Watertown's BEST Hotel? Thousand Islands Getaway Awaits at Holiday Inn Express!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving HEADFIRST into the Holiday Inn Express in Watertown, NY – or, as they so pretentiously put it, "Thousand Islands Getaway Awaits!" Let's see if their marketing hype actually delivers, shall we? Prepare for a review that's LESS "flawless travel writer" and MORE "over-caffeinated, slightly cynical, but ultimately hopeful human who just spent a night there."
First Impressions: The Accessibility Gauntlet (and My Semi-Triumphant Victory)
Alright, so, Accessibility is a biggie. (And by biggie, I mean it's crucial, right?) The website claims the usual stuff – wheelchair accessible rooms, etc. Honestly, I've been burned before. But, and this is a BIG BUT, the ramps and elevators seemed…functional. Not exactly a Disney World parade route, but I didn't feel like I was scaling Mount Everest to get to my room. Kudos, Holiday Inn Express. You didn't actively fail in accessibility. That's a win in my book.
The Room: A Symphony of Beige (and Wi-Fi!).
Okay, the Available in all rooms list? Yep, they got it. Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Coffee/tea maker, the whole shebang. It's a Holiday Inn Express, not a Ritz-Carlton. Expect beige. Lots and lots of beige. The bed was… fine. Firm. Not a cloud, but not a torture device either. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! – Praise the internet gods! I am a slave to connectivity, and it was mostly reliable. There was that one time I needed to upload a video of a particularly cute squirrel (don't judge me), and the Internet access – wireless hiccuped. Okay okay, maybe I was the problem – I’m not sure!
My room came with an Additional toilet – score! And a Bathroom phone – because, who doesn't need to dial out from the loo? The satellite/cable channels were plentiful enough to keep the boredom at bay.
The "Relaxation" Zone: Poolside Dreams and Sauna-Related Regrets
Now, on to the good stuff! The Swimming pool [outdoor]? It exists! It was freezing when I was there, so you can guess I did not go for a dip, but it looked clean and inviting… in a "blue-tiled rectangle" kind of way. There's also a Gym/fitness. I, unfortunately, missed it because I spent WAY too long contemplating the meaning of life in front of the mini-bar, but the sign boasted "state-of-the-art equipment." (I'm picturing a treadmill with a slightly broken handrail.) And the Spa/sauna? Well, that sounds fancy. But I think there was just a sauna. I didn't actually use it. I was too busy… you know.
Food, Glorious Food (or, The Breakfast Buffet's Existential Crisis)
Alright, let's talk Dining, drinking, and snacking. The Breakfast [buffet]. Oh, the breakfast buffet. It's a microcosm of human existence, a battleground of scrambled eggs and lukewarm coffee. The Breakfast takeaway service? Genius. Because sometimes, you just need to escape the buffet's judgmental glare. They had Coffee/tea in restaurant, which I’m pretty sure is a legal requirement for any establishment.
I was promised an Asian breakfast – and I'm pretty sure I saw a half-hearted attempt at some plain rice. Look, I’m not saying it was amazing, but it filled a hole and I really needed that, and I’m not complaining.
There's a Coffee shop, which is a welcome break from instant coffee. Plus a Bar? Because it goes without saying, but it is never a bad idea, ever.
Cleanliness and Safety: The COVID Era Shuffle
They’re trying! The Anti-viral cleaning products and Daily disinfection in common areas are reassuring. There's Hand sanitizer everywhere. The staff wore masks, and they were vigilant. They probably had to be. Sterilizing equipment? Check. They're clearly taking it seriously.
My biggest takeaway, and you can take this to the bank, is that the folks working there were polite, which is what matters.
The Services and Conveniences: A Mixed Bag.
Okay, the usual suspects are here. They have Daily housekeeping. There's a Concierge – though I didn't actually need one. Laundry service if you're a masochist who enjoys paying inflated prices for clean socks.
What I did love? The Cashless payment service. I’m basically a digital nomad, and those things are a life-saver!
For the Kids: Babysitting and Family Friendly?
I had no kids with me, but they offered Family/child friendly and maybe a babysitting service? Don't hold me to it. Seems kid-friendly, though.
The "Getting Around" Game: Car Park and Airport Transfer
Car park [free of charge], always a good thing. They also offer Airport transfer, but I didn't use it.
Overall Impression: Worth the Dollar?
So, is the Holiday Inn Express in Watertown, NY, "the best" hotel? Well, "best" is subjective, isn't it? It's solid. It's dependable. It's Holiday Inn Express. It gets the job done. It’s not amazing. But it’s fine. It would be a good place to be with your family on a road trip – but it would be equally a good place for quiet night with some books and an internet connection.
Compelling Offer: Your Watertown Adventure Awaits (Plus a Few Perks!)
Tired of the same old routine? Craving a getaway? Then ditch the stress and escape to Watertown!
Book your stay at the Holiday Inn Express in Watertown, NY, and get:
- Unbeatable Comfort: Clean, comfortable rooms with all the essentials (yes, even free Wi-Fi!).
- Easy Access: Wheelchair accessible rooms available.
- Fuel Up Right: A breakfast buffet to kickstart your day.
- Relax and Unwind: Take a dip in the outdoor pool (weather permitting!) or hit the gym to work off that breakfast.
- Peace of Mind: Cleanliness and safety are our top priorities, so you can relax and focus on having fun.
BONUS!
- Book your stay this week and receive a 15% discount on your first night!
Click here to book your Thousand Island Getaway NOW! (Limited availability!)
Don't wait! Your Watertown adventure is calling!
Knights Inn Montgomeryville: Your Surprisingly Amazing Stay Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because you're about to get a messy tour of my potential (and possibly doomed) adventure at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Watertown - Thousand Islands. This isn't your perfectly manicured, Instagram-filtered trip. This is the real deal – the one where you might accidentally wear mismatched socks and forget to pack toothpaste (guilty!).
Day 1: Arrival and the Existential Dread of a Continental Breakfast
- Morning (9:00 AM, roughly): Departure – assuming I actually wake up on time. This is a big assumption, considering my track record with alarms. Seriously, I’m pretty sure I’ve developed a natural immunity to the obnoxious beep-beep-beep of those things. The drive, which Google Maps assures me is "only" [insert estimated driving time here], feels like a lifetime. My playlist better be fire, or I’m gonna lose it.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM, give or take an hour): Arrival at the hallowed halls of the Holiday Inn Express. Okay, let’s be honest, it's a Holiday Inn. Not the Four Seasons, but hey, free Wi-Fi, and a pool! Always gotta check the pool situation. First impressions are crucial. Is the lobby clean? Are the staff friendly? Most importantly, are there any suspiciously large, plastic dinosaurs lurking near the vending machines? These are the important questions.
- Afternoon (2:30 PM): The Check-in Debacle. Every trip has its hiccup. Mine? Probably some issue with my reservation. Or maybe I’ll accidentally lose my driver’s license. Or I’ll forget my credit card. You know, the usual.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM): The Room Reveal. Praying for a decent view (not the parking lot). A clean bed. And a working TV remote. Fingers crossed! A comfy bed is essential for post-travel collapse.
- Late Afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): The Thousand Islands Search! I booked this trip for the Thousand Islands! I absolutely have to GO! So, I'll put on my favorite outfit and hit the streets!
- Evening (6:30 PM): Dinner Time. Where to eat? TripAdvisor to the rescue! Reviews better be good. Hangry me is not a pretty sight. Praying for some local specialities, definitely not a chain restaurant!
- Evening (8:00 PM): The Pool Fiasco. Even if I don't want to swim, I want to check that pool out.
Day 2: Islands, Insecurities, and the Quest for Decent Coffee
- Morning (7:00 AM): The Dreaded Continental Breakfast. This is where things could really go south. The Holiday Inn Express breakfast is an institution, a buffet of questionable pastries, watery coffee, and the existential dread of knowing you're about to start your day with processed food. This could make or break the day. "Is this a bagel or a hockey puck?" "Does that suspicious yogurt cup really have fruit in it?" "Must I speak to the other guests?" These thoughts will torment me as I attempt to fuel up.
- Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Boat Tour Bonanza! This is why I came! A boat tour of the Thousand Islands. This is where the real magic happens. Okay, maybe not "magic," but hopefully, scenic views, and maybe some glimpses of opulent mansions. The goal is to avoid getting seasick and maybe take a few decent photos that aren't blurry. Please, universe, let there be sunshine.
- Afternoon (12:30 PM): Lunch on the Water? Or near the water? Sandwiches? That feels right.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Exploring the Town. Walking around, checking out shops, maybe grabbing a coffee that isn’t akin to dishwater. This depends entirely on the coffee situation at the hotel. May require a desperate search for an independent coffee shop.
- Evening (6:00 PM): Dinner and the (Possible) Karaoke Night. Is there karaoke? No? Well, that's a relief. But dinner. And a drink. Because who doesn't need a drink after a day of…well, everything?
- Evening (8:00 PM): Pre-Sleep - Back to the room to check the TV and a movie.
Day 3: Departure and the Aftermath of Existential Breakfast
- Morning (8:00 AM): Breakfast…again. Can I do this? Am I strong enough? Will I survive another round of questionable breakfast food?
- Morning (9:00 AM): Checkout and Goodbye. Did I enjoy myself? Yes, absolutely! Hopefully, all went well.
- Late Morning/Afternoon (10:00 AM - 1:00 PM): The Drive Back Home (or to the Next Adventure!). One last look at the Holiday Inn Express in the rearview mirror. Did it live up to expectations? Did I leave a trail of chaos in my wake? Only time will tell.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM): Reflection. What did I learn? That you shouldn't trust pastries at continental breakfasts? That boat tours are worth it? That vacation is chaos?
This itinerary is a living, breathing document, subject to change at any moment. Wish me luck, because I'm going to need it!
Hotel Ross Germany: Unbeatable Luxury Awaits You!
So, like, is this REALLY the "BEST" hotel in Watertown? Seriously?
Okay, alright, let's be real. "BEST" is a BIG claim. It's like, the Everest of hotel superlatives. Does it have a rooftop infinity pool overlooking Mount Rushmore? No. Does it serve caviar for breakfast? Doubtful. But... and this is a big but... for Watertown? For the *Thousand Islands Getaway* promised land? Yeah, I'd give it a solid contender rating. Remember, we're talking about Watertown. We're not talking about Paris, darling. We're talking practicality, clean sheets, and enough free (and I mean FREE) coffee to keep you caffeinated until the next time you realize you should’ve gone to the bathroom *before* the boat tour.
What's the deal with this whole "Thousand Islands Getaway" thing? Is it, you know, actually near the Thousand Islands?
Okay, again, realism is key, folks. It's not *ON* an island. You're not going to be greeted by charming boat captains flinging you onto a private dock. But, it's a *reasonable* drive. Like, totally doable. The marketing department is doing their job, and they're doing it with a healthy dose of aspirational thinking. Think of it like this: it's the Gateway to the Islands. The Launchpad. The Prep Kitchen for your Thousand Islands adventure. I've used it. It works. Just, maybe don't expect to step out the front door and find a lighthouse directly across the street.
Breakfast. The most important meal. What's the breakfast situation at this Holiday Inn Express? Tell me EVERYTHING!
Alright, buckle up. This is where things get serious. The breakfast? It’s the lifeblood of a good hotel stay. And at this HIX? It's... well, It's what you expect. The usual suspects. The sausage patties that are a lovely shade of brown (but maybe the same shade as my mood sometimes). The scrambled eggs that are, well, *eggs*. But the *magic* lies in the potential. The potential for waffle greatness! The waffle machine! It's a siren song. A promise of crispy, golden, syrup-drenched joy. I swear, I saw a guy there, like, building a waffle *pyramid*. And you know what? I respected it. Also the coffee. Endless coffee. I’m pretty sure they add something to the coffee to stop you from sleeping. It’s beautiful.
The rooms. Are they clean? Is the bed comfy? I’m a princess (or a prince!).
Okay, Princess/Prince – you'll survive. The beds are decent. Clean sheets, mostly. My biggest fear is always the mysterious stains on the carpet. But everything seemed okay. Not the Ritz, but also not the Bates Motel. The rooms are... functional. They have everything you need: a TV (mostly working), a decent bathroom (hopefully clean), and air conditioning that *mostly* works in the summer. I find I always adjust the thermostat once I get in the room. I usually set it too low. Then I realize I’m freezing cold, but too lazy to get up. I'm a hot sleeper with no energy. You'll get the same.
What about the staff? Are they nice? Or do they secretly hate their lives and therefore, me?
Honestly? I've had good experiences. They're usually pretty friendly. It's a Holiday Inn Express, not the Four Seasons. They're efficient. They're helpful. Remember, they're dealing with tourists and the occasional VERY tired (and possibly caffeinated) person at 6 am. Be nice to them. They'll be nice to you. I once asked for extra towels, and I got extra towels. Boom. Hospitality win.
Are there any downsides? Like, real talk. Tell me the ugly truth!
Okay, the downsides. Here's the dirt: Wifi can be spotty sometimes. Depending on the time of year, it can be full of families with little kids (a blessing or a curse depending on your disposition). The pool might be crowded. And, parking. Parking can be a bit of a free-for-all during peak season. Oh! and the elevator? Sometimes it's slower than you'd like. You have to be patient. Think about it: you’re there to relax. What’s the rush? But, overall, nothing that would make me run screaming into the night, yelling, “NEVER AGAIN!” It’s perfectly fine.
What's the overall vibe? Is it... fun? Romantic? Meh?
"Fun?" Well, it depends on your definition of fun. It's not a party hotel, that's for sure. "Romantic?" Maybe if you're *really* into the idea of a romantic getaway to Watertown, NY. It's clean, it's got your bases covered. It's a reliable, safe place to rest your head while you explore the 1,000 islands. I've had a few laughs in that lobby, watching people attempt to navigate the waffle bar. So, I'd go with... "Functional, with potential for slight amusement." If you're looking for a solid, no-frills place to crash after a day of boat tours and Clayton cheese, you've got a good chance.
Okay, so, final verdict? Would you stay there again?
Yep. I would. And I probably will. It's convenient, it's clean (mostly), and the coffee is strong. And, hey, sometimes that's all you need. Plus the waffles. I need the waffles. Don't judge me. I know the game. I know what I'm getting into. And for Watertown? The Holiday Inn Express is, honestly, a pretty good bet. Just pack some earplugs for the kids and bring your A-game for the waffle machine. You'll do fine.
