Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Shamrock North by IHG

Misty gave us all the leftovers after closing time, and the hot food was great. The beds and pillows were some of the most comfortable I've ever had in a hotel. Super clean, with great water pressure and solid wifi. Great location, walking distance to the Route 66 tourist attractions!

The old-feeling rooms could stand to be updated. What bothered me most was being told on the phone before booking that there was no incidental fee, then finding a $25 hold on my card at check-in. A hold itself isn't a big deal, since most hotels do that, but more than a week later I still don't have my money back. The general manager or any manager is never available, which is pretty convenient. Someone who'd spoken with the manager told me to dispute the charge because they updated their system and have a new one, but it's hard to dispute while the charge is still pending. The night guy said there was no deposit when there is one, so they clearly aren't training employees properly. The breakfast lady and the breakfast were the only bright side of my day.

The only problem was the very slow-flowing toilet in room 308. My husband asked the front desk for a plunger, but we think a plumber should look at it. Aside from that, kudos to this Holiday Inn. We were tired after a long drive and don't normally stay at Holiday Inns, but we were pleasantly surprised. The hotel and our room were very clean, and the bed and pillows were great. Bad mattresses and pillows can wreck your sleep. Breakfast was typical for a mid-range budget hotel, and the woman looking after it was attentive and friendly.

There's plenty of easy-access parking for semis and trailers, which is a huge relief after a long day on I-40. If you're hauling a load or driving a big rig, this is the best stop in North Texas. The rooms are spotless, beds incredibly comfortable, and it's surprisingly quiet so close to the highway. Check-in was quick and the staff were professional. My new go-to whenever I pass through Shamrock.