the hotel rooms were very cozy, and the staff was courteous and very friendly.
there are wonderful places to eat in the area and the Hotel will be the best guide for that.
The breakfast was great and its just awfully nice to be in the pool in the fabulous san diego weather.
This would be an easy recommendation to anybody who's looking for some leisurely time around san diego

GOOD:
Nice location; very clean; helpful staff; easy access covered parking (right under the hotel) which couldn't be more convenient; nice breakfast spread for light, but filling, morning meal.
BAD:
Loud and annoying rock-type music in the lobby at all times which discourages any excess time spent there; Some poor quality workmanship, especially in the bathroom, which looks like it had been done by a handyman, and not a professional; Beach nowhere near hotel, despite picture on web page showing a beautiful beach ostensibly right out the back door. Forget trying to bring a stroller to the "nearby" beach - its access is down the street to the next block, then another block to the cliff's edge, then down the steep and high cliff via many flights of stairs; The hotel also has very little noiseproofing. Fortunately, the other guests were pretty well-behaved, so it wasn't a problem at the time of our visit; Balcony overlooks parking lots on both sides, so not used.
UGLY:
I won't say anything ugly about the hotel. It was actually a mixed bag. But do you want to pay mid-100's rates for a mixed bag? I'd look for an alternative next time, but it wouldn't be terrible if I had to stay there again.

Right from the point of contact for the Reservations to the check-in, stay in the rooms and the subsequent check out, this hotel left pleasant memories due to the excellent service, courteous and friendly staff, convenience and efficiency.

The Holiday Inn Express is conveniently located on Highway 101 and all main attractions are at walking distance (as the front desk will also tell you)... Rooms are spacious and have lots of amenities. The housekeeping does a good job with immaculate cleaning and keeping things tidy. They are a friendly bunch as well! The new breakfast bar has some hot items as well now, (moving away from a conventional quick breakfast style) to include eggs and hash browns. The pool and jaccuzi are a welcome break. The hotel also has a fitness room to go with and notably, a large and pretty meeting room as well.
The front desk staff was warm and friendly and are always very helpful with even the smallest of things.
Overall, its great value for money and made my stay at Solana Beach very memorable.
Two points about Solana Beach/Del Mar..... Gorgeous beaches and awesome food! Ask the front desk for recommendations......

Contrary to a previous report about the Holiday Express, we found it inviting and suited to our needs. A continental breakfast is provided each morning with sweet rolls, cold cereal, fruit , coffee and hard boiled eggs.

The Holiday Express now has wonderful bedding and both firm and soft pillows. We had one of the best sleeps at a hotel in a long time. The bedding was equal to what we had recently had in an upscale hotel.

The hotel had recently been renovated with new carpet and painting. The front desk, housekeeping and maintenance personnel were friendly and greeted guests with smiles. The refrigerator in our room was too cold and a call to the desk provided quick repair.

The hotel is about two blocks from the ocean. There is no ocean vew from the rooms. The nearby bluffs are where million dollar homes have the views. From the hotel one can walk a couple blocks through the neighborhood to beach access. There are 124 steps down to the ocean and platforms where one can stop and view the ocean and surfers. For the non-climbers, one can walk south to the beach along Highway 101.