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.

















