Burlington's BEST Hotel? Holiday Inn Express Review (You WON'T Believe This!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into a messy, glorious, and hopefully useful review of [Hotel Name]. Forget the sterile travel blog – this is the unvarnished truth, straight from someone who just wants a decent cup of coffee and a room that doesn’t smell like feet.
Let’s Talk Accessibility (and the Stuff I Actually Care About):
Right, so "Accessibility." They’re talking about elevators and ramps and stuff, and look, good on them. I'm not in a wheelchair myself, but I do appreciate a hotel that tries, you know? They say they have "Facilities for disabled guests." That's a start. Does it actually work? I didn’t see any specific details listed on what they've got. I did notice they say they have an elevator. That’s a huge plus. Because let’s be honest, hauling luggage up five flights of stairs after a long flight is the absolute worst. And the "Exterior corridor" probably means you are walking outdoors to your room, so maybe not ideal for inclement weather. Okay, let's move past the basic stuff.
Internet Access (For the Digital Nomads – or Just People Who Like Staying Connected):
Okay, this is where things get interesting. "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" – Music to my ears. And… "Internet access – LAN." Ha! When's the last time anyone used a LAN cable unless they were 12 and addicted to online gaming? That's a blast from the past. And they have Internet services? Does that include someone to fix my laptop when I inevitably accidentally drop it in the toilet? Pray for me. Wi-Fi in public areas is a must in 2024. Nobody wants to go to the lobby to check their emails.
Cleanliness & Safety (Because Nobody Wants the Creeps):
Right, this is major these days. "Anti-viral cleaning products," "Daily disinfection in common areas," "Room sanitization opt-out available." Good, good, good. Gives you a warm fuzzy feeling, or at least less of a clammy one. "Individually-wrapped food options" – thank you, universe. (I hate those breakfast buffets where everyone’s been pawing at the pastries.) "Professional-grade sanitizing services." Cool. "Rooms sanitized between stays." Basically, they say they're taking this stuff seriously. Let’s hope the reality matches the brochure. I mean, I saw someone sneeze on a buffet table once…it’s a memory I can't unsee.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (The Most Important Category, IMO):
Okay, I’m a foodie. This is where I really start paying attention.
- Restaurants: They list "Restaurants," but not the kind of cuisine, so, fingers crossed. "A la carte in restaurant" and/or "Buffet in restaurant," you say? YES, PLEASE!. Now we're talking.
- Breakfast: "Breakfast [buffet]," "Asian breakfast," "Western breakfast," "Breakfast in room." My stomach is already rumbling. Imagine waking up, ordering room service, and eating bacon in your bathrobe. Pure bliss.
- Bars: "Bar," "Poolside bar," "Happy hour." Excellent. This is a good start. Time for some cocktails after a long day of… well, whatever you do on vacation.
- Coffee/Tea: "Coffee/tea in restaurant," "Coffee shop." This is crucial. I’m not a morning person until I’ve had my caffeine fix. If their coffee game is weak, everything else is a wash, I swear.
The Spa & Relaxation (Where Dreams are Made… Maybe):
Listen, I'm an introvert. The whole "Spa" scene can be a bit awkward, but…
- The Good: "Body scrub," "Body wrap," "Massage," "Sauna," "Steamroom," "Spa/sauna." Okay, okay. Maybe. Okay, the sauna sounds like a good way to sweat out the toxins… or the previous night's cocktails.
- The Weird: "Foot bath." Is that a thing? I guess my feet could use some pampering. I’m game.
Things to Do (Beyond Lying on the Beach):
They have a "Fitness center." Yeah, right. I'm the opposite of a gym rat. But hey, maybe I'll finally dust off those running shoes. "Swimming pool" and "Swimming pool [outdoor]"? Awesome. "Pool with a view"? Even better.
Rooms and Amenities (The Meat and Potatos of it all)
Okay, let's finally assess our humble abode.
- The Essentials: Air conditioning (praise the heavens!), Desk (for those urgent work emails), Free bottled water (vital!), Hair dryer (thank you, Lord!), In-room safe (always a good idea), Mini bar (hello, midnight snacks!), Refrigerator (essential for keeping your beer cold), Wi-Fi [free] (the only reason the hotel's existence matters)
- The Fancies: Bathrobes (yes!), Bathtub (yes!), Blackout curtains (yes, sleep is good!), Coffee/tea maker (crucial!), Desk (for the workaholics), Extra long bed (always a plus), Laptop workspace (ok I guess), Mirror (I'm vain), Non-smoking (very important!) Scale (maybe not so important…maybe), Seating area (a place to avoid your partner!).
Services- the Good Stuff (The Little Things that Make a Difference)
- Daily housekeeping (yes, please!). "Laundry service" and "Dry cleaning" are essential.
- Doorman, Concierge, Car park [free of charge], Elevator (good for access).
The "Meh" Stuff (The Stuff That's Just… There):
- Things I Doubt I'd Use: "Ironing service" (I'll live in wrinkles), "Meeting/banquet facilities" (unless I'm suddenly hosting a seminar on the mating habits of newts), "Xerox/fax in business center" (when was the last time anyone used a fax machine?!).
Getting Around (Because You Gotta Leave Eventually):
"Airport transfer," "Taxi service," "Car park [on-site]," "Valet parking." All sounds handy.
For the Kids (Bless Their Hearts):
"Babysitting service," "Family/child friendly," "Kids meal," "Kids facilities." Great if you have tiny humans, or if you're trying to avoid tiny humans.
The Quirks and the Imperfections:
Okay, let’s get real. No hotel is perfect. Here's where the cracks start to show:
- Lack of Specifics: The biggest issue is the lack of detail. They mention a lot of things, but they don't describe them. "Restaurants" is vague. "Spa" could mean anything. This forces you to make a leap of faith…
- The "Hotel Chain" Label: They're part of a hotel chain. Which could be a good thing – consistency! – or a bad thing – cookie-cutter experience! You already know you'll find a lot of the same stuff.
My Verdict (The Unvarnished Truth):
Look, [Hotel Name] seems promising. The free Wi-Fi, the breakfast buffet, and the potential for cocktails at the poolside bar have definitely piqued my interest. I'm cautiously optimistic about the cleanliness and safety measures. However, the lack of specifics about the actual amenities and the fact that it's part of a chain is making me a little hesitant.
Final Thoughts and A Compelling Offer (That Doesn’t Suck):
Here's the deal: I'd book [Hotel Name] under these conditions:
- Only if their price is competitive: I'm not going to overpay for vague promises.
- If I can see real pictures: (Maybe a virtual tour?)
- IF their reviews are awesome and very detail oriented: (I need details!)
My "Compelling Offer" (To You, the Potential Traveler):
Tired of the same old vacation routine? Yearning for a getaway that combines ease with a touch of excitement? [Hotel Name] might be your answer. We understand your need for a place that gets you. Where you can relax, connect, and not feel like a stranger to luxury and safety.
Book Now:
- For a limited time only, get [Discount or special offer, e.g., "15% off your first night"] and free breakfast for two!
- We're committed to your well being: We prioritize clean and safe spaces, so you can enjoy your stay with piece of mind.
- Don't wait! This offer won't last forever. Book your dream vacation now!
**(But seriously, double-
Escape to Bliss: Unbeatable Quality Inn Deals Across the USA!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's itinerary. We're going on a Burlington, Vermont adventure based around the prestigious Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites. And by "prestigious," I mean it's got a free breakfast, and that's the main sell for this budget traveler. Here we go, warts and all…
Day 1: Arrival, Anxiety, and the Quest for the Perfect Coffee
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Arrive at Burlington International Airport (BTV). Okay, so the flight was a nightmare. Delayed. Turbulence. Kid screamin'. I basically wrestled my carry-on out of the overhead bin like I was in the Hunger Games. Instant mood: Crankypants.
- 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM: Uber to Holiday Inn Express. Yay! Air conditioning! This is the moment I assess the lobby. Cleanish. A few sad-looking brochures. And the dreaded scent of chlorine and stale carpet. Oh well, better than the screaming kid.
- 2:30 PM - 3:00 PM: Check-in. Pray for a decent room. Pray it's not near the ice machine, the bane of my existence. (Spoiler alert: it was near the ice machine. I'm psychic, apparently.)
- 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: The Coffee Crisis of '23. This is crucial. I need caffeine. Desperately. The hotel coffee… well, let's just say it's not going to win any awards. So, the quest begins. I traipse around the area. First attempt: Closed. Heartbreak. Second attempt: Another chain. I'm looking for character, not the same homogenized brew I can get back home. My caffeine withdrawal is getting epic.
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Downtown Burlington exploration. Finally found a cute little local coffee shop, "Muddy Waters." Their coffee saved my sanity. I'll declare them 'the best', despite not knowing any other coffee places. I wandered, aimlessly, which is my preferred travel style. Church Street Marketplace is a must. The cobblestone streets are cute. I saw a dude playing the didgeridoo, which was pretty cool. I might buy one when I get to the airport… or not. I took a selfie with a statue. I nearly tripped over a rogue bike. Burlington: I'm starting to like you, even if you're initially confusing.
- 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM: Dinner. Found a place called American Flatbread Burlington Hearth. Heard it was a Vermont staple. I'm starving. Pizza was perfect. I ordered a beer. I overate. I feel like I need to do yoga. I didn't.
- 7:30 PM - Bedtime: Back to the hotel. Ice machine sounds. Deep breaths. Reality TV. Maybe a little online shopping. Definitely planning tomorrow's coffee strategy.
Day 2: Lake Champlain, Brewery Dreams, and Breakfast Battle
- 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM: The Breakfast Debacle. Okay, so the free breakfast is… a thing. The "scrambled eggs" are vaguely yellow. The pastries are questionable. But it's free! Grabbed some coffee (again, not the greatest coffee, but better than the hotel stuff), a bagel (which was surprisingly good). I try to make small talk with a bleary-eyed dad wrestling with a small child and a waffle iron. (My observation: Traveling with kids is a contact sport).
- 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Head out to Lake Champlain. The lake is vast. The mountains in the background are beautiful. I think about maybe taking a boat tour. Am I really a boat-tour person? No, probably not. Strolled along the waterfront. Found some nice photo opportunities. The air is crisp.
- 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM: The Shelburne Museum? I heard it was great, but honestly, museums on vacation sometimes feel like a homework assignment. Instead, I've been following my bliss. So, back to the cute coffee shop. Maybe spend some time writing in my journal.
- 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Brewery Tour Time! Burlington is a beer town, and I'm here to be a dedicated tourist. I opted for the 'magic hat' brewery. The tour was fun. The beer was excellent, especially the IPA. I bought a t-shirt. I might have had a few too many samples. The tour guide laughed at one of my jokes. I was a success, at least for five minutes.
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Brunch. I found a cozy spot, ordered a burger, and people-watched. I saw a woman on a bike with a dog in a basket. Vermont vibes.
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Back to downtown Burlington. More shopping or more wandering around? I decided to go for the later. More didgeridoo guy.
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Resting hours. A nap. Maybe watching some tv. I might go sit by the pool, since it's so hot, and everyone is in it. Oh, the pool is closed for today. Well. Okay.
- 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM: Dinner. I'm going for a Mexican restaurant. I love the smell of tacos. I want to eat everything! I have a few regrets.
- 7:30 PM - Bedtime: Planning out tomorrow's breakfast (or, as I call it, "The Breakfast Gauntlet"), and try to figure out what to see before I head home.
Day 3: Montpelier, More Coffee, and the Flight Home from Hell
- 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: The Breakfast Gauntlet, Round 3. Survived.
- 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM Check out of the hotel. The hotel staff was friendly, which helped with the overall experience.
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 AM: Drive to Montpelier. Very scenic drive. I stopped at a roadside farm stand. Ordered ice cream.
- 12:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Explore Montpelier, Vermont's state capital. It's a quaint town. I felt like I was in a hallmark movie.
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch in Montpelier. I stopped to a local diner. I ordered the special. It was good.
- 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Coffee Run.
- 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Back to Burlington Airport (BTV).
- 4:00 PM - 7:30 PM: The Flight Home from Hell (Part 2). This time, it wasn't delayed, but every seat around me was occupied by a crying baby. The turbulence was insane. My ear drums are still recovering.
- 7:30 PM - Back Home Exhausted. Exhausted. I'm glad I made it home safely.
Final Thoughts:
- Holiday Inn Express Review: Fine. Cleanish. Free breakfast. You get what you pay for. (And I was too cheap to pay for much more.)
- Burlington, Verdict: Charming. Quirky. Definitely worth visiting. The coffee scene is worth the trip alone.
- Me, on this trip: Still figuring things out. Still learning to relax. Still needing copious amounts of caffeine. All in all, a decent adventure.
- Future Travel Plans: I'm currently saving up for a vacation in my own home. I'm going to need a few days to recover.
Okay, so *why* am I even bothering with this thing? Is it worth the headache?
Alright, let's be brutally honest. Look, I’ve had a love-hate relationship with whatever this thing IS, let's be real! I’ve spent weeks, maybe months (who's counting, really?) wrestling with its nuances. And the answer? It depends. Seriously. It's like that relationship with your weird cousin – sometimes you bond, sometimes you want to hide in the pantry with the crackers.
It *can* be a game-changer, truly. Imagine a world where... well, let's just say things are easier, got it? But also, prepare for those moments where you want to toss your phone out the window. (I almost did that last Tuesday, by the way. The neighbors are probably still talking about it.) The payoff? It can be amazing. The cost? Let's just say, you'll need the patience of a saint (or, you know, a caffeinated version of yourself).
What even IS the thing? Like, the actual *thing* we're talking about?
Ugh, the big question, right? The "thing." Honestly, the definition? It's... slippery. It's that friend who always shows up late, but you still love them, you know? It could be [***insert a placeholder topic here***]. Or maybe [***insert a second placeholder topic***]. Or even [***a third placeholder topic***]. See? Slippery, I told you. I'm still figuring it out, to be frank. Some people say... others say... me? I'm just trying to survive. The true answer? It's a reflection of whatever experience you're having.
Alright, fine. So, let's say I *do* dive in. Where do I even START? It feels overwhelming!
Overwhelmed? Honey, welcome to the club! Here's the brutal truth: the starting line is a mess. You’ve got options, and you'll mess up a few times, but here is something, maybe begin with this: [***First step or tip***]. Seriously. I learned that the hard way (cue flashback of me, face-planting in [***insert an embarrassing activity here***]).
And then, be prepared to pivot! Life is a series of pivots, especially with *this* beast. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. I mean, I spend half my life on [***insert a relevant social media platform***] begging for clues! Embrace the mess, because… it’s unavoidable.
Is there a 'best' way to do the thing? Or am I doomed to fail?
Doomed? No, no, no! Okay, maybe sometimes. But mostly, no. There is *no* one "best" way, thank freaking goodness. Honestly, the "best" way is the way *you* find that works, and that takes time, trial, and error. It's like finding your favorite kind of ice cream. You might go through a few rocky road experiences before landing on the perfect scoop of [***favorite ice cream flavor***].
The key is to experiment. Try different approaches, even the ones that sound bonkers. I remember one time, I tried [***share a slightly ludicrous or unconventional attempt***]. Yeah, it didn't work... at all. But hey, I learned something! (Mostly that I should stick to [***what you actually like***]). Failure is just a fancy word for learning! (Unless you are failing at cooking a cake- then it's just a sad cake.)
What are the biggest pitfalls I should avoid? The landmines to watch out for?
Landmines! Oh, honey, you're talking my language. Here's the deal. Landmine number one? [***First Pitfall***]. It's a doozy. Avoid it like a toddler wielding a permanent marker on a white leather couch.
And then there's landmine number two: [***Second Pitfall***]. I've fallen into that one more times than I care to admit. Seriously, the embarrassment is real. Just… don't. Learn from my mistakes, please! (I can't say the same for my ex-husband)
Oh, and number three? [***Third Pitfall - Make this a personal, relatable story***] I was so convinced I knew what I was doing… Yeah, no. The moral of the story? Humility, my friend. Humility. And maybe a strong cup of coffee.
I'm starting to feel a bit overwhelmed. Should I give up?
Overwhelmed? Yeah, welcome to the club. Look, there will be times when you want to chuck the whole thing. I get it. I've been there, curled up in a ball, muttering about [***insert a humorous complaint related to the topic***]. That’s normal, okay?
But before you throw in the towel, ask yourself *why* you started. Remember the initial excitement? The buzz? Hold onto that. And maybe… just maybe… take a break. Go for a walk. Eat some ice cream. Binge-watch [***insert a favorite show***]. Sometimes, a little distance is all you need. Then, come back to it when you're ready. It’ll probably still be there, glaring at you, but at least you'll feel a little less like you're being eaten alive. (Unless you are being eaten alive. In which case, run!)
Alright, enough with the gloom! What’s the one thing you *love* about this?
Okay, okay, you caught me. I can be a bit of a downer sometimes. But even with all the headaches, there's something… magical. Something that keeps me coming back. And that's [***Insert something genuinely positive, perhaps a specific moment or benefit related to the topic***].
I remember this one time, when [***share a specific, positive anecdote. Go into detail. Really let the reader feel the joy or satisfaction.***] It was incredible! It was like [***metaphor - comparing the positive outcome to something amazing***]. That’s what makes the struggle worthwhile. That feeling. And honestly, that's all I need fromTrip Hotel Hub
