We stayed here en route to Yellowstone National Park and back, traveling with kids and extended family. I have never stayed at a Holiday Inn Express, and was pleasantly surprised at the relatively updated accommodations and executive conveniences. The free continental breakfast was quite good - with not only the usual cold/hot cereals, drinks and bagels, but also yogurt, fresh fruit, cinnamon rolls, eggs (boiled the first day, scrambled another day), and more. Complimentary newspaper, internet/printer room, exercise room, microwave in rooms (grabbed some groceries from the Albertson's next door for a quick dinner), and even warm cookies at the front desk at check-in... made for a value stay. The only complaint is the location next to train tracks - if you are a light sleeper like some other folks in our party. We had pull out beds in our room, which were quite comfortable after a long drive/ride.

First of all hats off to the manager of this property who arranged for another room in the Holiday Inn Riverside down the street. I am sure that she will eat the difference between what Hotwire will pay her and what the HI will bill her. Strong work and hats off to her.

I'm writing this as a warning to all that this is Hotwire's 3 star property in Missoula. While I never actually got to stay here it is important to understand that this facility has nothing you would actually expect from a 3 star property. No pool, no dining, no laundry, none of those things. Avoid the Hotwire temptation if any of these things are important to you. This is a Holiday Inn EXPRESS, nothing makes this a 3 star property.

Having said that I wanted to share my experience of the Property with my fellow adventurers. I used Hotwire to reserve a room in Missoula for my 4 member family. I always make a point of saying on the reservation request that the room is for 4 adults. This makes sure we get a room with two beds. When we checked into the HIE we were told that there was only a king bed available and that Hotwire had oversold the hotel and there was only one room left and it had a king bed. When I advised the manager that this was not acceptable she offered a suite but only with a king and a sofa bed. Also not okay for two teenagers to sleep on. After a heated but professional conversation she called the Holiday Inn Riverside down the street which did have two queens (and is a real 3 star property). While this is above and beyond the call on the manager's part she should never have been put in that situation.

Cheers to her, curses to Hotwire

Reserved a suite, with separate bedroom. Traveled with husband and 20 year old daughter. Stopped here on our way to Yellowstone.

The Pros
*Good Check-in
*Nice Furnishings and Amenities
*Very Clean Room
*Right off freeway (convenient for us, but poor if you are sight seeing in Missoula)

The Cons (and why I rated our stay only average)
*The mountain view consisted of a parking lot, a factory and a very, very active train track that ran ALL night and blew it's whistle loudly. I was woke up at 2am, 3am and 4:30am. This was a big problem.
*Fold-out bed was not made up
*Very small for a suite, although lovely to look at.
*The breakfast room was incredibly small and not nearly large enough for the hotel. *Breakfast was very average.

I would recommend this hotel, but with much reservation. If you are just traveling through town and need easy access off the freeway, for a brief night's stay then I can give a weak yes. I believe the riverside (which is a bit more in price) has a better view, but I am sure the train track would still present a problem.

Hillary at the front desk was an extremely nice, cheerful surprise for this weary traveler. She took in interest in our trip (dental surgery involved), and even sent a postcard later saying she hoped everything went well. What a great receptionist! We had stayed here 4 years ago, and nothing has changed. Very clean comfortable rooms with all the usual bells and whistles like microwave, fridge, iron, hair dryer, TV, and even an interesting view of the river. The breakfast was satisfying, too, in a nice dining area. We'll probably stay again if we have to go back to Spokane next year.