Pikeville's BEST Hotel? Holiday Inn Express Review!

Holiday Inn Express and Suites Pikeville By IHG United States

Pikeville's BEST Hotel? Holiday Inn Express Review!

Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the Holiday Inn Express in Pikeville, Kentucky – the self-proclaimed "BEST Hotel" in town. And listen, after my stay, I'm ready to unravel this claim and let you in on the real deal - the good, the bad, and the slightly-stained-but-perfectly-adequate. This isn't your sterile, cookie-cutter review – this is my experience.

First Impressions (and the Parking Lot That Didn't Quite Get Me There)

Okay, so Pikeville. Let's be honest, it's not exactly… glamorous. But hey, it's Eastern Kentucky, and the Holiday Inn Express is strategically placed. My first thought? Relief that I could actually find the place. The parking? Ample, and thankfully free, which is always a win. They even boast a car power charging station (big whoop for the electric car crew!). Now, I will say, navigating the exterior of the Hotel was slightly challenging. I'm not sure if it's the architecture or my rusty sense of direction but I did get lost just trying to get inside!

Accessibility - Did They Think About People, or Just Think About Getting People In?

This is important. Accessibility. Let's be upfront, the entrance was accessible, and that's a definite plus. They've got an elevator, which is non-negotiable for any hotel, and that's a positive. And the car park is free of charge. But the devil's in the details, right? While I can't personally vouch for a complete accessibility audit, the hallways seemed wide enough, and I didn't spot any obvious blunders that would immediately alienate someone with mobility issues.

Room Reality Check: Clean, Crisp, and… Sightly Imperfect…

My room? Clean! I'm a cleanliness stickler, and I was legitimately relieved. The room sanitization opt-out available gives you a feeling that your cleanliness is valued. The bed? Comfortably firm. They've got air conditioning (thank god), a desk (for the inevitable "I have to do some work" moments), and a refrigerator (essential for those late-night snack attacks). The free Wi-Fi was a godsend. The free bottled water, also a win. But wait…

And the most important thing – the blackout curtains. I'm telling you, in a world of flashing hotel signs, these are a life-saver for a light sleeper like yours truly.

Now the imperfections: A tiny, teeny scuff on the armchair. A faint, almost imperceptible whiff of… something… that wasn't fresh linen. I'm not going to lie, it was not awful, but it was there. It's not the Ritz, people; it's Pikeville. But it's good.

Food Glorious Food (Or, What's on the Breakfast Buffet?)

Okay, the breakfast, and I feel a bit ashamed to admit it, was a major highlight. They do the usual motel breakfast staples, but there was something… satisfying about piling my plate high with buffet in restaurant options. There's breakfast [buffet], which is amazing. I, personally, chose the Western breakfast fare - some sort of very processed, but ultimately palatable, scrambled eggs, sausage, and, of course, a waffle maker.

And the coffee? Acceptable. Necessary. The coffee/tea maker in the room saved me in a pinch.

I didn't explore the dining options beyond, so I can't tell you about the restaurants mentioned such as Asian cuisine in restaurant or vegetarian restaurant, but I did see a snack bar in the lobby.

Relaxation Station? Let's See…

The swimming pool [outdoor] was open, and it's surrounded by a view (okay, the view is the town, but hey). I didn't partake, but I did see a dude taking a relaxing dip. The fitness center looked promising, and the spa/sauna was closed.

The Nitty Gritty: Cleanliness, Safety, and the Staff Who Make it Liveable

Let's get real. In these times, cleanliness and safety are king. The Holiday Inn Express seems to take things seriously. They have hand sanitizer everywhere, daily disinfection in common areas, and the staff seemed genuinely committed to following safety protocols. The staff trained in safety protocol - that's reassuring. The rooms sanitized between stays, they said. Okay, maybe the slight scent of something-that-wasn't-fresh-linen-but-was-fine was just me being picky.

Services and Conveniences (The Extras That Matter)

They truly thought of everything: a concierge, a cash withdrawal, and a convenience store. They offer daily housekeeping, and a laundry service (necessary when you're travelling). And the Wi-Fi for special events. I can't vouch for a Doctor/nurse on call , but they do have a first aid kit.

For the Kids (And the Kids at Heart)

I didn't travel with any children, but the hotel seemed family/child friendly. I noticed a babysitting service, and kids meal options. I am not sure if they have a playground or other kid-friendly amenities.

The Verdict: Is it the BEST Hotel in Pikeville?

Look, it's not the Four Seasons. But for Pikeville, the Holiday Inn Express delivers. It's clean, comfortable, reasonably priced, and the staff are friendly. It definitely is a good place to stay.

My Final, Unsolicited, Opinion:

It's a solid choice. Book it. Don't expect miracles, but do expect a decent night's sleep, a good breakfast, and a generally pleasant experience. My Special Offer

Book your stay at the Holiday Inn Express in Pikeville, Kentucky, and get a special discount on your stay! Use promo code: StayAtEase to receive up to 20% off your room! Note: This discount is dependent on room availability and may or may not be available. Act fast as the offer is not available for all rooms.

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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's perfectly planned itinerary. We’re talking the kind of trip that leaves you questioning your life choices, covered in questionable gas station coffee stains, and muttering sweet nothings about the joys of a good hotel breakfast. We're hitting up the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Pikeville, by IHG! Let's see if we survive this…

The Pikeville Pilgrimage: A Mostly Coherent (Maybe) Itinerary

(Because let's be honest, "perfectly coherent" is a lie we tell ourselves before we leave the driveway.)

Day 1: Arrival & The Great Room Lament

• 1:00 PM: Arrive in Pikeville, Kentucky. Oh. My. God. Kentucky. I haven't been this far east since I accidentally wandered into a Jersey shore town in my youth. I hope they have decent coffee here. Because if not, this trip is gonna be rough.
• 1:30 PM: Check into the Holiday Inn Express & Suites. Okay, first impressions: the lobby seems…clean. Always a good sign. The guy at the front desk looks like he’s seen some things. Probably more than me. Hopefully, he can understand my travel-weary mutterings. I’ve been on the road all morning.
• 2:00 PM: Unpack (or, in my case, shove everything haphazardly into a drawer). Inspect the room. Always, always inspect the room. Is there a mini-fridge? Crucial. Does the internet work? Even more crucial. Okay, it's…standard. Pleasant enough. Bed looks comfy. This is a good start. Until I see the bathroom. The shower head is…questionable. Like, is that mildew? Ugh!
• 2:30 PM: Attempt to utilize the hotel's "free" Wi-Fi. Spoiler alert: it's not actually free. It's like a subscription service to buffering. I’ll need to get my work stuff done. I’m so screwed. But I’m gonna enjoy this little pitstop.
• 3:00 PM: Struggle to find a decent coffee shop. Google Maps says there’s a Starbucks, but it’s apparently in a parallel dimension. Or maybe I'm in one.
• 3:30 PM: Discover a gas station coffee haven. Desperate times, desperate measures. Turns out, it's surprisingly drinkable. A little…aggressive, perhaps, but it'll do the trick. Fuel up.
• 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Settle in and finally get some work done. Because bills don't pay themselves. *Or at least, *my* bills don't.* (I'm pretty sure the Wi-Fi situation is improving.)
• 6:30 PM: Dinner. Find the closest chain restaurant. Maybe Applebees? TGI Friday’s? I'm not picky, but I'm hungry. I'm already craving something with a decent amount of carbs and something to watch for a while.
• 8:00 PM: Stumble back to the hotel, fully fed but questioning my life choices. I'm not sure if I'm in a good mood or if I'm still bitter about the Wifi. I have to remember tomorrow. Watch some TV, or get into a good book. My mind is racing.
• 9:00 PM: Attempt to relax. The shower definitely needs work. This is gonna be the toughest part of the whole trip.
• 10:00 PM: Sleep. I am very tired.

Day 2: Adventure! (Or At Least Getting Out of Bed)

• 7:00 AM: Wake up, regretting every life decision. I can't describe you how my back is hurting. I really need to move to a better place.
• 7:30 AM: Breakfast at the hotel. This is crucial. This is the moment that decides if the day is gonna be good, or if it’s gonna be spent just trying to get through it. The breakfast bar. Ah, the breakfast bar. Will it be a glorious display of perfectly sculpted waffles and steaming sausage? Or will it be a greasy, sad-looking collection of congealed eggs and stale cereal? Fingers crossed.
• 8:00 AM: This is the part where you can finally get stuff done. I need to make some phone calls and deal with that stupid email from earlier.
• 9:30 AM: Time to explore the town. Time to explore Pikeville.
• 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Drive the area. I'm gonna make sure I can find the things I need.
• 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch. Somewhere. Anywhere! Maybe a local place. I hope.
• 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Free Time. I like free time. I think I'll check out the local places for some photos or something like that.
• 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Back to the hotel to get some rest and unwind. This is my jam. Hopefully.
• 6:30 PM: Dinner. Back to the restaurants!
• 8:00 PM: Back to the hotel. Bed. Rest. Repeat.

Day 3: Departure & Existential Dread

• 7:00 AM: Breakfast. The breakfast bar. May it be more glorious today.
• 8:00 AM: Pack. The dreaded task. The moment when reality hits you in the face and reminds you that you have to go back to real life.
• 9:00 AM: Check out. Bidding farewell to Pikeville. Would I come back? Maybe. Probably not. But who knows?
• 9:15 AM: Check out. And then…home. Where I belong. Because the road, despite its brief moments of brilliance, can also be a lonely, slightly disappointing place.
• 9:30 AM: Departure. The end.

Final Thoughts:

This itinerary is a suggestion, a guideline, a flimsy framework on which I'll hang my various states of emotional response. The reality is, travel is messy, unpredictable, and often hilarious. And that's what makes it worth it. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to find a decent coffee shop…and maybe some therapy.

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Holiday Inn Express Pikeville: The Good, The Bad, and the Slightly Smelly Laundry Room (and Everything In-Between)

Is this really the "BEST" hotel in Pikeville, like, *really*?

Okay, let's be real. "BEST" is a loaded term. Pikeville isn't exactly the Ritz, you know? Look, It's the Holiday Inn Express. It's not winning any design awards, but honestly? For Pikeville, and *considering the alternatives* (which, let's just say, aren't exactly vying for a Michelin star), it's pretty darn good. Clean, relatively modern, serves a free breakfast (more on *that* later...). So, yeah, maybe "BEST" is a bit hyperbolic, but "Most Convenient and Generally Acceptable" is probably more accurate... and less catchy. Plus, the staff *generally* seems happy to be there, which is always a plus. (Unlike that *one* time I stayed at a motel in, oh, let's just say rural Ohio... the dead-eyed stares still haunt me).

What's the deal with the breakfast? Is it actually *good*? (Because, seriously, hotel breakfasts...)

Alright, breakfast. The eternal struggle. Look, it's FREE, folks. Free! Don't go in expecting a gourmet experience. The scrambled eggs are... consistently yellowish. The sausage? Let's call it "questionable, but edible." The waffles? Ah, the waffle maker. Sometimes a triumph, sometimes a disaster. You’re gonna need to channel your inner waffle-ninja. My personal best? One time I managed a perfect, golden brown waffle. The kids, however, are going to act like the waffle is the most amazing thing they have ever witnessed. I mean, they *will* gobble it down like they haven’t eaten in a week. It's a win-win. And hey, the coffee's usually passable, which is really all that matters before you face a day of... whatever it is you're doing in Pikeville. Just… *avoid* the pre-packaged pastries. They're actively trying to kill your enthusiasm. I'm not kidding about that.

How are the rooms? Are they… clean? (Please tell me they are clean.)

Okay, *deep breath*. Yes. They are *generally* clean. I’ve stayed there a few times, and I've never encountered anything truly horrifying. (Unlike that time I booked a hotel in Las Vegas on a dare… let’s just say there were *features* I would rather not have encountered at 3 am). The Holiday Inn Express rooms in Pikeville are your standard, cookie-cutter hotel room. Comfortable enough beds. A decent-sized TV. The wi-fi usually works. (Thank the wireless gods!). They aren't luxurious, but they're functional and, again, *clean*. I mean, I usually bring my own antibacterial wipes because I'm a germaphobe by nature, but so far, I haven't felt the need to completely sterilize the room. Which is a good sign, right?

Anything noteworthy about the staff? Are they helpful?

The staff? Mostly good! They're definitely not wearing those ridiculously pressed suits that you see in some luxury hotels, but they're friendly and generally seem happy to help. The front desk check-in is usually quick and efficient (although I once waited in line for what felt like an eternity, and *still* don't know why... maybe it was a long line). I've had good experiences getting extra towels and dealing with minor issues. One time, the hairdryer died (the horror!). It took them, like, ten minutes to make a new one, so I'll give them props there. It was a true crisis for me, you know how it is when you got a big night out. And the housekeeping staff are hard workers. They seem to be everywhere, constantly zipping around, making sure the place is tidy. I wouldn't call them chatty, but they always smile when they see you. (Except for the one time I may or may not have accidentally left a half-eaten bag of chips in the room... let's just say I got the stink eye for *that*).

Okay, so... the bad stuff? What are the REAL downsides?

Alright, the honesty moment. There are a few… quirks. First, the parking can get a little tight. If you arrive late, be prepared to circle a few times. This is less a "downside" and more a "practical reality" of Pikeville. Second, the elevators are a bit… slow, shall we say? If you're impatient (like me), be prepared to pace (like me), or climb the stairs (I haven't done this, but maybe I should). And then there's the laundry room. *shudders*. It's functional, bless its little cotton socks, but the ventilation... let's just say, on a humid day, it can smell a bit… musty. And sometimes, the machines are out of order. It really pays to check before you start your laundry. And oh, oh wait… one time I tried to use the vending machine… and it just *ate* my dollar. I'm still bitter about that. I think I may have needed a candy bar that day. Seriously, that should be considered a crime against humanity.

Anything else I should know? Hidden gems? Deal-breakers?

Hidden gems… hmm. Well, it’s *close* to a lot of restaurants and shops. Location's a major plus. (Though, again, Pikeville doesn't exactly have a thriving nightlife scene.) Think the mall shopping. Oh, and the pool is… well, it is there. I've never actually *used* it, but it *looks* clean enough. Deal-breakers? If you’re a super-light sleeper, ask for a room away from the elevator and if you're a health nut, pack some snacks and maybe even your own breakfast to be safe. Seriously, don't rely solely on that food. All in all, it's fine. It really is. And that (mostly) sums it up the Holiday Inn Express in Pikeville. It's a solid, reliable, and probably the best option available.

Would you stay there again? Be honest!

Yes. I would. Look, I’ve stayed at worse. Much, much worse. It's practical, it’s clean enough, and it's generally hassle-free. Plus, I'm a sucker for those instant oatmeal packets they have in the breakfast area. (Don't judge!). So yeah, if I'm ever back in Pikeville (and let's be honest, the odds are probably higher than I'd like), I'll probably book a room at the Holiday Inn Express. But I’m definitely bringing my own laundry detergent. And stocking up on granola bars. Just… in case.

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