I can't see what all the complaints in the previous reviews are about. You guys must be awfully picky!

We stayed two nights. The room was clean, as were all the common areas. Carpeting was clean - the only spots I saw that were kind of dirty were at the outside entrances, and that was probably from people coming in and out from the beach. Pool was nice, and it's only a short (200 yd.) walk to the beach. Nice continental breakfast. All of the staff were extra courteous - from the desk clerks down to the cleaning staff. I would highly recommend this hotel for your stay.

Stayed 2-9-04. Staff was great but the hotel (other than the lobby) are showing signs of wear. They seem to try to cover up a smell in the hallways with a scent spray or carpet cleaner. The carpets in the rooms show stains and needs serious attention. The grout on the bathroom floors need attention too. The ceiling had patched in several places from what looks to be water damage. This is probably the dirtiest Holiday Inn Express I have stayed at but you can deal with it if not too picky. Price was low so that made it better.

We went with low expectations due to its age and previous reviews, but with the one night that we stayed we was pleased. Lobby was clean with helpful attendants at the front desk. Variety of newspaper, drink and snack machines on both floors located near the stairs. The room was rather plain, but comfortable and much to our surprise we had a semi-oceanfront view! Just a short walk through a path between homes and across 12 and you are right on the ocean. Did not have the "private life-guarded beach" as read, but even in the first week of August the beach was not very crowded. Convenient outdoor shower to rinse from the ocean located on the back side of the hotel. Did not swim in the hotel pool, but noticed it was not very private as it is located right as you pull into the parking lot off of 158. Breakfast consisted of fresh bagels, pastries and fruit with orange or apple juice & coffee as well as cereal and milk. Many restaurants located near by, some within walking distance. If we were to be staying for an extended trip on the Outer Banks there are plenty of rental homes to choose from, but for shorter and less expensive trips we would pick to stay at the Holiday Inn Express again.

Room was pretty average - bathroom was crummy: leaky, noisy, bits broken here and there. Less than average cleanliness. Useful location though but I've seen better for less.