After reading the other reviews I was almost afraid to stay at this hotel. The lobby remodeling is completed and we were welcomed in a friendly manner. There was a college football team staying there and there was more than enough room for everybody. This was on Thanksgiving weekend. We were upgraded to a full suite because we are Holiday Inn Platinum members. The corner room was amazing with a leather couch, recliner and a large flat screen TV. We spent the evening in the lounge with many locals and some football team members. The food was a little pricy but very good. A good time was had by all. The hotel staff was super freindly and helpful. They were working on a new menu while we were there.

Advantages:
Comfy beds
Ok pool

Disadvantages:
Total mess at Reception (physical & personal)
Smoke smelling rooms (we were moved but they weren't much better)
Bizarre area
Pointless internet

This hotel in particular is a cheap stay and about 30 minutes from Ocean City. It is way cheaper than staying directly on the beach. The only problems I had with the hotel was that the hallways and elevators were hot and stuffy during the summer. Also, they allow dog show contestants to stay there on the same halls with the regular guests!

There was an a/c failure on the main floor when we were there. We only ate one meal during our 3-day/2-night stay (breakfast) and it was quite adequate except for the TV blaring news feeds (not an aid to digestion these days, eh?). The room was clean with a microwave and refrigerator. The shower water was barely tepid on the first day but did improve the 2nd day though nowhere near "hot." The thing that assuaged any negatives was the friendliness of the staff. Maids, waitress, desk managers, etc. were all cheerful with each other and with any passing guests. That can make up for alot.
It's right on a river walk/park area that seemed safe enough to us. (I'm not sure the "Having_A_Bad_Hair_Day" reviewer was at the same Holiday Inn we were??)