Name: Holiday Inn Express & Suites - San Marcos South by IHG
Address: 900 Barnes Drive, San Marcos, Texas, United States of America, San Marcos, Texas, US
Price range: $102–$404 per night
Rating: 8.25

What guests think

Across reviews of Holiday Inn Express & Suites - San Marcos South by IHG, guests often praise clean rooms, friendly front desk staff, and a convenient location near outlets and restaurants.

Common issues include a dirty or out-of-service pool and hot tub, intermittent elevator or ice machine outages, and other upkeep concerns. Several reviews mention thin walls and frequent train noise. Housekeeping was inconsistent for some stays, with skipped service or limited towel availability, while breakfast ranged from well-stocked and tasty to mediocre with weak coffee. Overall, expect convenient access and friendly service, with uneven maintenance and amenities.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

Was this helpful?

AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

Pool and hot tub are frequently reported dirty or out of service, with occasional lack of pool towels and a faulty gate. Guests also note intermittent elevator and ice machine outages; some found parking easy, though lot lights were sometimes off.

Related guest reviews

4

Diego

Nov 12, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The staff at check in was nice. When we got to our room the towels werent folded. The bed felt dirty and the walls didnt look clean. We went out to the hot tub to relax after, but it was really dirty. It wasnt cleaned in days, the pool looked the same.

6

Jennifer

Sep 1, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

We stayed two nights and our room was skipped for cleaning, we had to ask for towels. When we did ask for needed items the staff was very nice and quick to help. Only one of the two elevators were in working order which got very crowded during morning hours and check out time.

4

JOY

Jul 16, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

We were disappointed at the pool area. There were dead birds, trash, dirty gloves and pool chairs that had feces on the seat. Our room smelled also.

2

Hilda

Aug 8, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Pool was disgusting

6

Katie

Oct 4, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

I did not like that the safety entrance to the pool was not working. So anyone could have walked in had they tried to open the gate. I did not like that the pool was not being cleaned form all the debris that was falling in. Including all the crickets. I noticed not all of the lights surrounding the pool were working, this made it difficult to navigate the outside and again, unsafe. For my bathroom, I noticed some substances on the walls, including hair. The bath tub had red marks probably from the prior guest and it looked unsanitary. Aside, from this I enjoyed the Dove products and the organization of the towels and closet. The main room, was for the most part clean. I found no big issues with it aside from stains on the bed that appeared unsanitary. I enjoyed the tv channel list and WiFi password instructions. I was staying for a total of 3 nights and a day. The staff was knowledgeable and very friendly. The continental breakfast was very nice, had plenty of variety and was clean and organized. The lobby always looked fresh.i I hadn’t noticed the printer and computers that were available, however that was a nice touch. I rate my overall stay a 3 out of 5. I would still give holiday Inn express another chance to fix these concerns of mine.

8

Stephanie

Jul 15, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

I have stayed here several times and this was the first time where the room didn't appear to be sanitized properly. The desk area, desk chair and table were dusty and had pieces of hair scattered on them. The restroom was lacking a toilet paper roll refill. The room did not include the typical nook where the coffee maker and mini fridge are placed. The fridge was just against a wall with a coffee maker on top. The AC unit was loud. There were also loud floor fans in the hall as if they were airing out a wet area. The pool water was not clean and green so we couldn't swim in it as we had hoped.

10

Yekaterina

Sep 21, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

A great and super friendly customer service at the check in, easy and safe parking at the hotel, good breakfast selection.

6

Joseph

Aug 25, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

It was close to the outlet stores and the glass bottom boat ride. Free breakfast was very enjoyable and well made and everything in the dining area and the front desk was clean and orderly. The check in was fast and front desk clerk was kind and was able to switch our room from the second floor to the fourth floor. We were looking forward to using the swimming pool and Jacuzzi but they were not clean and the jacuzzi was not in operation. Our room was clean and everything looked new inside.

10

christofer

Nov 10, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Some of the buttons in the elevator missing signs …. Also website said indoor and outdoor pool . There is only outdoor pool

10

Mike

Aug 13, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Nice place. But, all the parking lots lights were not on. The place looked

Was this helpful?

AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Cleanliness

Many guests found rooms very clean. Others reported dusty surfaces, hair on bedding, stained linens, odors, and occasional skipped service.

Related guest reviews

6

Melissa

Sep 7, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The first room we got the refrigerator didn’t work and the room had a stench of smoke. In the second room the Corners in the bathroom had buildup of dirt/grime. Walking on carpet made our shoes/feet black. The breakfast was very disappointing. Eggs gross, sausage and potatoes all poor quality and taste. The only thing edible was the yogurt and cereal. Not impressed for the price paid at this hotel. We just stayed at the exact same hotel in Hoffman Estates , IL and the stay was significantly better. Also, ice maker on 2nd floor out of order, as well as one of the elevators. And the signage on the building also half broken. Says Holidann expss. Overall owners seem to be neglecting fixing things.

8

KRISTY

Nov 1, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Front desk staff friendly & helpful. Room was clean & comfortable. Excellent blackout shades.

4

Jamie

Aug 19, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Hair all over the bed. You could see it under the fitted sheet between that and the mattress. Hair all over the top of the comforter. We asked for more towels since there were only 2 in the room, and they said we could only have small ones.

6

katherine

Jul 30, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

The hotel was chosen because of proximity to the outlet mall. It was VERY convenient. Parking was always a breeze. We felt safe. Coffee and water available 24/7 in the lobby. We had a first floor room which I would not suggest due to the noise above. The room had very high ceilings and was spacious but walls are like paper. Noise keep us awake and from falling asleep. Ask for top floor!!! Lobby tables not very clean and trash overflowing at breakfast. Not super tidy!!! We arrived to a room with a clogged drain with black mold and hair covering the sink and water dripping from pipes on to the floor. I asked to be moved to another room but was told Maintenance could fix it. It was resolved to our satisfaction in a reasonable time. No other issues.

2

Kraig

Jan 27, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The room was not cleaned to the normal satisfaction that we would have expected. We decided to check out and go elsewhere.

10

Ana

Feb 3, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Had a wonderful stay at this hotel! The entire place was spotless, and the cleanliness really stood out. The front desk staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming, both at check-in and check-out, making the whole experience even better. Would definitely stay here again!

4

DeAnna

Jul 23, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

There was dirt on the bed as well as food left in the fridge

10

Pablo

Dec 15, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Very clean and great desk service

10

Gina

Sep 23, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Clean and looked new

4

Brittany

Jul 12, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

I booked two rooms for 7 people and only had 2 bath towels in each room. I wasn’t told I needed to fill out a house keeping form at check in. So no one came to refresh our room our second day. When I asked for more towels the front desk lady said she could only give us two clean ones because they didn’t have enough and others were asking to. The floors were dirty the toilet was loose. The room itself was dusty and not wiped down. I will not stay again.

Was this helpful?

AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Rooms

Many guests found rooms comfortable with effective blackout shades and, at times, quiet nights, but several reported thin walls and noise from nearby trains. Some rooms had issues like loud or ineffective AC, broken or uncomfortable sofa beds, and noisy or leaking fridges.

Related guest reviews

8

KRISTY

Nov 1, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Front desk staff friendly & helpful. Room was clean & comfortable. Excellent blackout shades.

6

Lattasha

Oct 12, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Kept thinking someone was tryna enter the room however my husband checked it the sound was actually coming from the mini fridge. Made noise all night.. by morning there was a puddle of water in front of the ink fridge. Told the front desk ant check out and they were not really concerned .

10

Vivian

Sep 30, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

There was one thing that kept me awake the first night, train's horn every hour all night long, I asked to be moved to a room on the other side of the hotel, They did at no extra charge for my second night, Very comfortable and quite as my country home, Thank you,

6

Debhora

Mar 15, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great hotel.. but i got a room with two beds and a sofa bed .. and they probably should replace the sofa more often since it wasn't comfortable to sleep in.. other than that its a great hotel with breakfast.

6

katherine

Jul 30, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

The hotel was chosen because of proximity to the outlet mall. It was VERY convenient. Parking was always a breeze. We felt safe. Coffee and water available 24/7 in the lobby. We had a first floor room which I would not suggest due to the noise above. The room had very high ceilings and was spacious but walls are like paper. Noise keep us awake and from falling asleep. Ask for top floor!!! Lobby tables not very clean and trash overflowing at breakfast. Not super tidy!!! We arrived to a room with a clogged drain with black mold and hair covering the sink and water dripping from pipes on to the floor. I asked to be moved to another room but was told Maintenance could fix it. It was resolved to our satisfaction in a reasonable time. No other issues.

8

Tanya

Jun 25, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

The staff is wonderful and I cannot thank them enough for taking care of us. However, the building itself has VERY THIN WALLS. It felt like the people in the hallway were in our room. I was able to hear the peoples music in the bathroom 🚽 and I told my husband I liked that song and he told me he is not playing music. It sounded like elephants were living above us. I have stayed in many Holiday Inn Express but I will not go back to this one unless I have ear plugs.

6

Kerry

Aug 27, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Spent over $200 on a room and the pull out sofa of the couch was broken. The door to the room squeaked so loud. Just the quality did not equal the price

10

Jason

Jul 8, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

The front desk staff was friendly, it was quiet at night, and the bed was comfortable. I enjoyed my stay here and would stay again!

4

Kraig

Apr 1, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

There was no thermostat on the wall. There was a place where you can see that it was removed, however, never added back in. The room was extremely warm and not comfortable. When we were asking about moving to a different room, they wanted to recharge us an additional incidental fee.

10

NANCY

Nov 25, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

The service was excellent, but do not recommend if you’re a light sleeper, because there as active train track with a rail crossing right behind the hotel. The train passes by every hour or so and blows the horn when passing by the rail crossing. It’s the only thing we didn’t like about our stay.

Was this helpful?

AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Service

Staff are often described as friendly and helpful, with smooth check-ins and proactive calls to ensure comfort. However, multiple reviews cite inconsistent handling of requests, early check-in and room-type mix-ups, limited follow-up on incidents, and billing or overcharge problems.

Related guest reviews

8

KRISTY

Nov 1, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Front desk staff friendly & helpful. Room was clean & comfortable. Excellent blackout shades.

2

Sara

Jun 5, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Location Maganer was very rude and unprofessional. We were told by staff that we could check-in early by noon. We get there at noon and manager didn’t let us check-in, she said our room was not ready. She contradicted herself because she wanted to charge us a fee to check-in early when supposedly our room was not ready. Finally at 3pm we checked-in and we got a room with 2 queen beds. The room was supposed to be a king bed, we went back to the front desk and let her know about our reservation and she responded that she doesn’t goes with what Expedia offered to us. We felt disappointed and discriminated and her actions. She was a female manager. Hope you can bring this up and address her actions towards us. Thank you.

10

Roxane

Dec 22, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The front desk called our room and asked us if everything was ok and if we needed anything. It was great.

10

Yekaterina

Sep 21, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

A great and super friendly customer service at the check in, easy and safe parking at the hotel, good breakfast selection.

4

Jacqueline

May 24, 2023

·

Stayed 5 nights

From the night we checked in, we had problems, and we were told our credit cards were not working. We called our banks, amount were approved. Front desk cherk said she will deal with it in the morning, she check us in wrong room that we booked, next morning we got knocks on our door, to find out, our room were double booked cause she put us in the system as a No show, we stayed there 5 nights, room was not cleaned once, we had to request clean towels, check out, got home, only to receive emails saying your card didn't go thru, but check my online banking and was charged triple the amount. Not sure what more they were charging for. Very disappointed.

10

Birgit

May 22, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Location was great , front desk staff checking in was awesome. Breakfast food was hot and plentiful

2

Cindy

Sep 3, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

I called weeks in advance to let them know we needed an early check in for a wedding. We were told it would be ok to check in after 1pm. We got there and was told sorry, we can’t get the guests out of the room so we could not check in early. The staff was NOT friendly at all, actually very rude about the situation. Because of that we were late getting to the wedding. I would never recommend this hotel!

2

James

Feb 27, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

We were very unsatisfied with our stay. We got a room that had broken shades could not open to let sunlight in. The day of check out we went downstairs to get luggage cart at 10:00 am check out is at 11:00. Once we got back to our room an employee was walking out our door saying he was checking batteries. Our son was in the room so we dont know the employees intentions he did not change out any batteries. I approached front desk and ask to speak to a manager. No manager on weekends. I asked for name and phone number of manager I called Monday morning but she was in a meeting I left a message and never heard back. Seems like a perfect time to take someone belongings when you go downstairs to get a luggage cart. One would only arrive home to think they left it behind.

4

Daniel

Nov 25, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Asked if there was a possibility of early check in, clerk said no without even checking. During our stay, room was never cleaned even though i requested multiple times. When i inquired with clerk, all she did was "text" the day clerk , and no follow-up after that. Watched staff let customers dog "poop" on lobby floor. No hot coffee in the evening, we would rate the customer service at a negative 1, will never stay again. Recommend a general manager change, replace the whole staff and start over.

10

Kimberly

Sep 16, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Breakfast was good. Had options. Place was clean. Check in and out was easy.

Was this helpful?

AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Location

Location is widely described as convenient near I-35, outlets, restaurants, and area attractions. Several note an active train line behind the hotel causing frequent horn noise, and a few raised safety concerns.

Related guest reviews

10

jes

Aug 24, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The ubicación of this place were convenience close to everything.

10

Vivian

Sep 30, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

There was one thing that kept me awake the first night, train's horn every hour all night long, I asked to be moved to a room on the other side of the hotel, They did at no extra charge for my second night, Very comfortable and quite as my country home, Thank you,

10

Aaron

Jul 21, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

We enjoyed our stay in the San Marcos South Hotel. It gave us quick access (18 minutes) to Schlitterbahn in New Braunfels. Great access to restaurants and many other attractions in the area.

8

Natasha K

Jan 21, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Upon check in we learned of vehicles being stolen the night before at the property as well as around the area. No security and receptionist didn’t seem to concerned about it.

10

Joe

Oct 2, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Nice place. Close to 35

6

Michelle

Aug 14, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

It was very dated. It also did not feel overly safe and it wasn't the cleanest. The staff were mostly very nice and helpful. It was also close to fast food places and shopping.

10

Birgit

May 22, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Location was great , front desk staff checking in was awesome. Breakfast food was hot and plentiful

10

Rotisha

Jun 30, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great hotel! Great location!

8

alehan

Feb 18, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

good location

10

NANCY

Nov 25, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

The service was excellent, but do not recommend if you’re a light sleeper, because there as active train track with a rail crossing right behind the hotel. The train passes by every hour or so and blows the horn when passing by the rail crossing. It’s the only thing we didn’t like about our stay.

Was this helpful?

AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Dining

Breakfast is frequently praised as hot and with plenty of options, though some found it limited or of poor quality and the coffee weak. One guest also criticized excessive single-use plastics.

Related guest reviews

6

Melissa

Sep 7, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The first room we got the refrigerator didn’t work and the room had a stench of smoke. In the second room the Corners in the bathroom had buildup of dirt/grime. Walking on carpet made our shoes/feet black. The breakfast was very disappointing. Eggs gross, sausage and potatoes all poor quality and taste. The only thing edible was the yogurt and cereal. Not impressed for the price paid at this hotel. We just stayed at the exact same hotel in Hoffman Estates , IL and the stay was significantly better. Also, ice maker on 2nd floor out of order, as well as one of the elevators. And the signage on the building also half broken. Says Holidann expss. Overall owners seem to be neglecting fixing things.

10

Hernan de Jesus

Dec 22, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

The amount of plastic wasted during breakfast is beyond troubling. All this because they are lazy to wash dishes and cutlery! Bad bad bad

8

Gustavo

Sep 28, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Clean, convenient and affordable. The breakfast was also well done.

10

Julie

Jul 7, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Very clean, nice amenities, and free breakfast was good!

10

Yekaterina

Sep 21, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

A great and super friendly customer service at the check in, easy and safe parking at the hotel, good breakfast selection.

10

Dawn

Mar 11, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The hotel was in a great spot. Check in was quick and staff was so friendly. Breakfast was good

10

Michael

Jul 9, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Comfortable room. Very clean. Staff was friendly and attentive. Breakfast was mediocre at best. I'd definitely stay here again (I'll just eat breakfast elsewhere).

10

Birgit

May 22, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Location was great , front desk staff checking in was awesome. Breakfast food was hot and plentiful

10

Thander

Aug 2, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Sunday Breakfast was amazing especially biscuits & gravy!! Thank you Chef!!

10

Kimberly

Sep 16, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Breakfast was good. Had options. Place was clean. Check in and out was easy.

Was this helpful?

AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Month	Average price
January	$115
February	$115
March	$132
April	$133
May	$147
June	$112
July	$122
August	$118
September	$113
October	$135
November	$133
December	$120

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
		1	2	3	4	5
6	7	8	9	10	11	12
13	14 $117	15 $113	16 $133	17 $135	18 $142	19 $142
20 $108	21 $104	22 $140	23 $145	24 $142	25 $306	26 $342
27 $107	28 $109	29 $204	30 $111

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
				1 $157	2 $258	3 $257
4 $106	5 $106	6 $149	7 $147	8 $150	9 $149	10 $149
11 $107	12 $107	13 $103	14 $102	15 $147	16 $192	17 $192
18 $122	19 $127	20 $129	21 $150	22 $229	23 $404	24 $352
25 $120	26 $122	27 $139	28 $135	29 $129	30 $132	31 $146

Select dates to see prices and availability

Monthly average prices

About this property

Location

Room options

Suite, 2 Queen Beds, Hearing Accessible (Tub)

Suite, 1 King Bed, Accessible (Accessible Tub)

Suite, Multiple Beds

Room, 2 Queen Beds, Accessible Bathtub (Accessible Tub)

Standard Room

Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible (Hearing)

Room, 2 Queen Beds, Accessible (Accessible Tub)

Suite, 2 Queen Beds, Accessible (Hearing)

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

Suite, 1 King Bed, Accessible (Hearing)

Standard Room, 1 King Bed

Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible (Accessible Tub)

Suite, 1 King Bed with Sofa Bed

Guest reviews

Very good

What guests think

Property Policies

Check-in instructions

Good to know

FAQs about Holiday Inn Express & Suites - San Marcos South by IHG

Have a question?

Prices for upcoming dates