Located right in the heart of Pretoria’s slightly run-down CBD, the Holiday Inn has two things going for it: its location near government and corporate offices, and the Holiday Inn brand name.

As with other branches of the same chain, the facilities are fairly comfortable but no-frills; the service is friendly and efficient but not effusive; and the amenities are few but well-maintained. Rooms, for example, are extremely small but modern, with warm wood accents, newer carpets and TVs, separate toilet and bath compartments, and stylish linens. But all that can’t make up for the fact that two people are very cramped in a standard room, which does not have closets or even any place to put a chair or very large suitcase. A solo business traveler would be best suited to this type of room. The cheerful furnishings also could not mask the fact that there were a number of small things broken: a baseboard here, a TV there, a toilet flush elsewhere. The dank smell in the hallway didn’t impress me either — I’m fairly sure it was emanating from the stairwell, whose door was left propped open.

The downstairs dining area is a similar study in limitations, with colorful, modern decor but a somewhat uninspired food selection at the breakfast and dinner buffets. The third-floor pool is something of a bright spot, with a waterfall, sun loungers and a lovely deck that semi-overlooks Pretoria’s CBD. There’s is no fitness centre or spa, which is not surprising as this is a budget hotel where rooms cost less than US$95 (R110) per night.

The fact that the hotel is directly connected to the Sunnypark Centre is a plus — the mall has a number of casual restaurants, a dentist, Vodacom shop, a Woolworths and a pharmacy, among other merchants. The mall is something of an oasis in this semi-downmarket neighborhood, where you don’t want to be out wandering after dark, and which has a distinct lack of upscale restaurants and nightlife.

The hotel’s location is ideal for those who are looking for an economical place to lay their head for a night or two while doing business in the government offices that line the adjacent blocks, or at one of the private firms in the CBD.  But if you have the cash and want something more stylish in a better neighborhood, head out to Lynnwood or Menlyn Park.