I have been to many hotels as a government employee on travel. On a short vacation my husband and I along with our new born baby decided to stay at a hotel with a name we recognized. The people were not only very friendly, they spoke english and tried to be helpful in every way possible. When we asked for directions and places to visit they gave us a map and a booklet with resturants (both dine in and delivery). All in all I would say that this is a great place to stay especially if you have children, the pool area is enclosed and the skylite is amazing. The Holiday Inn Epress provides a safe and comfortable environment, and as a matter of fact we will be staying there next month as well.

While on a business excursion into Juarez, visiting maquiladoras, our last meeting lasted until midnight. We had reservations at the Holiday Inn in El Paso, Texas but figuired "Hey, Holiday Inn is a Holiday Inn, no matter where you are. Wrong! First your greeted by several ominous looking people at the door looking for a tip to watch your car. We were greeted by 'Carlos' the night clerk. As we checked in he stated that he needed a few minutes to "prepare" the room. There were no other rooms avail except one room with two king size beds. We could mosey into the bar and have two free draft beers, no charge. While we were in the lobby sipping on a Bud and XX we observed a commotion in one of the Atrium area rooms at the door. 'Carlos' used his passkey, without knocking and rushed 2 women and a pissed off hispanic guy, they began to push and shove. From out of nowhere 4 huge security guards rushed the pissed off guy and threw him out. 'Carlos' disappeared into the room for about 5 minutes. We shrugged it off and a few minutes later we were told our room was ready. At first. we didin't put two and two together. As we arrived to the room, we noticed it was the same room 'Carlos' escorted the trio from. I told my partner "No-way man". He said it's too late to be messing around downtown Juarez. We questionably walked into the room and the bed he cose had the covers dishelved and I told him it'd be cleaner sleeping on the restroom floor. He pulled down the covers and there was the ladies panties and the guys underwear. I told him HECK NO! and got ready to leave. All of a sudden there was a knock at the door. It was our friend 'Carlos'. He had an old lady with him who was trying to give us a roll of toilet paper and a condom and was saying "tip please". I told him we weren't staying. He became angry when I told him to give me a receipt reflecting the charges returned to my card. He said No Refunds. We can rent the room by the hour or by the night but no refunds. I lied
n and he said he didn't care if I was a $hit head platinum customer that there were no refunds. I attempted to call the 800 number in my reservations book but my phone wasn't working. While I was at the payphone the security guards stood around us. Incercled us and stared us down. All of a sudden as I started pressing the phone buttons, one of the security guards grabbed me and another my partner and was hauling us towards the door. We found ourselves outdoor and as I was getting into our rental I observed a ding on the door. I pointed that out to the security guard and he said it was already there. I attempted to reason with a police officer and he told me to just keep moving. Bummer. Fortunately....the rental car company never charged me for the damage.

When I was notified that I had to go to Juarez, for the second time, I was very apprehensible. I had been in Juarez about a year ago and stayed in a "not-so-nice" hotel.

A friend of mine had advised me that he had a great experience at the Holiday Inn Express. I my head I thought, "Holiday Inn = Great Experience," does not equate. But I took his advice and made my reservation.

My trip began in Burbank, CA. Small airport, not too many people (hey, you still walk out on the taxi area and walk up the metal stairs to get into the plane), a good thing. Our connecting flight was in Phoenix (America West's major hub). Giant airport, too many people. Our flight was delayed 1hr 20 mins. Mindset at this moment is not good. Arrive El Paso, TX around 9pm. Medium size airport, not too many people. OK. Take a taxi from El Paso airport to hotel (taxi charge $39.50).

Arrive to hotel and find out that it is nothing I had imagined. The Holiday Inn is not an Inn. It is the Inn of Inns. Let me tell you, the staff is extremely courteous. Helpful to no end. Anything we asked they had an answer for. If they did not, they worked to get an answer. We go through check-in process. Smooth & expeditious! It seemed that they knew we had had a strenuous trip and that what was on our minds was to get some rest.

First thing I noticed is - this hotel is "CLEAN". I get to my room. The room consisted of the following common things at other hotels: bed, dresser, TV, clock/alarm, desk - now the uncommon things: iron/ironing board, hairdryer, coffee maker/complimentary coffee, bottled water.

The hotel offers complimentary breakfast every morning (cereal, yogurt, fruit, sweet breads, pancakes, coffee, fruit juices, milk), small gym, indoor swimming pool, business center, eMail check computer in lobby, all at no additional cost.

All in all, this is a great hotel, with a great staff, with great accommodations at a great rate. I give it two thumbs up with a smile and pat in the back!