So in Texarkana...be clear before you leave home that there simply are no 4 star experiences. This will help you keep your expectations level. My family and I stayed that the Holiday Inn Express East this past weekend. The property is approximate 18 months old. The front desk process was most kind and efficient. I was welcomed as a "Priority Club" member. They have a nice amenity for such. The rooms are great. The property is well maintained...decor is clean line and modern. There is a great lobby area and flat screen in the dining area.

The disappointment came with the breakfast. There were certainly better priced hotels in the same class of service. However, I specifically chose (and talked my brother and his family into) this property for the advantage of the breakfast. When you think about getting a cheaper rate but still having to go out to source breakfast...the math generally comes out the same... So I erred on the side of convenience... Didn't work out for me this time.

Holiday Inn Expresses are usually incredibly consistent. I just knew I could depend on them. Boy was I wrong. By 8:45 a.m. on Sunday they were out of a few items including their signature cinnamon rolls. Additionally the pancake warmer/maker was broken. We had to choke down whatever scraps remained which was surprising in that it was not the end of the meal hour. There were three people working the breakfast yet it was empty and they were slow to wipe up. The weekend staff did not seem at all concerned much less willing to go the extra mile. No pun intended but at minimum they could have called the Holiday Inn Express less than 5 miles up the road and gone and created some type of exchange to ensure they had what they needed. They could have dealt with the reconciliation on the back side...but I the guest should never have seen or heard about it.

There is a great indoor pool and hot tub. Business Center was more than sufficient.

I was disappointed in one of the front desk staff members while using the business center. I observed a young man trying to use the second computer but the screen was blank. As opposed to tinkering with the system he went to the desk to notify the young lady that the computer was not on. She came over and very sarcastically asked "did you try turning it on?" Guess I failed if the cameras were on me for "what would you do." The real answer to that is "No ma'am...that's YOUR job to ensure that YOUR property is in working order."

Again, as a Priority Rewards Member and with the proximity to my in town family's home, I can't say that I won't ever stay here again.... At least I'll lower my expectations and everything should level out.

Pics uploaded.