Holiday Inn Express & Suites 1000 Islands - Gananoque

Travelers choose the Holiday Inn for chain-level cleanliness and comfort. Refurbishments in 2016 make for a fresh, albeit generic finish. While the lobby's cream tiling and simple woods are bland, decorative touches like a stone lion frieze and fireplace add some personality. Striped sofas in the breakfast room have a dated lounge feel, and the space gets filled quickly in the mornings. A terrace overlooking greenery offers outdoor space, while a pool is indoors, although most guests stay here for proximity to nearby attractions and spend their days out of the property. The hotel draws a near-even mix of couples and families on vacation.

Off Highway 2 and near Highway 401, the hotel's location is a little isolated, yet easily accessible. A vehicle is recommended here. Though removed from downtown Gananoque, the city's offerings are just a five-minute drive. A McDonald's and Tim Hortons are within a three-minute walk, and a mini-golf course is across the street. More than 1800 islands form the Thousand Islands region, and travelers choose Gananoque for its boat cruises. These can be reached in seven minutes by car, while 1000 Islands Casino is a two-minute drive -- Stay and Play packages offer casino freebies. Thousand Islands Playhouse theaters are a five-minute drive, and for full-on nature, Thousand Islands National Park is 18 minutes by car. The city of Kingston is a half-hour drive, and Kingston Airport is six minutes more.

Facing natural marshlands or parking lots, rooms are contemporary and spacious, though outfitted in bland, chain decor. The design includes striped carpeting, brown drapes, white linens on beds, and cherry-wood furniture. Abstract hangings decorate light-gray walls, and armchairs in deep reds are cozy, although patterned sofas in suites don't fit the up-to-date look. Standard amenities include phones with free local calls, cable flat-screen TVs with DVD players, microwaves, mini-fridges, and coffeemakers, plus hairdryers, safes, ironing facilities, and individual climate control. Larger Executive Rooms have bigger TVs, and One-Bedroom Suites add fireplaces and sofa beds in living rooms, another TV, and whirlpools. While space here is great for couples, families find suites a squeeze. Tiled bathrooms have shower/tub combos and toiletries. Rooms can be fitted with cribs, and connecting and accessible rooms are available,

Guests make the most of free breakfasts here, which leads to the room filling up fast. While its cereals, pastries, cinnamon rolls, and machine-dispensed pancakes are popular, cooked eggs and sausage biscuits show their frozen origins, and guests find these disappointing. Tea, coffee, and juice come standard. The room's ochre-accented woods are basic, but it's bright and welcoming. No other meals are offered, and there's no bar. For the price, wellness amenities are good here, consisting of a well-maintained heated indoor pool with adjacent furnished terrace. A sauna is free to use, as is a gym that's open most of the day, and equipped with modern cardio and resistance machines and free weights. Three meeting rooms can hold a maximum of 200 people. A guest computer and printer are free to use, while on-site laundry facilities are at a fee. Vending machines near the lobby sell snacks and drinks, and the 24-hour front desk can exchange currency. Ample on-site parking is free, as is Wi-Fi throughout.