Holiday Inn Exp Stes Juarez, Monumental

We had no idea what to expect when we made reservations. We had read terrible reviews and glowing reviews, but the price was right. The only bad experience was upon entry. We had reserved through travelocity, and they said that they had no record. Ironically, I had forgotten my printed copy of my travelocity receipt, but they still had rooms available at the same price. We were starving when we got there, and there was a free breakfast bar, with fruit, cereal, bread, drinks, and yogurt. Every day we were there, we stopped in before heading out. Very convenient. The US consulate is within walking distance (about 6 blocks?), and the health dept for marriage blood tests is right across the street. We wasted so much money taking taxis, but it is necessary to avoid people trying to sell you stuff in the street/asking for money. There are good restaurants also within walking distance. Sanborns cafe is attached to the hotel. Great food at a really low price. I had the green tamales (wrapped in banana leaves), and they are better than I make at home. For an IHOP looking cafe, the food is authentic Mexican. The cleaning staff was fantastic. They received our biggest tips. They were so attentive. The room service was good. We had to stay about 5 days longer than we had hoped, so our money was dwindling. We ordered "sopa azteca" and "agua de naranja" and beer every night from the kitchen. Very cheap and satisfying. We used the business center often, although sometimes they couldn't get the computers to work, and they charge for copies if you make more than a few. The holiday inn express was a scaled down version of a luxury hotel...but very casual and elegant at the same time. I can't wait to go back.