Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Beatrice by IHG

I've been staying here for several weeks, and the front desk staff are always ready to answer questions and help make my stay a good one. When I asked where to eat, they suggested places I enjoyed, not just fast food. They greet me when I come into and leave the lobby. The cleaning crew does a very good job with my room and works around my schedule.

The woman who checked us in and out was friendly, and the bathroom could use some updating. The fire alarm was among the loudest I've heard in ages, and it worked: a drunk guest apparently left a sandwich in the microwave too long, fell asleep, and it caught fire. The whole hotel was evacuated, and firefighters brought in fans to clear the smoke. We got back inside a little over an hour later. I'm glad everyone was okay and no one was hurt, but the night staff could have kept us better informed.

The breakfast setup was a little odd, since the breakfast area was connected to the lobby and people checking out had to walk through it. Still, the one breakfast staff member kept everything clean and well stocked, and the ham and cheese omelet was very good. Staff overall were friendly and accommodating, and the room was adequate and clean. We usually travel in summer and stay at Holiday Inn Express or our favorite, the Drury Inn. My complaint is about another guest who kept going in and out of their room and letting the heavy door slam. Hotel doors need to be closed slowly, or they shake the walls.

The room was fine, but the bill ended up at $172 with no extras, even though the online estimate was around $125. There seem to be plenty of ways to add charges to an overnight stay. Lesson learned. And take Spanish lessons before booking here.