I stayed here for one night on a quick visit to the Twin Cites.

As stated in a previous review, this is a new property near (but not on) I-35E, near stores and restaurants. As a visitor, I thought from the name it would be closer to downtown St. Paul, but the interstate was fast and I spent the day a bit further north, so it wasn't a big deal to me.

The property itself was new and very nice -- the 2-story lobby was a nice touch. My room was a Queen/sleep sofa configuration and it was huge -- I'd happily take this kind of room when I travel with the whole family. The walls were thick enough that noise (except for closing doors) was not a problem. A/C was the old style units with dial settings rather than a numerical thermostat, but it worked fine.

I walked past the pool/whirlpool and both looked small -- smaller than a normal backyard pool or standard hot tub in my neighborhood. I used the business center to print my return flight boarding pass: the single computer & printer were nothing special but got the job done.

Breakfast was standard HIE fare, with a few unusual donuts mixed in (they must get those locally). The breakfast room was a bit small for the size of the property and the staff were not quite keeping up with the Sunday breakfast rush, but that was in part due to large wedding party eating together.

Front desk staff were very friendly (this is Minnesota) and helpful. They had a little dice game at check in, and I won some hand sanitizer.

This facility is a pretty standard mid-range motel. It is very convenient to the freeway (I-35E), with a shopping center and various restaurants and gas stations nearby. The rooms are nothing special, but our room with a king bed was generously sized. The room included a small refrigerator and microwave. Continental breakfast is included (various pastries, etc., yogurt, pre-made eggs and sausage, cereal beverages). Walls are thin, so expect to hear your neighbors' discussions and TV.

Please watch out for extra "energy" surcharge on your bill. I made the reservation at a designated rate, plus tax, on the Holiday Inn web site. The final bill, however, had a $2/day extra energy charge tacked on. I thought this was outrageous (not to mention pretty sleazy for a company like Holiday Inn), and I complained to the front desk when I checked out. They reversed the charges without argument. That's nice, I suppose, but I wonder how many people just don't notice the extra phony charge or assume it's some sort of Minnesota state fee, and then pay it without objection. This attempt to weasle an extra $2 a day, though not a lot of money, left a bad taste in my mouth. I'll stay elsewhere next time (there's a Country Inn right next door).

I have been traveling to this area on business for the last few months and have come to call the Holiday Inn Express - Vadnais heights my home away from home!

The hotel is new and very nice. I love the trendy/contemporary decor, free hot breakfast and very accomodating staff. I stay at a lot of hotels and this is honestly one of my favorites. I usually try to pick a Holiday Inn brand to get my Priority Club points and I initially stayed at a few other Holiday Inn/Holiday Inn Express hotels in the Minneapolis/St Paul area before finding this one which has turned out to be the best.

I can't say enough about the staff which has bent over backwards to accomodate my every need. In addition, I also love the restaurant/bar that is connected to the hotel. (You will find me there anytime there is a baseball or foot ball game). It is one of the only bars/restaurants that I feel comfortable going to alone.

Also, I have found this hotel to be priced very competitive with other area hotels.

I liked this location so much that I recommended it to my son's soccer team and the whole group raved about the location/service. We took the kids to the Mall Of America which is not that far away.

I think you will like it also.