Budget-Friendly Desert Gateway Stop
When planning an overnight getaway for a concert or event, finding a practical, clean, and well-located hotel helps make the trip stress-free.
On a recent autumn weeknight, I stayed at the Holiday Inn Express Banning while attending a show at the nearby Morongo Casino Resort.
While Banning is not a resort destination where I would plan an extended vacation, this property proved to be an ideal, cost-effective spot for an easy overnight stay!
Beyond concert nights, it sits right off the freeway near desert outlet shopping and serves as a reliable road trip pit stop when you need to rest and recharge before continuing along your journey.
🏨 Basic, Clean & Surprisingly Spacious Rooms
This is not a luxury property, but rather a straightforward, solid, and clean hotel where I felt safe and comfortable.
I stayed in Room 206, a standard room with two queen beds.
It was pleasantly surprising how spacious the room was!
Standard two-queen hotel rooms can often feel cramped, but this layout had plenty of open floor space, even accommodating a comfortable chaise lounge couch right near the window.
In-room amenities included:
- Comfortable Queens: Clean bedding and comfortable mattresses that delivered a great night of sleep.
- Mini Fridge & Microwave: A good-sized mini refrigerator and small microwave for keeping drinks cold or warming up snacks.
- Wi-Fi Access: Free in-room Wi-Fi that was reliable and fine for basic browsing.
- Towel Tip: The bath towels provided in the room are on the thinner and smaller side. If you prefer extra coverage or plan on taking multiple showers, ask for extra towels at the front desk when you check in!
☕ 24/7 Fresh-Brewed Coffee & On-Site Amenities
While there are no coffee makers inside the guest rooms, the hotel makes up for it with a fantastic setup on the ground level.
Located on the first floor near the lobby are two large, self-serve coffee machines that grind fresh beans and brew beverages on demand 24/7 – a huge win for early risers or night owls returning from a show!
Additional property details to keep in mind:
- Included Breakfast: They serve a complimentary breakfast buffet each morning. While it is simple, it offers a solid assortment of items to get your morning started before heading out.
- Fitness Room: A small, clean exercise room featuring some basic workout equipment.
- Free Parking: Ample, free uncovered parking outside the building. During my fall weeknight visit, the lot was not crowded at all.
🏊 Outdoor Pool Area Considerations
I had fully intended to take a quick dip in the outdoor pool, but ultimately decided to skip it once I checked out the space.
While the pool water itself was clean, the outdoor deck sits right adjacent to the freeway.
The traffic noise is loud enough that carrying on a normal conversation is difficult, taking away from a relaxing poolside vibe.
Additionally, the hot tub shown in older online photos has been bricked over and no longer exists.
While the pool water was a bit chilly, the freeway noise was the main reason I opted out of swimming.
📍 Booking & Location Value
For a weeknight stay in the off-season, you can easily walk in or make a last-minute reservation from the road.
However, if you are visiting during peak weekends, holidays, or major concert dates at Morongo, booking in advance is recommended.
Overall, the Holiday Inn Express Banning delivered solid value, a spacious room, and a convenient location that fit my concert plans seamlessly!
📍 Hotel Quick Facts
- Address: 3020 West Ramsey Street, Banning, CA 92220.
- Brand: IHG / Holiday Inn Express.
- Nearby Highlights: Minutes from Morongo Casino Resort & Spa, Desert Hills Premium Outlets, Cabazon Dinosaurs and Highway 111 access to the Palm Springs area.
🧳 More from Valerie Was Here
Greater Palm Springs Area Lodging 🌞
- Arrive Hotel Palm Springs
- Holiday Inn Express – Banning
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Greater Palm Springs Area Lodging 🌞
- Arrive Hotel Palm Springs
- Holiday Inn Express – Banning
- Indio Wyndham WorldMark
- Monkey Tree Hotel
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- Parker Palm Springs
- Spring House Resort
- V Palm Springs Hotel
Holiday Inn Hotels 🏨
Where will you go for your next adventure?
