TXBizTrvlr

$83...7aug-8aug08 listed amenities: fitness, pool, restaurant, biz center, laundry, internet. This is new - usually a 3.5* in North Austin is the Doubletree. This Crowne is the refurb'ed old Red Lion that sits right on the NE corner of 290 and I-35 (and directly south of the Doubletree). I have not stayed at this hotel since the 80's, so I have no idea what to expect. My past experience with the Crowne Plaza chain is very positive so I am hopeful.

The hotel was the Double Tree on I-35 near 290. Sits right between two good Pappas Restaurants (Pappadauex and Pappasitos) on the east side of the freeway. No Starbucks nearby, but the hotel is pretty sweet. New beds and refurb'ed overcomes the downside of the old-ish structure. $179 rate on Expedia - I would call this a GOOOOOD deal. Tx Biz Traveler

Here's my followup for the Holiday Inn. In a word, I was pleasently surprised (ok, two words). The HI folks have actually spent some money on the property and upgraded the carpets and some of the room fixtures, including the BED, and that's the most important thing in any hotel room, IMHO. Based on the rate that some in my company paid at the far inferior Clarion on 4th, the $76 rate paid for this Holiday Inn was a HUGE BARGAIN. Convenient (for me), big property, great beds, decent towels, free internet. My only complaint is the noisy wall AC units. Other than that, good stuff. I'll book again when in SJ. TXBizTvlr

Amenities: Shuttle, Restaurant, Pool, Fitness, Hi-Speed Internet, Business Center

took a chance on getting close to work. Got a 3 blk walk from the Holiday Inn (former Hyatt) off 1st and Metro. Stayed there when it was Hyatt and the rooms needed work. I'll report back what I find, but HI doesn't have the best rep for taking a property to the next level. Quite the opposite.

The initial search mentions "This midscale establishment offers more than just the basics in style, comfort and customer service." An earlier post lead me to believe that this was the Boulderado Hotel, which would have been tremendous! The ammenities listed were fitness, pool, restaurnat, and laundry. I also noticed that Holiday Inn's were listed under their normal 3-star hotels. Perhaps this hotels history as a former Holiday Inn got it this ranking. Of course, there is a reason the chains sell off property - they get sub-standard.

The kindest description I can find for Boulder Outlook is that the staff is friendly. But other (non-employee posted descriptions) are not so kind. I'll post a review on this line when I stay in Boulder in a week and a half. Got the room for $55. The other 3* was listed at over $100 for the same 7mar07 stay. You get what you pay for! So HOW does the star ratings get set? and can they be lowered. All reviews say this is a stretch for a 2* much less the listed 3. TXBizTvlr