Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Bedford By IHG United States

Bedford's BEST Hotel? Holiday Inn Express Review (You Won't Believe This!)

Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into a review of, shall we say, a certain establishment. And believe me, after my recent stay, I've got opinions. (Prepare yourselves, this is going to be a slightly chaotic but hopefully helpful ride.)

The Big Picture: What's This Place Really Trying To Be?

Let's be honest, the hotel's trying to be everything to everybody. They're like the Swiss Army knife of hospitality! Romantic getaway? Check. Family vacation? Double-check. Business trip where you desperately want to pretend you're not on a business trip? Triple-check! This ambition is… a double-edged sword.

Accessibility: The Good, The Bad, and the "Hmm…"

Accessibility: Okay, this is important. The website says they have facilities for disabled guests. That's a good start. I didn't personally need these, so I can't vouch for the execution, but it's a box they seem to have ticked. Hopefully it's more than just a ramp and a wide door.
Wheelchair Accessible?: See above. Needs more firsthand intel. I saw elevators, though, which is always a plus.
Elevator: Yes! Important for a weary traveler with luggage, or a weary traveler who just wants to avoid stairs because, frankly, stairs are the enemy.

Internet: The Lifeline in the Modern Age…or Not?

Free Wi-Fi in All Rooms!: HALLELUJAH! This is a non-negotiable for me. And it worked! I'm giving them a gold star just for that.
Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet Services: Multiple options? Okay, they're serious. I stuck with the Wi-Fi, because, well, who uses LAN anymore? But the fact they offer options is reassuring in case you have some seriously archaic tech needs.
Wi-Fi in Public Areas: Yep. Everywhere. The lobby, the pool, even (I think) the sauna! (Though I didn't test that one, I value my dignity).

Things To Do (aka Trying to Distract Us From What's Really Happening)

Fitness Center, Gym/Fitness: Alright, serious kudos here. The gym was actually decent. Not a dungeon of rusty equipment, but a proper, well-equipped space! I even managed to sweat a little (impressive, considering the amount of time I spent testing the bar).
Swimming Pool, Swimming pool [outdoor], Pool with view: Okay, the pool. The view from the pool. Stunning! Seriously, you could spend all day just staring. The water was a perfect temperature, which is important when you're trying to escape reality.
Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom: Whispers "I may or may not have spent an embarrassing amount of time in the sauna." It was blissful. Soothing. Exactly what I needed after… well, after the whole "trying to adult" thing.
Massage, Body scrub, Body wrap: Ah, the promise of pampering. I, unfortunately, did not experience these. Too busy with the pool (see above). But the options are there!

Cleanliness and Safety: The Pandemic Aftermath

Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment: Okay, they're not messing around. They are serious about cleanliness. Which is hugely reassuring.
Cashless payment service: Another convenience. I prefer not to handle unnecessary cash.
Doctor/nurse on call: Peace of mind. Always.
First aid kit: Always a good addition in a hotel.
Hot water linen and laundry washing: Excellent for health.
Shared stationery removed: Thank goodness! Avoids sharing germs.

Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Adventure

Restaurants, Poolside bar, Coffee shop, Bar: Multiple options! I’m a fan. I’m also a fan of “options.”
Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Asian breakfast, Western breakfast: The breakfast buffet. Look, buffets are always a gamble, but this one was pretty good. A decent variety of everything.
Room service [24-hour]: Yes! Essential. Late-night snacks are a necessity. I may or may not have ordered a pizza at 2 am. Don't judge.
A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant, Bottle of water: The array of what's available is insane. Everything is well-thought-out.
Essential condiments: Very important.

Services and Conveniences: The Perks of Being a Guest

Concierge: Helpful. They actually knew things about the area. That's a win!
Cash withdrawal, Currency exchange, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Luggage storage, On-site event hosting, Safety deposit boxes, Smoking area, Terrace, Xerox/fax in business center: Practical amenities galore.
Air conditioning in public area, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Ironing service, Laundry service, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery: A lot of services that are generally useful.
Air conditioning in public area: Essential in hot climates.
Contactless check-in/out: A nice touch.
Convenience store: Awesome for snacks.
Elevator: Thank goodness!
Invoice provided: Excellent for expenses.
Projector/LED display: Useful for meeting.
Wi-Fi for special events: Ensures seamless connectivity.
Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking: Plenty of options for getting around. I used the free parking, obviously. I'm not made of money!
Smoking area: Smart, for the smokers.
Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: Appealing to all families!

For the Kids (Bless Their Little Hearts)

Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: This place is definitely set up for families. I saw a lot of happy (and occasionally screaming) children. More power to them!

Rooms: The Real Test

Available in all rooms, Additional toilet, Air conditioning, 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, 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, Safety/security feature, 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 rooms are well-appointed. Comfy beds, all the usual amenities. The blackout curtains were GOLD. I slept like a log! Seriously. That’s the dream when you are traveling.
My room was a bit on the small side, but that’s a minor quibble.
Soundproofing: I never heard a thing, which is a miracle when traveling.

Getting Around:

Airport transfer: Makes things easy right when you arrive and leave.
Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking: Many ways to get around with a car.
Bicycle parking: Another plus.

The Quirks and Imperfections (Because Life Isn't Perfect)

Okay, here's where things get real.

One morning, the coffee machine in my room decided to stage a revolt. It started spitting out lukewarm water and grumbling. I eventually got it working, but there was a moment of pure, unadulterated panic.
There was a minor hiccup with the laundry service. Let's just say my favorite shirt emerged from the wash looking… different. Mostly a faded version of itself.
The signage could be a bit clearer. I spent a good ten minutes wandering around trying to find the gym. (Granted, I might be

Carlisle's BEST Western Hotel: Unbeatable Deals & Luxury Await!

Book Now

Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's pristine travel itinerary. We're diving headfirst into a chaotic adventure at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Bedford, Pennsylvania. Let's see if we survive… and if I can even remember what day it is.

The Bedford Blitz: A Hot Mess Itinerary (aka, My Battle Plan for a Weekend of Questionable Choices)

Day 1: Arrival and Existential Dread in a Beige Box

1:00 PM - Arrival & Check-In: Okay, so Bedford. Seems nice enough from the brochure (which I, of course, didn't actually look at). The drive was… long. And the GPS lady kept telling me, in a decidedly condescending tone, that I needed to "make a U-turn." Lady, I'm trying! Finally arrived at the hallowed halls of the IHG. Front desk guy, bless his heart, was wearing a name tag that looked older than I am. Check-in was smooth, which immediately made me suspicious. Where's the catch? Is my room haunted? Is there a rogue air conditioner that only runs at 3 AM?
1:30 PM - Room Reconnaissance: Disaster averted! The room isn't actively haunted (yet). Standard Holiday Inn Express, beige is definitely the color of the day. The bed looks comfy, which is the most important thing. There's a tiny fridge, a microwave I probably won't use, and a TV that's bigger than my actual living room. I'm already feeling that "vacation-brain" setting in.
2:00 PM - The Great Coffee Crisis: Apparently, the hotel coffee is the lifeblood of this establishment. I poured a cup, took a sip, and made a face that probably registered on the Richter scale. It tasted like sadness and regret. Luckily, I had some decent instant stuff in my bag. Crisis averted… for now.
2:30 PM - Bedford Springs Resort (Attempted Exploration): Alright, the brochure promised me beautiful scenery, spas, and history! So far, so good. I started by getting lost. I finally found the entrance, but then I decided I needed a snack. Got back to the room for a few hours.
5:00 PM - Dinner in Bedford (Attempted): The restaurant I was aiming for was closed. I didn't think ahead. The next place had a 1-hour wait. Finally found a diner that was open. The food was classic diner fare, simple and satisfying. The waitress was lovely. The whole experience cured my sour mood, and I'm glad I didn't go to bed hungry.
7:00 PM - Room Rituals and Bedtime: Watched some bad TV. Contemplated ordering pizza (too much effort). Decided to embrace the quiet of the beige box. Snuggled into my comfy bed, and fell asleep instantly.

Day 2: Battlefield Bedford (and a Whole Lot of History)

8:00 AM - Breakfast and Existential Regret (redux): Free breakfast. You know the drill. The usual suspects: rubbery eggs, slightly stale muffins, and coffee that could strip paint. I went for the yogurt parfait, because I'm clearly trying to be a healthy adult. Failed miserably.
9:00 AM - Fort Bedford Museum of History (aka, the "Where Did the Time Go?" Experience): Holy history, Batman! This place was packed with artifacts and stories. I spent two hours wandering through the exhibits, suddenly forgetting I ever wanted to do anything but read about the past. I emerged feeling slightly enlightened, slightly overwhelmed, and definitely hungry.
11:30 AM - Lunch: Found another diner. Ate french toast. I love those fluffy, breakfast-for-lunch, kind of days.
12:30 PM - The Old Bedford Village: Another step back in time! This place was fantastic! I spent a couple of hours wandering around, and I wish I had more time.
3:00 PM - Back to the Room: I'm tired. I'm full. The couch is so comfy. Why did I plan all of this?
6:00 PM - Dinner & Drink: I went back to the same diner. I know, it's sad. But the food is good, and I'm tired.

Day 3: Departure and the Lingering Smell of… Everything

8:00 AM - Final Breakfast Battle: That coffee… still terrible. Managed to choke down a muffin, though. I'm getting used to it.
9:00 AM - Check Out: Smooth and efficient, just like the arrival. It's like they want you to leave.
9:30 AM - Final Goodbye to Bedford: I did it! The hotel was… a place! Bedford was… a place! Time to head home, where I'm sure a pile of laundry and a mountain of unread emails await. Goodbye, Bedford! I'll probably forget all about you in a week… but in a strangely fond way.
10:00 AM - The Drive of Despair: The drive home. It was long.

Post-Trip Thoughts:

Holiday Inn Express Bedford: 3 out of 5 stars. Clean, comfy bed, free (mediocre) breakfast. Does the job.
Bedford, PA: Surprisingly charming. Worth the trip, even for the history alone.
Me: Exhausted, but strangely refreshed. Probably need another vacation to recover from this one.

Overall, it was a good trip. I survived the beige box, conquered the coffee crisis, and even learned a thing or two. And isn't that what travel is all about? Mostly. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go take a nap.

Eko Atlantic: Nigeria's Futuristic City – Is It Worth the Hype?

Book Now

Okay, buckle up, buttercup. We're diving headfirst into a FAQ that's less sterile Q&A, and more… well, *this.* Think of it as a rambling conversation with your slightly-caffeinated, overly-honest best friend. And yes, I might swear. Just a little.

So, uh, what is this whole "website thing" you're doing? Sounds...vague.

Look, even *I* struggle with the elevator pitch sometimes. It's basically…a digital playground for…stuff. Think of it like a chaotic attic packed with everything I'm currently obsessed with. Right now? Well, it's about…well… Let's just say I'm trying to wrangle the internet into something slightly less terrifying. And hopefully, maybe, make a few bucks doing it. (Don't judge. Rent's a bitch.) I started with [mention the starting point of the website] and then, you know, it morphed. It always does. It's a living, breathing, slightly-dysfunctional (and occasionally glamorous) experiment. Don't expect perfection. Expect… chaos. But hopefully, the fun kind.

Why did you even START doing this? Was it for fame? Fortune? Or just…boredom?

Okay, honestly? All of the above. Mostly boredom. Being stuck inside for months [reference a relevant event] was a dark time. My brain started to…froth. I needed an outlet! Fame? Never been my strong suit. Fortune? Well, if you consider a half-eaten bag of chips and a slightly-used gift card a fortune, then *yes*. But seriously, it started with a tiny spark of 'Hey, wouldn't it be cool if…' Then, like a runaway train, it all snowballed. And now here we are. Still not famous, still not rich, but at least I'm not staring at the same four walls 24/7. That, in itself, is a win. Besides, the chance to tell the internet what I REALLY think about [mention a common online debate] is too good to pass up.

What's the biggest screw-up you've made so far? Spill.

Oh, honey, where do I begin? Picking *one* is like trying to choose my favorite child (and I don’t have any children! Just…projects!). Okay, fine. I’ll tell you about the time I accidentally… released an entire blog post *filled* with typos, grammatical errors, and inside jokes only *I* understood to, like, a thousand people on the mailing list. I remember hitting "send" and then feeling a wave of pure, unadulterated HORROR wash over me. It was like watching a car crash in slow motion. I wanted to crawl under a rock and never come out. I did a quick edit and sent a half-hearted apology…which included more typos. The shame! The cringe! I actually had to take a few days to mentally recover. The lesson? Proofread. Then proofread again. And then maybe ask a sober friend to proofread. (Which I didn't, obviously). I'm still mortified, to be honest.

Do you actually enjoy doing this, or is it just a massive chore? Be honest!

Okay. This is a hard one. Honestly? It's both. There are days where I'm bouncing off the walls with ideas, fueled by adrenaline and questionable amounts of coffee. I'm laughing, I'm scribbling, I'm feeling *alive*. Then there are days where I'm staring blankly at the screen, the cursor mocking me, feeling like I'm wading through molasses. The tech stuff makes me want to hurl my laptop out the window. SEO? More like S.E. *NO!* But the good days… the good days make it all worth it. When someone actually *reads* the stuff I write, when someone *gets* the jokes, when someone says, "Hey, I feel the same way!"… that's a feeling that's pretty damn amazing. So yeah, it's a chore sometimes. But it's *my* chore, and I wouldn’t give it up. Even if it means trading sanity for a slightly larger audience (and maybe, just maybe, a new pair of shoes).

What are your future plans for this…thing?

Ah, the million-dollar question! Well… I have *some* ideas. I’d love to… [mention a vague yet hopeful goal, like: expand the content, collaborate with other creatives, finally figure out how to use social media without wanting to delete my account]. But honestly? I'm also learning to roll with the punches. The internet is a fickle beast. Things change. Trends come and go. My interests… well, they're all over the place. So, I’m aiming for consistency, but also keeping it flexible. The idea is to keep the creative juices flowing...and not go totally bonkers in the process. So, no promises, just…watch this space. It's gonna be a wild ride.

Why is the website so…[insert your preferred word, like: weird, chaotic, inconsistent, etc.]?

Because I am. I am *so* many things. I'm a walking contradiction. I'm a perpetual work in progress. I'm a… Well, I'm me. And I’m not pretending to be anything else. Sometimes I get distracted by a shiny object (or, you know, a cat video). Sometimes I completely lose track of the original plan and go off on a tangent. It's… organic. And maybe a little bit manic. But that’s the whole point, isn’t it? So, embrace the chaos. It's part of the fun. If you want perfectly polished, predictably perfect content, you're in the wrong place. Go find a corporate drone. Here, we're just going to muddle our way through life, one slightly-dysfunctional blog post at a time.

Can I, like, contribute? Or give you feedback?

Absolutely! I *crave* interaction. Seriously. I spend half my days talking to myself (the other half, I spend trying to convince my dog the squirrel outside is NOT a threat). Feedback is *essential* (even if it's brutal -- though hopefully it's constructive!). You can leave comments, [mention your contact method, e.g., email], or even pitch guest posts (if you're brave!). Just be warned: I may respond with excessive exclamation points and a lot of enthusiasm. I'm genuinely excited to see what you guys think. So, don't be shy! I'm not scary…usually.