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2-star hotel Check-in 15:00 · Check-out 11:00

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Waycross by IHG

Relax in laid-back rooms with an indoor pool, hot tub, and exercise room at Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Waycross, near Okefenokee State Park.

1761 Memorial Dr, Waycross, GA 31501, United States View on map
8.8/10
Very Good Based on 434 recent guest reviews
Free Wi-Fi Free breakfast Free parking Accessible Indoor pool
What recent guests emphasize

Balanced comfort near Okefenokee State Park

Visitors appreciate the clean, comfortable rooms and friendly staff, alongside convenient access to local outdoor attractions. While most enjoy a quiet stay and good breakfast options, some note occasional issues with odors and insects linked to the natural surroundings.

Guests often praise

  • Clean and comfortable rooms with freshly brewed coffee and a varied breakfast buffet
  • Friendly, helpful, and efficient staff providing welcoming service
  • Quiet location with minimal hallway noise and easy access to nearby dining options
  • Facilities including an exercise room, indoor pool, and hot tub enhance the stay
  • Good water pressure and hot water in rooms, plus use of quality toiletries

Worth knowing

  • Some guests report a persistent odor coming through the air conditioning, likely from outside sources
  • Gnats can be a nuisance inside rooms during warmer months given the proximity to the Okefenokee Swamp
  • The air conditioning units can be somewhat noisy when operating
  • Key card system uses sliding cards rather than more modern tap technology
  • Train tracks are nearby but generally do not disturb most guests

Best for

  • Visitors exploring Okefenokee State Park and surrounding natural attractions
  • Families and business travelers looking for a relaxed, no-frills stay
  • Guests seeking LGBTQ+ friendly accommodations in a casual setting
  • Travellers who prioritize cleanliness and comfortable bedding
  • Those wanting convenient access off major routes US-23 and US-82
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About this property

Welcome to Holiday Inn Express & Suites Waycross by IHG

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Waycross by IHG is a laid-back hotel offering casual rooms and suites designed for comfort. Facilities include an exercise room, an indoor pool, and a hot tub, making it a convenient option for both relaxation and light activity. As a venue, the property also serves as a conference center and wedding location, catering to a range of event needs.

Located at 1761 Memorial Dr, just off US-23 and US-82, the hotel provides easy access to local attractions like Okefenokee State Park, about a mile away, and Southern Forest World, roughly four miles distant. Nature lovers will appreciate nearby sights such as Okefenokee Swamp Park and Laura S. Walker State Park, which offer outdoor experiences including boat tours, hiking, and wildlife observation.

Guest reviews reflect a largely positive experience with cleanliness, comfortable beds, and friendly staff frequently highlighted. Some guests have noted the presence of odors likely originating from the surrounding environment and occasional insect issues, which can be more common in the regional setting near the swamp. The property is LGBTQ+ friendly and welcomes a diverse crowd.

Check-in is from 3 PM, with check-out at 11 AM. The hotel is reachable by car in about an hour from Brunswick Golden Isles Airport, supporting smooth travel connections. Nearby competitors include several options such as Hampton Inn Waycross and Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites, all within close proximity.

Summary compiled by GoHotelly editors from verified guest reviews, partner descriptions and editorial notes.
Facilities & essentials

What's on-site and what you should know before you arrive

The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.

Most popular facilities

Free Wi-Fi
Free breakfast
Free parking
Accessible
Indoor pool
Air-conditioned
Business center
Pet-friendly
Kid-friendly
Hot tub
Fitness center
Smoke-free

Not available at this property

Airport shuttle
Verified guest reviews

What recent guests are actually saying

Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.

MC
Mitch Comer Apr 11, 2026
10

The smell is in any moving water for miles around the mill (including shower and toilet bowl). So it’s not the hotels fault. No roaches or bed bugs. The rooms are clean. Train tracks are just far enough away so I can’t hear them. I safely walked to Applebees at night. AC unit is a little loud when trying to hear tv. The door card reader is old fashioned (slide instead of tap). Water pressure is strong and water is hot. Room service didn’t dig through my things while they were freshening up the room (while I was gone). I can sometimes hear stomping from upstairs but I didn’t hear any hallway noise. They use name brand soap (dove). If this helped, feel free to sub on YouTube or TikTok. -SaintMitt

LD
L D Mar 30, 2026
8.0

Room clean,but the odor from outside that comes inside the rooms through ac I can't take it anymore. It's been my favorite place but I can't stand the smell anymore. I do not know from where is coming from but surely is not from inside the room is coming from outside....unfortunately my sleep is not good because of that. Despite that, they made my accomodation okay.

JC
J Cone Mar 11, 2026
10

Very easy to get in and out of. Very clean facility. Breakfast was amazing. The room smelled fresh. Overall, one of ny best experiences with HI, and I've never really had issues with them. So...above and beyond!

L
Linda Mar 10, 2026
10

Great family treatment everyone is very helpfull breakfast is a great start to your morning each cup of coffee is freshly brewed

JC
Jacqueline Campbell Mar 08, 2026
10

My husband and I stayed overnight on our way to Virginia. The entire staff was pleasant and friendly. I was greeted warmly by the front desk clerk. Housekeeping and food service personnel were helpful and efficient. The room (and public areas) was clean and the beds were comfortable. The breakfast buffet offered a wide variety of hot and cold options.

CW
Clif Woodall Feb 01, 2026
8.0

I stay in a lot of HI Expresses. This one is in good shape and up to the chain's standards. The only issue I had was gnats. I get it. It's in South GA and not far from the Okefenokee swamp. But they were INSIDE the hotel and inside my room. Swatted many. Inhaled a few... You should be fine if you stay here in the colder months, but the management really should do something about the problem.

KF
Kerri F. Jan 30, 2026
10

The room was clean & the bed was very comfortable. Nice quiet stay.

S“O
Shlonda “Mom on the Grow” S Jan 13, 2026
8.0

I have stayed here a number of times due to my government work. They have recently remodeled and it's so much nicer than I remembered. When I arrived the room I wanted was not ready but would be in about 20 mins. I was so tired from traveling and meetings I opted for whatever they had. Luckily the new room was on the first floor across from the gym. I was truly happy with the room! Rooms had a microwave, fridge, coffeemaker, a nice closet/storage area. I was not very pleased with television/cable options but I used YouTube to catch some free movies. It's in a convenient location, walking distance to many restaurants. The gym is kind of small with only one treadmill, so I took my walks outside around the parking lots to get my miles in for the day. I liked how they have nice white terry cloths for the gym! I would stay again.

Location & neighborhood

Where you'll find Holiday Inn Express & Suites Waycross by IHG

Waycross, Georgia, USA

Off US-23 and US-82, this down-to-earth hotel is a mile from Okefenokee State Park and 4 miles from Southern Forest World, a forestry museum.

  • Brunswick Golden Isles Airport 1 hr 14 Car
Things to do nearby

Worth the walk or a quick ride

Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in Georgia. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.

Laura S. Walker State Park 1,680 reviews

Laura S. Walker State Park

5653 Laura Walker Rd, Waycross, GA 31503, United States

4.7 · State Park
Okefenokee Heritage Center 81 reviews

Okefenokee Heritage Center

1460 N Augusta Ave, Waycross, GA 31503, United States

4.8 · Non-profit Organization
Okefenokee Swamp Park 2,005 reviews

Okefenokee Swamp Park

5700 Okefenokee Swamp Park Rd, Waycross, GA 31503, United States

4.6 · Park
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