For airport layovers, business travelers, and those wanting a sharp and modern hotel at reasonable rates within striking distance of Puerto Vallarta, this Holiday Inn Express is one of the nicer ones we've come across in our travels. The lobby is pristine, decked out in marble flooring, contemporary furniture with retro silhouettes, and handsome stone art depicting whales and sea life. Hand-painted murals depicting local urban and coastal landscapes add a bit of personality, while marble and granite accents give this hotel an additional touch of class. Everything is modern, from the magnetic card entry systems, touch pad-operated elevators, and doors everywhere that are button-opened (though, it's not always obvious where these buttons are to get in and out of certain parts of the hotel). All in all, this is a clean and pleasant place to crash for those who don't mind driving or hiring cabs to see the sights -- or for those with early flights. Most guests are business travelers, though plenty of vacationing families and couples stay here as well, and are a mix of American and domestic travelers. 

The Holiday Inn Express is essentially an airport hotel, as Puerto Vallarta's airport is only a five-minute drive from the property. However, don't come here expecting easy access to beaches or the charming Romantic Zone. The immediate area is a mix of other hotels and businesses, and Marina Plaza -- which has a supermarket and other shops -- is just across the road. It's a 15-minute walk to the actual marina, packed with yachts and sport-fishing vessels, where more shopping and some dining can also be found. It will take about 10 minutes by car to reach the closest strip of sand, though the main Puerto Vallarta beaches are 15 to 20 minutes away by car. The Romantic Zone -- the city's charming old town -- will also take at least 20 minutes to reach by cab. 

There are 115 rooms at the Holiday Inn Express, and despite a few differences in layouts and configurations, the look across the board is contemporary and fresh. The dark wood-veneer headboards and furniture are sharp, while mostly white walls and white tile floors keep things bright. Details like charcoal gray upholstery in chairs and lampshades further the classy -- if simple -- appeal. Some rooms have decent sunset views over the plaza out front, but in general views are nothing to write home about in any room. Most units here are Standard Rooms, which come with a single king bed, two queens, or two double beds. Eight of the rooms are suites and come include kitchenettes, balconies, and small living rooms.

All rooms have small desks with ergonomic chairs, plus flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, coffeemakers, and limited free water. Blazing fast Wi-Fi is free. The kitchenettes in suites include a small stove and microwave, plus dishware. Bathrooms have standard ceramic tile floors and walls in the showers. We did spot a bit of shoddy craftsmanship, including missing grout, permanent marks on the marble countertops here and there, and badly cut baseboard trim. Still, the look throughout the units as a whole are a step above most hotels in this category in Playa del Carmen.

The Holiday Inn Express keeps it pretty basic and is focused on the business side of things -- though there are still enough features here to keep most leisure travelers satisfied. The lap pool and whirlpool are upstairs and out in the open, with views toward the plaza in front of the hotel -- the marble decking is a nice touch, though there's really nowhere to lay around and soak up the sun. The gym is just next door, and features some basic cardio and weight machines, plus free weights. There are some loungers and tables set up for lunches and simple lounging in the shade on a covered terrace. Free breakfasts are available downstairs in the breakfast nook each morning, and include an excellent number of options that are well-liked by previous guests. There are a couple of computers in the lobby for guests to use, as well as a business center upstairs with more computers, plus two small salons with space for up to a maximum of 70 people. Parking and excellent Wi-Fi are both free.