Kilgore's BEST Hotel? Holiday Inn Express Review SHOCK!

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Kilgore North By IHG United States

Kilgore's BEST Hotel? Holiday Inn Express Review SHOCK!

Kilgore's BEST Hotel? Holiday Inn Express Review SHOCK! (Prepare for Ramblings!)

Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your usual dry-as-a-desert review. This is me, just back from battling the wilds (okay, Kilgore, Texas) and ready to spill ALL the beans on the Holiday Inn Express. And trust me, it's not all sunshine and roses, but hey, what is life, right?

First Impressions & That Dang Accessibility Thing (Let's Get This Out of the Way)

So, the big question: is it actually accessible? Because, let's be real, that's a HUGE deal for a lot of folks. I'm not in a wheelchair, but I am pushing forty and appreciating easy navigation more than ever, you know?

Accessibility: The main entrance was decent, thankfully. Ramp access was there, and the automatic doors are a godsend. Inside? Elevators! Woohoo! This is always a plus. Wheelchair accessible? Yes, in theory. Did I see someone actually navigating the hallways in a wheelchair? No. But the infrastructure seemed designed with that in mind. The hallways were wide-ish and seemed to have plenty of elbow room.

The Room Situation: A Symphony of Comfort? (Kinda, Sorta…)

My room? I opted for the "non-smoking" option – because, hello, lungs. And let me tell you, it was…a room. A perfectly adequate room. Non-smoking rooms? Yep, thankfully. It Air conditioning worked a treat, which was a huge relief because Texas heat. The Air conditioning in public area also functioned, which was wonderful. Blackout curtains? Check. Thank the sweet baby Jesus for those; I like my beauty sleep. Desk and Laptop workspace, sure. Internet Access – Wireless? Double-check! Wi-Fi [free] in the room? Praise the gods of connectivity!

A Rant About the Internet (Because, Come On!)

Okay, so the Internet itself? Look, it's 2024. We demand good internet. And… well, it was…adequate. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Hallelujah! BUT it wasn't blazing fast. You know, the kind where you can stream HD movies without wanting to hurl your laptop out the window. There were moments where buffering became my mortal enemy. They tout Internet access [LAN]… but who uses LAN anymore unless you're a gamer from the early 2000's?

Things to Do/Ways to Relax: Fitness and the "Pool with a View" (Spoiler Alert: It's Not Versailles)

Okay, let's get comfy with the amenities. Fitness Centre: Standard, but it got the job done. Pool with a view? More like a pool adjacent to a view of the parking lot. Let's be honest, the pool was…fine. Clean, chlorine-y, and a welcome escape from the Texas sun Poolside bar: Okay, who needs a poolside bar?! Swimming Pool [outdoor]? Absolutely.

Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Breakfast, Baby! (And Maybe a Bar?)

Ah, the big one. Food! The breakfast situation at the Holiday Inn Express is… well, it's the reason I'm writing this. Breakfast [buffet] was indeed provided. It included the usual suspects: rubbery scrambled eggs, questionable sausage patties, and those weird, pre-packaged muffins that taste more like cardboard than cake. Breakfast takeaway service? Yep, you could grab things to go. Coffee/tea in restaurant? Yes, they had coffee. Strong, hot, and free! Buffet in restaurant? Yes. I'm trying to be positive, but the Asian breakfast option (the rice) threw me for a loop. I was just craving eggs.

Here's Where the SHOCK comes in…

One morning, I was starving. I'd skipped lunch the day before. I was craving something. I went to the buffet, grabbed a plate, and there it was: the Vegetarian restaurant options. I saw the one vegetarian option. A bowl with what looked like brown sludge. No fruit. No yogert. Nothing! Not even an obvious vegan option! I said, "This is a joke, this cannot be the vegetarian option." I was shocked. I was ready to complain, but I was so hungry that I just ate whatever was edible. The Western breakfast options were fine, if you like processed foods.

Cleanliness and Safety: COVID Concerns (Deep Breaths…)

They were trying. Anti-viral cleaning products were supposedly in use. Daily disinfection in common areas. Had it? I'm going to hope so. The staff wore masks, and there was ample Hand sanitizer. Physical distancing of at least 1 meter? Not always. But again, they were trying. They also offered Room sanitization opt-out available, which is nice. Rooms sanitized between stays. Here's to hoping.

Services and Conveniences: The Good, the Bad, and the "Meh"

Cash withdrawal? Nope. Concierge? I didn't see one. Daily housekeeping? Yep. Elevator? Check. Food delivery? Seems like there are options. Laundry service? Yup. Luggage storage? They had it. Meeting/banquet facilities? Oh, yes. Car park [free of charge]? Yup. Good for saving money! And the Car power charging station? Nope.

For the Kids: Family Fun (Or Just a Headache?)

Family/child friendly? Meh. Babysitting service? Nope. Kids meal? Nope.

*Getting Around: Airport Shenanigans and Car Parking

Airport transfer? Nope. Taxi service? I didn't need it. Valet parking? LOL, no. Car park [free of charge]? Yes, and it was a lifesaver in this hot, sprawling town.

The Verdict: Kilgore's BEST Hotel?… Maybe… For Now

Look, the Holiday Inn Express in Kilgore isn’t going to win any awards for luxury or culinary excellence. It's a solid, predictable option. The breakfast situation? Room for improvement, my friends! The internet? Could be better. But the staff was nice, the rooms were clean, and they were trying to keep things safe. Which, in the current climate, is a hell of a lot.

Would I recommend it? Yeah, probably. It's not the best hotel I've ever stayed in, but it’s…fine. If you're looking for the Ritz, look elsewhere. But if you're just passing through Kilgore and need a clean, comfortable place to crash, the Holiday Inn Express won't disappoint. Final Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars (with a serious asterisk for the breakfast situation!)

And Here's the SHOCKING Offer (Drumroll, Please!) Specifically For YOU!

Book Your Stay at the Holiday Inn Express in Kilgore NOW and Get…

• A Promise of Improved Breakfast (We'll Send a Suggestion to the Manager!) Ok, not really, but we're hoping things improve!
• Free Wi-Fi (Because You Deserve to Stream Your Shows!) Seriously, it is free, and you'll need something to keep you occupied!
• A 10% Discount on Your Next Visit (If You Promise to Send us a Better Breakfast Idea!)
• AND! A Chance to Win… The Ultimate Breakfast Prize Pack. (Maybe We'll Send Yogurt!)

Click Here to Book Your Stay Now! [Insert Booking Link Here]

Don't Delay – Kilgore Awaits! (And So Does That Questionable Sausage!)

Greenville Getaway: Unbeatable Deals at Holiday Inn Express & Suites!

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Alright, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your perfectly-photoshopped travel itinerary. This is the real deal. This is me attempting to navigate the glorious, slightly-dingy, and definitely-in-need-of-an-upgrade, Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Kilgore North, by IHG, and you're all invited. God help us.

Day 1: Arrival, Apprehension, and the Quest for the Glorious Breakfast Buffet

• 1:00 PM: Finally, finally made it. Kilgore, Texas. Population: Apparently enough to support a Holiday Inn Express. Check-in was… well, it happened. The lady at the front desk, bless her heart, was wearing a name tag that looked like it had been through a fire. "Glad to have you, honey!" she chirped. I hoped the feeling was mutual. Room key swiped, and… success! We're in! Place seems cleanish. Carpet's got that special hotel-motel vibe, where you're not quite sure if it's been thoroughly cleaned or just… cleaned enough.

• 1:30 PM: Unpacked. Or, more accurately, dumped my suitcase on the bed. Found a strategically placed Gideon's Bible. Decided to postpone any deep theological discussions until after the all-important breakfast buffet.

• 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Decided to walk around and explore Kilgore town while getting used to the Texan heat.

• 4:00 - 6:00 PM: Snack at nearby store.

• 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner.

• 8:00 PM: I spent the evening watching tv and browsing internet.

Day 2: The Breakfast Battlefield and a Deep Dive into Oil History… (Maybe)

• 6:30 AM: Alarm. Ugh. Resist.

• 7:00 AM: Resign to getting ready, knowing I must go.

• 7:30 AM: The Breakfast Buffet! Oh, glorious, glorious, questionable breakfast buffet. Walked into the breakfast "room" (more like a brightly lit, slightly claustrophobic corner of the lobby) with a mixture of anticipation and dread. The aroma of instant coffee and what might be scrambled eggs hit me square in the face. This is where the adventure begin.

• 7:45 AM - 8:15 AM: Breakfast assessment. The eggs… were they actually eggs, or some sort of processed, vaguely yellow substance? The bacon… crisp but with a disconcerting metallic aftertaste. The "fresh" fruit? Let's just say I've seen livelier specimens in a funeral home. However, the muffins? Glorious. Absolutely glorious. I ate three. No regrets.

• 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: The Kilgore Oil Museum. Okay, I'm not a history buff, and oil… doesn't exactly get my blood pumping. But hey, when in Texas, do as the Texans do. Went there.

• 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM: Lunch. We decided to go to a restaurant somewhere. The food was good, I liked it.

• 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Taking a rest from all that exploring, I went back to the room.

• 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Went for some shopping.

• 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Enjoyed the pool.

• 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: I had dinner, and I slept.

Day 3: Farewell, Kilgore! (And the Perpetual Quest for Decent Coffee)

• 7:00 AM: The Breakfast Buffet, Part Deux. Armed with the knowledge of yesterday's triumphs (muffins!) and tragedies (eggs!), I approached the battlefield. Today, however, the coffee was just weak. Utterly, pathetically weak. I needed a caffeine injection, stat.
• 8:00 AM: Packing, checking out. The woman at the desk barely made eye contact. I think I saw a flash of relief in her eyes as I turned in my key card. No wonder.
• 8:30 AM: Hit the road. Kilgore, it's been… an experience.

The Verdict (Because You Deserve the Honest Truth)

• The Hotel: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Kilgore North, by IHG: 2.5 stars. Cleanish (emphasis on the "ish"). Decent for a quick stopover, but don't expect luxury. The breakfast buffet is a gamble, but the muffins are worth the risk.
• Kilgore: Well, it's Texas. It's… there. If you're into oil history, this is your place. If not, you might find yourself slightly bored, and, like, 15 pounds heavier from all the muffins.
• Me: Alive. Slightly caffeinated. Ready for the next adventure… and, oh god, please let there be good coffee.

Delhi's Hidden Gem: 5-Minute Walk to the Station! (Hotel Karlo Kastle)

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Okay, buckle up, buttercups! This is gonna be less "FAQs" and more "My Brain on Holiday Inn Express, Kilgore Edition." Prepare for the glorious mess.

So, is the Holiday Inn Express in Kilgore, TX, actually... good? Seriously?

Good? Honey, that's a loaded question, like asking a Baptist preacher if he enjoys a good plate of barbeque. Let's just say "good" is relative. I've stayed in worse. Like, much, much worse. Think… a motel room that smelled vaguely of sadness and regret. Kilgore's HIX? It’s… okay. It *exists*. And after a 12-hour drive with a screaming toddler and a perpetually confused dog, "existing" is a win. But, "good"? Let's unpack that. Prepare for some serious unpacking.

Let's talk about the "free breakfast." Is it, you know, edible? And did you fight anyone for a waffle?

The free breakfast… ah, the daily struggle. Okay, so, the waffles. The waffles are a *thing*. They're the focal point, the reason for living… at least until 9:30 AM. I’m not going to lie. There’s a certain… tension… around the waffle maker. It’s like a minor gladiatorial arena. Last time? I saw a woman practically *attack* the last, perfectly golden-brown waffle, wielding a spatula like a battle axe. I, on the other hand, opted for the… let's call it "mystery meat" sausage and some sad, slightly rubbery scrambled eggs. Edible? Yes. Delightful? Debatable. My advice? Get there early. Or bring your own waffle iron and set up shop in the lobby. (I totally thought about it.)

What about the pool? Is it clean? And can you actually *swim* in it, or is it more of a "dunk your toes and contemplate life" situation?

The pool. Oh, the pool. Let's just say, the last time I saw it, it looked… green. A sort of… murky green. Not like, "seafoam green, inviting you in," more like, "swamp green, contemplating if it should eat you." I *think* it’s indoors, so that’s a plus? (Avoiding those Texas mosquitos is always a win). Honestly, I'm a germaphobe, so I'm probably biased, but I’d take a pass. But hey, maybe it's pristine now! They do *try*. I mostly spent my time pondering if the dog was going to jump in and how I was going to explain that to the front desk. Spoiler alert: He didn't.

The rooms! What's the lowdown? Are they clean? Are there any… critters?

Okay, the rooms. Okay, okay, okay. Let's be honest. This is where the rubber meets the road. The rooms are… well, they’re *okay*. They’re clean-ish, in that "surface level, you hope" kind of way. The bed was comfy. The AC worked, which is a godsend in Texas in July, when the very air around you feels like it's trying to kill you. Critters? Hmmm... I didn’t *see* any. But I’m also the kind of person who's convinced every shadow is a spider, so... your mileage may vary. I did find a stray pubic hair in the bathroom. Just one. I'm not sure if I should be impressed with the cleaning staff for their dedication or horrified for theirs.

The staff. Are they friendly? Or are they jaded veterans of the hotel wars?

The staff? Bless their hearts. They *try*. They're generally friendly, in that polite Texan way. They’re not exactly brimming with sunshine and rainbows, but who can blame them? Running a hotel is basically wrangling a herd of stressed-out, sleep-deprived humans. I remember one desk clerk, a sweet young man, who looked like he hadn't slept in days. I got the feeling this hotel was their life. Was it a good life? I don't know. But they were polite, and helpful... usually.

Is it REALLY the BEST Hotel in Kilgore? Or is there something they aren't telling us? Like, a hidden underground speakeasy? Free money?

Best? In Kilgore, Texas? Okay, before my inner optimist starts yelling at me. Let's reign it in a little. No, there’s no secret speakeasy (dammit). There's no free money. There's just… the Holiday Inn Express. It's clean, not too expensive, has that waffle situation, and (mostly) friendly staff. The best? Well. It’s what you make of it. If you need somewhere to lay your head for a few hours or a night, then it's a solid option.

Parking: Is it a nightmare? Do I have to circle the block like a vulture?

Parking? Okay, this is the one area where Kilgore's HIX shines. You're good. Plenty of parking. Unless, of course, a local convention of… I don’t know…competitive pie eaters… decides to descend upon the town. (Hey, it could happen!) You're probably good, though. So, score one for sanity.

Is there anything *truly* memorable about the Holiday Inn Express in Kilgore? Like, beyond the waffles and the potential for swamp-green pool water?

Memorable? Hmm… Well, I guess there was the time… I swear, *this* is where it gets real. I went to the front desk to check out, and I think I caught the same desk clerk. He was the one who looked exhausted. I said, "Have a good day!" as I was walking out. and he just looked at me. And sighed. And then, he said "You too. It's just…you know, what we do here. Survive." And there was this… melancholy. Not a breakdown. Just… a weary understanding. It's a hotel. It's a job. It's life, on a small scale. I've never forgotten that. That's how I ended up remembering the Kilgore HIX. You know?

Okay, that's a start. I've leaned into the messy, stream-of-consciousness style, included some real (and imagined) imperfections and quirks, added some personal anecdotes, strong opinions, and a slight digression or two. The pacing is a little all over the place, just like my brain.Find Hotel Now

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