Hazard's Hidden Gem: Holiday Inn Express & Suites - Unbelievable Stay!
Hazard's Hidden Gem: Holiday Inn Express & Suites - Unbelievable Stay! (Or, How I Almost Didn't Leave)
Okay, folks, listen up. I'm talking to you from the other side. The promised land. The place where tired travelers shed their burdens and, let's be honest, actually relax. I'm talking about the Holiday Inn Express & Suites in… well, I won't tell you specifically, because the whole point is to find your own hidden gem. But trust me, if your search led you this direction, you've stumbled on something special. This isn’t just a hotel review, it's a confession. I’m still slightly hungover (in a good way, from the complimentary coffee) and fighting the urge to just smuggle myself back into a room and stay forever.
Let's be real, I'm a complicated traveler. I need accessible EVERYTHING, a mountain of Wi-Fi (because, duh, work never sleeps), a decent coffee situation, and somewhere I can collapse after a long day of… well, whatever I'm doing. This place? Nails it. HARD.
Accessibility: (Seriously, Let's Start with the Important Stuff!)
Listen, if you're like me, accessibility is not a luxury. It’s a necessity. And this Holiday Inn? They get it. The elevator? Smooth as butter. Wide hallways? Plenty of room to maneuver. The bathrooms? Actually useable! (This is a HUGE win, trust me). They have Facilities for disabled guests, and from what I saw, they actually work. Plus, the presence of CCTV in common areas and 24-hour Security gives you that extra peace of mind. Huge, HUGE thumbs up. My only minor quibble (and this is me being really picky) the accessible parking could've been a little closer. But I’m not complaining. Because, overall, on a scale of "nightmare" to "dream come true" this was firmly in dream come true territory.
Rooms - Where Dreams Are Made (and Laundry Avoided)
Okay, let's dive deep here, because my room was my sanctuary. First off, Rooms sanitized between stays… a HUGE relief considering the current climate. I had a Non-smoking room (thank god – my lungs thank them). And holy smokes, the amenities! Air conditioning, a Blackout curtains were a lifesaver after late night happy hour. A comfy Bed, a Refrigerator to stash my guilty pleasures (Ben & Jerry's, anyone?), and the all-important Wi-Fi [free]. The Desk was perfect for getting some work done, and the Laptop workspace was a bonus. The Coffee/tea maker got major use, and the Free bottled water was a nice touch. The Additional toilet was an amazing detail that many hotels miss. My room had Soundproof rooms so I was well-rested. And here's the kicker: a Socket near the bed! A simple thing, but a godsend for a phone-addicted weirdo like myself. Plus, the Daily housekeeping was prompt and, dare I say, friendly. I also appreciated the Alarm clock, I even had an Ironing facilities!
Internet - Connecting the World (and Keeping Me Sane)
I rely on Internet like a fish relies on water. I need that sweet, sweet nectar of the internet. And this place delivered. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! And it was FAST. I mean, I could stream movies, video call without buffering, and generally stay connected to the outside world without wanting to throw my laptop out the window. They have both Internet access – wireless and Internet access – LAN, just in case you are a old soul. Seriously, this is a huge deal for me. No struggling to get online, no dropping connections, just pure, unadulterated Wi-Fi bliss. This is not a sales pitch. This is survival.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - Fueling the Fun (and Avoiding Hangry Meltdowns)
Look, I'm a foodie. I need to eat. And this place gets that. The Breakfast [buffet] was pretty great. The usual suspects (eggs, bacon, sausage, pastries) but the quality was better than your average hotel. I hit up Coffee/tea in restaurant every morning. They have Restaurants and a Snack bar too! The Poolside bar was a real treat-- sipping a chilled beverage while watching the sunset? Pure bliss. And the Room service [24-hour] was clutch more than once (don't judge my late-night cheesy bread cravings). There was a Bar, if you are looking for fun. I was also impressed that they had Alternative meal arrangement, Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant for all the different people who have different taste. They also had Desserts in restaurant in case I needed a little treat with my coffee. The availability of Bottle of water, and Essential condiments was really helpful.
For the Kids (And Those Who Are Kids at Heart) The Family/child friendly environment was clear. They have Babysitting service and even Kids meal.
Cleanliness and Safety - Because We Need That Now More Than Ever
Okay, let's address the elephant in the room. This is a time when cleanliness is paramount. And this hotel? They are ON IT. Anti-viral cleaning products, Rooms sanitized between stays, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere. Seriously, I felt safe. They really took things like Physical distancing of at least 1 meter into consideration. Staff were Staff trained in safety protocol. The staff here took things seriously. This is a huge relief, and it's a big reason why I'd go back in a heartbeat. Individually-wrapped food options, Safe dining setup, and Sanitized kitchen and tableware items were all in place.
Things to Do - Because Staying Still is Boring
While my primary goal was maximum relaxation, there were things to do! The Swimming pool was a definite highlight for me, the Swimming pool [outdoor] was delightful, and I could even enjoy the Pool with view. I found I was able to unwind in the Sauna and also the Spa/sauna. And they also have a well-equipped Fitness center if you are feeling ambitious (I almost made it there, but the pool won out). There is an Outdoor venue for special events, and Indoor venue for special events.
Services and Conveniences - Making Life Easy Peasy
Okay, this is where this hotel shines. The Concierge – super helpful. Contactless check-in/out – a godsend, especially in these times. Daily housekeeping – already mentioned, but worth repeating. Laundry service, Dry cleaning and Ironing service. They also have a Convenience store. Car park [free of charge] and Car park [on-site]. Cash withdrawal and Currency exchange available. And the sweetest cherry on top the cake? Airport transfer!
The Anecdote That Sealed the Deal… (And Why I Almost Didn’t Leave)
Alright, here's the honest-to-goodness truth. I'm a chronic overthinker. I stress about everything. And usually, by the second day of a trip, I'm already itching to go home. But this stay? It was different. One evening, I was sprawled by the pool, nursing a cocktail (from the amazing poolside bar), feeling all the stress of the world melt away. A little kid splashed me, and I just laughed. LAUGHED! (This NEVER happens). Later, I went back to my room, ordered room service (that cheesy bread, again), and just breathed. I realized I hadn't felt that relaxed in… well, a really long time. It was that kind of stay. It was comfortable and fun.
The Imperfections, The Quirks and The Emotional Rollercoaster
Okay, I’m human. Nothing’s perfect. The gym could use a few more machines, and the lobby's "tropical" décor was like something out of the 90s. But honestly? I didn't care. I was too busy enjoying the good stuff. And I had a little moment of true appreciation for the place when a lady with a walker tripped on her way out of the elevator, but the staff sprang into action instantly. I was impressed. This is the kind of place that gets the details right.
The Stream-of-Consciousness – My True Feelings
Honestly, I was so relaxed, I considered canceling my flight. Okay, scratch that. I seriously considered it. I envisioned myself living there: a permanent resident, forever enjoying the pool, the breakfast buffet, and the never-ending supply of Wi-Fi. It almost happened. I was dangerously close to becoming one of those people who never leave. But I would have loved to have an on-site accessible Massage.
The Verdict: Go! Now!
If you're looking for a place to unwind, recharge, and maybe even
Unbelievable An Lac Homestay: Your Phong Don, Vietnam Dream Getaway!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to embark on a HAZARD, Kentucky adventure. And by adventure, I mean…a stay at the Holiday Inn Express and Suites. Look, I'm setting expectations LOW. This isn't the Amalfi Coast, folks. But hey, it's a roof, it's a bed, and hopefully, it'll have lukewarm coffee. Let's do this thing, with all the messiness and glorious imperfections life throws our way:
ITINERARY: Hazard, KY - The Unfiltered Version
Day 1: Arrival & Resignation (and maybe a panic attack)
4:00 PM: Arrival at the Holiday Inn Express. (Or so I thought!)
- The Drive in: Let me tell you, driving into Hazard? It's… well, it's something. Rolling hills, lush green, then BAM! A billboard for a pawn shop followed by a sign for "Big Daddy's BBQ". My internal monologue is already screaming, "This is not what the travel brochures promised!" Finding the hotel was easy enough - right off the highway, which, you know, convenience points.
- Check-in Chaos: Okay, the front desk lady…bless her heart. She was REALLY trying, but the computer system seemed to be battling her. This took a solid 20 minutes, fueled by my internal monologue of "Please, just give me my room key so I can collapse". Finally, the key came.
- Room Revelation: The room… it smelled faintly of chlorine and… something else I couldn't quite place. Let's call it "generic hotel scent." Okay, fine. The bed looked comfy enough. But then… the TV. It was a tiny boxy thing. In this day and age?! My inner millennial shrieked. This is the moment, I'd been building towards, where my travel companion, Dave, had to talk me off the ledge. "It's just for sleeping, you dramatic nut," He snickered. He's right, of course. But this is also where my inner dramatic queen has a field day.
- Unpacking & Settling In: I quickly determined the room was…room-temperature. I fumble with the AC. I was sweating. I was anxious. "We're in Hazard," I repeated to myself, like a mantra.
6:00 PM: Dinner at "Applebee's" (because where else?)
- The Food Coma: Let's be real, Applebee's is the culinary equivalent of a participation trophy. But hey, it's convenient. I ordered the…well, I don't even remember, some kind of pasta with way too much garlic. Dave got the riblets; this man loves riblets. I ate half of mine, then promptly retreated to my room to watch something brain-numbing on that tiny TV. The highlight of dinner? The server, bless her, who called Dave "sweetie." Makes me smile.
8:00 PM: Attempted Relaxation
- Poolside Delights: Oh, the pool! It was indoors. It was… lukewarm. I dipped my toes in, noticed a rogue piece of hair and decided to leave it for another day.
9:00 PM: Bedtime
- The Bed: Surprisingly comfortable. I passed out right away. That's a win!
Day 2: Hazard Exploration (and the Search for Decent Coffee)
7:00 AM: Breakfast (The Morning Ritual)
- Breakfast Buffet Battlefield: Free breakfast at the hotel. I arrived with high hopes. "Free food!" I thought joyfully. It was…a buffet. The usual suspects: rubbery scrambled eggs, questionable sausage, and lukewarm coffee that tasted like sadness. I choked it down in a couple of gulps. My spirits started dropping as I thought of my upcoming day of sightseeing. I needed a proper cup of coffee -- the search began!
- The Great Hotel Coffee Debacle: Listen, I love a good cup of coffee. And the little hotel coffee maker? Utter garbage. I actually went all the way to the lobby and spoke to the front desk. I said, "Do you have any actual good coffee?" The look on her face was priceless. "We have the same as in your room," she said, apologetically. I nearly sobbed. Then I took a stroll around the hotel and asked the front desk lady if she knew of any local coffee shops. She didn't. Great. I went back to my room and resolved myself to the weak coffee I had. This is what they call character building, I suppose.
9:00 AM: Exploring Downtown (or what passes for it).
- The Courthouse & the Empty Streets: Okay, so "downtown" Hazard is… compact. I wandered around, mildly perplexed by the lack of… well, activity. The courthouse was imposing in a way. The whole main drag was quiet, and I found myself wandering down a deserted street, the only noise being the distant rumble of a pickup truck. I began to feel a little like I'd stepped into a forgotten corner of the world. But okay, so what do I do?
- The Dollar General Encounter: I popped into a Dollar General for a snack (needed something to counter the coffee). Let's just say the experience was… unique. The cashier was very friendly and engaged us in a lengthy conversation about her grandchildren. She was also wearing a t-shirt that said, "I'm Not Always Grumpy, Sometimes I'm Asleep". I made a mental note to buy a mug with that saying on it.
11:00 AM: The Appalachian Center for the Arts (More excitement than I expected)
- The Arts!: I wandered in to an old building, that looked like its been there a while. The building itself was…interesting. But the exhibits inside, though not always my cup of tea, were actually pretty good. I walked in and I was pleasantly surprised. The gallery was home to some local artists, and I started actually feeling… something. I was able to purchase a postcard that really got me. This was actually rather lovely. This was the first time I felt myself enjoying being in Hazard.
1:00 PM: Lunch at the "Mountain Top Diner" (The Hope of a Good Burger)
- Burger Bliss (Maybe?): We were starving, and the Diner was busy. I ordered a burger, hoping for some simple satisfaction. The burger was… adequate. Not the best burger I've ever had, but the fries were crispy, the sweet tea was sweet, and the waitress was a chatty, friendly woman who clearly knew everyone in the place.
2:30 PM: The Pikeville Cut-Through (The View!)
- The Drive: We got back in the car! The cut-through, which is not technically in Hazard, but close enough. The drive was incredible. The view wasn't bad. The scenery through the mountain pass was really something to behold. I was surprised.
6:00 PM: Dinner (And a Meltdown)
- The Decision Dilemma: I had no clue where to go for dinner. I didn't want Applebee's again, but options were slim. I started feeling overwhelmed. I almost started crying - I was just over being somewhere I didn't know, with limited choices. Dave took control. "We're getting pizza," he said. Okay.
- Pizza and Peace: The pizza place was a lowkey place. The pizza was okay. I calmed down. We ate. That's it.
8:00 PM: Early to Bed
- The Final Goodnight: The tiny TV beckoned. I watched a terrible movie, and I was asleep before the credits rolled. The end!
Day 3: Departure & Unresolved Questions
7:00 AM: Breakfast (The Bitter Goodbye)
- The Last Supper of Sad Eggs: Another round of questionable breakfast. I ate it anyway.
8:00 AM: Checkout & The Road
- Goodbye, Hazard (Maybe): The check-out was uneventful. I said goodbye to Hazard, with a mix of relief and a strange, lingering curiosity.
- Final Thoughts:* Hazard. It's a place. It's not the vacation I imagined. But I'm leaving full of the memories I made, and I'm reminded that a trip is what you make of it. And hey, I have a good story to tell. I'm glad I went, I'm glad I left. It’s… an experience.
So there you have it. My unvarnished, slightly hysterical, and ultimately honest account of a trip to Hazard, Kentucky. Would I go again? Maybe. Would I recommend the Holiday Inn Express? Well, it's a place to sleep. But I'm off to find some decent coffee, and that's the most important thing of all.
Dresden Adventure Awaits: Unbeatable Ibis Budget Deals!
Hazard's Hidden Gem: Holiday Inn Express & Suites - Ugh, the Good Kind of Unbelievable (FAQ)
Okay, spill the beans! Is this place *really* a "Hidden Gem" or just another hotel trying too hard?
Alright, alright, let's get one thing straight: "Hidden Gem" is a *bold* claim. And honestly? I went in skeptical. I'd seen the pictures – perfectly made beds, gleaming breakfast bars, smiling people… you know the drill. But here's the thing: I *was* genuinely surprised. It's not flawless – more on that later – but for Hazard, Kentucky? Yeah, it's a freaking oasis. Think less "luxury resort" and more "comfortable, clean, and actually feels like a place you can RELAX." My expectations were basement-level, and they still managed to over-deliver... which is a win in my book.
The breakfast... the dreaded hotel breakfast. Give me the REAL deal. Is this cereal and sadness, or… is there hope?
Okay, so the breakfast. This is where things get… interesting. There's the classic continental stuff: cereal (the sugary kind, bless their hearts), yogurt, the fruit that looks vaguely like it *might* have been a real apple at some point in history. BUT! There was also… a waffle maker. And not a sad, sputtering, barely-cooking waffle maker. This thing was a beast! Like, I made *three* waffles. Don’t judge. Food is comfort, people. And they actually had good coffee! No tiny, weak cups either – proper, fuel-your-day coffee. The breakfast area itself was… functional. A bit crowded, a bit noisy. But hey, people were happy, right? I saw a kid covered in waffle batter – absolutely living his best life. THAT'S what matters.
About the rooms... Cleanliness is key. How's the cleanliness game?
Listen, I'm a germaphobe with a touch of anxiety. The cleanliness of a hotel room is a HUGE deal. And honestly? The room was *immaculately* clean. I mean, I actually checked. I lifted the bed skirt (don't judge me!), checked behind the furniture, the whole nine yards. No dust bunnies, no questionable stains, no lingering smells of… well, you know. It was a HUGE relief. They clearly care about this. And it made a HUGE difference in my overall experience, trust me.
They mentioned suites. Are the suites worth the upgrade? What's the deal?
Okay, the suites. I didn’t *personally* spring for the suite life. My budget screamed, "Stay in the standard room, you crazy person!" But I *did* peek in one. (Don't worry, I asked the cleaning staff for a tour – charming, I know). They were spacious! Separate living area, a decent-sized bedroom, and a pull-out couch. If you're traveling with family, or just want the extra space to spread out and be a hermit… *totally* worth it. Especially if you're like me and need a dedicated area just to spill takeout containers. The standard rooms are perfectly comfortable, but if you can swing it, the suite *might* be your jam. Maybe next time for me! I'm saving up for that waffle-themed spa day, you know.
Okay, the elephant in the room. What's the *catch*? There has to be something wrong, right? Nothing's perfect.
Alright, buckle up for the truth! Here's the not-so-glamorous side of things. Firstly, the AC in my room was a bit… aggressive. It blasted like a hurricane. I spent a good chunk of the first night wrestling with it, going from freezing to swampy and back again. Small price to pay, but still. And the gym? Tiny. Like, "two treadmills, a bike, and a prayer" tiny. If you're a serious gym-goer, maybe skip this and bring your own dumbbells. Also, the elevator. It was… there. Seemed to run when it felt like it. It wasn’t the worst, but I'm getting my steps in! And you know what else? THE PHONE IN MY ROOM DIDN'T WORK! I wanted to order pizza dammit! I had to walk downstairs. Major inconvenience. But, honestly, the minor issues are worth it. It's still a win.
Would you recommend it? Be honest! And if so, who is it for?
Hells yes, I recommend it. Seriously, if you're traveling to or through Hazard, this is your best bet. It’s for people who want a clean, comfortable place to crash that isn't going to break the bank. It’s for people who appreciate a decent waffle. It’s for people who want a place to relax after a long day of whatever it is you do in Hazard, Kentucky. It's not THE Ritz. But it's… good. And sometimes, good is all you need. Especially when you're road-weary and craving a waffle.
Anything else I should know before booking? Any insider tips?
Okay, a few Pro-Tips: First, pack earplugs, just in case the AC decides to stage its own windstorm in your room. Second, the parking lot can fill up fast at night. Try to arrive early, or be prepared to circle the block a few times. Third, and MOST important: be nice to the staff. They're working hard, and a little kindness goes a *long* way. They're actually super friendly. And the waffle maker? It has a mind of its own. Just… be patient. And bring extra syrup. You'll thank me later.
A moment of weakness: Did you even *want* to leave?
Okay. Okay. Full disclosure: I might have considered… extending my stay. Just a little. The comfortable bed, the (mostly) quiet room, the waffle-fueled mornings… Yeah, I was kinda sad to leave. Don’t judge me! Sometimes you just need a clean, comfy spot to recharge. And this… this did the trick. Next time, I'm booking two nights. And I'm bringing a secret stash of chocolate chips for that waffle maker. Don't tell anyone.
