Given its downtown location, this hotel attracts a mix of business travelers (many attending conventions or on short layovers), and couples and families visiting the city. It’s a busy hotel, and its small lobby includes two separate sitting areas with nicely upholstered armchairs, sofas, and benches. Colorful square-patterned rugs sit atop slate-gray tile floors. A large black-and-white photo of the Atlanta skyline is mounted on the far wall near the entrance, where a brass chandelier hangs above the wood reception desk. A third sitting area is underneath the photo. The mezzanine area above the entrance is where breakfast is served. It's tastefully decorated with padded chairs and wall benches framing black-granite tables, including a long, communal table in the center. 

The Holiday Inn Express is located in downtown Atlanta, within a five-minute walk of Centennial Olympic Park. It's a three-minute walk to the MARTA Peachtree Center Station, with trains connecting to points throughout the city. Approximate walking times to other downtown attractions are: World of Coca Cola (10 minutes), CNN Center (seven minutes), AmericasMart (three minutes), Georgia World Congress Center (11 minutes), Philips Arena (10 minutes), the Mall at Peachtree Center (three minutes), Underground Atlanta (12 minutes), and Georgia Aquarium (13 minutes). It's a five-minute drive or 12-minutes by public transportation to the Georgia Dome, and a 10- to 15-minute drive to the Carter Center. Georgia Tech's campus is six minutes away by car or 12 minutes by bus. The Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is 20 to 25 minutes away by car or by public transportation. There are numerous restaurants in the hotel’s immediate area, including a few within a one- or two-minute walk. The area is considered generally safe, but as in any major city, caution should be exercised at night, especially if walking alone. 

Rooms at this Holiday Inn Express are tastefully decorated but small, especially in those with two double beds, where there's barely enough room to walk by without brushing the bed skirts. A dining table wedged against a wall with two chairs serves as the desk. All rooms include coffeemakers, 32-inch flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and microwaves. Decor is rather dark, highlighted by distinctive carpeting in square patterns with shades of brown and gray. The dark-wood furniture has cherry-wood accents on the headboards, nightstands, and dresser, which is topped by black-and-gray granite. But off-white and olive-green walls brighten things a touch. Bathrooms are small, with dark-wood vanities topped by black-and-gray granite, and shower/tub combos. Suites are larger, and some include kitchenettes, second bedrooms, and additional bathrooms. The King Suites have separate living rooms with desks, sleeper sofas, upholstered armchairs, and second flat-screen TVs. Basin-style sinks are outside the bathrooms in the bedrooms. All rooms have free Wi-Fi and speakerphones with voice mail. Rooms on higher floors have nice views of the downtown skyline and get less street noise.

Features at this Holiday Inn Express check all the typical boxes for this hotel chain. A free hot breakfast buffet with eggs, bacon, and biscuits is included in room rates. The hotel has a small fitness center with three cardio machines. Meeting space includes a rooftop ballroom with an adjoining outdoor plaza with sweeping views of the downtown skyline. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, and there is a business center that has two computer stations with Internet access and a printer. Concierge services are available, as are valet dry cleaning and laundry. The hotel has an ATM and safe deposit box at the front desk. Free newspapers are available weekdays.