Vandalia's BEST Hotel? Holiday Inn Express Review (You Won't Believe This!)
Vandalia's BEST Hotel? Holiday Inn Express Review (You Won't Believe This!) - A Brutally Honest Take!
Okay, folks, let's be real. Vandalia, Illinois isn't exactly buzzing with the glamour of Monaco. It's a practical stopover, a place you find yourself in, not want to be in. So, when I needed a place to crash on a recent road trip (and needed it bad), the only option that popped up appealingly was the Holiday Inn Express. And honestly? YOU WON'T BELIEVE THIS.
(Yes, I just did that. Marketing 101, right? Get you in.)
Let's dive in. Get your coffee, buckle up, because this ain't your standard fluffy hotel review.
First Impressions & Getting In (Accessibility: YES! Bonus!)
Finding the Holiday Inn Express in Vandalia was a breeze. The signage? Spot on. The building itself? Nothing groundbreaking in terms of architecture. It’s a familiar, comforting, "seen-it-before" shape. But here’s where things immediately felt right: The entrance? Absolutely accessible. Wide doors, ramps where needed, the whole shebang. As someone with mobility issues (a recent knee injury had me hobbling) I was ecstatic. Finally, a place where I didn't have to feel like I was scaling Everest just to get through the front door. Huge point for them! And you bet your bottom dollar they are Wheelchair Accessible in all the right places.
Check-in & The Internet Abyss (aka "Free Wi-Fi!")
Check-in was an absolute breeze, blessedly Contactless. The front desk staff? Friendly, helpful, and efficient. I'm all about efficiency after a grueling drive. However, a small note: The receptionist, bless her heart, had a bit of a glazed-over look in her eyes. Clearly, she’d seen a few weary travelers in her time. Not judging - I felt weary.
Now, about the internet. The sign proclaimed Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! And in 2024, that had better be true. And it was. Relatively. I mean, I could stream Netflix (though, let's be honest, the signal got a little wonky when I tried to upload a video of my cat… a crucial test, obviously). There's also Internet Access – wireless and Internet access – LAN if you’re into that archaic thing of plugging directly into the wall (I'm guessing). It’s enough to get your work done, you know, the essentials. Internet services are available.
The Room: Sanctuary or… Slightly Used?
Okay, here's the truth: The room wasn't spanking new. But it was clean. CLEAN! And after some of the roadside motels I'd experienced on the drive, that's a huge win. It featured Air conditioning, a much-needed savior from the summer heat. They also have Non-smoking rooms.
- Available in all rooms:
- Additional toilet, 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, 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, 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.
The Blackout curtains are a godsend for sleeping off jet lag and recovering from driving. The complimentary tea also helped, and there's a coffee/tea maker included (I’m a caffeine fiend!). There was a bathtub which I enjoyed, and the refrigerator was an appreciated touch. It had a desk where I could spread out my laptop, and a safe for those rare occasions where you think something needs to be locked up in Vandalia. Daily housekeeping kept it looking tidy. My knee appreciated the the extra long bed and fluffy towels. The linens were clean and the hair dryer worked. A desk helped with work a little.
Okay, here’s a small, slightly embarrassing confession: I found a single errant bobby pin on the floor (shame on me for looking so hard!), confirming that the room had been used before. But honestly, it was a minor blip. Absolutely clean and felt safe. They also have Smoke detectors.
Cleanliness and Safety: A (Mostly) Reassuring Hug
This is where the Holiday Inn Express seriously shines. Post-COVID, let's face it, cleanliness is everything. I have to say, they clearly put a LOT of effort into it. Professional-grade sanitizing services. They used Anti-viral cleaning products, Rooms sanitized between stays. There was Hand sanitizer readily available everywhere and Daily disinfection in common areas. The staff were wearing masks and seemingly trained in safety protocol. First aid kit available. They even offered Room sanitization opt-out available That felt reassuring. I was glad to see they had Fire extinguisher in the hallways.
Dining: Breakfast – The Battle of the Buffet! (And a Sigh for the Coffee)
Breakfast is included, and it's your standard Holiday Inn Express fare. Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant. I’m not overly picky when it comes to breakfast. They had the usual suspects: scrambled eggs, sausage, pastries, cereal, fruit. Vegetarian restaurant or not, you can find some fruit to enjoy. They also offered Western breakfast and Asian breakfast. (I didn't particularly explore the western breakfast). The coffee, however, was… okay. Let's just say it wouldn't win any awards. (I'm a coffee snob, I admit it.) There was Coffee/tea in restaurant though. I did appreciate that they had Individual-wrapped food options and a Breakfast takeaway service. Also that the Sanitized kitchen and tableware items.
Other Amenities: The Fitness Center…and the Temptation of Not-Doing
They have a Fitness center. I intended to use it. I even packed my workout gear. But alas, my knee was still protesting, and the allure of the fluffy bed and on-demand movies ultimately won out. (You know, choices.) They have a Swimming pool [outdoor] but did not have time for it.
Services & Convenience: The Unexpected Perks
This is where the Holiday Inn Express went above and beyond. They have all the basics – Daily housekeeping, Elevator, Laundry service, Luggage storage, and a safe among others. They had the Contactless check-in/out. I also appreciated the Convenience store. It has Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site]. They have Facilities for disabled guests. They also have Car power charging station, although I didn't need it. Air conditioning in public area, Cash withdrawal, Cashless payment service.
For the Kids & Pets
This is a family and Pets allowed unavailable. They have Family/child friendly.
The Little Things That Mattered
Okay, this is where I become slightly obsessed. The soundproofing in my room was fantastic. I never heard any road noise (or the snoring from the room next door, thankfully). After a long day of driving, that silence was pure bliss. Getting Around:
The Airport transfer wasn't quite needed in Vandalia, but they did have Taxi service, Valet parking. There is also Bicycle parking.
Overall Impression & The Verdict
Look, the Holiday Inn Express in Vandalia isn't the Ritz-Carlton. It's not supposed to be. But it is clean, accessible, comfortable, and offers a solid, reliable experience. It's the perfect place to crash for the night on a long road trip. Honestly, it exceeded my expectations. Would I stay there again? Absolutely. Would I recommend it? Without hesitation.
Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars (Lost a star for the so-so coffee and the single bobby pin. I’m a tough critic, what can I say?)
The "You Won't Believe This!" Offer
**Book your stay at the Holiday Inn Express in Vandalia, and receive a free upgrade to a room with a view (limited availability!) AND a complimentary voucher for a gourmet coffee at the nearby "Coffee Corner" (highly recommended for those coffee sn
Unbelievable Comfort Inn Deals Across the USA: Book Your Dream Getaway Now!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to embark on a Vandalia, Ohio adventure that's less "perfectly curated Instagram feed" and more "slightly-chaotic, surprisingly fun real life." This is my travel diary slash itinerary, and it's going to be… well, it's going to be me.
Trip: Vandalia, Ohio - A Holiday Inn Express & Suites Odyssey (and Hopefully, Not a Disaster)
Day 1: Arrival and the Promise of Midwestern Charm (Fingers Crossed!)
- 1:00 PM - Touchdown (Maybe…) at Dayton International Airport: Okay, let's be real. Flying is mostly waiting. Waiting in line, waiting for your luggage, waiting for… well, everything. Thank God for podcasts. I'm currently obsessed with a true crime one. If the flight's on time, that's a win! My inner optimist is trying to emerge. (It's mostly still hibernating.)
- 1:45 PM - Rental Car Rodeo: Pray, pray, pray the rental car is what I booked. And that the person who gets me to the location has a sense of humor. Last time I rented a car, the guy looked at me like I'd just landed from Mars.
- 2:30 PM - Check-In at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Vandalia, OH: Ah, the promised land! The oasis! The… well, it IS a Holiday Inn Express. My expectations are low and achievable: clean room, decent shower pressure, maybe a decent selection at the breakfast buffet. Crossing my fingers for a pool. I love a good pool (even a slightly over-chlorinated one!) and a pool is always great.
- 3:00 PM - Room Reconnaissance and Unpacking Trauma: Always take the "sniff test" when you enter a hotel room. You know, like, is it freshly cleaned? If that checks out, I unpack. This is the point in the trip I get the most emotional because I cannot fit my clothes in the provided space, and I start to spiral.
- 4:00 PM - Snack Attack and Local Exploration (Or, the Urgent Need for Caffeine): Okay, first things first. Did I remember snacks? (Always important.) Then, a quick Google Maps reconnaissance. I need coffee. Like, desperately. And maybe a little retail therapy. The local shopping vibes seems pretty weak… Maybe I'll have to wander around.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner Dilemma: Restaurants! I'm terrible at decision-making, and I usually feel overwhelmed when it comes to making a decision here. I'm torn between wanting something local (even if it's "meh") and my primal need for comfort food. Suggestions appreciated! Any recommendations?
- 7:30 PM - Evening Wind-Down/Channel Surfing/Existential Dread: Because no trip is complete without an evening of aimless channel surfing with one or two glasses of wine and the ever-present question of "What am I doing with my life?" The answer remains elusive.
Day 2: The Unexpected Charm of Vandalia (Maybe?)
- 7:00 AM - Breakfast Buffet Blues: The make-or-break moment! Will the waffles be fluffy? Will the coffee be strong? Will I accidentally hoard all the fruit? (Don't judge me.)
- 8:00 AM - The National Museum of the US Air Force: Okay, this is the big one I'm excited about. I have never been to this museum but I've heard amazing things. I'm a big nerd, so I'm actually looking forward to this, and I'm really hoping I can get some amazing photos.
- 12:00 AM - Lunch at the Museum Cafe?: Food at museums is usually overpriced and mediocre, but sometimes there's a hidden gem. Keeping my expectations low for now…
- 1:00 PM - The Museum (Continued) - Let's Get Lost!: Honestly, I could wander around museums all day. I usually go into a history or science museum and get lost for hours just staring. I'll prioritize favorite exhibits.
- 4:00 PM - The Airport - Take 2: Maybe I'll wander around the airport for a few hours and just enjoy the views and the sounds of the place.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner!: Dinner is the best part of the trip.
Day 3: Departure and the Lasting Impression (Hopefully, a Good One!)
- 7:00 AM - Breakfast Buffet: Take Two (and Pray for Fewer Children): Seriously, the breakfast buffet is a gamble. Let's hope they don't run out of anything good before I get there.
- 8:00 AM - Hotel Checkout and Final Reflections: I'll be honest, hotels, even decent ones, can sometimes feel a little… depressing after a few days. I might need to get my mind right.
- 9:00 AM - Last Minute Souvenir Hunt? Did I forget to get anyone a present? Whoops. I need to find something fun before I leave!
- 10:00 AM - Drive to Airport: I'm a terrible driver, so I will pray to not hit anything or anyone on the way there.
- 11:00 PM - Head Home: That's it.
- 12:00 PM - Arrival: Home sweet home
Unforeseen Events and Ramblings:
- The Laundry Crisis: I always pack enough for two days, even if I'm going for a week. This means about day 3 I start re-wearing clothes.
- The Weather: A Cruel Mistress: Will it rain? Will it be sunny? Will I accidentally pack the entire wrong wardrobe? The suspense is killing me!
- Emotional Rollercoaster: Travel always brings out the emotions. I start out excited, then there's the inevitable "I'm bored" phase, then the "this is the best trip ever!" phase, then the melancholic "I need to go home and detox" phase.
- The Unexpected Conversation: This is where I meet someone unexpected.
Final Thoughts:
Vandalia, Ohio, may not be the dream vacation. I'm not entirely sure what to expect, and there will probably be ups and downs. But, as always, it's the imperfections, the unexpected moments, and the little (and big) mistakes that make a trip truly memorable. Wish me luck! And send coffee. I'm going to need it.
Escape to Paradise: Royal Comfort Hotel Turkey Awaits!
Vandalia's Holiday Inn Express: FAQ (and My Therapy Session)
Is the Holiday Inn Express in Vandalia actually the "BEST" hotel in Vandalia? (Spoiler Alert: Prepare Yourselves.)
Okay, okay, "best" is a loaded word, isn't it? Like, best *at what*? Best at hiding questionable stains? Best at offering a free breakfast that vaguely resembles actual food? Look, I'm not saying it's *awful*. Let's just say my expectations were… adjusted. I mean, you're in Vandalia. The competition probably involves a motel with questionable lighting and a faint whiff of… something. So, yes, *relative* to Vandalia options, it *might* be the "best." But don't show up expecting the Ritz. Think more like "slightly upgraded Motel 6 with a pool that's seen better decades." I'm channeling my inner critic here. It's hard to say it's even in the 'best' category. Maybe it's the "best in a pinch" or certainly, it's the most convenient hotel option.
Let's Talk About the Breakfast. Seriously, What's the Deal?
Aw, the breakfast! Bless its little, pre-packaged heart. Okay, the standard fare applies: rubbery scrambled eggs (they're… an experience), the always-present sausage (whose origins, let's be honest, should probably remain a mystery), and the surprisingly compelling waffle maker. That waffle maker… that's the MVP. I swear, I saw one little kid dump syrup on his waffles and it looked like a crime scene. They keep it clean! The fruit is… well, it's fruit. You know, the kind that probably hasn't seen sunlight in a month. And the coffee? Let's be honest, it's free. It's… coffee. I've certainly had far, far worse. I think it's designed to just *barely* prop you up until lunchtime. Don't expect gourmet, but do expect carbs. Lots and lots of carbs.
The Rooms… Are They… Clean? (Asking For a Friend… Mostly Me.)
Alright, let's be real. The rooms are *generally* clean. I've stayed in rooms that made me question the existence of hygiene standards, okay? These aren't *those* rooms. But… (and there's always a "but," isn't there?) … you might find a stray hair or two. Or a slightly questionable stain on the carpet. Or a lingering scent of… something… that's been battled by a heavy dose of cleaning product. My advice? Pack a pair of thick socks (or those weird little slippers they give you) and try not to look *too* closely at the details. As long as the bed isn't actively haunted, you're probably good to go.
The Pool! Is it Actually Swimmable? Or Just… a Glacial Puddle Of Misery?
Okay, the pool! This is where things get… interesting. I wouldn't call it "glacial." The pool is generally a consistent temperature, so there's that. The best I can say is, it's clean. It's *supposed* to be chlorine, but there's a distinct hint sometimes of… something else. It *looks* clean enough, the tiles are not completely covered in green, and the kids seem to enjoy it. I once saw a toddler gleefully splashing around, and that's usually a good sign, right? I once witnessed a couple lounging near the pool, looking forlorn. I don't know if they were actually swimming, but hey, it's there. It's an option. Just bring your own goggles and possibly a hazmat suit (kidding!… mostly.)
Okay, But Seriously, Did Anything ACTUALLY Go Wrong? My Anxiety Needs to Prepare.
Oh, where do I begin? This is where the "stream-of-consciousness" starts to kick in, so buckle up. Okay, there was the time the elevator *stuck* between floors. Now, I wasn't in it – thank you, divine intervention – but I heard the frantic banging and shouting from the stairwell. It was a solid 20 minutes of terror before the maintenance guy finally wrestled it open (I overheard him mutter something about "duct tape and prayers"). I was on the second floor. The next day, the fire alarm went off at 3 AM. Turns out, someone burned the toast in the breakfast area. I was on my way out the door too, in a robe!
And then there was the time the key card stopped working. Not once, but three separate times. Each time, a trek to the perpetually busy front desk, where I waited behind a very enthusiastic (and incredibly loud) tour group. They were wearing matching t-shirts. I'm still not sure what they were there for. I just wanted to get in my room. The desk clerk was nice enough, but the whole thing just added a layer of… chaos. My anxiety level was through the roof by the end of it. I did get a discount on my chocolate bar from the vending machine though!
The Staff: Nice or… "Vaguely Tolerant of Humans"?
The staff? They're… generally pleasant. They're trying. They're definitely *trying*. You get the impression they've seen some things. They're polite, they'll answer your questions, and they'll even offer a smile. But, let's be real, they're working at a Holiday Inn Express in Vandalia. They're probably not aiming for a Michelin star in customer service. But they exist, they're present, and they're often the only friendly face you see after a long drive. They're my hero! I'm going to upgrade to MVP customer service because of this! I love them.
Is There Anything… Good? Like, Actually, Genuinely Good?
Okay, okay, let's end on a positive note. The location IS convenient if you're flying out of Dayton International Airport. It's literally right there. Like, a five-minute drive. So, if you need a place to crash before a flight and value convenience, this is it. Then there's the *potential* for a decent night's sleep. I've had some surprisingly comfortable nights there! And the price, well, it's usually not going to break the bank. You're getting a room, with a bed, and a vaguely edible breakfast, for a reasonable price. That's something, isn't it? That's… something.
