We just returned from a week at this HI (Daytona 500). I booked the room because I'm always pleased with HI properties and due to the TA reviews. First off, the staff is very gracious, I called at 11am the day of for an early check-in and they were very accomodating. Second, the pool area is great, with a seperate toddler pool, great lounge chairs, and two firepits. Also, kids eat free in the restaurant and room service is priced pretty much the same as the restaurant with only a small delivery fee added. (However, one morning at breakfast I got to listen to a waitress telling the whole room how much of an inconvenience room service was to her and how she avoids answering the phone--- no wonder I always had to call a couple of times in the morning for our room service breakfast that I thought was such a blessing).
Here's what bothered me--our beds were clean, but the floors never were. The same large sticky spot was in our bathroom for all 6 days. It's clear that the cleaning staff doesn't vacuum corners or mop tile (and I always pick up before I leave the room and leave a tip with a thank you to housekeeping). I used the laundry area and the floor was really dirty- I had to be careful not to let my laundry hit the floor. The free WIFI was a blessing, because their TV channels for kids are very limited -- only one cartoon channel; and it doesn't show anything appropriate in the evenings. The hotel is definitely older and could use a good scrubbing. The neighborhood is non-existent with most stores closed up and no nearby restaurants. It is, however, only a couple of miles to city walk with good shopping and restaurants.
I think next time we attend the Daytona 500 we will be staying at a different location.

On balance, most hotel personnel (front desk, service providers) were courteous and helpful. In particular, one of the people who worked in the H2O restaurant and lounge was especially courteous; with a great attitude and a pleasant personality. Her first name is Sue, and I think she's an asset to the organization.

I may not have noticed this when booking: no tub in room; only a shower. Poor shower pressure on the first days & by the day of of checkout, there was barely a trickle of water coming from shower. (I'm sure the desk would've helped us, but we were in a big hurry to check out that morning & did not call.) Also I thought I was booking a beach FRONT room, but I got a beach VIEW room on the side of the hotel. (I may not have read this clearly at the time ??). Anyway from my room I could see both the beach & the city (Speedway & airport way far away in the distance); but double check on what you really want when booking. Parking was a bit crowded on Daytona 500 weekend. Room was small, but clean & appeared as pictured. I was nervous at first about room near elevator, but was not bothered at all from hallway noise. We could hear street traffic in our room with the patio door open at night. Front desk was helpful & pleasant on all occasions. No free breakfast, but in-hotel restaurant had very good food. We ate for lunch & got burgers & dinner we had steak (Our server Jacki was awesome!), Hotel offered flat rate $10.00 per person taxi to Speedway. Fridge in room was very small without the tiny freezer option. Microwave was small, but cooked what we wanted. 7-11 store directly across the street. Adequate room for our needs, but overpriced of course, due to Daytona weekend prices. Would stay again.

The Holiday Inn personnel were all so friendly. Special thanks to Jamie & DJ who checked us in. They took the time to answer questions and made us feel important as quests. The entire staff was exceptional. Enjoyed the entertainment on the deck and the time spent at the pool. We would definitely stay here again.