Holiday Inn Express & Suites Corpus Christi

Let’s face it: Most Holiday Inn Express properties look shockingly similar. And there are no surprises here. The lobby and public areas are clean, modern, and bright in a way that is simple and unassuming. This extends to the rooms, which are efficiently laid out, modern, and comfortable with an array of good in-room amenities.The Holiday Inn Express is a good value, substantially less expensive than properties downtown, and well located for those seeking a middle ground between downtown Corpus Christi’s cultural and historical attractions and the Padre Island beaches southwest of town. It’s also a good choice if you prefer to be near chain stores such as Walmart and Best Buy, where you can buy your own supplies and eat in. (A mini-fridge and microwave make this easy.) If you choose to eat out, an Outback Steakhouse and Cracker Barrel are just down the street.The Holiday Inn Express features all the usual amenities you’d expect, including a fitness center that’s definitely on the small side. The pool is indoors, though guests are also free to use the outdoor pool at the Staybridge Suites across the parking lot. A complete breakfast is served buffet-style every morning -- though the fruits, juices, cereal, and breads make a better bet than the omelets, which resemble something you’d consume in coach class at 30,000 feet.

Conveniently located in the urban sprawl occupying the space between downtown Corpus Christi and the beaches of Padre Island to the southwest of town, the Holiday Inn Express’ location is good for those wanting to explore both sides of the spectrum and save a bit of money at the same time. Cultural attractions are relatively close by, though there’s nothing within walking distance save for a few chain restaurants.- 20-minute-drive to Corpus Christi International Airport

• 15-minute-drive to Corpus Christi Marina
• 15-minute-drive to Water Street Market
• 15-minute-drive to South Texas Botanical Gardens
• 18-minute-drive to Corpus Christi Museum of Science & History
• 19-minute-drive to Art Museum of South Texas
• 20-minute-drive to USS Lexington Museum
• 20-minute-drive to American Bank Center (Convention Center)
• 21-minute-drive to Texas State Aquarium
• 24-minute-drive to Mustang Island State Park
• 41-minute-drive to Port Aransas Beach

Room layouts are efficient, as you’d expect to find in a Holiday Inn Express, with modern decor that’s ever-so-slightly above average. Dark-wood crown molding gives an added hint of sophistication, and the dark wood carries over into the room furniture, including the desk, headboard, coffee table, end tables, and TV cabinet. The bathrooms are surprisingly spacious, with granite countertops and dark-wood sink cabinets.There’s not much in the way of views from the rooms, as the property faces a parking lot. And the walls are somewhat thin, so noise from the outside can sometimes be heard. (The loud in-room AC unit will help dissipate some of the noise.)- Comfortable beds with various pillow firmness options

• iPod docks
• Large flat-screen TVs
• Coffeemakers with free tea and coffee
• Mini-fridges and microwaves
• Free Wi-Fi
• Walk-in showers in rooms with one king bed

• Small indoor pool with Jacuzzi
• Free breakfast served daily in a dedicated area in lobby; coffee available around-the-clock
• Outdoor pool at neighboring Staybridge Suites is open to guests
• Small fitness center, mostly with cardio equipment
• Free business center
• Coin-operated laundry facilities
• Sundry shop in lobby with microwaveable meals for purchase
• Free parking
• View Full List of Amenities