I wound up booking into this hotel via Priceline, and some of the reviews worried me, but I realized they were from before the hotel's renovation and switch from Holiday Inn to Best Western. I was very pleasantly surprised when we arrived!
The desk clerk was very friendly and helpful - even though it was 2:30am. The one and only downside to the place is the lack of elevators. I didn't know you could have a hotel without one these days! The rooms are very nice - they have updated furniture, comfortable beds, a big flatscreen tv, mini-fridge and microwave, and a nice, deep bathtub with adjustable showerhead. They offer free wireless internet, which was a huge plus for us. Parking is also free, and well-lit. The best freebie has to be the breakfast. They offer everything from cold cereal and bagels to eggs and sausage to biscuits and gravy to make-them-yourself waffles. There is also 24-hour coffee/tea/hot mocha service in the lobby.
We were in town for the NHL All-Star game, which had events at the RBC Center as well as the convention center downtown, and this hotel was close enough to everything to be convenient, yet far enough away so you're not in the middle of a city or stuck out by the airport. On a busier day, it took about 10-12 minutes to get to each place. There's a Golden Corral next door to the hotel, many other restaurants in the immediate area, and a Walmart 2 minutes down the street.
Not directly related to the hotel, but - There is a service called 919dine.com which will pick up food from various restaurants (both chains and local spots) in the area and deliver them to your room. They charge a small fee for each stop they make, but it is well worth it! There's something about getting Cold Stone ice cream delivered to your room that can make even a budget traveler feel decadent. :) Menus are in the lobby, or you can look them up on your computer.
I would definitely recommend this hotel to others. The staff was friendly, the facility itself is very well-kept, and even at the listed price on travel sites, it would be a great value!
- Holiday Inn Garner
- Best Western Garner
