Holiday Inn Express Canterbury By Ihg Exterior photoHoliday Inn Express Canterbury By Ihg Exterior photoHoliday Inn Express Canterbury By Ihg Exterior photo
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From81US$ /night
Check-in
01May2026Select date
Check-out
02May2026Select 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
3.7
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
Olivia SmithEditor-in-Chief at Cheaphotels
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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
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Amenities & services

Real traveler stories and honest reviews—no glossy ads, just authentic feedback to guide your booking
Facilities: Great
8.4/10Review 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

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Sink

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • Flat-screen TV
  • AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
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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 (LCY)138 min  ·  57.1 mi
London Gatwick (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
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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 summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
The Holiday Inn Express Canterbury offers a modern and clean environment, conveniently situated near the motorway, making it an ideal stopover. Guests often appreciate the spacious rooms and excellent breakfast. While some have noted a parking charge applies, the hotel's location is a fair walk from Canterbury and close to the city center parking, providing a practical base for exploring the area.
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Review score
Based on 1215 verified reviews
8.4/10
Great
87%
Recommend
Staff
9.2/10
Cleanliness
8.8/10
Location
7.8/10
Paid Wi-Fi
8.1/10
Pros
Clean room
Helpful staff
Good breakfast
Convenient parking
Cons
Hidden location
Unhelpful service
Guest reviews
based on 1215 reviews
8.4/10
based on 2015 reviews
8.3/10
Dominic from United Kingdom
standard king room upper floor hot
3 nights in October 2025
|
Reviewed:November 05, 2025
7/10

generally good stay

friendly staffhelpful staffgood breakfasttasty breakfastclean roomwell-kept roomnoticeable road noisepaid parkinghotel car parksmall bathroom
the staff was really friendly and helpful . the breakfast had a good selection, and i found it tasty. the room was clean and well-kept. housekeeping efficiently provided extra milk and sugar.
the road noise was noticeable, particularly since my room was close to the road. i was charged for parking, even in the hotel's own car park, which i found inconvenient. the bathroom felt quite small, less comfortable.
0 Helpful
Zoe from United Kingdom
Standard Room Hot
3 nights in June 2025
|
Reviewed:September 11, 2025
9.0/10

repeat stay confirmed

attentive staffindian nightwonderful selection
the staff were attentive and focused on making sure everyone enjoyed the stay. arriving at the hotel coincided with an indian night offering a wonderful selection of starters, main courses, and desserts. i especially liked the payasaam and gulabjam served that evening.
The bathroom felt a bit small. Maneuvering around it was a little tight.
Dining
9/10
the breakfast offers a standard buffet with hot and continental options. the quality of the buffet was excellent. the range of choices ensured everyone could find something suitable for their taste and dietary needs.
Rooms
8/10
My room was clean and had all the necessary facilities. i found the bed particularly comfortable. i appreciated that everything needed was provided. The room was set up well for a pleasant stay.
Service
10/10
the staff were friendly, helpful, and very polite. they showed a willingness to assist with any inquiries. i would like to thank the team for making my stay so relaxing and stress-free.
Facilities
9/10
the hotel offers convenient facilities, including a bar, a restaurant, and a lounge. there is plenty of parking. having these options makes the hotel a very attractive choice for any kind of trip.
0 Helpful
|
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Isaac from United Kingdom
Business traveller
Standard Room Hot
3 nights in June 2025
|
Reviewed:July 18, 2025
9/10
health optionstop notch customer servicecomplimentary items
the breakfast had varied health options. i found complimentary items in case i forgot a toothbrush. customer service was top notch.
the food offered could benefit from enhanced variety.
0 Helpful
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 approximately 5 km from Canterbury Cathedral, which is about a 10-minute drive.
What parking options are available at Holiday Inn Express Canterbury By Ihg?
Private parking is available on-site for £3 per day.
Is breakfast included at Holiday Inn Express Canterbury By Ihg?
A hearty breakfast is included, featuring hot and cold items.
What dining options are available at Holiday Inn Express Canterbury By Ihg?
The hotel offers a restaurant serving a varied evening menu and a lounge bar for snacks and drinks.
What room amenities can guests expect at Holiday Inn Express Canterbury By Ihg?
Rooms feature Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, a work desk, tea/coffee facilities, and a private bathroom.
What other attractions are near Holiday Inn Express Canterbury By Ihg?
Nearby attractions include Whitefriars Shopping Centre (approximately 7 km) and Howletts Wild Animal Park (approximately 8 km).
What business services are offered at Holiday Inn Express Canterbury By Ihg?
The hotel has two air-conditioned meeting rooms accommodating up to 36 people, along with a business centre.
How far is Holiday Inn Express Canterbury By Ihg from the nearest train station?
The hotel is about 5 km from Canterbury West train station.
What languages do the staff speak at Holiday Inn Express Canterbury By Ihg?
The staff primarily speaks English.
Is there free Wi-Fi available at Holiday Inn Express Canterbury By Ihg?
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.

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