Fodor's Expert Review Hotel Cass, Holiday Inn Express

With cheerful rooms and nicely designed public spaces, Hotel Cass is a true boutique property that bears little resemblance to more generic properties in the Holiday Inn chain. The crisp white lobby is sparse and elegant, and the dramatic red hallway is offset with humorous portraits. Accommodations are modern and bright, with green headboards that nearly reach the ceiling and artwork that includes photos of 1950s fashion icons. Subway-style tiles in the bathroom link back to 1920s design. All rates include free daily breakfast.

room

Each of the 173 rooms is stocked with a coffee maker, mix of firm and soft pillows so you have options, and an alarm clock with an MP3 feature so you can jam out to your own music. Mossy-green decor is a refreshing shift from the standard neutral hues in chain hotels. A marble-top desk and black leather task chair are great for travelers who want to work on their laptops in comfort.

Rates include daily breakfast, including warm cinnamon rolls, plus fresh fruit, coffee and tea, juice, cereal, toast and bagels.

bathroom

The all-white bath features an Art Deco-like wallpaper design, shower/tub combo with tiled walls and a well-lit mirror above the vanity, with a floating shelf to store toiletries.

lobby

Marked by deep-red walls, banquette seating, arched windows and a fireplace encircled by buttery-yellow leather armchairs, the lobby feels more like it belongs in an inn or b&b, not a chain hotel. Staff check-in guests from behind a dark-wood console with a gleaming-white countertop.

gym

A fitness center helps guests keep to their workout routine while on the road.

YOU SHOULD KNOW Looking for a full-on gym? The number of machines here is limited so you may have to wait your turn.