We booked this hotel through AA Vacations with tickets to Universal (buy the Front of Line Pass - definitely worth the extra money). The main reason we chose it was location and then price.
We really didn't have any expectations about the place and I'm not sure how others feel, but I don't rate Holiday Inn as a super hotel. We were arriving from another hotel stay in the area (see my other reviews) and arrived around noon. They seemed to be busy and we checked with the Front Desk to see if a room was available - the clerk that happened to serve us was clearly frustrated and overwhelmed and unfortunately a bit curt to us. He found a room, but advised it was on the first floor - what we didn't know was that we enter on the 2nd floor and take the elevator down. Our room was ground level and faced the parking lot - my companion was totally uncomfortable with this and we went back to see if a room on a higher floor was available. A different clerk helped us and found a room much more suitable (which surprised the other clerk).
Rooms are like most HI hotels - average size, average amenities, but with coffee maker - no micro or fridge. "Balcony" was tiny, but usable. Things were clean and mostly comfortable.
Restaurant was decent - we had buffet breakfast, and no awards would be given, but it was edible. Dinner was a surprise in that the food was interesting and good. Prices were reasonable as well. (I saw another review that panned the food, so I'm unsure if things changed since then).
Location to Universal Studios was excellent for the price. Hotel offered shuttle service, but only on the hour for most hours and it would get you there an hour after opening (except on weekends). you can, however walk a few blocks to Universal Drive and from there you can either hike up a small hill to the entrance gate, or wait for the complementary USH shuttle. We never used the hotel shuttle, but it was nice to know they had it.
As for the area, very residential Studio City. Two blocks away was a shopping center and some other restaurants, but nothing really worthwhile. Better to go to US City Walk.
Overall, average stay but we were pretty much expecting it.













