Escape to Göttingen: Your Dream Holiday Inn Express Awaits!
Escape to Göttingen: My Dream Holiday Inn Express… Almost! (A Review That's Seen Some Things)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your average hotel review. This is a deep dive into the Holiday Inn Express in Göttingen, Germany. I'm talking a serious investigation, a full-blown, slightly-caffeinated, and probably sleep-deprived breakdown of the good, the bad, and the slightly-disappointing (because let's be honest, no hotel is perfect).
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- Keywords: Göttingen Hotel, Holiday Inn Express, Germany, Accessible Hotel, Spa, Restaurant, Wi-Fi, Cleanliness, COVID-19 Safety, Business Hotel, Family Friendly, Parking, Review, Travel, Germany Travel, Göttingen Accommodation.
- Meta Description: Unpacking my stay at the Holiday Inn Express Göttingen! Disability access, spa, food, safety protocols, and the usual hotel joys and woes. Real talk about what it's really like to stay here. My dream hotel? Maybe…
The Arrival & First Impressions (or, "Where's My Key Card?"):
So, I rolled into Göttingen, feeling like a particularly wrinkled sausage link after a long train ride. First things first, accessibility. Now, as someone who occasionally requires a little extra assistance getting around, this is huge for me. And I have to say, the Holiday Inn Express got off to a good start. Wheelchair accessible throughout, which is a huge plus. The elevator was reliable, the hallways were wide, and the lobby wasn't a maze. Bonus points for a doorman – always a nice touch, even if they mostly just point you towards the front desk.
What I didn't expect? The vibe. It wasn't exactly "oooh, ahhh," more like "efficient and clean." Which, you know, is often exactly what you need after traveling. But the lobby felt a tad… sterile. Like a well-designed hospital waiting room. But hey, that was probably a good thing later, given the focus on hygiene!
Cleanliness & Safety: My Germophobia's Best Friend (Mostly):
Speaking of which… COVID-19. Look, I'm not gonna lie. I'm a nervous Nellie when it comes to germs. So, the anti-viral cleaning products, the daily disinfection in common areas, the individually-wrapped food options (more on that later), and the staff trained in safety protocol were all music to my anxiety-addled ears. I also saw sterilizing equipment buzzing away. Honestly, I felt safer in that hotel than I do in my own apartment sometimes! Probably.
The rooms sanitized between stays peace of mind was golden, and the room sanitization opt-out available was responsible and smart. The hand sanitizer stations strategically placed were a lifesaver. And the fact they offered cashless payment service was a welcome comfort. It's good to see them taking this seriously.
However, one thing did niggle at me. While they had a first aid kit, what really impressed me would have been a nurse being on call - a doctor/nurse on call would have been ideal. Still, a good effort overall.
The Room: My Tiny Kingdom (and Limited Kitchen):
Okay, the room itself. It was… a Holiday Inn Express room. Non-smoking, of course, which is a relief for any sensitive nostrils. They had the usual suspects: air conditioning (essential!), a desk (for pretending to work), a TV with satellite/cable channels, and a coffee/tea maker. Plus the free wi-fi did actually work (Hallelujah!).
The bed was… fine. Not the cloud-like experience I’d fantasized about on the train, but perfectly adequate for catching some Zs. However, the extra long bed was a nice touch for us tall folk.
The Bathroom Saga (or, "Where's the Shampoo!?"):
The private bathroom was decently sized, and the shower worked. The slippers were a nice touch. But here's the thing: there was no shampoo dispenser actually dispensing anything. Just a tiny little pump bottle of… something. And the hair dryer was one of those wimpy things that barely blows a puff of air. Minor annoyances, sure, but little things add up, right? And where was the bathrobe? (I might not have been one, but some people like them.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: The Breakfast Bandit (and Other Adventures in Calories):
Breakfast… oh, breakfast. The breakfast buffet was… well, it was what you'd expect. The Asian breakfast elements were interesting, though the selection of Asian cuisine in restaurant was limited, it was a good attempt. The real issue was the "individually-wrapped food options." Think pre-packaged croissants, cellophane-sealed muffins, and mini-boxes of cereal. It's understandable from a safety perspective, but the joy of a fresh breakfast was severely diminished. Where’s the feeling of abundance?
They did offer breakfast service. The coffee/tea in restaurant was reasonably decent. and the vegetarian restaurant options were on the table, but nothing wowed. The bottle of water was a nice perk, though.
There was a poolside bar, but it was closed (I think I went at maybe a bad time of year). Happy hour never materialized. The room service [24-hour] option was tempting, but I was too lazy to exercise. The Snack bar was open, thankfully.
One late night I did stumble down for a snack. I got a very bland ham sandwich. I went back to my room and stared at the ceiling.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax (More Like "Trying to Relax"):
Okay, so this is where the Holiday Inn Express, I'm sorry to say, seriously missed the mark. There's a fitness center, which I peeked into, but it looked like a lonely exercise bike and some dusty weights. The spa was a no-show. No massage, no sauna, no steamroom, nothing to unwind. Just the ghosts of relaxation past. This was truly a major letdown. I wanted to be pampered and relaxed, I wanted a body scrub and a body wrap maybe. It was pretty disappointing.
They did have a swimming pool [outdoor]…which was closed.
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things Count (or, "Where's the Iron?"):
The daily housekeeping was efficient, and the staff were consistently polite. The elevator was a godsend for my lazy legs. The luggage storage came in handy before check-in.
The ironing service was a godsend as well. I forgot to use it of course.
They had a concierge and a convenience store. The currency exchange was helpful, but I didn't touch the facility.
Internet Access: Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi Not?
Thank goodness, the Internet access – wireless in the room was strong and reliable. Wi-Fi [free] on top of free was pretty good going!
For the Kids (or, "Is There a Pony?"):
Okay, let's get this straight: there were kids facilities listed. I didn't have to worry about them.
Final Verdict (or, "Would I Stay Again?"):
The Holiday Inn Express Göttingen is a solid, safe, and clean option. It's a good choice if you prioritize safety, convenience, and accessibility. However, if you're looking for a luxurious, pampering experience with a full spa and excellent dining, you might want to look elsewhere.
Would I stay again?
Maybe. But next time, I'm packing my own damn shampoo, and maybe a portable spa. And definitely, I'm hunting down a decent breakfast joint nearby. And they should really keep that damn swimming pool open during the busy season.
Golden Hotel 2 Vietnam: Luxury Redefined - Unforgettable Stays Await!Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's perfectly-planned itinerary. This is… my itinerary for the glorious, potentially disastrous, adventure that is Goettingen, Germany, all starting from the oh-so-predictable haven that is the Holiday Inn Express. I’m calling it “Goettingen: God Bless the Germans (and Their Beer, Mostly).”
Day 1: Arrival, Anticipation, and the Awkward Shower
14:00 - Arrive at Holiday Inn Express Goettingen (Ugh, the Standard): Let’s be honest, you know what you're getting with a Holiday Inn Express. Clean, functional, probably a slightly underwhelming continental breakfast in the morning. The real excitement is out there, I’m telling you. Checked in and the room is fine, the usual. Immediately, I had this urge to rearrange the furniture. I fought it.
14:30 - The Shower Incident: No, not that kind of shower incident. More like, "struggle with the shower controls for a solid five minutes, finally get the water to lukewarm, realize I've already soaked the entire bathroom" kind of incident. Classic. I swear, German engineering is amazing, but sometimes… sometimes… I just want a simple on/off switch.
15:00 - First Stroll, Stare, and Stumble (Literally): Okay, time to face the music (and cobblestone streets!). Armed with a half-baked map and a desperate hope for decent coffee, I ventured forth. Goettingen is charming. Like, genuinely charming. The town square is lovely, the architecture is all wonky and beautiful. I tripped on a cobblestone within the first five minutes. Dignity? Gone. Coffee? Still searching.
16:00 - Cafe Hopping and The Great Pretzel Debate: Found a cafe! Success! The coffee was… okay. But then came the pretzels. I saw two options, both about the size of my head. One looked suspiciously shiny and pre-packaged. The other… oh, the other was a glorious, crusty, salt-dusted behemoth. The debate raged in my head: "Go for the easy, predictable option, or risk the potentially overwhelming, potentially amazing experience?" Naturally, I went for the behemoth. Best. Decision. Ever.
18:00 - Dinner at a Traditional German Restaurant (and My First German Beer): Found a place with a LOT of wood paneling and a menu that basically shouted "meat, meat, and more meat." This is where the REAL German experience begins. I can't pronounce half the menu but the feeling is right. I ordered something I can’t pronounce (surprise!), and a local beer. The beer? Oh, the beer. Dark, delicious, and the perfect antidote to my cobblestone-induced humiliation. I promptly ordered another.
20:00 - Evening Stroll and the "Silent Movie" Effect: Now that the beer has kicked in, the town looks even MORE charming. The lights glisten on the old buildings, and the people… well, they’re speaking German, so I have NO idea what they’re saying, but it feels strangely… cinematic? Like watching a silent movie you don’t understand. Lovely.
21:00 - Return to the Hotel, Contemplation, and Existential Dread: Back at the HIE. Sitting on the bed and reflecting on the day, the shower catastrophe, the amazing pretzel. Was this real? Am I really here? This thought always creeps in after the second beer right? I read a book for an hour and fell asleep.
Day 2: Culture, Castles, and the Quest for the Perfect Schnitzel
08:00 - Breakfast at HIE - The Continental Conundrum: Ah, yes, the continental breakfast. I have a love-hate relationship with this. The coffee is weak. The pastries are suspiciously perfect. But the feeling of a free breakfast is undeniable. I load up on carbs and hope for the best.
09:00 - The University of Göttingen and the Goose Girl: Time to get some culture in me, dammit. Wandered the hallowed halls of the University. It’s impressive. The Goose Girl statue? Beautiful! And everyone touches her lips for good luck! I'm in. So… I did it. No regrets! I'm feeling lucky.
11:00 - Lunch and the Schnitzel Search: Okay, yesterday's meat consumption has left me craving… more meat, but this time… Schnitzel! The quest begins. Found a lovely little place tucked away. The menu said Schnitzel, with fries. I’m ordering it.
12:00 - The Schnitzel Revelation: Yes! The Schnitzel. It was perfect. Crispy, juicy, and served with golden fries and a lemon wedge. A religious experience for a carnivore. I ate the entire plate and considered ordering another. Restraint.
14:00 - Tour of the City: A guided tour! I'm going to be fully honest here, I only understood about 30% of what the guide said. But it still was great. I'm learning so much by… observing the buildings. I’m picking some things from context clues.
17:00 - A Bit of Wandering and Souvenir Hunting: Time for some retail therapy (and maybe a small beer). I bought a silly souvenir. And another… and another. I might have a problem.
19:00 - Dinner - The Quest for More Schnitzel: I want to try the Schnitzel again. I'm feeling better, I know more German words (none) and I am not worried about anything. I go back to the same place.
21:00 - Back to the Hotel and the Early Night: I'm ready for bed. I'm tired, happy, and full of Schnitzel. Germany is amazing.
Day 3: Departure (and a Lingering Gaze at that Glorious Pretzel)
07:00 - "The Breakfast Before the End": the last HIE breakfast. I loaded up on pastries, coffee, and tried to memorize everything.
08:00 - More souvenir shopping: Is this a problem? Yeah probably. But I don't care.
09:00 - Last Glance at the Town Square: One last look at the town square. I walk to the pretzel place and look at the one I had. I want to grab another one. I don't. I have to go to a train.
10:00 - Departure: Goodbye to Goettingen. Until next time!
Important Notes (and Disclaimer):
- Pacing: This itinerary is more of a suggestion. Feel free to wander, get lost, and make your own discoveries. Don't be afraid to ditch the plan entirely. That's half the fun!
- Food: Eat all the food! Especially the pretzels and the schnitzel. Don't be shy about trying new things.
- Language: Don't worry about not speaking German. The Germans are generally lovely, and you'll get by. Just smile, nod, and point at the menu.
- Expect the Unexpected: Travel is messy. Embrace the chaos. Learn something new. And most importantly, laugh at yourself.
This is my trip. It might be your trip too. Have a great time!
HALO B1 Japan: The SHOCKING Truth You NEED to Know!
Escape to Göttingen: Your "Dream" Holiday Inn Express? Okay, Let's Be Real...
Is this a "dream" holiday? Is the Holiday Inn Express truly the promised land? (Seriously, what's the catch?)
Alright, alright, let's rip off the band-aid. "Dream" is a hell of a word, isn't it? I've had dreams involving zero airplane turbulence and actually finding my car keys. A *dream* Holiday Inn Express in Göttingen? Look, it's not a castle. It's a clean, functional, generally reliable place to crash after a day of exploring. Think of it as the Swiss Army Knife of accommodation. It gets the job done.
The "catch?" Well, there's always a catch. Maybe that perfectly orchestrated breakfast buffet picture on the website... turns out to be a tad more, shall we say, *efficient* than elegant. Maybe the "city view" means you're staring directly at the slightly wonky chimney of the building across the street. (I'm getting ahead of myself here; we'll discuss the view later... oh, the *view*...). But hey, the price is usually right! (And the free Wi-Fi is a godsend when your phone is losing its mind with roaming charges… or when you're hopelessly addicted to doomscrolling before bed.).
Alright, what's *actually* in the rooms? Is it like those hotel rooms in the movies, all perfectly pristine?
Okay, picture this: You've just arrived, tired from hours of travel. You unlock the door, take a deep breath, and… it's… clean. Not *movie-perfect* clean, mind you. More like, "Someone definitely vacuumed recently" clean. There's a bed, which, to be fair, I've found is usually comfortable enough to collapse on. The pillows? Hit or miss, really. One time I swear, I had a pillow that was 80% air and 20% sadness. Another time? Pure, feathery bliss. It’s a gamble.
There's often a teeny, tiny desk, perfect for balancing your laptop and a half-eaten bag of gummy bears. The bathroom? Again, functional. Expect the usual suspects: a shower that *usually* works (although, once, the water pressure was so weak, it felt like a particularly gentle summer drizzle). Toiletries? The single-use shampoo/conditioner combo is a classic. (Pro tip: Bring your own. Seriously. Unless you enjoy the feeling of hay on your head.) And the towels? They're… absorbent. Sometimes.
Let's talk about the breakfast, because, honestly, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. What's the deal?
Ugh, breakfast. Alright, here we go. The Holiday Inn Express breakfast buffet is… an experience. It's not *bad*, per se. It's just… predictable. You've got your continental staples: toast, croissants (sometimes disappointingly stale, but hey, they try!), cereal, yogurt. There's usually some kind of hot offering: scrambled eggs (which, let's be honest, can range from "slightly rubbery" to "questionable beige blobs"), sausages (the mystery meat of the morning), and maybe some bacon if you're lucky.
Coffee? It's usually… coffee. Drinkable, but don't expect barista-level perfection. Juice? From a machine. The orange juice *might* be orange-adjacent. The best thing? Usually, the breakfast is free! (Did I mention free?). And hey, it's fuel! You need fuel to wander the cobblestone streets of Göttingen, right? I once ate a whole plate of sausages even though I knew I'd regret it later. No regrets. Well, maybe a little.
Okay, let's talk about the location. Is it actually *in* Göttingen, or am I accidentally stranded in… a field?
Location, location, location! This is a crucial factor. The Holiday Inn Express in Göttingen *tends* to be... well, it depends. Some are smack-dab in the city center, which is a huge win. Hello, easy access to all the sights! Others… might be a slightly longer walk. Or a bus ride. Or a taxi. (Which, by the way, can be surprisingly expensive in Germany. I learned that the hard way. My bank account cried a little.)
Before you book, seriously, check a map. Look at the reviews. See what people are saying about the walk to the market square, to the train station, to the *Gänseliesel* statue. Because nobody wants to spend half their trip battling public transport. Trust me on this. I've wasted hours of my life trying to navigate unfamiliar bus routes while hangry. Hangry is a bad look for anyone, especially a tourist. Speaking of the *Gänseliesel* statue… she's lovely, by the way. Worth the trek.
What's the wifi situation? Because a digital detox is not in my vocabulary.
Okay, Wi-Fi. Free Wi-Fi is the unsung hero of budget travel. It's a lifeline! It's how you share your vacation photos on Instagram (#GöttingenAdventures!), check your emails (Ugh, work…), and, of course, order more gummy bears online. The Wi-Fi at the Holiday Inn Express is generally… fine. Sometimes, blazing fast! You can stream movies, video chat your friends, and generally live your digital life without a hitch. Other times... well, it's a bit slow. Like, dial-up slow. Like, "remembering what dial-up was like" slow. This is the time to, you know, read a book. Or, you know... actually talk to your travel companion.
But, fingers crossed, it'll be speedy! Look at the reviews, again. People usually moan and complain about the Wi-Fi if it's a total disaster. That matters. And also, download offline maps before you arrive! (Why didn't I do that!). Lesson learned
Are there any *hidden fees*? Because I hate hidden fees. They're the worst.
Oh, hidden fees. The bane of my existence! The Holiday Inn Express, generally, is pretty straightforward. What you see is what you get. The price advertised is usually the price you pay. (Hallelujah!). However... always double-check the fine print. Read the booking confirmation like you're studying for a test. Look for any mention of "resort fees" (unlikely, but you never know), parking fees (if you're driving), or extra charges for things like using the gym (again, unlikely, but don't assume!).
And always, *always* ask at the front desk if you're unsure about anything. The staff, in my experience, are usually helpful. They're there to help (usually...). Just be polite, and inquire. Because nobody wants a surprise extra bill at the end of their "dream" vacation to Göttingen.
