Escape to San Luis Potosí: Your Luxurious Holiday Inn Express Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to wade through the glorious, messy, and sometimes slightly overwhelming world of… well, you know, the hotel. Let's call it "The Big H" (because that's easier than typing the actual name over and over again. Trust me on this.) and see if it's worth your hard-earned dough. This ain't your grandma's dry hotel review, folks. This is the real deal, warts and all.
Accessibility: The Good, The Slightly-Less-Good, and the "Hmm…"
Okay, so Accessibility is crucial, right? Let's praise the Big H for mentioning things. Wheelchair accessibility is a big win (though, details are key, yeah? Is it truly seamless, or a 'accessible' path? Worth double-checking!). They boast facilities for disabled guests, which is a solid start. Then there's the elevator, always appreciated. Plus, the CCTV in common areas and outside the property gives a sense of security, which is a plus for EVERYONE. Now, I'm a bit of a worrier myself, and hearing about things like Fire extinguishers, Smoke alarms, and a 24-hour Front desk are just plain reassuring.
Now… the "Hmm…" part? I don't SEE specific mentions of things like assistive listening devices or braille signage. I mean, it might be there, but maybe you phone up and ask for specifics if that's essential.
On-Site Grub & Guzzle (and the Occasional Hangry Meltdown)
Let’s talk sustenance! Food, glorious food! The Big H throws a lot at you: Restaurants, Bars, Coffee shops, a Poolside bar, Room service [24-hour]. That means, as a lazy person or someone who’s had a long, hard day (me, 99% of the time!), you can get food whenever you need it. They have A la carte in restaurant, Buffet in restaurant, and even Vegetarian restaurant. So, food-wise, you're covered, with Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Western breakfast, and Western cuisine in restaurant. Oh and they have Desserts in restaurant, so I had to point that one out. I love desserts.
I gotta be honest, I’m a HUGE fan of a solid Breakfast [buffet]. I love the whole, "Pile your plate as high as humanly possible" thing. But, I NEED to know specifics. Is that buffet a fancy one? Or a "eggs are rubbery and the bacon’s been under a heat lamp since 1998" kind of situation? Shakes head. Time to look for some reviews!
Ways to Relax: Spa, Steam, and…Well, More Spa!
Alright, let's be real. This is where the Big H should shine, right? Spa, Spa/sauna, Sauna, Steamroom, Massage, Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath… They’ve got the arsenal. And a Pool with view, sounds idyllic. I'm picturing myself, a fruity cocktail in hand, gazing out at… well, whatever the view happens to be. Sigh
Then there’s the Swimming pool and Swimming pool [outdoor]. I always pack my Speedos just in case.
And the Fitness center, Gym/fitness… yeah, I might wander in there. Maybe. After the massage. And the poolside bar. And possibly a nap.
Cleanliness and Safety: The COVID-Era Reality
I am very happy I see this: Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment. THIS IS KEY. These guys are taking COVID-19 seriously and that makes me feel much better.
Internet: The Lifeline (and the Occasional Frustration)
Okay, let's be honest. The Internet is often what you really want. They're touting Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and, that's fantastic, isn’t it?! They also offer Internet [LAN], so you feel secure. Internet access is a must-have. Then they also have Wi-Fi in public areas, Wi-Fi for special events, and you know that’s super important.
But, oh, the internet drama. I once stayed in a hotel that promised free Wi-Fi. "Yeah," I thought, "I can work online, download some movies, and generally be productive." Three hours of wrestling with a non-existent connection later, I was reduced to screaming at my laptop. shudders. So, again… check the reviews on this one. See if people are actually getting decent speeds. Because, let's face it, slow internet is a vacation killer.
Knock on wood But the Big H sounds pretty good on this front, so let's keep our fingers crossed!
Things to Do (Besides Lounging in a Robe)
Alright, so they don't specifically list "skydiving lessons" or "shark wrestling" (which, honestly, might be a selling point for some), but beyond the spa and the pool, there is a Gift/souvenir shop, and the availability of Meetings, Meeting/banquet facilities, Indoor venue for special events, Outdoor venue for special events, Audio-visual equipment for special events, and Seminars. So, your options are pretty wide.
For the Kids (and the Sanity of Parents)
Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal… Bingo. This is great news if you’re traveling with the wee ones. I can't remember the last time I slept more than five hours at a time (seriously, that was years ago). So, the babysitting option is huge.
In-Room Comforts: The Small Things That Matter
They claim they have Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens. This is a lot! This is a good sign. But! You know what the ONE thing I always forget? An adapter. Double-check for those, people! And if you're a light sleeper, those Soundproof rooms sound pretty darn appealing.
Services and Conveniences: The "Oh, I Need That!" List
They’ve got the essentials: Air conditioning in public area, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Food delivery, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Safety deposit boxes, Smoking area, Terrace, Xerox/fax in business center.
They are also working on the health and safety side of things with Cashless payment service, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer. That’s super important.
Getting Around: The Logistics of Jetsetting (and Not Getting Lost)
They’ve got you covered with Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking. So you can get to and from the airport with ease.
The "Quirks and Imperfections" Section (Because Let's Be Real)
Okay, so, here's where I get super nitpicky. No hotel is perfect. No matter how luxurious it is. No matter how many fluffy pillows.
I NEED to know what's up with that Room decorations? Is it "tasteful minimalism" or "my grandma's floral wallpaper"? Also, I’d like them to be honest about any Pets allowed (and if not, I gotta prepare myself to leave my puppies at home).
The Emotional Quotient and the Booking Decision
Okay, so here's the deal. Am I super excited? YES. The spa, the pools, the 24-hour room service… it’s all screaming “vacation.” The fact that they seem to be taking cleanliness seriously is a massive relief.
But… (and there's always a BUT!) I’d dive a little deeper into some of the reviews. See what people are saying about the actual internet speed, the quality of the breakfast buffet, and how truly
Escape to Paradise: Victoria Cliff Hotel & Resort, Myanmar - Unforgettable Luxury Awaits
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because you're about to go on a digital rollercoaster ride through my chaotic, caffeine-fueled adventure at the Holiday Inn Express San Luis Potosí! Prepare yourself, because this is less a meticulously planned itinerary, and more a series of messy, beautiful, slightly-deranged snapshots of my stay. Let's do this…
Destination: Holiday Inn Express San Luis Potosí By IHG, Mexico. Because, priorities, people.
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Shower Crisis (Drama!)
14:00 - Arrival. Or, as I prefer to think of it, "Mission: Get Out of the Airport Alive." The airport? Small. Overwhelmingly hot. I swear, a small cactus could have thrived in there. Found the shuttle, eventually, after some overly enthusiastic gesturing and the accidental purchase of a churro (delicious, but not part of the official travel plan).
15:00 - Check-In. "The Friendly Face - or, the Front Desk Lady Who Saved My Sanity." Okay, the Lobby? Surprisingly pleasant. Cool air, cheerful music. The front desk lady, bless her heart, was an absolute angel. My Spanish? Barely there. Her English? Better than my Spanish. Smooth sailing: "Room key please." I even managed to grab a free bottle of water (hydration is KEY!).
15:30 - The Room: A Study in Beige (and the Shower of Doom!). The room itself? Standard Holiday Inn fare. Clean. Beige. Functionnal. Then I took a shower. Okay, okay… This is where things went sideways. The water pressure? Weaker than my willpower to resist the complimentary breakfast. The temperature fluctuated wildly. One minute I was mildly chilled, then suddenly, BOOM! Scalding. My inner drama queen was in overdrive. "THIS IS AN EMERGENCY! I'M GOING TO BECOME A RAISIN!" After a series of desperate adjustments, I managed to emerge mostly unscathed. Note to self: Invest in a shower cap for the remaining days.
17:00 - Hotel Exploration & Snack Procurement (Very Important!). Needed to find the vending machine. Snack emergency. Wandered the halls, feeling like a lost tourist in a beige maze. Finally found the holy grail: Palomitas! (Popcorn). They turned out to be my best travel companion for the next few days.
18:00 - Dinner: Tacos! (Because, Mexico). Found a great little taco place a few blocks away. A local recommendation. Okay the tacos? Glorious. The salsa? Fiery. I possibly burned off the last vestiges of logic eating them, but, worth it.
20:00 - Bedtime: Jetlag hitting HARD. Lights out. Until the water heater started to make a weird noise.
Day 2: Exploring the City - and the Quest for Coffee
07:00 - Breakfast (The All-Important Free Breakfast!). The "free breakfast" was a highlight. Decent. There were pastries, and some questionable scrambled eggs. The coffee? Weak but it helped. I filled the whole breakfast area with my presence after I sat alone for 10 minutes.
09:00 - City Tour - The Grand Plan (That Quickly Went Wrong). Okay, so, the plan started with the Centro Historico (Historical Center). It’s beautiful! Stunning architecture, colourful buildings… I was instantly enchanted. I even bravely attempted to navigate the bustling streets, a feat of endurance and the ability to look lost while appearing to know exactly where you're going.
10:00 - The Coffee Crisis. (More Drama!). And then… the caffeine withdrawal kicked in. I needed coffee. DESPERATELY. I stumbled into a charming-looking cafe, ordered a coffee. Waiting. And waiting. After a solid twenty minutes I was considering going behind the counter. Then, finally. A cup of coffee was plased in front of me. A dark roast. It was divine.
12:00 - Lunch: The Accidental Culinary Adventure. Found a cute little restaurant. My Spanish is limited. I pointed at a picture. I got something that tasted amazing. Another victory.
15:00 - The "Nap That Turned Into a Coma." Back at the hotel. Post-lunch sleepiness. Planning to set an alarm for 30 minutes. Woke up hours later in a haze. Still not fully recovered.
18:00 - Dinner and Nightfall: I order some food and watched television. I do not remember anything of this evening.
Day 3: Departure - A bittersweet farewell (and a final shower confrontation!)
07:00 - Breakfast (Round two - the final showdown!). I woke up late. The breakfast buffet was in full swing and I grabbed a plate. This time, I made sure the coffee was strong enough to sustain me for the journey.
09:00 - Last minute Shopping. I needed to buy some souvenirs. I found a local store. I bought some trinkets. Yay!
10:00 - The Final Shower Confrontation. Okay, final shower. You know it. The shower was still a moody jerk. This time it was the cold that lasted for 15 minutes. I gave up. I wasn't going to try to fight it and I was just going to leave.
11:00 - Check-Out: A smooth transaction. "Adios, San Luis Potosí! Until we meet again, possibly."
12:00 - Airport Departure. Goodbye San Luis Potosí! Hopefully, the next time I'm in Mexico I will have a better and less messy schedule.
Final Thoughts:
The Holiday Inn Express? It was a place to sleep, and it did the job. San Luis Potosí? Amazing. The people? Kind. The food? Delicious. The showers? Let's just say, they provided a memorable experience. Would I go back? Absolutely. Will I pack a better shower cap next time? You bet your bottom dollar. This trip was imperfect, chaotic, full of little triumphs and minor disasters, and absolutely unforgettable. 10/10 would recommend (with a healthy dose of personal experience).
Unbeatable Bessemer Stay: Sleep Inn's Hidden Gem!
Ugh, what *is* this thing anyway? Like, what are we even talking about?
Alright, so you want the lowdown, the nitty-gritty. Let's say we're tackling [Let's pretend it's about "Learning to Play the Ukulele"]. It’s that tiny, adorable guitar-like thing that seems all sunshine and rainbows, right? Wrong! Or...mostly right. It's about strumming, singing, and (hopefully) not sounding like a dying cat. It's about chords (which are basically secret handshakes), learning to read tabs (which look like weird little puzzles), and the sheer *joy* of making a joyful noise...or at least trying to. This is the start of the messy journey of learning the ukulele...
Okay, fine, I'm intrigued. Is It Actually...Easy? Because I need easy. Like, *really* easy.
Easy? Ha! That's the ukulele's *slick* marketing line, isn’t it? "Oh, the ukulele is so easy! Anyone can play!" Lies, all lies! (mostly, haha). Look, the *basics*? Yeah, those you can probably grab relatively quickly. You can get a basic C chord down in, like, five minutes. Then you'll spend the next week trying to figure out why your fingers hurt so darn much. Let me tell you a story... I remember the first time I tried an F chord... I thought my finger was going to break! But, still, I didn’t quit. It takes a little time, for sure, but I'd say, if you start with the *idea* of "easy," you’ll set yourself up for disappointment. Think of it more like... accessible. And that’s the goal!
So, What's the Hardest Thing Then? Gimme the gory details.
Hands down, it's figuring out the chord changes. You might master an A chord, a beautiful, resonating A chord, and then the song whips you to an E minor. Suddenly, your brain melts. Your fingers flail. You sound like a strangled walrus. It's brutal, and it's probably what makes most people quit! I started by learning three chords, and all of a sudden I was like, "I'M A UKULELE GOD!" Then I tried playing an actual song, and the world exploded in a chorus of *wrong notes*. Also, your fingers. They'll hurt. Get used to it. Calluses are your ukulele badge of honor. Wear it proudly. Also, the actual act of strumming consistently... that's another tough one. You can do hard upstrokes and downstrokes and keep time... It’s like patting your head while rubbing your stomach and reciting the alphabet backwards. *Difficult*.
Alright, what if I'm tone-deaf? Am I doomed to a lifetime of silence (or, worse, off-key karaoke)?
Okay, deep breaths. Tone-deafness isn't a death sentence, I swear! It can make things *slightly* more challenging. But, honestly, a lot of singing along is about learning *rhythm*. You can still *strum* the heck out of those chords! My singing voice? Well, let's just say my cat runs for cover when I try. But I still *play* that darn ukulele. Plus, with enough practice, you can improve your pitch a little. There are apps, there are online tutorials, there are supportive friends who will laugh *with* you, not at you. Don't let your supposed inability to sing hold you back from trying the ukulele.
What Kind of Ukulele Should I Get? Don't tell me to be practical! I want to be cool.
Oh, the gear question! Alright, look, you *could* start with the cheapest thing you can find, and that's a perfectly valid approach. But... I'm an impulse buyer. So, I'm not going to advocate that. I'll be honest, getting the right ukulele *is* important! There are all kinds of different sizes – soprano, concert, tenor, baritone... It's enough to make your head spin. My advice? *Go to a store.* Try a few different sizes. See what feels comfy in your hands. And definitely don't assume the most expensive one is automatically the best. It isn't! Sometimes, the cheap ones have their own charm. And, yeah, the soprano *looks* the cutest, and a tenor can have a much fuller sound. Also, you may want a case! I ruined my first ukulele because I didn't get a case. So, learn from me!
So, about this practice thing... How much should I practice? And when? Because, realistically, I'm lazy.
Ugh, practice! The bane of my existence. Honestly, the *best* answer is "every day." But who has time for that? Especially if you are a busy person! I’m in the same boat as you. I’d say 15-20 minutes, *consistently*, is way better than a two-hour marathon once a week. Even five minutes is better than zero. The more often, the better. It doesn't matter when, as long as you do it. But pick a time you can actually *stick* to. After dinner? Coffee break? Before bed? Whatever works for you. Look, some days I just sit with my uke, staring at it, and I'm too tired to do anything with it. That counts too, you know. It's still *being* with the instrument. Also, consider the time you spend online! That helps too!
Is it Worth it? Seriously.
Yes. Yes, a thousand times yes. Look, it's frustrating sometimes. You'll get discouraged. You'll want to hurl your ukulele across the room (don't do that, by the way). But. When you finally play a song, even a simple one, and you hear those chords ring out, and people are actually *listening*? Or you play for yourself and feel a rush of something...it's pure, unadulterated joy. It's an escape, a creative outlet, a reason to smile. It's a conversation starter. It's a way to connect with others. And it's way more fun than sitting on the couch scrolling through Instagram, I promise you. The world needs more ukulele players. It's my favorite way of playing since I had to sell my drumset to buy a car, I'd say. You should try it. Even if it's a bit messy in the beginning, like everything else.
