Hotel: Holiday Inn Pocono
Check-in date: December 3
Check-in time: around 5:00 PM
Booking platform: Expedia
Issue: Indoor pool not working / misinformation / refusal to compensate
We checked in to Holiday Inn Pocono on December 3 at approximately 5:00 PM.
Before checking in, I specifically asked the front desk staff whether the indoor pool was available and operational, as this was a critical factor for our stay due to children.
The front desk agent clearly confirmed that:
• the hotel has an indoor pool,
• it is indoor,
• and it is working.
Immediately after check-in, we went to the pool area and discovered that the pool was not usable at all.
The water was extremely cold and not heated, making swimming impossible. Other guests with a child were also present and unable to use the pool for the same reason.
A hotel employee who introduced himself as Jacob attempted to fix the issue and repeatedly assured us the pool would be ready:
• first in “10 minutes,”
• then “20 minutes,”
• then “30 minutes.”
We waited until approximately 8:30–9:00 PM, but the pool was never fixed, despite multiple promises. The pool closes at 10:00 PM, meaning the service was never provided during our stay.
I requested a refund at the front desk due to the non-functioning and misrepresented amenity.
The staff refused and stated that since the booking was made through Expedia, I had to contact Expedia directly.
The hotel refused to take responsibility, despite:
• providing false information