Scandic Gdansk, Gdansk

As most Holiday Inns in Europe, this one, too, sports a slightly higher standard than the US Holiday Inns. Can't beat the location (a short walk from the Old Town, and a minute from the local transportation to get you to the other parts of the Tri-City quickly). However, if your room faces the train station, be careful: the sounds from the techno club on the hill resonate in your room until 7 AM. Neither my wife nor myself minded that, but others, bent on a more relaxing stay might be shocked by the constant booming bass that penetrates closed windows with ease. Only drawback: lack of a true hotel bar (hence only 3 stars for service). The one in the lobby consists literally of four chairs and a bar that's smaller than the one in my basement. And it was not always staffed, which, for a thirsty traveller such as myself has proven to be a major pain. True, there is a TGIF with a bar attached to the hotel, but TGIF, with the weird buttons and faux US license plates and Chinese made "Coke is it signs" is not my cup of tea. But overall, a very good stay.