Stayed at the Holiday Inn Express in Hiram this past weekend, and I just wanted to take a moment and share our experience there. Driving down from Tennessee we didn't arrive until 9:00pm, but had called on the way to double-check our room reservations Adrian had made for us earlier. Casandra took our call and assurred us it was ready and waiting, not to worry.

Upon arrival, I couldn't recall meeting anyone so cheerful or happy as Casandra at a hotel desk. After getting checked-in, she offered to store our bikes in the Conference Room along with the other bikes already there. I must say, I've never had that happen before in my life. Someone there has their thinking cap on!

When we made it down the hall to our room, we were NOT greeted with the same hot, muggy, stale air inside as we find in most other hotel rooms at check-in, but instead a cool refreshing breeze and the assurance our A/C worked properly. Nice job, someone's paying attention to detail there.

We were in town to ride the Silver Comet Trail (only 4.6mi away) on Sat/Sun with a lot of people we'd never met before, and just had a blast.

When we attended your Continental Breakfast each morning, we not only found it very well stocked, but continually restocked with whatever was running low. I've been to other places before that advertised such, only to find out-dated warm milk cartons sitting around or been told "No I'm sorry we're out of Orange Juice today, but we 'might' have some tomorrow if you get here early enough." I can assure you though that the breakfast area is run by a competent, caring, and cheerful staff that made our breakfast there a pleasure.

I wanted to specifically comment on a few other things I noticed as well while there...

For one, the curved shower rod. I have installed the same item in my own homes and love them. I know they're not cheap, and frankly was shocked to have seen such in a hotel, but it sure makes for nicer showers when you have room to turn around w/o getting tangled in the shower curtain. Ohhhh, and the plusating shower-head was such a relief after riding a bicycle for most of the day. Again, someone's paying attention to what a patron might like while staying here.

Another item was the room refridgerator. Many places we've visited before, upon entering the room we find them turned completely OFF. As such, it's hours later before you can typically begin to utilize such. In our case though, we were able to put our drinks inside and chill them instantly.

Lastly, I just wanted to comment on one other thing: Cleanliness. I don't know how old the hotel is, but whoever is cleaning it deserves a GREAT BIG KUDOS for a job very well done. When I began to look around some, I noticed the distinct lack of dirt, grime and dust. And I know that doesn't happen by accident or chance, but only by pure close attention and hard work.

Whenever we are in the area againm we'll be staying at this hotel because it is so well run and managed, by a caring & friendly staff.

I stayed at this hotel for 4 nights the end of July. I thought the property was newer but the room I was in didnt reflect that. I arrived late one evening and pretty much fell right to sleep after a very long drive. The next morning when I showered I noticed mold on the ceiling tile in the bathroom above the tub. It wasnt too bad yet but had the protential of getting worse. The wall paper was peeling on one wall. The beds sagged with age but were comfortable enough. The room did appear clean each day and there were big fluffly towels. There was one computer in the business center which closed at 11 pm. I was out late and wanted to use it when I came back to the hotel but most nights I was too late. The breakfast buffet ended at 9:30 am and consisted of the usual sweets, breads, and cereal. There were hard boiled eggs, juice, and coffee. There is a guest laundry. The outdoor pool looked nice but I didnt have time to try it out. There is also a small exercise room. The hotel seems to be in a decent area with restaurants and shopping nearby. All in all I would say this is just your average HI Express. I would probably stay here again but if I return to the area will try another place so I can compare.