Didn't expect much - got less.....
2 nights – government (state) rate - $99.00/night. Didn’t expect much as reviews mentioned age of hotel and well -- it’s a Holiday Inn. R’cd confirmation via email: “Thank you for choosing Holiday Inn. We can't wait for you to experience our refreshing new look and feel. If there's anything we can do for you, please let us know.” Ok – that was encouraging. Things looking up!
*Arrived around 8 PM. Few hiccups in parking (bus was blocking entrance) but figured it out after a couple of trips around the block and went in “out” drive. Front desk experience was fine. Two employees working – no wait. I heard the other girl tell the other customer that “work doesn’t start until 9:00 AM”. Hmmmm. Work? What work? Went up to our room and unpacked. Husband walked into bathroom & slipped on VERY wet floor. Bulging wet ceiling tile above us (I would be afraid to touch it for it would have POURED) Called & requested another room. Re-packed up all our stuff (ugh!) - went downstairs and had to wait . Room 1706. Desk clerk was nice – but, no apology for the inconvenience. Small things like a sincere apology go a long way with me. 
*Room – Both rooms were exactly the same in design & layout. I would call a standard size. Fairly Dated. Very small closet. Couch & king bed. Best part of the room would’ve, could’ve, and should’ve been – the balcony. But, alas – it was CLOSED for construction. (see photo) Guess the refreshing new look is still a on a drawing board….. 
*Problems – besides a leaky ceiling, our iron also leaked. I ended up taking the ironing board into the bathroom and using the blow dryer to dry my husband's shirt he needed to wear. Also, I kept smelling a “curry” smell. It was about to drive me batty and I would stick my nose in everything trying to figure out the culprit. Not the furniture, not the pillows, not the sheets…I became paranoid it was me and was smelling my pits!!! Finally, on the last day we were there – I was packing and picked up the small little “blanket” they throw at the foot of the bed. That was most definitely the stinky culprit. Note to self: they don’t wash those between guests!
The Worst: Construction started well before 9 AM (7:30 AM – we were awake and getting dressed, but for those who wanted to sleep in….not so much) It was fairly loud banging and grinding. Would have normally not been in the hotel during day, but came back around 2:30 on Thursday with a migraine. I had to use my iPad’s “white noise” to be able to get some sleep. I consider this a major service issue – guests should ALWAYS be told ahead of time if there is construction going on in the building. It is, in my opinion, borderline unethical not to do so.
*Location – location is good. On the quiet end of the River Walk – but still very close to the action. Also close to Houston street which has some of the higher end restaurants and theatre district.