Holiday Inn Express Walnut Creek

This hotel’s convenient East Bay location and reasonable rates attract a diverse mix of guests that include business travelers, group tours, and vacationing families and couples. The lobby’s stone columns, vaulted, natural wood ceiling, and pieces of matching furniture give the hotel a bit of a Mission-style feel. Beige tile floors are partially covered by colorful rugs with floral designs. A cluster of nice brown leather and suede sofas and chairs sit in the center of the space. They are flanked by wood columns and paneling, as well as a flat-screen TV. One corner has a lovely and large bank of windows that allows light to cascade into the spacious room. The windows overlook a roomy patio with several tables and chairs, as well as a gas grill that guests can use. Overall, it's a casual property that’s well maintained, with a bright and attractive lobby that keeps it from feeling like a generic chain hotel.

The hotel is located on a busy road just off Interstate 680 in Walnut Creek, where several car dealerships/service shops are located, among other East Bay businesses. It’s a safe neighborhood with a sports bar and a Chick-fil-A just one minute away on foot, plus a few other eateries and restaurants are also within walking distance. Many more dining options and retail shops are within a brief drive, including Broadway Plaza’s restaurants and upscale stores like Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus, which are 10 minutes away. The Pleasant Hill/Contra Costa Centre BART station is a 15-minute walk away. Using the BART, downtown San Francisco is about 40 minutes away. Oakland International Airport and San Francisco International Airport take approximately 70 and 85 minutes to reach by public transit, respectively.    

While rooms are clean, spacious, and decorated in a contemporary style, they're generic and conventional. Tasteful neutrals are used throughout the decor, such as the light brown carpet and drapes, gold bed skirts, and light beige walls. Classic, reddish-brown wood furniture includes headboards, dressers with brass pulls, and big desks with ergonomic office chairs. Blue  armchairs upholstered in a busy curlicue pattern offer additional seating. Framed artwork is standard chain hotel landscapes. Rooms come in King or Double Queen options. A couple of suites are available that include sleeper sofas and walk-in showers that are nicer than the shower/tub combos offered in Standard Rooms. Overall, the bathrooms are average in size and look a bit dated. They include beige tile floors and tan granite vanities. Standard amenities include Keurig coffeemakers, microwaves, mini-fridges, free Wi-Fi, and 37-inch flat-screen TVs. The best views are from rooms that overlook the patio and pool area. Note that ambient noise can be heard, especially in rooms closest to the freeway. Several past guests have also reported that their air-conditioning units were a bit noisy as well.    

This mid-range hotel offers a solid package of amenities that includes a hot breakfast buffet with eggs and meat dishes. Coffee and fruit-infused water are available all day in the lobby, and vending machines for snacks and drinks are on-site. The fitness facility is sparsely equipped with only a few cardio machines, but hotel guests are offered discounts to a nearby fitness center that’s open 24/7. The outdoor pool and hot tub are surrounded by loungers and a couple of umbrella tables. More tables and chairs are available on the adjacent patio that has a gas grill that guests can use. Parking is free, and the hotel operates a free area shuttle during business hours. The business center has internet access and a printer, and meeting space is available. Free Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the property. Guest laundry facilities are on-site, and valet dry cleaning and laundry is offered. Pets are welcome with a surcharge.