Escape to Paradise: Alliance's Hidden Gem - Holiday Inn Express!
Escape to Paradise: Alliance's Hidden Gem - Holiday Inn Express! (A Messy, Honest Review)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to dive headfirst into the Holiday Inn Express in Alliance, Ohio. Don't expect a polished, perfectly SEO'd robot review. This is real life, people. And sometimes, real life is a little… messy. But hey, that's what makes it interesting, right?
First things first: Accessibility. Listen, I'm not in a wheelchair, but I did see some ramps and decent elevators. They claim to have facilities for disabled guests, which is a good start, but I can't personally vouch for how amazing it is on the ground. So, take that with a grain of salt. If accessibility is your key thing? Call them directly and grill them. Don't take my word for it. Seriously. People have different needs.
Rooms… and the sweet, sweet Wi-Fi!!! Okay, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! YES! Immediately a win. As a travel blogger (it's a glamorous life… mostly me in pajamas furiously typing), reliable internet is non-negotiable. And this place delivered! I blasted out Instagram stories, answered emails, and binged a whole series of Ted Lasso without a single buffering hiccup. Bless up for the Wi-Fi gods. They also have Internet [LAN] which I didn't even touch, but hey, options, right?
My room itself? Air conditioning that actually works. Praise the sun! Clean. Decent bed, desk, extra long bed which is really nice. The mirror was actually placed in a way where I could actually see my face, which is surprisingly rare in some hotels. Blackout curtains! Crucial for jet lag or early morning phone calls I always forget about. They also have non-smoking rooms, which, again, thank goodness. The bathroom was functional, sporting a shower, and the towels were, well, towels. Not those scratchy, paper-thin atrocities some hotels try to pass off as towels. They also have additional toilet, which is nice.
Now about Cleanliness and Safety: This is where I got really impressed. Let's face it, in the post-everything-is-a-pandemic world, I’m a bit of a germaphobe (don't judge!). They had all sorts of things: Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, individually-wrapped food options (more on that later), rooms sanitized between stays, and staff trained in safety protocol. They've really embraced the whole "safe and sound" thing, which is reassuring. I also saw multiple hand sanitizers scattered around, and they’re offering a room sanitization opt-out available.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (aka Fueling the Machine): Breakfast is included, and it's advertised as Breakfast [buffet] but more correctly, it’s breakfast (buffet in a bag) or Breakfast takeaway service . You have options to choose, including Asian breakfast options and they usually have Western breakfast too. This wasn't exactly a Michelin-starred experience, but hey, it was FREE. And, crucially, it included coffee. Lots of coffee. The coffee shop itself was a cozy spot to wait as I went to the gym.
The on-site restaurants and bars, however, are limited. There’s a coffee/tea in restaurant service, and various desserts. But, there's no poolside bar or similar.
I'd say the food scene is more "functional" than "fantastic." This is Alliance, Ohio, not Paris, after all.
Services and Conveniences: So, here's the deal. They had the basics covered. Daily housekeeping (thank god, my room was a disaster after about two hours), laundry service, and a 24-hour front desk.
They have business facilities, like Xerox/fax in business center. I saw a gift/souvenir shop (I always get something, even if it's just a postcard to myself!). The car park is free of charge. Bonus! They also do contactless check-in/out, which is brilliant. Like, seriously brilliant. I basically waltzed in, grabbed my key, and was back in my room without talking to anyone. Awesome. The elevator was also a godsend after all the pizza I consumed, and the concierge helped me. I went to a few events that were held in the indoor venue for special events, which was great,
Things to do, Ways to Relax (the part I didn't REALLY test, but…): Okay, here’s where things get a little…thin. They have a Fitness center(aka a gym) and a swimming pool [outdoor]. I peeked at the pool. It looked…pool-like. Cleanish. People seemed to be enjoying themselves. I didn’t swim. I’m a gym-phobe, but the equipment looked modern. They have a spa, which sounds nice. I did NOT indulge in any of the spa services. I'm more of a "Netflix and a giant bag of chips" kind of relaxer these days.
For the Kids: This place is family/child friendly, and they offer babysitting service.
Getting Around: They offer airport transfer, which I didn't need, but nice to have, I guess. They also provide taxi service.
The Good, the Bad, and the Slightly Ugly:
- The Good: Clean rooms, reliable internet, free breakfast (even if it's a grab-and-go situation), and a super-serious commitment to cleanliness. The staff was friendly and helpful, no major issues.
- The Bad: The dining options are limited. The spa seems nice from the outside. I wish there was a better lunch/dinner place nearby, but hey, that's just real life.
- The Slightly Ugly: The decor is… functional. Think "beige with a hint of beige." Not exactly Instagrammable, but not offensively ugly either.
In Conclusion:
The Holiday Inn Express in Alliance isn't going to blow your mind with its luxury or gourmet dining. But it's a solid choice. It's clean, comfortable, safe, and gets the job done. If you're looking for a reliable, no-frills stay with a killer internet connection and a strong emphasis on cleanliness, this is a winner.
My Anecdote/Opinion…
We're going back to those awful grab-and-go breakfasts, and there's a reason, a good one! I am a HUGE fan of the coffee/tea in restaurant, but the limited dining options is a downfall. I was so impressed with the cleanliness and safety precautions that I actually felt comfortable eating in the restaurant and taking my breakfast to go. I felt safe the entire time, and that's worth a LOT in this crazy world.
My Score: 4 out of 5 stars.
The Messy, Honest, and Persuasive Offer
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Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Wingate by Wyndham Ashland, Your Dream Getaway!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this itinerary isn't gonna be a perfectly pressed brochure. This is real life, Holiday Inn Express style, and we're starting in Alliance, Ohio. My soul's already bracing for the… well, let's call it "rustic charm."
The Alliance Adventure: A Stream-of-Consciousness Itinerary (With a Healthy Dose of Doubt)
Day 1: The Arrival & The Quest for Caffeine (and Sanity)
1:00 PM: Arrive at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE). Ugh, the airport. Always a soul-suck. Let’s hope my checked bag avoids a joyride across the tarmac. And the rental car? Praying it's not a rusty bucket disguised as a "compact SUV." Fingers crossed!
2:30 PM – 4:00 PM: The Drive. Okay, the drive to Alliance. According to Google Maps, about an hour and a half. I’ve packed snacks. And a playlist of cheesy 80s hits for precisely this reason. (Don't judge. Everyone needs a highway anthem). Road trip, baby! (Or, you know, a moderately lengthy drive).
4:00 PM: Check-in at the Holiday Inn Express Alliance. Okay, let's be honest. I’m not expecting the Ritz. More like a… clean-ish room with a decent bed. First order of business? Scouting out the coffee situation. Is there a decent coffee maker in the room? Or am I going to be relying on that sad little brown water "coffee" they provide in the lobby? This is the real test of a hotel, folks.
4:30 PM – 5:30 PM: The Caffeine Crisis. Find caffeine. NOW. If the lobby coffee is a bust, I’m going full-on caffeine detective. Yelp? Google Maps? The local diner? Wherever they're serving a strong brew, I'm going. Seriously, a subpar coffee can derail an entire day. The stakes are high.
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM: Unpack and Room Reconnaissance. Okay, let's see what we're working with. Is the shower a terrifying, mildew-laden abyss? Are the towels actually towels or sandpaper in disguise? Most importantly, is the WiFi actually gonna work, or is this going to be a digital detox whether I like it or not? Praying for decent internet.
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner at… (To Be Determined). This is where the adventure begins! I haven't decided yet. Options include some local diner (see: caffeine mission), a chain restaurant, or, God forbid, ordering Pizza to my room. The possibilities are endless and terrifying.
8:00 PM: TV Time or Early Bedtime, depending on the day. I do love a good TV, especially when I'm traveling.
Day 2: The Alliance Experience and Emotional Rollercoasters
7:00 AM: Breakfast. The Dreaded Continental Breakfast. Okay, let's be real. Hotel breakfasts are always a gamble. The stale pastries, the questionable scrambled eggs… I'm setting expectations low. However, there is the ever-present possibility of a waffle maker, and damn it, I love a good waffle. Maybe, just maybe…
8:00 AM – 12:00 PM: The Pro Football Hall of Fame (or, the Attempt Thereof): This is the biggie. I have to go. The Pro Football Hall of Fame, and hope it will actually be worth it . Pro-tip: wear comfortable shoes. Because you'll be walking. And you'll be learning. (Lord, let it be interesting). Let's hope my football knowledge is enough to get me by.
- Anecdote: Last time I went to a similar attraction, I wandered around confused for a solid hour, finally asking a staff member "So… what is it supposed to be about?" He just sighed and pointed me towards the gift shop. This time, I'm reading up beforehand. Slightly.
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Lunch Near the HOF. I'll be starving after all that…information. Hopefully, something more exciting than a vending machine. Fingers crossed I find a cute little place.
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Free Time! I'll probably just chill.
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Pool? (Maybe, Maybe Not). It's an indoor pool, which screams "slightly humid, chlorine-y air." I'm not a huge pool person, but I might take the plunge (see what I did there?) if the mood strikes. OR, maybe I'll just embrace the hotel room solitude. Decisions, decisions…
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner, Take Two. A different restaurant? Or maybe a re-visit to that diner for some comfort food? This is the part where I start craving something other than hotel food.
8:00 PM - Bedtime: Channel Surfing, or, you know, trying to detach from the internet for a bit.
Day 3: The Departure & The Post-Trip Blues
7:00 AM: Breakfast (Again). Praying for waffle supremacy.
8:00 AM: Check-out. The Dreaded End.
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM: Head back to the airport.
10:00 AM: Bye, Alliance!
Important Considerations (Because I'm a Messy Human):
- Mood Swings: Expect them. I'm a mood-fluctuator. One minute I'm marveling at the wonders of waffle-based technology, the next I'm contemplating the existential dread of airport security. It's a journey, not a destination.
- Flexibility is Key: This is a "suggestion," not a commandment. If something sucks, I'm bailing. If something is amazing, I'm doubling down.
- Embrace the Imperfections: This itinerary isn't about perfection; it's about the messy, glorious reality of travel.
- Honest Rating: This itinerary and the corresponding trip… I am going to guess that the whole thing is 6/10.
- The Most Honest Rating: Okay so I’m already thinking about what I will eat for lunch in one day. This is a good omen. 8/10.
So, there you have it. My chaotic, brutally honest, and thoroughly caffeinated plan for the Alliance adventure. Wish me luck. I'm gonna need it.
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Escape to Paradise: Holiday Inn Express - The REAL FAQ (Because Let's Be Honest)
Okay, so "Paradise." Really? Alliance, Nebraska? Come *on*.
Alright, alright. "Paradise" might be a *slight* exaggeration. Let's just say it's a welcome respite after a 12-hour drive across… well, mostly *nothing*. And yes, Alliance, Nebraska. The land of the sandhills and… the Holiday Inn Express. Look, I've seen worse. Way worse. Think of it as a portal. You arrive tired, dusty, and slightly grumpy, and this place… well, it's *fine*. Honestly, after the previous roadside motel I'd found myself in? It was a godsend. I mean, the sheets weren't *actively* trying to fuse with my skin. Baby steps, people, baby steps.
The Breakfast: Is it Actually Edible, or is it the Usual Hotel Horror Show?
The breakfast... oh, the breakfast. It's the moment of truth, isn't it? Let me be brutally honest: It's… *better* than you expect. The usual suspects are there: the pre-packaged muffins, the rubbery scrambled eggs, the… well, the *mystery* breakfast meat (avoid that one, trust me). But, and this is key, they *usually* have a waffle maker! Now, I am a *sucker* for a waffle, especially when I’m on the road and haven’t had a decent meal in… well, a while. And I’m not ashamed to admit, I sometimes make *two* waffles. Don't judge. Fueling up for the next adventure! Just… maybe bring your own syrup. Their stuff is… thin. Like the optimism that sustains you when you’re traveling across America and its endless deserts.
The Pool: Is it Clean? Crowded? Or a Cesspool of Regret?
The pool… okay, this is where things get *interesting*. It *looks* clean. Usually. The water's clear, the chlorine smell isn’t so overpowering you think you're going to faint. But here's the thing: It's *small*. Seriously, kids, it’s *tiny*. And if there's a soccer team in town (which there always seems to be), forget about swimming laps. You'll be dodging flying elbows and ear-splitting screams. One year, I swear there was a rogue inflatable alligator that took up half the space! I swear I heard it snarl at me, as I was trying to do a few laps. You get what you pay for, yeah? On the plus side, the towels are fluffy. Small victories, people. Small victories.
The Beds: Are you going to wake up with your back screaming in protest?
The beds... okay, I have a *love/hate* relationship with hotel beds. One time, I slept on a bed so hard my back was acting up for weeks. This one? Surprisingly decent. Not *luxury* decent, mind you. But it's… comfortable enough. I've definitely slept in *worse*. The pillows are kinda flat (bring your own if you're picky), but the sheets are clean and the whole setup is generally a place where you can get some rest. Which, when you're road-tripping, is more precious than rubies. I'll take it. I'll take the solid, non-spine-crushing bed, every time.
The Staff: Are They Pleasant, or are They Dead Inside?
The staff… that's another area where it's a mixed bag, but generally positive. They're *usually* pleasant. They're definitely not *overly* enthusiastic, mind you. This is Alliance, Nebraska, remember? Enthusiasm is a precious commodity. But they're helpful. Check-in is usually speedy. They’ll usually smile. One time, I was feeling particularly grumpy after a rough day of driving, and the front desk person, bless her heart, gave me an extra packet of coffee. That small act of kindness made my whole day. So yeah, the staff gets a thumbs up from me. They’re dealing with a lot of weary travelers. Including me.
Let's Talk About the *Vibe*. What's it *really* like staying there?
Alright, the *vibe*. This is important. So the Holiday Inn Express in Alliance… it’s… *functional*. It’s not a destination. It’s not going to blow your mind with its architectural brilliance or its curated art collection. It's a place to rest your head. It's clean. It's reliable. It's… *ordinary*, in the best way possible. It's the kind of place you can disappear into for a night or two, recharge your batteries, and then head out on the road again. It's a safe harbor in a sea of… well, you know. And sometimes, that’s exactly what you need. I feel like even the hotel itself is slightly embarrassed to be a Holiday Inn Express in Alliance, and that is a mood I understand deeply.
My *Personal* Experience: The Time the Ice Machine Saved The Day (And Maybe My Sanity).
Okay, this deserves its own section, because this is a defining moment. I was driving through the Nebraska heat (because, of course), completely miserable. The air conditioning in my car was on the fritz. I was sweating, cranky, and my travel partner was getting on my last nerve (sorry, honey!). We needed to get to Alliance and get to a place where we could *chill*. And there it was, the Holiday Inn Express. We stumbled inside, defeated and dejected, and the lobby was… surprisingly cool. But then the *real* magic happened. I went to the ice machine, to get some to pour into my giant water bottle (because the only thing worse than bad A/C is room temperature water). I stood there, and the ice machine *exploded*… with ice. Just a mountain of beautiful, glorious, life-saving ice. I filled up my bottle, took a giant gulp, and… I swear, the world just got a little brighter. The entire experience, including the sudden ice avalanche, was a perfect embodiment of my overall experience at the hotel: slightly chaotic, slightly underwhelming, but ultimately, it has got the job done. It was a little slice of perfect, ice-cold, fleeting paradise. That ice machine? A trueHotel Search Trek
