Holiday Inn Express & Suites Annapolis by IHG

For a fair price, this hotel had what I needed. It's across from a big town center with shops and restaurants including PF Chang’s, Coopers Hawk, Whole Foods, Sephora, and Target, all a few minutes' walk away. Mission BBQ is practically in the same parking lot. Parking in the hotel's own lot was easy and free. The friendly, professional staff and good complimentary breakfast were another plus. Breakfast is the usual self-serve selection. The hotel has two floors and an elevator. My room had a mini fridge, microwave, and plenty of closet space. I also liked the Dove toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, body wash, hand soap, and body lotion.

The staff were nice, the bed was comfy, and the housekeeping crew worked hard. Management needs to put money into the bathrooms, though. The showers are moldy, as other reviews have mentioned, which isn't okay. The TV switched itself on every two hours overnight and woke us up more than once. The hallway smelled musty, and its carpets and walls need attention soon. The lobby could use a facelift too.

The location was great for getting around downtown, with plenty of shops and restaurants in walking distance. We were in town for the boat show and stayed Thursday and Friday, two nights at the Holiday Inn Express Annapolis. The room was clean and the bed comfortable enough, but at about $594 total, the stay didn't feel worth the price. We were on the first floor near the laundry and restocking area, so there was some noise, and the view was of a cemetery. The room felt dated, with peeling wallpaper, a chipped tub, and a tiny bathroom. The heating and cooling kept cycling between icy air for a few minutes and then nothing until the room got stiflingly hot. Samsung “Free TV” didn't work properly either. Every channel we tried buffered endlessly, so we couldn't really unwind with TV. Looking back, I'd have stayed farther out to save money. The convenience was nice, but the experience didn't match the cost.

Everyone working there was very nice, and the cinnamon rolls in the morning were the best part. The parking lot is awkward to get in and out of since you have to drive in a big circle. Our first-floor room smelled strongly of mildew, so we were moved to another one on the same floor. It was better, but the room spray the employee used when showing it to us was overpowering, with a slight mildew smell still underneath. The room was clean but dated. The shower would be uncomfortably small for a bigger person, and even I kept bumping the handrail by the glass door. The rate wasn't much different from nearby hotels, but this one was closest to our morning appointment. I'd stay again if I had to, though I wonder whether the higher floors smell less musty.