Holiday Inn Express Joliet

Standard rooms are approximately 300 square feet and feature contemporary furnishings updated during the recent renovation. King rooms include a single king bed with a small work desk and ergonomic chair, while double queen rooms offer two queen beds suitable for families or small groups sharing accommodations. Both configurations include the standard amenities expected at the brand level — large televisions with cable and streaming service access, in-room safes large enough for a laptop, ample electrical outlets including USB charging ports, and reliable climate control. Bathrooms are clean, modern, and well-stocked with premium toiletries from a recognized brand.

The complimentary hot breakfast is a genuine differentiator and one of the property's biggest selling points for Route 66 travelers. The breakfast bar operates from approximately 6am to 9:30am on weekdays and 6:30am to 10am on weekends, and includes hot items like scrambled eggs, sausage or bacon, biscuits and gravy, oatmeal, and the famous Holiday Inn Express cinnamon rolls that have become a brand signature. Cold options include cereals, yogurt, pastries, fresh fruit, and the brand-standard Smart Roast coffee. The selection is generous enough that most travelers leave fully satisfied without needing additional morning food costs.

Property amenities include a heated indoor pool, a 24-hour fitness center with cardio equipment and free weights, a 24-hour business center with computers and printing services, and a small market area in the lobby with snacks, beverages, and basic travel supplies available for purchase. The IHG One Rewards program offers points on stays that accumulate quickly toward free nights at any IHG brand property worldwide, plus member-exclusive rates that typically beat third-party booking sites. Membership is free and can be joined at check-in if not already a member.

The hotel's location at I-80 and Larkin Avenue places it about ten minutes from downtown Joliet by car. The drive is straightforward — east on Larkin to Jefferson Street, then south to downtown — and parking is widely available at all major attractions including the Joliet Area Historical Museum, Rialto Square Theatre, and Route 66 Park. For travelers without a rental car, ride-share services are reliable in the area and the cost from the hotel to downtown is typically under $15 each way. The hotel does not offer shuttle service, so travelers should plan for vehicle access during their stay.

For travelers continuing southwest along Route 66, the I-55 entrance is approximately fifteen minutes from the hotel via I-80. Original Route 66 alignment travelers can pick up the route along Joliet Road in Crest Hill or Romeoville and proceed through Wilmington, Braidwood, and toward the Gemini Giant. The hotel is a convenient first-night or last-night stop for travelers structuring their Illinois Route 66 experience around Joliet attractions but wanting easier highway access than downtown lodging provides. Several gas stations, fast-food options, and a major grocery store are within walking distance of the hotel for travelers needing supplies.

Other practical conveniences within close range include several restaurants for travelers wanting evening dining options closer to the hotel rather than driving downtown. Casual options include national chains and a handful of local restaurants along Larkin Avenue and adjacent commercial corridors. For travelers wanting the full Joliet Route 66 dining experience including Merichka's, Russell's, or White Fence Farm, the drive to those restaurants from the hotel is between fifteen and thirty minutes depending on which destination is selected, all easily manageable within an evening's plans.

Rates are typically the best value in the Joliet area for travelers seeking reliable mid-range chain accommodations. Weekday rates Sunday through Thursday run roughly $95 to $130 per night, weekend Friday-Saturday rates rise to $130 to $160, and special-event weekends or peak summer Route 66 season can push rates somewhat higher. The IHG One Rewards program offers member-exclusive rates that typically save 10 to 15 percent over the standard rates and should be the default booking channel for any traveler planning to use IHG properties more than once a year. Direct booking through the IHG website also provides the most flexible cancellation terms.

Check-in is 3pm and checkout is 11am, with both early check-in and late checkout commonly available depending on occupancy. The hotel is fully ADA accessible with multiple accessible room configurations available on request. Free self-parking is included in the room rate, with a large lot adjacent to the building accommodating standard vehicles, RVs, and motorcycles. Truck and trailer parking can be arranged with advance notice, making the property workable for travelers towing classic-car trailers or other unusual vehicle setups common among Route 66 enthusiasts.

For 2026 Route 66 Centennial programming, the hotel is participating in IHG's broader heritage tourism promotions and offering occasional Route 66-themed welcome amenities and packages. Specific 2026 offerings vary by booking period and should be confirmed through the IHG website or by direct call to the property. Even without specific Centennial packages, the combination of reliable mid-range quality, free breakfast, free parking, and reasonable rates makes the property a strong default choice for budget-conscious Route 66 travelers who do not need or want downtown casino-hotel amenities.