With a 94-year old grandma in a local retirement community, I have frequently stayed in Holland/Maumee/West Toledo lodgings over the years, but Nov 5 04 was my first stay in the Holiday Inn-West--a decision that was a result of a bargain on an internet site.

The facility is a bit long in the tooth, but the rooms are of reasonable size, and generally well furnished, including a work desk for business travelers and high-speed internet (add $10 a day). A tiny niche substitutes for a closet. However, the unit is nicely furnished, color coordinated [a comment added by my wife] and the bed was comfortable [don't undervalue this]. The antiquated air-conditioning/heating unit is obtrusively loud [leading to constant efforts to adjust the system--some at 3 a.m.] and the thermostat does not turn off the fan when the desired temperature has been reached.

The glassed-in indoor swimming pool is large and a strong point. The extremely modest by national standards (but relatively good for the neighborhood) exercise room has very modest, second-hand looking: 2 treadmills, 1 stepper, 1 old rower, 1 old bicycle, an incorrectly assembled sit-up bench, a more or less broken scale, and 3 pairs of dumbbells (5,15,& 20 lbs.). You can connect to the internet in the modest "business center", but software limitations seriously limit the utility of the one computer. (Fortunately there is a Kinkos approx 100 yards North.)

Coffee brewer in the room. No free breakfast. We did not try the restaurant, but if you don't like it, you are within a very short distance of a wide range of food options ranging from McDonald's to Olive Garden.

Housekeeping was a real mixed bag. For the most part the facility is clean and well kept. We were not happy about a shower that did not drain properly and had resulting mildew on the bottom of the shower curtain. (Shower plumbing generally left much to be desired, especially as it relates to draining of tub while shower is on.) Grade for daily room cleaning was a C- because of failure to replace used drinking glasses, coffee cups, and coffee maker supplies. Your mileage may differ.

On balance: There are many competing properties in the neighborhood and for the most part your choice should be dictated by 1) price; 2) the features you need; and 3) availability (as may be influenced by all kinds of events, including the U. of Michigan home football schedule.) Usually the Holiday Inn will not be your first choice at rack rates, but it can be very satisfactory if this is what you need, or the price is right!