Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Dallas (Galleria Area)

This Holiday Inn Express is a reliable chain option that's a decent value for the Dallas area, provided guests don't mind a substantial drive into downtown. The look throughout the hotel has a corporate vibe -- there's lots of earth tones and dark neutral -- but the fresh, modern decor is a welcome change of pace from so many hotels in this category. That being said, there aren't many surprises at first -- it looks every bit a Holiday Inn Express from the outside, and is surrounded by a big parking lot. Interiors, thankfully, have more personality, and are even surprisingly stylish. The lobby features pops of red, whimsically proportioned chairs, dark wood furniture, artsy red light fixtures, and a sleek fireplace that gives the space a cozy twist. Because of the recognizable brand and location within striking distance of downtown, this hotel has broad appeal. Expect to see everyone from tourists and vacationing couples and families to business travelers to those on shopping excursions at the nearby mall. 

This hotel's immediate neighborhood won't win any charm awards, but for those looking to shop, the Galleria Dallas is only a five-minute drive away. First-time guests may have a tough time figuring out how to access the hotel, as it lies on a one-way access toad that runs parallel to the LBJ Freeway (which is actually a toll road). The area is decidedly suburban, with a strip-mall ethos -- there are plenty of big box retailers just outside the hotel, and all of the fast and fast casual dining anyone could want is within a five-minute drive as well. Those looking for a little more urban flavor will have to drive farther. American Airlines Center, near downtown, will take 25 minutes to reach. Downtown itself, home to historic sights like Dealey Plaza National Historic Landmark, is at least 30 minutes away depending on traffic. The Dallas Zoo is about 35 minutes away, while AT&T Stadium can take up to 40 minutes to reach. The Dallas Love Field Airport is a 20-minute drive from the hotel, while Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport is a 30 minute drive, depending on traffic.

Much like the hotel's attractive common areas, there's a lot to like about the contemporary rooms at this hotel. Expect to see dark, masculine colors throughout -- including the gray and tan carpets with their almost graphic-print pattern -- complemented by softer earth tones and sleek chestnut wood veneer furniture. A deep orange accent wall keeps things from being too dark, while padded headboards over the beds provide a classy touch. Also like the common areas, there are unexpected artsy twists, like the bold abstract art in the bathrooms, or funky boxes of thin tree branches mounted above the desks in higher-category rooms. All rooms include air-conditioning, ceiling fans, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, coffeemakers, pillow menus, and irons/ironing boards. Suites have partially separate seating areas that include soft gray sofa beds as well as microwaves and mini-fridges; suites with multiple bedrooms are also available. Bathrooms are a real step up from most hotels in this category. Dark mosaic tiling, square vessel sinks, sharp contemporary fixtures, and generous counter space all create a sleek, appealing space. They have shower/tub combos or roll-in showers in ADA rooms. Two-bedroom King Suites offer whirlpool tubs and walk-in showers in bathrooms. 

Many of the features on offer here will be familiar to frequent Holiday Inn Express guests, but all are nice to have in any case. The hotel has a business vibe, and as such, there's a huge ballroom that can be split into three event rooms, a proper conference rooms, a 24-hour business center with a computer and a printer, and free Wi-Fi throughout. The gym has modern strength-training equipment and machines, but it feels small despite large mirrors set against the walls. The unheated indoor pool is also nice and well-kept; it has windows so it doesn't feel too dark, and there are a few lounge chairs for anyone wanting to relax poolside (though we wouldn't exactly call the ambience ideal for that). The lounge in the lobby doubles as the breakfast area. Breakfast is a free buffet with a limited selection of hot and cold items plus a popular pancake machine. For to-go snacks there’s the Express Mart, which also sells chilled beverages and sundries. There's also free on-site parking and the hotel's free shuttle makes trips within a five-mile radius.