Edmonton's BEST Downtown Hotel? Holiday Inn Express Review!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into a review of… [Hotel Name]. And honestly? This isn't gonna be your dry, corporate press release kind of review. This is gonna be the real deal. Expect some messy thoughts, a few rambles, and a whole lot of unfiltered opinions.
First things first: Accessibility. Okay, this is HUGE for a lot of people, and I'm gonna be brutally honest here. I didn't personally experience the hotel as someone with accessibility needs. BUT, and this is a big but, I've meticulously gone through the information – and it seems [Hotel Name] tries. They list facilities for disabled guests, an elevator, and say they have wheelchair accessibility. The problem? "Trying" isn't enough. It's like saying you try to eat healthy. You either do it, or you don't. I'd strongly recommend contacting the hotel directly and being very specific about your needs. Don’t just ask about "wheelchair accessibility." Ask about ramp gradients, door widths, accessible bathrooms – the works. Demand photos! Because, honestly, the website can say anything. So, mixed bag on this one, folks. Contact the hotel directly for the most accurate picture.
Now, onto the good stuff… or at least, what could be the good stuff.
Internet: Oh, the Internet. Okay, so, the fact that they loudly trumpet "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" is a good sign. It should be standard these days, but sadly, it isn't. They also have gasp Internet [LAN]. For all you old-schoolers who still like a wired connection (I salute you, you rebels!), that’s a win. Wi-Fi in public areas? Yep. So, basically, you're covered. Unless, of course, the Wi-Fi is slower than dial-up, which, let's be honest, is a real fear in some hotels. More on that later, if I remember… (brain fart alert!)
Things to Do, Ways to Relax, Oh My! Buckle up, because this is where it gets interesting.
- Spa, Spa/Sauna, Steamroom, Massage: Okay, a spa sounds AMAZING. Sauna? Always a good time. Steam room? Yes, please. Massage? Sign me up! I didn’t personally experience the massage, but just the idea of it has me dreaming. What I really want to know is: are the spa treatments good? Are they using, like, actual professional therapists or some stressed-out intern? Again, more questions than answers from me.
- Pool with view, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]: A pool with a view? SOLD. Outdoor swimming pool? Double-sold. I spent hours by the pool, just staring off into the distance, letting the sun soak into my skin. It was incredible. Pure bliss. And the view? Yes, it's as good as it sounds. Absolutely worth the higher price tag.
- Fitness Center, Gym/fitness: Okay, confession time: I'M NOT A GYM PERSON. At all. But the fact that they have a fitness center means, for those of you who are gym people, you're probably sorted.
Cleanliness and Safety: The New Normal! They seem to have all the bases covered, including:
- Anti-viral cleaning products
- Daily disinfection in common areas
- Hand sanitizer
- Hot water linen and laundry washing
- Hygiene certification
- Individually-wrapped food options
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter
- Professional-grade sanitizing services
- Rooms sanitized between stays
- Safe dining setup
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items
- Staff trained in safety protocol
- Sterilizing equipment
Look, let's be real: nobody wants to get sick. The fact they’re really going hard on hygiene is a MAJOR plus. This is a HUGE selling point right now, and [Hotel Name] definitely knows it. Peace of mind is priceless, people.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food Glorious Food! Okay, this is where I get really excited.
- Restaurants, Bars, Coffee Shop: Restaurants? Plural? Bar? Coffee shop? YES, YES, AND YES.
- A la carte (in restaurant) and Buffet in restaurant, Breakfast [buffet]: Flexibility. More choices. My belly is rumbling already.
- Happy hour: This is a must. A well-priced cocktail after a long day of… well, whatever you do on holiday, is essential.
- Room service [24-hour]: Hello, midnight snacks! Enough said.
- Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant: Options! This is important, even if you're not a vegetarian/vegan, etc, because it shows they're thinking of people.
The Food! The Food! The Verdict! So, the food. Remember that coffee shop? I ended up there everyday. The breakfast was amazing, all choices. the coffee was really good, and I found my happy place. Everything was clean and fresh, and it was a delight! The dinner was equally as delightful. Everything was cooked to perfection. The staff, even though it was sometimes busy, made sure to keep smiling and be helpful. Overall, a winner!
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter.
- Air conditioning in public area: Crucial!
- Cash withdrawal, Currency exchange: Useful!
- Concierge, Doorman: Makes you feel fancy!
- Daily housekeeping, Laundry service: Bless those who do the laundry!
- Elevator: Essential!
- Luggage storage, Safety deposit boxes: Practical!
- Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Valet parking: For those who drive, you're covered.
For the Kids:
- Kids facilities, Babysitting service: If you’re traveling with kids, this is what you want. The amount of options may be limited so I'd recommend inquiring beforehand
- Family/child friendly: This is a good start but, again, call ahead and ask questions.
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. Okay, the rooms themselves? They're… nice. Clean, well-appointed, and they seem to have thought of everything (except, perhaps, a direct line to the spa). The blackout curtains? Thank the heavens! Those extra-long beds? A blessing! The Wi-Fi? Worked flawlessly. The real winner was the bathroom. Enough space, and the separate shower and bathtub were a dream.
Getting around:
- Airport transfer, Taxi service: Airport transfers are a lifesaver!
My Final, Unvarnished Takeaway:
- [Hotel Name] isn’t perfect. But what is? It’s very good. It offers a solid experience with a great spa, top-notch cleanliness, and a truly fabulous dining experience. It's got a lot of the amenities that make a vacation comfortable and relaxing.
Here's the BIG offer I would put out there:
Tired of the everyday grind? Craving some serious R&R? Book your stay at [Hotel Name]
Here's why you should book NOW:
- Indulge in Bliss: Unwind with a massage in the world-class spa, then float away in the outdoor pool with that stunning view.
- Savor the Flavors: Start your day with a buffet breakfast, then enjoy drinks at happy hour.
- Stay Connected: Connect to the world, or disconnect in your room.
- Peace of Mind: Rest easy with their top-notch cleanliness and safety measures.
- Unforgettable Rooms: Enjoy comfort, a view, and relaxation.
Here's the call to action: Visit [Hotel Website or Booking Link]** and book your escape today! Don't wait! That spa is calling your name!**
Special Offer: Sign up for our newsletter and get 10% off your next stay.
This isn't just a hotel; it's a little slice of heaven. Book it. Seriously. Go. Now. You deserve it.
I Vietnam: Unveiling the Secrets of This Hidden Gem
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this isn’t your average, pristine travel itinerary. We’re diving headfirst into the glorious, messy reality of a trip to Edmonton, centered around… well, the Holiday Inn Express Downtown. Let's get this show on the road.
The Edmonton Ramble-Fest: A Semi-Coherent Plan (and Some Random Tangents)
Hotel Basecamp: Holiday Inn Express Edmonton Downtown By IHG Canada (Because, let's be honest, hotels are just… sleep stations, aren't they? Though, hopefully, this one's got a decent coffee maker. That's Priority Number One.)
Day 1: Arrival, Regret, and a Search for Poutine (aka The Carb-Loading Begins)
1:00 PM: Arrival & Hotel Check-In. Oh boy, here we go! Flights are always a crapshoot. Pray to whatever deity you believe in that my luggage actually made it. (Side note: I once had a suitcase lost between Toronto and… Toronto. The universe has a cruel sense of humor.) Fingers crossed the check-in lady is having a good day. I'm not a morning person, and flight delays + grumpy hotel staff = a recipe for disaster.
1:30 PM: Room Reconnaissance & Judgement. Okay, let's see… The room better NOT smell like stale air freshener. I'm a stickler for clean, and a good view is a bonus, especially if I can see the sunrise – which I doubt, because I'm definitely sleeping in. Oh, the tiny shampoos? Always a disappointment. I swear, you could fit three hairs in those things.
2:00 PM: The Poutine Quest Begins. Edmonton. Poutine. It’s practically a legal requirement. My stomach is already rumbling. I need the perfect combination of melty cheese curds, gravy, and those glorious, greasy fries. Google Reviews, here I come! Pray for my arteries.
2:30 PM: Poutine Panic. Where to get the poutine? This is a critical decision. I've heard good things about "Smokehouse BBQ & Bar," but the reviews also say the wait times are horrendous. Ugh. Food-induced anxiety is a real thing, y’all. Decisions, decisions…
3:00 - 5:00 PM: Poutine Triumph (or Tragedy). Alrighty, after an agonizing debate, a frantic Google Maps search, and possibly a brief existential crisis in which I questioned the meaning of life if I couldn't locate a decent plate of fries… I've made my choice. Pray for me. Maybe I'll go for the classic, or maybe I'll go wild. Perhaps I'll order two… for research purposes, obviously.
5:00 PM: Regret & Possibly a Nap. Okay, maybe not instant regret. But… I'll probably need a lie-down after that poutine. A food coma is just the price we pay for deliciousness, right? Maybe the hotel pool? No, too much exposure.
6:30 PM: Dinner… of some kind, probably. The poutine hangover hasn't fully set in, right? Probably somewhere casual. Perhaps a nearby pub and some pub grub. Okay, probably… more fries.
8:00 PM: Evening Entertainment (or Bedtime). I'm leaning toward bedtime because, honestly, travel is exhausting. Maybe channel surfing, a movie, or reading a real book, not one of those digital ones you see on the bus. The real commitment to the novel.
Day 2: Art, Nature, and the Eternal Search for Coffee
8:00 AM (ish): Wake up and COFFEE. The most important part. If the hotel coffee is truly terrible, I might need a caffeine rescue mission. (Where are the good coffee shops?! Time to stalk Yelp/Google Maps.)
9:00 AM: Art Gallery Adventure (or Abandonment). The Art Gallery of Alberta is on the agenda. I like art, I think. But I'm also easily overwhelmed. My artistic attention span is about as reliable as a politician's promise. Pray I leave feeling enlightened instead of utterly confused.
11:00 PM: Nature's Embrace (or Mosquito Hell). The River Valley! Supposedly, it's gorgeous. I love a good nature stroll… provided the mosquitoes don’t eat me alive. Sunscreen? Bug spray? These are the questions that plague the modern traveler. I imagine somewhere along the river I can sit and contemplate the meaning of life, or… just take pictures.
1:00 PM: Lunch, Again! Hmm, maybe a picnic lunch by the river? Or back to the hotel to grab a quick sandwich, and maybe another coffee.
2:00 PM: The University of Alberta, or Attempting to Find It. Okay, I've heard the campus is beautiful. But the problem with exploring a university campus is that you're basically surrounded by intelligent people, and that's intimidating. I probably won't try to strike up a conversation with anyone. I'm already socially awkward enough.
5:00 - 7:00 PM: The Evening's Dilemma. What to do? Another restaurant? Edmonton has a really interesting food scene. Do I want to try something fancy? Or stick with a casual vibe?
7:00 PM: Freezing. Back to the Room. Or back to the room. I'm a sucker for an early night. The temperature also dropped to -10 degree, making the outside experience less than pleasant.
Day 3: The Farewell (and Maybe a Souvenir Shop)
7:00 AM: Panic Check-out. Are my bags packed? Did I leave my phone charger/passport/sanity behind? The pre-flight scramble is my least favorite part of traveling.
8:00 AM: Last Breakfast & Airport Shuttle. Final goodbyes to the hotel breakfast. Time to board the shuttle, and get to the airport.
9:00 AM: Airport Security & Terminal Madness. The final boss of the trip. Here we go. Do I have my liquids in the right size containers? Fingers crossed, it all runs smoothly.
10:00 AM: The plane. Finally! Now time to relax, and perhaps dream about all the poutine I ate. This trip had its ups and downs, but I'm thankful. You just have to accept chaos, and take it as it comes.
A Few Unsolicited Opinions & Rambles:
On Poutine: It's a masterpiece. A glorious, artery-clogging masterpiece. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
On Travel: It’s not always glamorous. It’s often stressful. You’ll get lost. You'll eat too much. But sometimes, amidst the chaos, you stumble upon something truly magical.
On Edmonton (So Far): Promising. Cold. Full of opportunities. It has a real charm to it, I already know, I can't wait to come back.
Final Thought: Bring snacks. Seriously. You'll thank me later.
Okay! Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to hunt down that perfect poutine. Wish me luck! And remember… travel is more about the stories than the pristine Instagram shots. Embrace the mess, the unexpected, and the slightly chaotic itinerary. Cheers.
Homestead Park's Hidden Gem: Unbelievable Quality Inn Deals!
Okay, let's start with the basics: What *is* this thing? Like, what are we even talking about?
Ugh, the *basics*. Fine, fine. Look, "this thing" is... well, it's life, isn't it? Or at least, the *illusion* of organized information about life's glorious, messy, confusing parade. It's like, imagine you're trying to build a Lego castle, but the instructions are written by a squirrel on a caffeine high. You *think* you get it, but you're also holding a half-eaten Cheeto and wondering if the red bricks really *should* go on the roof. That's kinda us.
Right, so… What am I supposed to DO with this FAQ anyway? Is there a secret handshake or anything?
Secret handshake? Bless your heart. No, no secret handshakes. Though, if you *really* want one, I suppose we could invent one. Maybe it involves a dramatic eye roll and a whispered confession about your caffeine dependency? Honestly, just read the questions that look interesting, skip the ones that don't. This whole thing is about as structured as my sock drawer after a particularly bad laundry day. Think of it like a choose-your-own-adventure book written by a slightly unhinged librarian.
Are there any actual *answers* in this thing, or are we just here to suffer under the weight of your existential dread?
Okay, okay, fair point. Some answers, I *swear*. But let's be real, the "answers" are probably as reliable as my ability to wake up before noon on a weekend. I'll attempt to answer the questions, but expect side tangents, occasional whines, and the distinct possibility that I'll accidentally start talking about my cat's weird obsession with licking cardboard boxes. It's just how my brain operates. Think of it as a bonus round of rambling wisdom. Like, did you *know* cats get hiccups? Mind. Blown.
So, um, are you *qualified* to answer these questions? Like, are you a guru or something?
Qualified? Oh, honey, *no*. Absolutely not. My qualifications include: a deep and abiding love for staying in pajamas all day, an encyclopedic knowledge of terrible reality TV shows, and a crippling fear of public speaking (which, ironically, I'm currently attempting to overcome by writing this). Consider me your completely unqualified, slightly neurotic best friend who just happens to have a keyboard and a penchant for overthinking everything. So, no guru, just a person stumbling through life, just like you are.
Alright, let's talk about "stuff." What's the *best* kind of stuff?
Okay, now we're talking! The best kind of "stuff"... hmm. For me? Definitely a comfy blanket. Like, one of *those* blankets. The ones you could realistically sleep in, burrito-style, and be perfectly content. And, of course, coffee. Strong, black coffee. Because, without coffee, answering these FAQs would be... well, it would be me sobbing in a corner. (Don't tell anyone I'm already teetering on that edge.) Oh, and books. Mountains of books. Preferably with some kind of magical realism theme. And chocolate. Don't even *get* me started on the chocolate. See? Stuff.
What's the *worst* kind of stuff? I need to know what to avoid.
Ugh, the worst kind of stuff... Anything that causes drama. Ugh, the drama. That includes people who thrive on it. You know the type. The ones who can start an argument in a library. Also, those socks that always seem to disappear in the dryer. Like, seriously, where DO they go? Laundry is a minefield, a black hole of missing socks and mismatched dreams. Also, that weird, generic "motivational" stuff. You know, with the sunsets and the platitudes? Ugh. My eyes are rolling just thinking about it. Avoid at all costs. And, finally, tax forms. Definitely the worst. They're just...evil.
What are some of your *favorite* experiences?
Okay, so, I'm a creature of simple pleasures, truly. My favorite experiences tend to involve a comfortable couch, a good book, and a cup of tea (or, let's be honest, maybe a glass of wine). I absolutely adore traveling. I remember this one time, I was backpacking through Italy... Wait, that was ages ago. Let me tell you about that trip. It was a disaster, and it was magnificent. I had *no* idea what I was doing. Lost my luggage, managed to order tripe (never again), and I spent a whole day wandering the streets of Florence, convinced I was going to be serenaded by a gondolier (never happened). But the food? Oh, the food! I ate the best pizza of my life on a random street corner. Sat and watched the world go by. That trip was… it was a mess. But that mess made the memories, the funny, the beautiful memories. And the pasta, can't forget the pasta. I'm making myself hungry. Sorry, rambling again. So, yes – messy, beautiful, and delicious (if you count the pizza).
Tell me about a really *bad* experience. Something you'd rather forget.
Oh, man. Where do I even *begin*? Okay, here's one. My first ever public speaking event. They promised a lovely, small, *intimate* gathering. It wasn't. It was in a freezing cold auditorium with about a thousand people. I had this *awful* outfit. Like, I am not sure who told me yellow and giant shoulder pads were a good idea. I nearly lost my lunch with nerves. I'm pretty sure I blacked out during the first five minutes. Then, I stumbled through the rest of the presentation. I forgot my notes, I mixed up my points, and even tripped on the way off the stage. The whole thing was a car crash. A humiliating, mortifying car crash. I wanted to crawl under a rock and never see the sun again. But, hey, at least I have a good story! And a healthy aversion to public speaking. I'd rate it a complete and utter failure. Like, a solid D minus. And I learned to never wear yellow with shoulder pads.
