Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites - Veteran's Expressway

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites is very much like other generic properties within the Holiday Inn Express hotel chain. There is nothing outstanding in terms of the decor, though the property is well-maintained. Guests are welcomed into a fairly small lobby which then leads directly into a smaller lounge area. The decor features patterned carpeted floors and mostly neutral colors. There are several seating areas, both with sofas and cafe-style, where guests can relax or catch up on work. The outdoor pool area isn't too big, and the pool takes up the majority of the space --leaving only a small space for surrounding sun loungers. Overall, the atmosphere is quiet and friendly with a mix of leisure and business travelers.

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites has a quiet location tucked away in a business park in the northern area of Tampa. There's not too much within walking distance, apart from a handful of casual restaurants (like Starbucks) and a movie theater a five-minute walk away. There are a few lakes surrounding the hotel, and the business park has nice shaded pathways to walk along. Nearby sports attractions include Raymond James Stadium (12-minute drive), Steinbrenner Field (15-minute drive), and the Ed Radice Sports Complex (19-minute drive). It's a 15-minute drive to Lowry Park Zoo, an 18-minute drive to Busch Gardens, and 20-minute drive to the Florida Aquarium. Clearwater Beach is just over a half-hour drive from the hotel. It's an 11-minute drive to Tampa International Airport and 22-minute drive to St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport. Public transportation is not available. 

The 85 guest rooms at Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites are spacious and slightly outdated in terms of decor. The rooms could do with some freshening up as the maroon patterned carpeted floors and olive green walls look a bit tired. The almost antique-looking wooden furniture and tatty bed frills add to the old-fashioned look. Some rooms include a sleeper sofa while the suites feature separate lounge areas and a kitchenette with microwave, mini-fridge, and sink. Amenities in all rooms include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, desks, telephones, irons and ironing boards, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms have walk-in showers, along with hairdryers and basic toiletries. Previous guests have complained of some rooms smelling a bit musty.

Features at the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites are quite simple, though enough to satisfy most guests. There's a free hot buffet breakfast, including eggs, meats, cereals, yogurts, pastries, and fruit. There is no full on-site restaurant available, though free self-serve coffee provided in the lobby throughout the day. A small selection of snacks and beverages are for sale. The outdoor swimming pool is surrounded by a few sun loungers and parasols. The fitness center is quite small with only three dated cardio machines; plus free towels and a stability ball. One meeting room is available, along with a 24-hour business center with printing and copying facilities. On-site parking and Wi-Fi throughout the property are free. Additional features include an ice machine, vending machine, and self-service laundry facilities. This is a pet-friendly property.