Although this is still a Holiday Inn Express, it is probably the nicest HIE we've been in. Very upscale decor for a HIE (excellent landscaping, marble throughout, etc.). Must have just been built (we were there mid July 2004). Very friendly, courteous staff. Fairly centrally located between downtown Houston, Galveston, & NASA areas. If you need to stay at a HIE type of place in the Houston area, you won't go wrong here.