Middletown's BEST Hotel? Goshen's Hidden Gem! (Holiday Inn Express Review)
Goshen's Hidden Gem? My Honest Take on the Holiday Inn Express in Middletown (Buckle Up!)
Okay, so you're thinking about the Holiday Inn Express in Middletown, and you've stumbled across me, your intrepid (and slightly chaotic) reviewer. Let's cut the fluff and get down to brass tacks: is this place worth your precious vacation time (or, let's be honest, your slightly-less-precious business trip)? I'm about to spill the beans, good, bad, and maybe a little bit…well, unexpected.
First off, let's get the necessary housecleaning stuff outta the way. Accessibility: Yep, they've got it. I'm not mobility-impaired, but I did see elevators, ramps, and enough features that seemed to make things fairly easy for folks needing them. Wheelchair access: Check. That's a huge win.
The Tech Stuff: Now, for a tech-challenged boomer like myself, a hotel’s Wi-Fi situation is crucial. Forget those days of dial-up, I NEED my Instagram! The free Wi-Fi in all rooms is a game-changer. No more fighting over the best signal in the lobby! There was even a LAN connection if you’re still old-school, but let's be real, good luck. Internet access in general seemed solid. I got to binge-watch some bad reality TV guilt-free.
Cleanliness and Safety (aka, Is This Place Germy?): This is where things get really interesting in these post-COVID times. They touted a lot of stuff: Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Room sanitization between stays, and all that jazz. I’m not a germaphobe, but I did appreciate the peace of mind. The Hand sanitizer stations were plentiful (bonus points!). I even saw signs about Hygiene certification, which, frankly, I don’t know what it means, but it sounded impressive. And the Staff trained in safety protocol seemed to be walking around with purpose, which is always a good sign.
The Food & Booze Situation (aka, Can I Survive?)
Alright, the most important question: Breakfast. The Breakfast [buffet] was serviceable. Your standard fare: eggs (sometimes suspiciously round), sausage (questionable origin), cereals, and pastries. It's that I'm a picky eater, but the Breakfast takeaway service was a lifesaver for those bleary-eyed mornings. I'm a sucker for those pre-packaged yogurts.
Dining, drinking, and snacking:
- Breakfast in room
- Breakfast service
- Buffet in restaurant
- Coffee/tea in restaurant
- Coffee shop
- Restaurants
- Room service [24-hour]
- Snack bar
- Poolside bar
Things to do / Ways to Relax (Beyond My Bed, I Mean):
- Fitness center: I peeked into the Gym/fitness, and it looked… well, like a hotel gym. Treadmills, a few weights. Not exactly a Gold's Gym, but it'll do if you're feeling guilty after the breakfast buffet, and that's fine.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: The Pool with view was a welcome sight. A simple outdoor pool, nothing fancy, but perfect for a quick dip after a long travel day or just for relaxing.
Rooms - The Real Deal:
Now, the rooms. Mine was a Non-smoking room (thank goodness!), and it was… clean. Seriously, the Cleanliness and safety aspect seems to be a priority. The Air conditioning blasted icy comfort. The Bed, which I’m ashamed to admit, I spent more time in than I should have, was comfy.
Here's where I get specific. I, in a rush, didn't pay attention to what I was booking and got a room with a Separate shower/bathtub. This wasn't, well, glamorous, I’ll be honest. But it was a shower. It worked, and that’s all that mattered at 6 am when I was fighting off a caffeine withdrawal headache. The Toiletries were standard, the Hair dryer blew, I didn’t have to call the front desk for a new lamp. I even had a Mirror, and a Closet to toss my clothes into.
Things that (Maybe) Matter (But Probably Don't):
- Services and conveniences: There's a Concierge… pretty much ignored them.
- Getting around: The Car park [free of charge] was a definite plus. No fighting for a space or paying an arm and a leg.
- For the kids, they had some options. I'm not a parent, so I didn't look twice.
The Not-So-Pretty Bits (Because, Let's Be Real, Nothing's Perfect):
- The Décor. Let’s just say the décor isn't going to win any design awards. It’s functional, predictable, and sometimes a little… bland. But hey, I'm not there to critique interior design.
- The Price. It's not the cheapest hotel in town, but it's also not going to break the bank. You get what you pay for, and in this case, it's a solid, reliable stay.
- The Coffee at Breakfast. It's… hotel coffee. Let's leave it at that. Next time, I'm bringing my own.
My Final Verdict (The Grand Finale!):
So, is the Holiday Inn Express in Middletown a "Hidden Gem"? Maybe not. But it is a solid, reliable option. It's clean, comfortable, and well-equipped, offering a great base for exploring the area or a convenient stopover on a longer trip. I'd stay here again? Absolutely. Would I recommend it? Yes, with the caveat that if you're looking for five-star luxury, look elsewhere. If you want a no-frills, hassle-free experience that won't break the bank, then this Goshen "Hidden Gem" is worth a look. And hey, the free Wi-Fi alone is worth the price of admission!
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- Title Tag: Holiday Inn Express Middletown Review: Honest & Detailed! (2024)
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Disclaimer: My opinions are my own, and I was not paid or given any incentives to write this review. My hotel experiences vary. Your mileage may vary.
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Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into my epic (read: hopefully not disastrous) trip to Middletown, New York, specifically the hallowed halls of the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Middletown - Goshen By IHG. I'm going to try and document this trip, flaws and all, because, honestly, that's where the real fun is, right?
Pre-Trip Anxiety & The Great Packing Debacle (aka, the day before)
Morning: Okay, first off, who decided a trip to upstate New York was a good idea in March? I’m already picturing slush, wind, and a general feeling of existential dread. I should probably check the weather… Nope, rain. Great. Just great.
Afternoon: Packing. Ugh. This is my kryptonite. I'm convinced I'll overpack, underpack, forget the essentials (like, say, underwear), and generally bring everything but what I actually need. The battle of the suitcase began. Started with all the "maybe" items (five pairs of jeans, a sequined top… for what exactly?). Decided I'm going to need a proper waterproof jacket, because, duh, rain. Where is that thing? Spent an hour rifling through a closet that hasn't been touched since the Jurassic period. Found it. Smells vaguely of mothballs and regret. Success! Sort of.
Evening: Finally FINALLY managed to sort through all my shoes. Decided which one made the cut. Almost forgot my travel pillow because I was busy texting my best friend about this trip.
Day 1: Arrival and the quest for acceptable coffee (and maybe sanity)
Morning (on the road): Okay, the drive. Usually, I'm a fan of road trips, but the weather is doing everything in its power to make me second-guess my initial decision. I just want to curl up with my blanket and watch a movie but I'm on a mission! Needed a good coffee (the one thing travel is famous for) to stay awake.
Mid-morning (Arrival and initial impressions): Pulled into the parking lot of the Holiday Inn Express. Not gonna lie, it looked… well, like a beige box, but a clean beige box, which is a win in my book. The lobby was surprisingly cheerful, with a fireplace roaring (or at least, a fake roaring fireplace, but I'm not complaining). Check-in was smooth, thank goodness. The front desk person was utterly cheerful, which is either a sign of genuine happiness or a carefully crafted facade. I, for one, appreciate the energy.
- Room Inspection: Okay, room! It's… clean! Yay! Always a huge relief. Slightly sterile decor, but the bed looks comfy, and there's a decent-sized TV. The real test: coffee. The in-room coffee maker beckons. Wish me luck.
Afternoon (The Great Coffee Crisis): The in-room coffee was undrinkable. It tasted like battery acid. The machine? A torture device. I did not, repeat did not, trust the coffee from this area. Found a Dunkin' Donuts a few minutes away. The coffee was barely acceptable, but it was coffee. I was more than happy.
Evening (Local Exploration and Emotional Rollercoaster): Alright, time to venture out. I decided to try something recommended online. The problem? I have a terrible sense of direction. The GPS in my phone is my only guide in life.
- The Food Experience: After the coffee crisis, the food I got was the only thing keeping me going. I ordered takeout since I was too exhausted to sit down in a restaurant. The restaurant was nice but the food? The food was amazing! I ordered the best dish on the menu. It was truly the highlight of the day. I even thought about ordering another plate.
- The Verdict: Great choice. Wonderful. The perfect end to a day that was more chaotic than I'd planned.
Day 2: Adventures and (hopefully) more coffee
Morning (The Breakfast Buffet Blues and the Quest for Decent Coffee, Round 2): Breakfast! The Holiday Inn Express breakfast buffet is a true spectacle, isn't it? Waffles, instant oatmeal (with the texture of wallpaper paste), and… a coffee dispenser. I approached with trepidation. It was… drinkable! Glorious! Not artisanal, not life-changing, but I survived.
Morning (Exploring Middletown): Okay, time to actually do something. I had a vague plan of checking out some local shops and maybe a historical site. This is where the "imperfect plans" part comes in.
- The Shop: Found a quirky little antique store filled with dusty treasures. Spent a good hour poking around, finding things I didn't need but absolutely wanted. Bought a vintage teacup that I’ll probably break the second I get home. Zero regrets.
- The Historical Site: Attempted to find a historical landmark. Got lost. Gave up and bought a map. Found the site! It was cool, I guess. History isn't really my thing, but it was something on the itinerary.
Afternoon (The Unexpected Detour and Meltdown): Okay. Here is where it got real. Decided to drive towards a park and enjoy the view. The roads were a mess due to the rain. I started panicking because I didn't see any signs. I pulled over. Started panicking and crying. Then immediately thought of my best friend, she probably would have laughed at me. I texted her and she just gave me the "laughing emoji". Calm.
Day 3: Departure and the Big Question
- Morning (The Farewell Breakfast and the Packing Dilemma): Back to the breakfast buffet, which is honestly already starting to feel familiar. Packed. Realized I forgot to buy souvenirs. Crap.
- Morning (The Souvenir Scramble and the Last-Minute Regret): Found a local store to start the souvenir hunt. Got things I didn't need, but at least I was able to get something. Did I enjoy this trip? After all of this chaos? Well…
- Afternoon (The Drive Home and the Post-Trip Analysis): The drive back was uneventful, thankfully. Reflecting on the trip… it wasn't perfect. It was messy, slightly chaotic, and the weather was a downer. But… I laughed a lot, ate delicious things, and saw a place I'd never been. Is that enough? Yeah. I think it is. Would I go back? Maybe? Probably not. But that's okay.
Final Thoughts:
Middletown, you were… an experience. The Holiday Inn Express? Decent, but the coffee? Not good. But hey, at least the bed was comfortable, and I survived. And that, my friends, is what I call a successful trip.
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Middletown's BEST Hotel? Goshen's Hidden Gem! (Holiday Inn Express Review - The RAW Edition)
Okay, so I stayed there. Here's the REAL deal, from someone who’s survived… well, a lot. Buckle up, buttercups.
Is this Holiday Inn Express *really* the "BEST" in Middletown, NY? Ugh, really?
Look, BEST is subjective, right? Like, what's "best" for a budget traveler versus a luxury snob? This ain't the Ritz. But listen, after a week of driving around for work (ugh, that trip!) and my usual last minute scramble, the Holiday Inn Express in Goshen… it kinda felt good. Compared to some roadside dives I've endured? YES. Compared to a mythical perfect hotel? NO. It’s a solid… say 7 out of 10, with a *very* generous curve. Consider the circumstances of being in Middletown, it's likely the best.
Tell me about the *room*. The big, important picture!
Alright, rooms. They’re... consistent. Clean-ish. Looked like a Holiday Inn Express room, you know, like a cookie cutter. My room was pretty standard, two queen beds, a desk that looks like it's seen better days, and a TV that somehow managed to get every channel *except* the one I wanted. Found *one* tiny (and I mean, TINY... I'm talking, "can't even kill a house fly" tiny) bug. Panic moment, I know, but handled. Honestly, the beds were actually comfy. That's what mattered after driving for hours, getting lost 3 times, and being late for every meeting.
Breakfast. The most important meal. Feed me! What’s the food situation like?
Oh, breakfast. Bless their hearts. It was *free*. Which is a blessing and a curse at the same time. You see, the sausage was… well, it was there. The scrambled eggs? Looked like they’d been sitting there since, oh, day one... But the coffee? Surprisingly decent. I found myself grabbing a few cups, fueled by caffeine and the desperate hope that the day wouldn't be an absolute disaster (it didn't, surprisingly!). The oatmeal was… well, oatmeal. I can say that I enjoyed the occasional waffle. The breakfast area, bless their souls, was *always* a little chaotic. Lots of kids, a lot of sticky fingers… it's a scene. But again, FREE. I wasn't expecting gourmet.
Okay, let's get real. The *staff*. Good? Bad? Weird? Spill the tea.
The staff? Mixed bag. The front desk folks were generally… *fine*. Efficient, not exactly effusive. Asked for extra towels? Took a while, but they showed up eventually. There was one lady who worked the breakfast bar that I felt kinda bad for. She was frantically refilling the waffle batter and seemed *genuinely* frazzled, constantly. But she was also friendly as could be, yelling out "More waffles, everyone!" with a smile, while the sausage looked ready to stage an escape. Overall, no horror stories, no angels. Just… people, doing their jobs.
The "Hidden Gem" part… what's up with the location? Is it truly "Goshen"? And is it really hidden?
Alright, let's clarify some things. Technically, it *is* in Goshen, but literally right on the border of Middletown. So, it's "close" enough to everything in Middletown, but a little more… peaceful. The "hidden" thing? Not really. It's right off the highway. But hey, at least it's not *right* on the main drag with all the noise and lights. It felt less overwhelming. You know... A few miles away from the absolute chaos of the day. Easy access, pretty typical.
So, what about the *pool*? Important, or no?
*I* didn't use the pool. But I peeped in. Looked clean enough. Indoor, so bonus points for that. I imagined it'd be a kids' paradise, especially as I went into the area! After a LONG days out meeting with clients, the thought of seeing a bunch of screaming kids kinda put me off. But, It was there. If that's your thing, go for it. I'm more of a "Netflix in my pajamas" kind of person.
Any Crazy Stories?! Tell me something juicy!
Okay, this is the one. So, the second night. About 2 am. I wake up to a *thumping*. Not a gentle thumping, like a heartbeat. More like, "SOMEONE'S TRYING TO BREAK DOWN A DOOR" thumping. Through the walls. I'm wide awake. Heart THUMPING. I'm picturing all sorts of scenarios. Someone having a massive party? A fight? A zombie apocalypse? I mean, anything is possible at 2 am. I cautiously peer through the peephole. Nothing. After about an hour of the thumping, I called the front desk. Apparently, it was someone "walking around". Seriously? WALKING? It sounded like they were operating a jackhammer! They apologized, said they'd talk to the guest. The thumping eventually stopped. But I was wide awake, so I just ordered a pizza and watched bad TV. True story. And for a few moments...I felt like I was in a horror movie with a terrible plot.
Would you stay there again? Be honest.
Considering my options in that area? Yeah, probably. It's a good-enough, reliable, clean-ish place. The price was right. The beds were comfy. The coffee wasn't *terrible*. But, look, I'm not going to pretend it was some magical experience. I would definitely pack some earplugs next time though. That thumping gave me a good scare.
Final Verdict? Sum it up!
If you're in Middletown, and need a place to crash (and don't expect the Ritz), the Holiday Inn Express in Goshen is a solid choice. It's not a hidden gem in the sense of a secret, luxurious oasis. It's more of a "decent place" that *happens* to be in a place where options are limited. Don't expect miracles, pack your own snacks, and pray the neighbors don't have a penchant for interpretive dance at 2 amShanghai's HOTTEST Hotel? 🤫 Holiday Inn Express Hongqiao North Review!
