By Judy Antell
The suburban Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites in
Dallas is a bare-bones budget hotel. There is free Wi-Fi, a tiny exercise room open 24 hours a day, free buffet breakfast and free cocktail hour. Rooms also have mini-fridges (full sized in the suites) and microwave ovens. The rooms were renovated in 2007.
Wows and Woes
There is a washer and dryer for guest use, which is nice if you are traveling with infants or small children.
The free breakfast is self-service, good for people on the run.
Insider Tips
You can get a suite for the same price as a standard room, but the suites are really tiny.
Author's Most Memorable Moment
My daughter was making toast and one of the other guests accused her of stealing his bread. It was rather ridiculous, since an entire loaf was sitting right there, but we just apologized and avoided him for the rest of our meal.
Bottom Line
The Holiday Inn Express offers a basic, clean room for a low price. The hotel doesn't try to nickel and dime you; free parking and local calls are also included.
About the Author:
Judy Antell was the editor of Big Apple Parent for 13 years and continues to write for the monthly publication. Antell has been published in "The New York Times," "Parents" magazine and on numerous websites. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English literature and a Master of Arts degree in literature and drama from Washington University.
