I would give this hotel a B+/A-. We had to reserve a 2 double smoking room because no nonsmoking rooms were available. I called the hotel direct and told them that we MUST have a room w/ 2 double beds and that if a 2 double nonsmoking became available to put us down for that room. I was told that there would be no problem. When we arrive, they gave away our 2 double smoking room and gave us a king w/ sofa bedroom. We were told that no other rooms would be available for the night. However, on the second day after talking to 2 staff members we were able to get a 2 double nonsmoking. We were there for 4 nights, so we had the room we wanted for 3 nights. Housekeeping did get the room ready very quickly for us however. In the second room we had a lamp with no lightbulb and the television was getting horrible reception. We went to the desk about the bulb and was told, "We can't get that for your right now, sorry." I was not impressed. We told the desk about the problems the following morning and they were taken care of, which made us very happy. They have a wonderful continental breakfast, be sure to take advantage of it. They have a fair sized pool which is nice for families after a long day but it was very cold. Most staff was very warm and friendly. The hotel does show it's age, but for the most parl it is very nice. Stay here if you want to save money on your vacation. Take advantage of the free shuttle to the metro and take that to downtown DC. The bottom line: For the price you pay this place is wonderful. Give it a go, you will love it! Just tell the desk right away if you have any problems. Have Fun!
PS: They have excellent showers!

Holiday Inn Express is my hotel of choice when I'm on the road for business or pleasure because of their consistency at giving a high quality experience without the added nickel and diming of a "full service" hotel chain. This location was converted from a "real" Holiday Inn into an express which provides for some positives and some negatives.

The ground floor of this hotel has no guest rooms, giving them lots of flexible space to work with. The lobby area has a large seating area separate from the continental breakfast room (which is where the bar probably was when this was a Holiday Inn.) Around the corner from the elevators (multiple elevators - a positive compared to most HI Expresses,) there is an Avis car rental desk, and past that a divideable ballroom. A previous reviewer noted that the staff did a great job at breakfast despite the presence of multiple teenagers. My visit was chaperoning a group of teenagers, and they actually set up our breakfast separately (and plentifully) in one of the ballrooms, allowing the non-group guests to have a quiet, efficient breakfast.

The rooms are amply sized with well-kept furnishings. Since there are no ground floor rooms, you quickly escape the noise of the freeway. Although our room faced I-95, it was very quiet. The air conditioner was also quiet. There is a full lineup of cable television channels, and the wireless Internet access worked like a dream.

Re-reading my review so far, I haven't really justified my four-dot rating instead of ranking it "excellent." The negatives that we experienced were small, but still annoying enough to keep me from going the whole "excellent" rating. The lobby area was being re-arranged. I didn't interact with the staff much at all, so I can't vouch for their helpfulness, and maybe that contributes to my lackluster impression. There was also just something subjective about the property's age and layout that just felt tired.

When choosing a hotel in the DC area, don't feel like you have to avoid the Holiday Inn Express - I-95-S Of I-495. Even though it's not a "destination hotel," it's a quality property that gives you a good night's sleep.

This hotel offers shuttle service to the metro station and close by malls. The rooms are clean and spacious. The whole hotel appearance was clean and updated.

I had problems with the vending machines when I complained to the front desk, they had no problem refunding me and offering me a care package to boot!

I loved this place! - it also offered continental breakfast and the staff were very knowledgable about the area and other restaurants.

I also stayed at one of these chains in N.Y. on Jamaica Ave. they definitely have it right when it comes to customer service.

Thanks for a wonderful stay

Gina Bremar

We had a real good experience here. The check in was alittle slow, but the people at the desk were friendly. The rooms had a plain decore, but were large, roomy and clean. They all had a couch and desk, which came in handy. the towels were plush. Everything worked. The continental breakfast was larger than most I have had. They had a shuttle to the train metro train station. Everything was good. Would definately go back.

We spent too much time walking through the monuments, but loved it.