What's in a Name (Part Two): The Gowanus...Err...Park Slope Holiday Inn

Okay, so it doesn't have the cool Holiday Inn Express signage yet, but you can still clearly feel the Holiday Inn vibe that the new Gowanus Holiday Inn Express on Union Street between Fourth and Third avenues is exuding nonetheless. (What is it about budget hotels all having to have that utilitarian, boxy design? Is there a design manual for these things?) As we previously noted, the hotel is now taking reservations for arrivals after July 15. (Look for it under "Brooklyn Holiday Inn Express" or "Park Slope Holiday Inn Express.")

Rooms at the Gowanus Holiday Inn Express (115 rooms, nine floors) start at $129, which makes them a downright NYC lodging bargain. Just think of the looks you'll get back home when you tell the neighbors you stayed in Gowanus, even if Holiday Inn won't admit it.