Book through our site
—up to 10% cheaper
than Booking.com
Check rooms and rates
From81US$ /night
Check-in
14Mar2026Select date
Check-out
15Mar2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

Upper Harbledown, Canterbury, United Kingdom, CT2 9HX
-
Near the Blean Woods Nature Reserve
Great
8.3
8.6
/10
3.9
3.8
/5

Location

Holiday Inn Express(R) Canterbury is situated just off the A2, only a 10-minute drive from Canterbury's historic city centre. The hotel is a convenient 7-minute car ride from Canterbury West station, offering direct trains to London in less than an hour. Visitors can easily explore Canterbury Cathedral, renowned for its stunning Gothic architecture.

Rooms

The hotel features 89 guest rooms that offer natural light and comfortable twin or double beds. Each room includes a pillow menu, power shower, and a flat-screen TV to enhance the stay. Family accommodation options with sofa beds are also available for those traveling with children.

Dining

Guests can start their day with the included Express Start(TM) Breakfast, which offers a selection of English and continental items. The on-site Great Room serves an international dinner menu, providing a variety of dining options. The lobby bar is open 24/7, allowing for casual drinks and snacks at any time.

Business Facilities

Two meeting rooms are available for business visitors, capable of accommodating up to 36 attendees. Modern multimedia equipment is provided, along with free WiFi, ensuring efficient communication and presentations. Staff can supply healthy snacks and buffet lunch options for meetings.

Amenities

Electric car charging points are available for visitors with electric vehicles, adding convenience for eco-conscious travelers. For those looking to explore, the hotel is just a short drive from the shopping options at Whitefriars Shopping Centre. Parking is available at £3 per 24 hours for guests traveling by car.

Highlights

Location: 10-minute drive from Canterbury city centre

Rooms: 89 guest rooms with natural light

Dining: Included Express Start(TM) Breakfast

Business: Two meeting rooms accommodating 36 people

Parking: On-site parking at £3 per 24 hours

“This Canterbury hotel stands out for its excellent staff and well-maintained environment. Its location is ideal for those heading to the Dover ferries, and I particularly note the convenient on-site dining options. The hotel's blend of comfort and practicality makes it a solid choice for both short stays and longer visits.”
Hotel logo
James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Cheaphotels
View all

Select your room type

The hotel provides a selection of rooms—doubles, family rooms, and suites—with perks like free cancellation, breakfast options, and great value deals
Standard Twin Room Hot
2 persons
220 sq. feet 
2 Single beds
Shower
Heating
Standard Double Room Sofa Bed Hot
2 persons
220 sq. feet 
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
Double Room Hot Accessible
2 persons
220 sq. feet 
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
Standard Room Hot
2 persons
220 sq. feet 
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
Click button to see more rooms
Show all rooms
Show all roomsLess

Room rates & availability calendar

See the best prices and book your dates today!

Amenities & services

Real traveler stories and honest reviews—no glossy ads, just authentic feedback to guide your booking
Facilities: Great
8.3/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • Parking
  • Safe deposit box
  • 24-hour reception
  • Express check-in/ -out
  • Pets allowed
  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
  • 24-hour security
  • Luggage storage
  • Currency exchange
  • Coffee shop
  • Vending machines
  • Smoke detectors
  • Electric vehicle charging station
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key card access
  • Key access

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle

Services

  • Pet amenities available
  • Housekeeping
  • Welcome drink

Dining

  • Restaurant
  • Snack bar
  • Bar/ Lounge area
  • Packed lunches
  • Special diet menus

Business

  • Business centre
  • Meeting/ Banquet facilities
  • Fax/Photocopying

Children

  • Cots
  • Children's menu

Spa & Leisure

  • Garden area
  • Leisure/ TV room

Room features

  • Heating
  • Sitting area
  • Terrace
  • Garden furniture
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Ironing facilities
  • Rollaway beds

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Sink

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • Flat-screen TV
  • AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
Show more

Dining Onsite

At Holiday Inn Express Canterbury, dining is a delightful blend of modern and traditional European cuisine. Guests can experience a vibrant setting for breakfast and dinner, complemented by a relaxing bar that caters to all their cravings from morning until night.
Holiday Inn Express Canterbury By Ihg Restaurant photo
Holiday Inn Express Canterbury By Ihg Restaurant photo
Holiday Inn Express Canterbury By Ihg Restaurant photo

Great Room

European
Ambiance
Modern and family-friendly with fresh décor that invites relaxation.
Key Offerings
Enjoy a wholesome breakfast and a diverse dinner, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options. Special set Sunday Lunch crafted by Head Chef Sunil adds a unique culinary touch.
Reservation
No
Open daily from 06:30 to 22:00 for breakfast and dinner.

Holiday Inn Express Canterbury By Ihg Location

Upper Harbledown, Canterbury, United Kingdom, CT2 9HX
Map view
Upper Harbledown, Canterbury, United Kingdom, CT2 9HX
Restaurants
Harbledowns Restaurant
100 ft
Holiday Inn Express Canterbury
Explore Canterbury
Local Highlights
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
No Man's Orchard
No Man's Orchard
20 minutes' walk
A serene nature area featuring native flora and fauna, ideal for peaceful walks and family outings.
South Blean Nature Reserve
South Blean Nature Reserve
20 minutes' walk
A beautiful nature preserve with diverse wildlife and walking paths, perfect for relaxation and birdwatching.
Canterbury Cathedral
Canterbury Cathedral
15-minute drive
A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning architecture and historical significance. Guided tours available.
Druidstone Park
Druidstone Park
10 minutes' drive
A family-friendly outdoor park with activities for children, picnic areas, and beautiful scenic views.
Hiking at Blean Woods
25 minutes' walk
Challenging trails for enthusiastic hikers, offering stunning woodland views and a chance to encounter local wildlife.
Yoga Classes at BodyWell Group
35 minutes' walk
Relaxing yoga sessions for all levels, perfect for unwinding after a busy day. Pre-booking suggested.
Harbledowns Restaurant
Harbledowns Restaurant
1 minute' walk
An inviting eatery offering British cuisine with a cozy ambience. Vegan and gluten-free options available.
The Pilgrims Hotel Restaurant
10-minute drive
A relaxed spot featuring local seafood and seasonal dishes. Reservations recommended for weekend dinners.
The Marlowe Theatre
10-minute drive
A vibrant venue showcasing a range of performances from plays to musicals. Check their schedule for upcoming shows.
The Canterbury Tales
The Canterbury Tales
10-minute drive
An interactive exhibition bringing Chaucer's stories to life, suitable for families and history buffs alike.
Getting around town
City Centre
Canterbury6 min  ·  2.4 mi
Airports
London City Airport (LCY)138 min  ·  57.1 mi
London Gatwick Airport (LGW)160 min  ·  66.1 mi
Train
Canterbury West Railway Station7 min  ·  2.7 mi
Canterbury WestTrain Station7 min  ·  2.8 mi
Bus
Bus stop9 min  ·  2300 ft
Looking for early-bird discounts?
Get special discounted rates today!
Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-23:59
Check-out
until 12 pm
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site at GBP 3 per day.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in for free.
Breakfast
At the hotel Holiday Inn Express Canterbury By Ihg guests are invited to a full breakfast served for free. 
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Languages
English, Italian, Dutch, Portuguese, Romanian, Japanese, Polish, Russian, Hindi, Malayalam, Panjabi / Punjabi, Serbian, Tamil
Year renovated:
2011
Number of rooms:
71
Former name
holiday inn express canterbury, an ihg hotel

Reviews and Ratings

What past guests shared about their stay
Review score
Based on 1158 verified reviews
8.4/10
Great
87%
Recommend
Breakfast
8.6/10
Cleanliness
8.8/10
Comfort
8.6/10
Facilities
8.3/10
Free Wi-Fi
8.5/10
Location
7.7/10
Paid Wi-Fi
8.0/10
Staff
9.3/10
Value for money
8.3/10
Pros
Clean room
Helpful staff
Good breakfast
Convenient parking
Cons
Hidden location
Unhelpful service
Guest reviews
based on 1904 reviews
8.3/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
Open reviews
FAQs
About Holiday Inn Express Canterbury By Ihg
What are the check-in and check-out times at Holiday Inn Express Canterbury By Ihg?
Check-in is at 15:00 and check-out is at 12:00.
How far is Holiday Inn Express Canterbury By Ihg from Canterbury Cathedral?
The hotel is an 8-minute drive, approximately 3 km, from Canterbury Cathedral.
What dining options are available at Holiday Inn Express Canterbury By Ihg?
The hotel features a restaurant serving European cuisine and a 24-hour lounge bar for snacks and fresh coffees.
Is parking available at Holiday Inn Express Canterbury By Ihg?
There is private parking available on-site for £3 per day.
What facilities are available for business travelers at Holiday Inn Express Canterbury By Ihg?
The hotel offers two air-conditioned meeting rooms accommodating up to 36 people and free Wi-Fi.
What amenities are included in the rooms at Holiday Inn Express Canterbury By Ihg?
Rooms include free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, a work desk, tea/coffee facilities, and a private bathroom.
How far is Holiday Inn Express Canterbury By Ihg from Whitefriars Shopping Centre?
The shopping centre is a 7-minute drive, approximately 5 km, from the hotel.
What is included in the breakfast at Holiday Inn Express Canterbury By Ihg?
A complimentary Express Start breakfast includes a variety of hot and cold options, such as scrambled eggs, bacon, and pastries.
What is the distance from Holiday Inn Express Canterbury By Ihg to London City Airport?
The hotel is 95 km from London City Airport.
Is there an area for children at Holiday Inn Express Canterbury By Ihg?
The hotel provides children's menus and cots for families.
What are some nearby attractions to Holiday Inn Express Canterbury By Ihg?
Nearby attractions include Howletts Wild Animal Park and the Marlowe Theatre, both within a 10-minute drive.

Next best alternative

Consider them for your next trip.
Check-in
14Mar2026Select date
Check-out
15Mar2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room