There wasn't anything particularly splendid or horrible about this hotel, so I'll just mention the things I liked, and the things that weren't as nice. Regarding the positives, the hotel is in an excellent location near the highways. The breakfast was terrific - healthy variety of items plus fresh pancakes and four hot items (usually eggs and meats). The breakfast area is huge and spacious, and overlooks a park and the Capitol - such a beautiful and serene scene. Also, the woman who sets up the breakfast is super friendly and helpful (wish I caught her name). There was free wireless internet throughout the hotel which was excellent, and paid parking out back (free to Priority Club members). Overall the hotel staff were responsive. Regarding the room, when I entered it was literally spotless clean and the heater was already on. The A/C/heater is a split unit that works really well. The room size was good, and the bed was comfortable. TV was flat screen with lots of channels.

Regarding the drawbacks, none of them were bad enough to prevent me from staying here again. However, first some spaces were cramped: bathroom was tiny with nearly no counter space (but love the marble floors and showerhead), business center had one computer, laundry room had one washer and dryer, and fitness room had just a few machines. They all served their purpose though. Although it was unexpectedly quiet considering that the hotel was booked solid, I could hear some noises (like alarm clock in room next door and woman singing in the hall) and on one midnight there was some kind of fight at the bar/club across the parking lot and even with 7 floors below me plus the entire parking lot I could hear word for word what people including the police were saying. But I guess that's what happens when practically the entire wall is window - great sunlight and view, but more noise.

By the way, the Holiday Inn website says this hotel has a microwave and fridge in the rooms, but I didn't have any in mine.

Finally, a tip - there are a few places to eat within a block of each direction of the hotel. However, I discovered a place with GREAT Mediterranean food and pizza called Aladdin. It's right around the corner (on Asylum with your back to the hotel, walk left, turn left on High and turn right at 121 Allyn st). I almost didn't see it since the shade covers most of the name.

The hotel has a superb location near the Amtrak and coach buses! It's literally a two minute walk from the Amtrak and coach buses to the hotel. The hotel I would say has an average staff. There not very friendly but they are not terrible either. They supply you with free toothbrushes if you forgot to pack one. There is a business center in which you can log in to use a PC, to check your email and business work. Breakfast is great and across the street as a massive park called Bushnell Park. It's a great park, clean spacious with great architecture. The rooms are not that big but for all purposes it was fine. I would recommend to go if you are concerned in being next to transportation. I hope this review helped.

I have chosen to stay here several times over the past 3 years and have not seen any upgrades or attempts to refresh the dated and tired interior. I hope the hotel receives some investment in the very near future or the standard will slip below the 'fresh, simple, clean' ethos behind the Holiday Inn Express brand.

I recommend asking for a room with a view as it is really nice. Breakfast is a good value for money selection (as with all Expresses). The Reception staff aren't the most friendly! Excellent location in downtown Hartford. I've never experienced an issue with cleanliness.

TIP: I have only learned on my most recent stay that guest parking is free for Priority Club members (the loyalty scheme by IHG). As it is free to join Priority Club, there is no loss in joining for the free parking alone as well as the loyalty points of your stay!

Nice hotel. Great view of the capitol. Nice park out front.
Quiet. Clean.
Friendly Staff.
Kudos Jessica.