Let me first say that I travel many times each year on business. I look for the best values and place service second behind amenities, cleanliness and overall comfort.

I just want a nice, clean and quiet room with a good TV and a high-speed internet connection. I don't need an in-house restaurant or a concierge. I rarely use a pool or fitness center.

At the Holiday Inn Express in Johns Creek (McGinnis Ferry Rd), I stayed in a "Double Queen Suite - Smoking" room that amazingly did not smell of cigarette smoke. I am a smoker and may be somewhat desensitized; however, I can usually tell if the smell would be noticeable to a non-smoker. Maybe it would be here; but, definitely not overpowering.

PROS

1. Large room - larger than average and larger than the regular King room at the Hilton Garden Inn Johns Creek where I stayed the night prior

2. Very comfortable bed - soft, double-sheeted linens and comforter; choice of both firm and soft pillows (a real plus for me).

3. Excellent Air Conditioner - has a setting for continuous fan which I really like. ACs in some hotels will shutoff automatically no matter what setting you put them on.

4. Pretty good TV - still using the old tube TVs here; but, at least they offer a decent number of interesting channels. Not just news and ESPN.

5. Friendly staff that know how to smile

6. Business center with PC and printer (print your boarding pass before you leave for the airport)

7. In room high-speed internet worked flawlessly

CONS

1. Rate was a tad high ($104 with AAA discount) but still a good value for the area (sort of upscale)

2. Suite layout a bit odd with sofa and coffee table facing the work desk instead of the TV - what, so people can sit and watch you work on your PC? Weird.

3. TV placement makes viewing from the work desk difficult. I like to be able to watch the TV while I work on my PC. This weird setup is common in other hotels where the TV faces the bed unfortunately.

OVERALL

Overall, I would rate my stay as "Above Average". I would stay there again because of the very comfortable beds, decent TV and excellent air conditioning. The room rate could be a little lower though.

My reasons reflect my personal preferences in a hotel stay. While I would stay there again, others might not choose to stay at this hotel because it lacks an in-house restaurant or bar.

I stayed here in December for 6 days between christmas and new years visiting family in the area. They had recommended the Hilton Garden Inn in the area, but after checking in there for one night, I had to check out the next day because of terrible service and rude staff.....I wont go in on the details here, since it doesnt concern this hotel review.
Needless to say I came to the Holiday Inn Express after my bad night at the Hilton....upon check in I was quickly upgraded to a suite for only $10 more and I'm glad they offered me that option since it was absloutley beautiful. It was a very large room, with a microwave and refrigerator. The bed was comfortable and I can say enough about the shower...excellent!!!

The staff were also very helpful in giving me directions and also kept making sure that my stay was wonderful. They didnt have any housekeeping on Christmas day becuase they had given all the housekeepers the day off to be with their families, but I was alerted on that when I checked in, and even on the morning of the 25th, I was offered new sets of towels and when I declined them, they were still delivered to me with a note saying " just in case you need them later".

I stay in hotels at least 100 nights a year when i travel for work, and I have to say for the price I paid, this had to be one of the best stays I've had.

Overall, a great hotel, very clean and only about 3 1/2 years old. Its definitely much nicer than the Hilton, and a lot newer. The best part of my stay would definitely have to be the staff and the service I received on a daily basis. The room followed a close second, and I would definitely recommend this hotel I know that I will return here next year when I visit family again.

here is my review... upon check-in, the very nice attendant let me know that she upgraded me to a suite because of my plat status. She said if I need anything to come back or call and she will do whatever she could to help.

I went to the room (right next to elevator - i thought plat got the good rooms?) and I must say that even after staying in ICs in Paris and Amsterdam, and many HI's in london, this was a very nice room for $60 as compared to the others. Nice little fridge, work area and the like. Bathroom was very clean and everything worked well.

I went back to the front desk to get some directions, and another attendant came out. She was rude, basically said she has no idea and really ruined the goodness from the other attendant.

The breakfast this morning (6:30 am) had the cinn rolls out (tho they looked NOTHING like the tv spots) -- I don't eat it anyway but they were very small and were still in the cooking tray. The fruit looked a few days past its prime. I had some frosted flakes and milk which were fine.

Overall I would say that the hotel was nice for the money in the HIX chain tho a room at a microtel for 1/2 the price would be on par.

From the moment that we walked in to this hotel, we were greeted with great courtesy and friendly service.

The hotel itself is quite new, about 3 years, and is in excellent condition. They had very nice and tastefully decorated rooms and the staff were quite friendly. I would definitely return here again the next time i am in the area.

There are plenty of nice restaurants in the immediate area of the hotel, and it is definitely in a safe and upscale part of towm. Personally, i fyou are like me, I prefer to stay away from the Interstate motels....just dont think they are as safe as the in town ones.

Overall, excellent service and great value for money. Will definitely return