La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Henderson-Northeast Denver

Frequented by executives in the oil industry, families on road trips, and visitors of the nearby medical center, this Holiday Inn Express is colorful, modern, and surprisingly welcoming for what should be a standard, mid-range chain hotel. In the bright lobby -- decorated with exposed faux stonework, colorful patterned carpets, and avant-garde chandeliers -- a large, orange sectional couch faces the reception desk, and guests often relax here in front of the TV and fireplace. The breakfast room looks like a casual bar at a modern chain restaurant, with sleek track and hanging lights, a long table with high back stools, and several granite tables with cushioned wooden chairs. The indoor pool area is clean and well-kept, with a few woven lounge chairs around it; the adjacent small fitness center has just a few pieces of equipment, carpeted floors, and windows into the indoor pool area.

Located in Brighton, a small suburb northeast of Denver, this Holiday Inn Express sits just off of Interstate 76, about a 20-minute drive from Denver International Airport. The shores of Barr Lake are just on the other side of the interstate, but the access point to Barr Lake State Park is an 11-minute drive away. The only thing within easy walking distance of the hotel is Platte Valley Medical Center, which can be reached on foot in less than 10 minutes. A number of stores and fast food restaurants are within a mile of the hotel -- a McDonald’s, Chili’s, Target and Dick’s Sporting Goods are all a five-minute drive away, or within a 20-minute walk. Downtown Denver and its museums, aquarium, and sports and concert venues are about a 30-minute drive away.

The rooms at the Holiday Inn Express Denver-Northeast are surprisingly modern and well-equipped, with sleek dark wood furnishings, iHome docks, and a muted color palette. As is standard for all updated Holiday Inn Expresses, the beds are notably comfortable and high quality, with a choice of firm or soft pillows. All rooms have an attractive assortment of landscape photography framed on the walls. Every room has free Wi-Fi, a mini-fridge, a microwave, and a coffee machine. Bathrooms are relatively large, with long granite countertops and granite-tiled walk-in showers or shower/tub combinations. The suites are slightly larger than standard rooms and include a couch, coffee table, and leather armchair.

This Holiday Inn Express offers free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, free parking, and a free buffet breakfast of eggs and pancakes, as well as a juice and cereal bar. There's also an indoor pool, a hot tub, and a fitness center with yoga mats and a few pieces of modern equipment. There is also a business center with computers, printers, and copy machines. The hotel does not have a full restaurant or bar.