Hotel Review: Holiday Inn in Richmond, Virginia's West End

Located in the West End of Richmond, Virginia on Broad Street at the I-64 and I-95 interchange is the Holiday Inn Richmond. It just underwent a multi-million dollar renovation and it shows. They have 282 Guest Rooms and Suites on 9 floors. This is a very pretty Holiday Inn. Even as you pull in you notice the beautiful and well-manicured lawns. This bodes well for the rooms...

Check-in was top-notch friendly and very fast. I had no reservation as this was a last minute secret shop, and the desk gal handled things very nicely. While she did take my Visa #, she did not try to authorize it after I told her I would be paying cash.

I had a smoking room with two queen sized beds. This was exceptionally clean and comfy. The room is fairly large so there is plenty of space to move around in. I had stayed here once back 6 years ago and I must say, this renovation made all the difference in the world! Everything is so new-looking now. I had an alarm clock (that worked!), coffee maker, hair dryer, desk, data port (didn't use), Iron/ironing board, and a separate closet with luggage stand. The phone was a 2-line speaker phone which I should think would come in quite handy for business travelers.

The bathroom had a full bath with shower and separate dressing area. Amenities included soap and a bottle of shampoo/conditioner. No extras like shower caps or hand lotion, so bring your own. The towels were big and fluffy, just like I like them! I had no problem with water pressure and there was plenty of hot water. Did I say the place was spotless? We're talking spit-polished!

Room Service is handled by their Sapphire Grill and Lounge, which offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Typical rooms services charges apply, including 15% tip. Room service delivery was about 45 minutes, but it arrived hot and the steak was quite good. They even remembered salt and pepper! Don't laugh, you wouldn't believe how many times they forget this at other places. It's the little things like that which will bring me back.