ineffective HVAC, and blinds that allow in light or street noise.

Related guest reviews

10

Kathryn

14 May 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

Great pillows and linen on beds.

10

Ian Mich

25 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Very nice place and the room are nice and clean and modern looking which I like. I also like the floors too

8

Sheryl

29 Dec 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Staff was very friendly. Room was clean and breakfast was really good. There were minor problems like no tv cable and the bathroom door was difficult to close but other than that it was a great hotel.

4

Jay

4 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The staff were very friendly and quick to check in and out the problem was the room it was nice at first look but as I stayed you could see all the sloppy finishes and the AC unit was extremely loud and turned on and off all night the property next door keeps their parking lot lit up very bright and the blind they have on that window is not room darkening so the room was very bright I would suggest a room darkening curtain as well as the blinds parking was convenient and their included breakfast was the best part ofy stay

6

Margaret

22 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

The bathroom door was broken and would not close. It was a sliding door that was off its track. It was inconvenient but we made the best of it. We did notify the front desk but not much they could do over a weekend to repair it.

8

Julien

11 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Some things in the room didn't work. Lights/outlets

4

Sharra

8 Dec 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

No heater. The rooms are freezing.

8

Karent

19 May 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Je trouve que le stationnement sous-terrain très serré... la fan de la chambre ne fonctionnait pas. La porte de la salle de bain ne pouvait pas se fermer à clé. Entre les store la lumière rentrée et nous réveillé tres tot car la oubla lumière passé elle donné directement sur notre visage. Dommages que les vitres ne soient pas assez insonorisées, On entendait toutes les auto qui passaient sur la rue. Notre chambre etaitvface a la rue. On a pas bien dormis. Sinon rien a dire côté service. Les employés très gentil et serviable.

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8

Barbara

21 Dec 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Brand new renovated the room was huge and brand new. It had a huge entrance, huge bathroom with a large standup shower. Two queen beds and pullout couch which we didn’t use. Beds and bedding were great! The only reason I didn’t give it 5 stars was because the huge 55” tv didn’t have any channels that worked. But there was YouTube and Netflix free to

8

Robert

24 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Busy traffic of trucks all night long. A/C in room relatively noisy. Clean, spacious and comfortable room otherwise.

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Service

Staff are frequently described as friendly, helpful and accommodating, with smooth check in and issues resolved or compensated in some cases. A minority reported miscommunication or curt responses around payment policies or accessibility and service dog needs.

Related guest reviews

10

Rosemary

21 May 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

We had an issue with our room and it was corrected by the management team.

10

Victoria

10 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Staff was friendly and helpful. Room was clean and comfortable. Hotel was 15 minutes from the airport, with a similar distance to the highway. It was perfect for our needs.

10

Elsbeth

23 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The front desk staff were amazing,clean room, will definitely stay at this location again.

10

Joanne

16 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Very nice! Very friendly, , attentive and helpful front desk staff

2

Angel

17 May 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Awful experience. Someone from their call center told me over the phone that I could pay the incidental deposit with my debit card, but when I arrived, the story changed. I was met by a very rude staff member who didn’t try to understand the issue or take responsibility for the mistake. All they did was repeat their policy over and over, instead of acknowledging that the problem started with their own team. I wasn’t looking for an argument—I needed a solution. Because of their misinformation, I was left without a place to stay. It was unacceptable and poorly handled.

10

marie

19 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

This is a new hotel, still working out some bugs, TV and Eleavator did not work for a short while, the staff was great, breakfast was great. Close to shopping and easy to get to. Manager discounted our room for the inconviences we encountered. Will stay there again.

10

Tarryn

31 Dec 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

I'm not totally sure of the spelling but Miguel checked me in and was so helpful though out the trip. I called on him for many different things and he was so helpful and friendly. I had another encounter a different staff member of whom i unfortunately did not get the name of who helped me out a couple of times at the breakfast buffet. She was wonderful, and friendly. The staff really made a difference to my stay.

4

Tracey

12 May 2025

·

Stayed 8 nights

I received misinformation from the staff all the three times I called the hotel to confirm reservation, because I wanted everything to go smoothly. Unfortunately, my guest had to wait for more than 30 minutes to get checked in. Our guests were elderly and were staying there for a week but I was not at all impressed with the service, it lacked the quality service we expected

10

Mary Ellen

14 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great staff. Friendly and helpful and went out of way to accommodate you. Very clean and tidy everywhere. Free upgrade. Breakfast was really good and well stocked with good variety. Person serving was great. Highly recommended.

4

Sally

13 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Check-in was unprofessional. When service dog was mentioned, the clerk questioned validity of animal which prompted me to mention my one legged disabled daughter. Clerk then changed my room to one on the “pet “ floor. The room was unsatisfactory as there was no tub which was requested in the reservation. The shower did not have grab bars which made bathing unsafe for a one-legged individual. There was only one handicap parking space with appropriate access to the building. I was further informed that there were more spaces in the underground parking area which was not easily accessed nor safe.

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Location

Convenient for the Hamilton airport and major roads, with many dining and shopping options nearby. Some found it less ideal for exploring central Hamilton or noted traffic noise in certain rooms.

Related guest reviews

10

Melanie

25 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Spacious rooms, clean and modern. Good variety at breakfast. Close to Hamilton airport.

8

Matthew

31 Dec 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

It’s just far enough out of the way to be troublesome if you are wanting to explore all of Hamilton. However, the staff and facilities are top notch if you’re in Hamilton for business or just wanting a private place to stay while visiting family/friends this is perfect

10

THOMAS

21 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

The hotel and its staff were superior from the front desk clerk to the housekeeping staff. Everyone was friendly and helpful. Our room was clean and comfortable. The breakfast was about on par with other hotel "free" breakfasts, but it all was well organized, very clean and fresh. The hotel location was great on Upper James St. as there was everything you could imagine within a 5 minute drive. We'll definitely plan on staying here again.

10

Victoria

10 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Staff was friendly and helpful. Room was clean and comfortable. Hotel was 15 minutes from the airport, with a similar distance to the highway. It was perfect for our needs.

8

Grant

4 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Clean, Friendly, close to airport

10

Kenneth

30 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Everything from check-in to check-out went smoothly. The room was clean and quiet. There are good restaurants nearby. Good not be better.

10

Brian

16 Feb 2026

·

Stayed 1 night

Great new hotel near airport. Lots of dining options.

8

Jackie

24 Jan 2026

·

Stayed 1 night

The room was comfortable. Close to the Hamilton airport and where else we were going. The hot breakfast was ok, typical hotel breakfast. Have underground parking.

10

Carol

30 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 5 nights

This is a fairly new property in a very convenient location. Good breakfast options included in price. I would highly recommend this hotel

10

James

10 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Location suited our purpose and hotel was clean, comfortable and quiet.

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Dining

Breakfast is widely appreciated for being included and offering a good variety. However, several reviews mention hot items served lukewarm and limited day to day variation.

Related guest reviews

10

Brian

24 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Fairy new hotel. Room was clean, decorated fine and had a great shower. Breakfast was included and was very good with a variety of chooses. Eating area had lots of seating. Very clean.

10

Penny

27 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

We stayed at this HI property with another couple just as a stopover as we flew into Hamilton late and were on our way to Niagara. It was very refreshing to arrive in a clean smelling room with super clean, crisp sheets! Bathroom was clean as well! I did have to wash off my night stand as there were sticky coffee rings on it. Other than that the room was very clean and comfortable. We did have the breakfast but it was just ok. My scrambled eggs were cold as were the sausages. The coffee was good and the bacon that came out just before we left was crispy and hot. I confidently recommend this hotel!

8

Janet

14 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Front desk staff were very friendly and efficient. Beds were comfy with good quality bedding. The breakfast looked good but the "hot" food was not very warm! A nice selection, though (sausages, scrambled eggs, pancakes, fruit, and a variety of bread, english muffins, etc.) I'd stay here again.

10

Judy

18 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

newly remodeled, very nice! Hot breakfast was good

6

Melissa

21 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 5 nights

Did not like that Breakfast options never varied. And had to ask two times over a five night stay for clean towels, hand towels, facecloths and toilet paper even though our room was cleaned daily.

10

Cody

28 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Room was nice. The breakfast in the morning was just perfect, Eggs sausage and hashbrowns with a nice spread. Well worth it.

10

Mary Ellen

14 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great staff. Friendly and helpful and went out of way to accommodate you. Very clean and tidy everywhere. Free upgrade. Breakfast was really good and well stocked with good variety. Person serving was great. Highly recommended.

10

Adriana

18 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Very clean, large room ,good breakfast

8

Xiangming

7 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Room is clean, breakfast has more options than other hotels.

10

Carol

30 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 5 nights

This is a fairly new property in a very convenient location. Good breakfast options included in price. I would highly recommend this hotel

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Month	Average price
January	US$116
February	US$118
March	US$130
April	US$128
May	US$137
June	US$140
July	US$134
August	US$144
September	US$138
October	US$124
November	US$118
December	US$113

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
				1 $125	2 $188	3
4 $121	5 $145	6 $148	7 $144	8 $148	9 $183	10 $227
11 $121	12 $123	13 $135	14 $152	15	16	17 $194
18 $132	19 $138	20 $127	21 $127	22 $145	23 $138	24 $158
25 $112	26 $120	27 $118	28 $115	29 $118	30 $123	31 $143

Holiday Inn Express Hamilton - Upper James by IHG

Prices for Holiday Inn Express Hamilton - Upper James by IHG

Monthly average prices

About this property

Location

Room options

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Accessible (Roll-In Shower)

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Accessible (Mobility, Accessible Tub)

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible (Mobility, Accessible Tub)

Standard Room, 1 King Bed

Standard Room

Guest reviews of Holiday Inn Express Hamilton - Upper James by IHG

What guests think

Property policies

Check-in instructions

Good to know

Optional extras

FAQs about Holiday Inn Express Hamilton - Upper James by IHG

Considering this hotel for your Hamilton trip?

Prices for upcoming dates

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
		1	2	3	4	5
6	7	8	9	10	11	12
13	14	15	16	17	18	19 $298
20 $161	21 $151	22 $150	23 $128	24 $211	25 $267	26 $285
27 $122	28 $132	29 $140	30 $122