Express by Holiday Inn is my first choice when looking for an overnight hotel stay, or weekend away. This is because they offer good value for money, and although they are the budget off-shoot of Holiday Inn, I actually think having stayed in both, that they are much better, as the hotels are all modern (some Holiday Inns are a bit dated now) and Continental Breakfast is included in the cost of your stay.
I have often stayed in Premier Inns which I have also enjoyed but these are always my first choice due to value for money.

Express by Holiday Inn have hotels all over the UK, (I shall tell you a bit about some I have stayed in later) and the best way to book a room is via their website. This is because you will find rooms from as little as £39 a night including breakfast, and also you can often get a cheaper rate by booking in advance.
One thing I would definately recommend if you do book a room is to join their rewards scheme, which is called Priority Club Rewards. Full details are available on their website. It costs nothing to join and you will earn points for every stay, which you can then exchange for free nights. You will also be sent offers via email which award you extra points, for example :- Every 2nd stay booked within the next few months will earn you an extra 2000 points. This is a typical example of their offers. Also they may send you a short feedback survey from time to time where you can also earn points for completing it.
Another benefit of joining the Priority Club Rewards is you are guaranteed priority check-in, a complimentary newspaper and also later check-out times if you request it.
I have been a member of this scheme for around 4 years now and have had quite a few free nights. There are no black-out dates for free nights, nor do your points have an expiry date. You can also earn points by staying at Holiday Inn or Crowne Plaza hotels as they are all part of the same chain.

All the hotels are modern, and double/twin rooms are available. Some hotels offer some smoking rooms, but some hotels are all non-smoking. Every room has an en-suite bathroom with power shower, a TV , hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities. I have always found the staff very helpful and its not a problem should you request extra towels, tea/coffee. pillows etc. There are vending machines and ice machines available in reception.
There is always a bar in the hotel and some do have a restaurant, but there is often a pub or carvery adjacent to the hotel.

Continental breakfast is always included in the price, and you can take this to your room if you prefer. Cereals, toast, breads, croissants, pastries, fresh fruit, yoghurt, juice and tea and coffee. You just help yourself.

Some of my favourite hotels are listed below, you will notice most are in Scotland as this is my favourite place to visit with my partner for weekend stays etc, but we have often stayed overnight in a few others. My favourites are :-

Edinburgh - I think they have more than one in Edinburgh, but I usually stay at Leith, located on the waterfront, with a large shopping mall opposite with bars and restaurants overlooking the Royal Yacht Britannia. Also an award-winning Indian Restaurant adjacent to the hotel.

Glenrothes - My partner and myself have stayed here overnight when holidaying in Scotland. It has a quiet location and a lovely pub/restaurant next door - 'The Fettykil Fox' which serves great food in a cosy welcoming atmosphere.

Strathclyde - We have also stayed here a few times, and it is a great place for families as it is right next to Strathclyde country park which also has a theme park with many rides and attractions and a large lake. A Toby Carvery is also adjacent to the hotel.

Glasgow Airport - Located within a couple of minutes walk to the terminal. Car parking available for you to leave your car whilst on holiday. A restaurant is also in the hotel.

Stirling - A very quiet hotel located on the outskirts of a business park but has a great view of the Wallace Monument and a backdrop of hills. Very scenic and Stirling is a lovely place to visit. A pub/resaturant is adjacent to the hotel.

York - Great place to stay whilst visiting York or surrounding countryside. There are a few hotels available, but we recently stayed at York east which has a Toby Carvery adjacent to hotel.

So next time you fancy a night or weekend away or are looking for an overnight stop to break up a long journey maybe, give Holiday Inn Express a try, I'm sure you won't be disappointed!