Raton's BEST Hotel? IHG's Hidden Gem Awaits! (Holiday Inn Express Review)
Raton's BEST Hotel? Hold My Stetson! (Holiday Inn Express Review - and Trust Me, I've Slept in a Few!)
Alright, folks, buckle up. You're not getting some dry, corporate-speak review here. This is me, wrestling with the nuances of a Holiday Inn Express in Raton, New Mexico. And let me tell you, after a week on the road, a decent bed and a hot shower become the eighth wonder of the world. This place, the Holiday Inn Express Raton, is claiming to be the best. Let's see if they're worthy.
First things first, accessibility. Let's be real, nobody wants a hotel that's more of a hike than the actual hiking trails around here. Wheelchair accessible is a BIG check in my book. You know, for, uh, reasons. The details? I can't dive deep, but from what I saw, it seemed good. And the elevator is a lifesaver after a day on the road. Important. The hotel has facilities for disabled guests.
Internet Access: Okay, this is where things get really important. I need to work. I NEED to stream something ridiculous after a grueling day. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Praise be! And it's surprisingly decent, even for my mountain of devices. The Internet [LAN] is a nice option for ultra-nerds, but I stuck with the wireless. Speaking of, the Wi-Fi in public areas seemed fine too. Gotta love it – even a grumpy traveler needs to upload a decent food pic, right?
Cleanliness and Safety: Ah, post-pandemic world. This is no joke. The Holiday Inn Express Raton is serious about this. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and Rooms sanitized between stays. I even saw them swapping out the sheets like they were radioactive! Good! I'm looking at you, with the Staff trained in safety protocol. They're on it. There's Hand sanitizer EVERYWHERE. I'm not sure how many bottles of the stuff I went through in my room (and what a treat, the Hotel is using professional sanitizing to get to the nitty gritty). I even felt relatively safe eating in the Safe dining setup. They've got the Cashless payment service running too. I think I would have liked the Room sanitization opt-out available, and I'm not sure if I was given the option. This would have been a nice choice to have.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Okay, let's talk about the food. The Breakfast [buffet] is…well, it's a Holiday Inn Express breakfast. You know the drill. Eggs, sausage, the usual suspects. But the Breakfast takeaway service? Gold! Because sometimes, you just need to eat in your room – Breakfast in room sounds like a great idea some mornings (or afternoons after a rough night of traveling). There's a Coffee shop. (Thank GOD!) You're going to need it. The Coffee/tea in restaurant is a welcome offering, but the Snack bar is pretty disappointing. I'm not sure about other options because I didn't see them, such as a Bar, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: Now, Raton isn't exactly Vegas. But they do have a Swimming pool [outdoor]. It wasn’t open, so I can’t weigh in on this specifically. I'm told it's decent. (If I wanted a five-star spa, I'd be in Beverly Hills, people!) There's also a Fitness center, which I, uh, glanced at. Maybe tomorrow… Maybe. They do have a pool with a view. I love the idea of an Indoor venue for special events and Outdoor venue for special events.
Services and Conveniences: Okay, so the details. The Front desk [24-hour] is a godsend. Especially when you roll in late and need help. The Concierge is… well, they’re there. There's a Convenience store for last-minute essentials (snacks, ibuprofen – the necessities!). Daily housekeeping is a beautiful thing. A clean room after a long, grimy day? Yes, please! There's a Laundry service too, but I didn't use it. The Luggage storage is a nice touch. Air conditioning in public areas is a must in New Mexico. And thankfully, they are offering it!
For the Kids: I didn't have any kids with me, and I’m not a babysitting kind of guy, but if you're traveling with the little ones, they seem equipped. Family/child friendly is definitely a thing. They have a Babysitting service. I liked the idea of Kids meal, but I wouldn’t know.
Available in All Rooms: Here's where the Holiday Inn Express Raton really shines (or at least doesn't disappoint). Air conditioning – check! Alarm clock – check! Coffee/tea maker – double check! (Bless their hearts, the Complimentary tea and Coffee/tea maker saved me!) Daily housekeeping – Hallelujah! Desk – essential for working. Free bottled water – a small touch, but appreciated. Hair dryer – because nobody wants to walk around like a drowned rat. In-room safe box – always a good idea. Internet access – wireless – yup! Ironing facilities – perfect for desperate travelers like me. Laptop workspace… check! Non-smoking – thank the Lord, because nobody likes a smoke-filled room. Private bathroom – essential. Refrigerator – perfect for chilling the local brew. Shower – always welcome! Smoke detector – safety first! Sofa – comfortable and relaxing. Telephone – for getting ahold of the front desk. Toiletries – they have them. Wi-Fi [free] – and the crown jewel!
Getting Around: Car park [free of charge] – yes! Car park [on-site] – double yes! Taxi service – it’s available.
The Not-So-Pretty: Honestly, the room decor is nothing to write home about. It’s functional. It's clean. Don't expect any Instagrammable moments here. The carpeting, while clean, is probably seen better days - but it's the least of your worries. I couldn't find the bottle of water, but that might be due to a lack of focus on my part. The exterior corridor may not be the most aesthetically pleasing, but it does the job.
The Verdict:
So, is this hotel "the best" in Raton? It's hard to say definitively; I only stayed at one. But for what it is – a clean, comfortable, and reasonably priced accommodation in a convenient location – the Holiday Inn Express Raton delivers. The free Wi-Fi is a huge win, the cleanliness is impressive, and the staff is friendly and helpful. It's not a luxury resort. It's not the Ritz. But for a weary traveler who needs a decent night's sleep, a hot shower, and reliable internet, it's a solid choice. Maybe not a five-star experience, but you know what? I slept really well. And sometimes, when you're on the road, that's all that matters.
The Messy Recap:
- Pros: Clean, great Wi-Fi, good value, friendly staff, safe and sanitary practices, convenient location.
- Cons: Decor is basic, no bells and whistles, could use more amenities, no in-room safe.
My Emotional Reaction:
I arrived exhausted, and the Holiday Inn Express Raton was a haven. I had a good experience. The staff was kind, the room was comfortable, and the internet was reliable. What more could you ask for?
The Offer You've Been Waiting For (and the Reason for this Crazy Review!)
Tired of the Road? Raton Awaits! Escape the Everyday at the Holiday Inn Express Raton!
Book your stay NOW through [Booking Link or Phone Number], and receive:
- Guaranteed Best Rate (We know you're smart and shop around. We trust you'll come back to us!)
- Complimentary Breakfast: Fuel your adventures with our delicious breakfast buffet (grab-and-go options available!).
- Free Wi-Fi: Stay connected, stream your shows, and share your experiences with the world (or at least, your friends).
Why Choose the Holiday Inn Express Raton?
- Clean & Safe: We prioritize your well-being with rigorous sanitation protocols. Sleep soundly knowing you're in good hands!
- Convenient Location: Explore the beauty of Raton without the hassle. We're your gateway to adventure!
- Comfort & Value: Enjoy a relaxing stay without breaking the bank. Get the most for your money!
Don't Be a Stranger!
S Hotel Jeju: Your Dream Korean Getaway Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your meticulously-planned, sterile travel itinerary. This is a raw, unfiltered glimpse into my ACTUAL trip to Raton, New Mexico, staying at that little gem, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Raton by IHG. (And yes, I'm already judging the name. By IHG? Sounds like a corporate overlord thing.)
Day 1: Arrival and Existential Dread in Raton
1:00 PM - Arrival & Hotel Check-In (and the Battle for the Comfy Chair)
- Alright, first impressions: The lobby is… well, it's a Holiday Inn Express lobby. Beige carpeting, a vaguely floral print on the wallpaper, and the faint scent of chlorine that vaguely reminds me of a very sad childhood swimming pool. The front desk lady, bless her heart, looked like she'd seen a lot of weary travelers – or maybe just a lot of Raton. Check-in was smooth enough, but the real drama began: The battle for the comfy chair. You know the one, the oversized armchair in the lobby strategically placed to lure you in with the promise of relaxation? I saw it first. I felt it calling to me. Then, just as I was about to collapse into its welcoming embrace, a dude in a trucker hat and cargo shorts practically dove for it. The audacity! I sulked.
1:30 PM - Unpack & Evaluate the Room (and the Questionable Art Choices)
- The room itself? Standard. Two queen beds (yay, room to sprawl!), a TV that’s probably older than me, and that classic Holiday Inn Express bathroom with the weird, barely-there shower pressure. But the art! Oh, the art! I swear they hired an algorithm to generate it. Abstract landscapes, generic flower prints… it was the visual equivalent of elevator music. I spent a good five minutes just staring at one particularly questionable piece, trying to decipher its meaning. Still haven't figured it out. Either it's a masterpiece of modern art, or they found it in the dumpster.
2:00 PM - Reconnaissance Mission: Downtown Raton (and the Search for Coffee)
- Time to venture out! I figured, "Raton, NY, what could be so bad?". Downtown Raton. Population: Maybe me, wandering around aimlessly. Let's be honest, it's a bit… quiet. Like, "end-of-the-world" quiet. But hey, that has its charm! I needed coffee. Needed. After a desperate search, I stumbled upon a local cafe called "The Daily Grind" (of course!). The coffee was decent and the barista had the kind of friendly, small-town charm that made me feel instantly welcomed.
3:00 PM - The Santa Fe Trail Museum (and the Unexpected History Buff Awakening)
- I'm not gonna lie, I almost skipped the museum. But then I thought, "Hey, I'm in Raton! I should do something!" And thank goodness I did! This little museum was WAY more interesting than I expected. I found myself completely engrossed in the stories of the Santa Fe Trail, the pioneers, the struggles, the triumphs. Who knew a dusty old trail could be so captivating? Maybe I actually am turning into my grandfather.
5:00 PM - Relax, Rest, and Questionable TV Choices
- Back to the hotel for a good rest. The rest that was probably necessary. I tried to relax and watch TV, but the channel selection felt like it was from 1998. Seriously, I think they had more channels dedicated to evangelical programming than to actual, you know, entertainment.
6:30 PM - Dinner at "The Grill" (aka Where I Judged the Locals..and They Judged Me Back)
- I braved "The Grill," the local diner that doubled as the town's social hub. It was a… experience. Think classic diner fare, friendly but slightly overbearing waitresses, and a chorus of conversations that sounded like they'd been going on for decades. I ordered a burger and watched the locals watch me. It was a subtle game of "Who's the Tourist?" I'm pretty sure I lost.
8:00 PM - Back to the Hotel for "Early Bird" Rest
- I was completely exhausted from the day's adventures. The hotel bed felt like a cloud and it wasn't long before I slipped into a deep, peaceful sleep. It was an "early bird" rest and it felt amazing.
Day 2: Exploring, Dealing with Weather, and More Food.
7:00 AM - "Free Breakfast" (and the Existential Dread Returns)
- The infamous "free breakfast." The bane of every hotel-goer's existence. It's a gamble, really. Will the scrambled eggs be rubbery? Will the coffee taste like dishwater? Will your fellow guests treat the waffle maker like a personal appliance? Today, it was a triple threat! The eggs were questionable, the coffee was weak, and the waffle maker was monopolized by a family of five. I decided to take a bagel and some fruit for the road.
8:00 AM- Headed to Capulin Volcano National Monument
- I've got to say, the drive to Capulin Volcano was pretty cool. Seeing the landscapes and the overall environment helped me feel more connected to the area. Upon arrival, I was amazed by the sheer size and majesty of the volcano. The hike up was challenging, but the views from the top were simply incredible. They were well worth the effort.
12:00 PM - Lunch at a Hole-in-the-Wall (and the Best Meal Ever)
- I stumbled upon a tiny, unassuming Mexican restaurant, just off the main road. It looked completely unremarkable, but I decided to give it a shot. Best decision, ever! The food was authentic, the atmosphere was lively, and the chili rellenos were the best I’ve ever had. I'm still dreaming about those.
2:00 PM - An Afternoon of Rest..and a Flood?!
- A good rest in the afternoon. But what I didn't expect was a flash flood that suddenly turned the ground into a raging river! It was shocking! I quickly called my family to tell them about it. It was quite an experience.
5:00 PM - Dinner and "Local" Entertainment:
- Dinner - same place. Another burger. The entertainment, however, was new. I made a new friend: a man named Rick, and he told me everything about his life, his time in prison, and everything he knew.
7:00 PM - Evening Rest:
- Absolutely exhausted. I crashed in bed and fell asleep in no time.
Day 3: Departure and a Moment of Reflection
7:00 AM - Last Breakfast and a Slight Regret
- One last go at the free breakfast! At least the coffee was slightly better today. And as I ate my bagel, I felt a twinge of regret. Did I miss anything? Should I have explored more?
9:00 AM - Check Out and the Final Comfy Chair Encounter
- Check-out was uneventful, but as I walked out, I saw him: Trucker Hat Dude, lounging in the comfy chair. I smiled. Maybe I, too, needed to embrace the unhurried pace of Raton.
9:30 AM - Departure
- My drive home was uneventful. I kept thinking about the people, the food, and the adventures I had. It was nice.
So, there you have it. My Raton adventure. It wasn't perfect. It wasn't glamorous. But it was real. And in its own weird, slightly off-kilter way, it was memorable. And hey, I'll probably be back. Just to settle the score with Trucker Hat Dude. And maybe try that taco place again.
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Raton's BEST Hotel? IHG's Hidden Gem Awaits! (Holiday Inn Express Review) - The Real Deal FAQ
Alright, spill the beans. Is this Holiday Inn Express *really* the best in Raton? Because I've seen some places... let's just say they haven't aged well.
Okay, okay, deep breaths. Best? In Raton? Let's just say it's the least... shall we say, "vintage charm" of the options I've seen. Picture this: you're driving through Raton, feeling the miles, and you're starting to dread that hotel room. You’re bracing yourself for the usual suspects: stained carpets, questionable air fresheners, and a TV that’s older than your dad. This Holiday Inn Express? It *mostly* avoids those pitfalls. It's clean, it's modernish, and the beds – bless them – are actually comfortable. Is it the Ritz-Carlton? Absolutely not. But for Raton, it's a solid win. Think of it as a reliable, happy medium. I, however, had an instance, once where the vending machine ate my dollar. I was livid! The world was surely ending right there, it felt like.
Let's talk breakfast. Because a bad hotel breakfast can ruin a day faster than a flat tire on the interstate. What's the deal?
Okay, breakfast. This is where they kind of… shine. I LOVE breakfast. And, look, it's the *standard* Holiday Inn Express breakfast. You got your scrambled eggs (sometimes suspiciously yellow, I’m not going to lie), your sausage links (a little… processed, but hey, we're in Raton), your waffles (freshly made, and oh-so-tempting), and your cereal. The bread selection is surprisingly solid! They had bagels, and they actually toasted them! Now and then I'd go for the yogurt – which was basically that breakfast staple, full of sugar, but hey, when you're on the road, you just gotta go for it! And coffee, of course. LOTS of coffee. The whole setup's efficient, there's generally enough seating, and the staff are (mostly) cheerful. It's not gourmet, but it gets the job done with some smiles. I can not emphasize how good the waffles were. I'm not even a waffle person. But those waffles were… wow. I ate too many. And then I felt guilty, and full, and even happier.
What are the rooms actually *like*? Are we talking cramped and depressing, or… slightly less cramped and depressing?
The rooms are… fine. They're functional. They’re not palatial suites, but they're not dungeon cells either. Think of a standard hotel room in an IHG chain and you're basically there. The beds are genuinely comfy, big plus. The bathrooms are clean and the water pressure is actually decent, which is a small miracle in some of these places! There's a flatscreen TV, a desk (handy for working – or, let’s be honest, scrolling through your phone), and a mini-fridge (essential for road trip snacks). Honestly, the rooms are better than the exterior. I’m not kidding! I looked at the exterior, and I was preparing myself for the worst, and then I got into the room, and I felt myself soften a little. It's not luxurious, but it's comfy, and it's clean, and that's what REALLY matters after a long day. I’m not gonna lie, I once had a room with this amazing view. It was a view of… the parking lot. So, yeah, room quality is good, but the view? Don’t hold your breath.
Okay, what about the *location*? Is it easy to get to, or are you constantly circling, cursing GPS under your breath just to find the blessed place?
The location is… convenient. It's right off the interstate, which is both a blessing and a curse. A blessing because, well, duh, easy access. A curse because… road noise. It wasn't *terrible*. Most of the time it was fine. But if you're a light sleeper, maybe earplugs. It's also close to gas stations, restaurants (not a *ton* of options, but enough), and some of the main attractions in Raton. Overall, it's a pretty good spot. You're not going to get lost looking for it, which is a huge win in my book. I *hate* getting lost. One time, I missed a turn, got turned around, and ended up driving in circles for, like, a solid 45 minutes. It was a disaster. So, yeah, easy to find? MAJOR plus.
Anything to watch out for? Any red flags? Things that would send you running for the (nearest) hotel?
Okay, be aware of... a couple of things. The pool is small. I was hoping for a lap, but that really wasn't happening. Now, it *is* good for a quick cool-down, or for the kids to splash around. But don’t go expecting a pristine aquatic experience. Also, parking can get a little tight at times. Especially if there's a bus tour going on. And, just, you know, keep an eye out for the usual hotel suspects. One time, while I was there, somebody’s dog had a major accident in the hallway. It was… not pretty. But the staff handled it quickly and efficiently. So, yeah, nothing major. Just the typical hotel hiccups, all things considered.
And the staff? Are they friendly and helpful, or are you dealing with grumpy people who clearly hate their jobs?
The staff… are generally okay. Mostly. Look, you're going to encounter all types of people, but most of my experiences have been good! There was this one guy at the front desk who was *exceptionally* cheerful. Like, almost unsettlingly cheerful. But you know what? I liked it! It was a refreshing change from the usual jaded hotel staff. They're generally efficient, and helpful if you need something. They seem to genuinely *try* to be helpful, which you don't always find. So, yeah, thumbs up to the staff! One guy in particular was very friendly, and I asked him for extra towels. He gave them to me, no questions asked. See? Nice people!
Okay, the big question: would you stay there again? Be brutally honest.
Alright, here's the deal. If I were to go back to Raton, and needed a place to stay? Yeah, I'd stay there again. It has its flaws, sure. But it's clean, it's comfortable, the breakfasts are pretty good (especially the waffles), the staff is generally friendly, and the location is convenient. It's not perfect, but it's… reliable. The vending machine ate my dollar, but would I stay again? Yeah, I probably would. Just bring a little extra cash, and maybe some earplugs. In a town like Raton, you're not going to find a palace, and let's be real, nobody expects to. It's a good, solid, reasonably-priced option. I'd recommend it, sure. But… my expectations are probably low anyway, haha. You get what you pay forHotel Hop Now
