Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Acme-Traverse City by IHG

The kid loved the pool, and the hot tub was tolerable, though it wasn't very hot. We only visited in winter, so I can't say how summer compares. The hotel was very clean, and I'd stay again if I needed to. When we arrived, the front desk woman was alone and doing security checks. I rang the bell three times, so it took her a while to return to the desk.

This is my second week here, and they gave me the room I prefer, which was great. The window shade runs by button in this room, very cool. Something's wrong with the TV, though. It wouldn't turn on with the remote, but after I unplugged the cable box I could use my Roku device.

Our room on the third floor had a nice bay view, plus a microwave and mini fridge. The check-in clerk also suggested a good local place to eat, and the hotel is only 10-15 minutes from downtown Traverse City. We used the pool and hot tub a few times, and the breakfast hostess kept the trays stocked and the area clean despite the congestion. The breakfast food bar was one of the smallest we've seen, so it got crowded at times. The room wasn't ready until after 4, and the stay was pricey compared with other places we've tried. The AC sounded like a coffee grinder, so we had to turn it off to sleep.

The mattress was so hard and uncomfortable that I don't think we'll stay here again. Holiday Inn Express beds are usually like sleeping on a cloud, and this one wasn't. At $250 a night for this time of year, the mattress quality is especially disappointing. New mattresses might help bring guests back. The room was clean and spacious, and the front desk staff and Becky from housekeeping were friendly and helpful. Breakfast was typical for this kind of property, though I felt bad for the employee working the small, hot area where she had to prepare the food.