Holiday Inn are a very large hotel chain, with hotels in a variety of locations all over the world. Generally, the hotels are pretty much similar to each other, so you will know what sort of standard of accomodation to expect wherever you stay.

The Holiday Inn that I have stayed in most recently is the one on the seafront in Brighton (137, Kings Road, Brighton, East Sussex). It is situated right opposite the remains of the West Pier, so it is easy to find. The hotel (formerly the Hilton) is quite unattractive from the exterior, as it is a 1960's/1970's building and grey in colour. Inside, the hotel is much more attractive, and the Reception area is light and modern.

I had booked a family room for myself, my husband and our two year old daughter, for three nights, while we were in Brighton visiting friends (we used to live in the area until earlier this year). The room cost £80.00 per night without breakfast. This was the best family accomodation that I could find in Brighton, which tends to be rather expensive. I booked the hotel online by going to Top Cash Back, then to hotels.com, so I could get cashback, to make it more affordable. We decided not to have breakfast at the hotel, as it was very expensive (about £12.00-£15.00 per person) and instead went out to a local cafe.

The room was on the fifth floor, was very large and had two King sized beds, as is common in many American hotels. I was glad that it was very spacious, as it meant that our daughter had room to run about, and there was plenty of space for our luggage and the buggy. The room was nicely decorated in a fairly contemporary style, with tea and coffee making facilities, an iron and ironing board, trouser press, television with Freeview channels, air conditioning and an ensuite bathroom with a shower over the bath and showergel and soap provided. The beds were very comfortable, and there was extra bedding and towels provided in the wardrobe.

During our stay, we did not use the bar or restaurant, so I cannot comment on them. We did not see much of the staff, but the check in and check out process was quick and easy, and our room was kept very clean and tidy by the housekeepers.

As the Holiday Inn is situated on Brighton seafront, there is not much parking available. We travelled by train and walked about as much as possible, and I would advise anyone else visting Brighton to do the same, as parking is almost impossible in the city. The nearest carpark to the hotel is probably the one under nearby Regency Square, though this is an expensive option.

The hotel has a few steps up to the main entrance at the front, but there is a wheelchair accessible ramp to the left hand side, which is also very useful to anyone staying there with young children, who has a buggy or pram. There is also a children's play area just over the road by the beach, for those with young children, and the Sea Life Centre and Volks Railway are by the Brighton (Palace) Pier to the East, though the railway was closed when we were there (early October).

I would definitely consider staying at this hotel, and other Holiday Inns, in the future. It was comfortable, convenient and the room was very spacious, which makes a change from so many hotel rooms, that feel so cramped and small. The only thing that I would suggest to improve it, would be for breakfast to be included in the price paid for the room.