Yuma's BEST Hotel? Holiday Inn Express Review (You Won't Believe This!)
Yuma's Best Hotel? Hold Your Horses… My Holiday Inn Express Adventure! (And You Won't Believe This!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just survived (and maybe even enjoyed) a stay at the Holiday Inn Express in Yuma, Arizona. And let me tell you, the desert's got nothing on the rollercoaster of emotions this place threw my way. Forget those perfectly polished travel blogs – this is the real deal, warts and all. And yes, it's got "Holiday Inn Express" in the name. But is it REALLY the BEST? That's the question, isn't it? Let's dive in, shall we?
First Impressions (and the Quest for Accessibility):
My first thought as I pulled up? "Yep, a Holiday Inn Express." You know the vibe. Beige exterior, predictable architecture. NOT a stunning architectural marvel. But, and this is HUGE, accessibility seems to be a priority! The entrance was wide, the ramps were smooth, and the whole place seemed actually navigable for someone with mobility issues. Major props! Wheelchair accessible areas? Check. That's already miles ahead of some other places I've been. Finding a hotel that understands accessibility needs is like finding a unicorn wearing a top hat. Seriously, it's a win!
Check-in Chaos (or, How I Met the Nicest Guy in Yuma):
The check-in/out [express] option looked tempting, but I like to actually talk to people, you know? The guy at the front desk [24-hour] was fantastic. Super friendly, helpful, and genuinely seemed happy to be there. He even (miraculously) knew my name! Made me feel like they weren't just herding cattle through. Now, the cashless payment service was on point, which is always a plus. A quick and easy check-in. That's the dream, right?
The Room: Cleanliness, Creature Comforts, and the Battle of the Blackout Curtains
Okay, let's talk room. The non-smoking rooms are standard, which is great. Immediately, I noticed how clean it was. The cleanliness and safety seemed genuinely prioritized. That's always a big plus, especially now. I like to think those anti-viral cleaning products were doing their thing. And if not, well, I wasn't sick, so… success?
The air conditioning was a LIFESAVER in the Yuma heat (duh!). And the blackout curtains? Genius! I finally got some decent sleep in there. I'm a light sleeper, so I appreciate a good blackout situation. I’d have a hard time living without those blackout curtains – a must for any hotel. And the extra long bed? Heaven! Not a small detail when you're tall.
But here's where things get a little… interesting. The internet (and the promise of glorious free Wi-Fi in all rooms!) was… spotty. Like, more "dial-up in 2001" than "blazing-fast modern connectivity." The internet access – LAN wasn't much better. I was tempted to try the Internet [LAN] option and cry. Okay, I did. But hey, that complimentary tea helped me breathe again and get a sense of composure back. Okay. I'm okay.
And this is where I reveal my greatest weakness: the coffee/tea maker! The room had one! And I was ready to take on the world.
Dining, Drinking, and the Breakfast Buffet
The breakfast [buffet] was actually… decent. I'm talking, eggs were passable, the sausage was okay, the Western breakfast was pretty solid, and they had the standard fruit salad. Not gourmet, but satisfying. The breakfast takeaway service was a nice touch for those who are in a hurry. But, here’s the real story about breakfast, because everyone loves a breakfast buffet. It wasn’t the food that did it for me, it was the camaraderie. There was this group of snowbirds.
It was… something else to watch them.
Anyways, I could smell the coffee/tea in restaurant from my room. The Holiday Inn Express restaurants here are a nice addition. They have Asian breakfast, or Asian cuisine in restaurant. There is a bar, as well. I think the poolside bar would be an amazing thing for those who love the swimming pool [outdoor] scene.
The "Relaxation" Zone (or, Where I Didn't Find My Zen):
Okay, so the fitness center… It exists. I peered in. There were treadmills and weights. I decided my idea of "fitness" that day was getting out of the desert heat. There's a swimming pool though! I skipped the sauna, the spa, and the steamroom, because, well, I'm not a spa-goer. But if you ARE, and if there is a body scrub, body wrap, foot bath, and massage, please send me some pictures. And maybe a report.
Services and Conveniences – The Good, the Bad, and the "Where's the Iron?"
The daily housekeeping was on point, which is fantastic. My room was spotless every day. I was a little too eager to use those ironing facilities, though. Don't ask…
There's a convenience store, which is always handy for those late-night snack attacks. Luggage storage? Check. Daily housekeeping? Double check. Laundry service? Awesome. A safety deposit box? Okay… I feel safer.
And the Little Things That Matter (and the Stuff That Doesn't):
The hotel chain? Holiday Inn Express, because it shows they are good. Pets allowed unavailable.
For the Kids: I didn't see any kids facilities or use the babysitting service but the family/child-friendly seems to be there.
The Verdict: Yuma's BEST Hotel… Maybe, But…
So, is the Yuma Holiday Inn Express the "BEST" hotel? Honestly? Maybe. It’s a solid choice. It gets the job done.
Here’s Why You Should Book (and Why You Might Hesitate):
You should book if:
- You prioritize accessibility. They get it.
- You need a clean, comfortable room.
- You appreciate a friendly front desk.
- You want a decent free breakfast.
- You're looking for a good value in Yuma.
You might want to hesitate if:
- You're a tech-dependent traveler who needs blazing-fast Wi-Fi (pack a hotspot!).
- You're expecting a luxurious, spa-filled experience.
- You're easily annoyed by the typical "Holiday Inn Express" vibe.
My Final, Honest Assessment:
Look, it's not the Ritz-Carlton. But it's clean, comfortable, and the staff genuinely seem to care. For the price, accessibility, and the overall experience, it's a good option in Yuma. I’d stay there again. And that’s high praise from a cynical traveler like myself!
My Offer (Because Why Not?):
Ready to Experience Yuma Comfort? Book Your Stay at the Holiday Inn Express Today!
Here's The Deal: Book your stay through the [website address] and get:
- Guaranteed Accessible Room Options (for peace of mind!).
- Free Hot Breakfast to Fuel Your Desert Adventures!
- Free Wi-Fi (fingers crossed it’s working extra well when you go!).
- And a chance to experience the "Yuma Holiday Inn Express Experience" for yourself!
Don't wait! The desert awaits, and so does a decent night's sleep. Book your stay now!
**Sukhumvit Suites Paradise: Unbelievable NT Place Thailand Luxury Awaits!**
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's travel itinerary. This is a survivor's guide to Yuma via the glorious (and sometimes questionable) Holiday Inn Express & Suites. Expect chaos. Expect opinions. Expect me to occasionally lose the plot. Let's do this thing…
Yuma-Bound: A Quest for Sunshine and… Questionable Hotel Coffee? (5 Days, Pure Chaos)
Day 1: Arrival, Aching Backs, and the Elusive Pool
- 1:00 PM (ish): Land in Yuma after a flight that felt longer than the Oregon Trail. My back is already screaming from the airline seats, which, let's be honest, were probably designed by a sadist. Luggage carousel? Pure torture. I swear, someone's deliberately messing with us, making the conveyor belt go at a glacial pace.
- 1:30 PM - 2:00 PM : The first hurdle: Rental Car! We’re driving, folks! So, uh, where's the car?! The rental place is so humid I practically wilted before even reaching the counter.
- 2:30 PM - 3:00 PM (Finally!): Check-in at the promised land: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Yuma By IHG. Am I dreaming? The lobby is cleaner than expected! But… the front desk guy looks like he's seen some things. I catch a glimmer of despair in his eyes. Is there something I don't know about Yuma? I pray there's a working elevator and a decent view.
- 3:30 PM: The hotel’s room is okay! Clean-ish. The air conditioning blasts like a hurricane, which is a small miracle in this oven we call Yuma. I'm slightly obsessed with finding the pool. Apparently, it's "seasonal." Seasonal? What the hell does that mean in Arizona, where it feels like summer all the time? Time to go on a pool hunt.
- 4:30 PM: Pool: FOUND! Its' surprisingly okay! But, and I'm not gonna lie, I'm also craving a giant margarita.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at a Local Restaurant. The hotel's "local restaurant recommendation" is a dive bar with neon signs and questionable Yelp reviews. Perfect. So, we try there. Ordered some food. The staff seems like they've seen everything, including the apocalypse. The food? Edible, in a pinch. The beer? Cold. Can't complain too much. The sun sets, painting the desert sky in glorious hues of orange and pink, and for a moment, I forget all my aches and pains, and my travel-induced grumpiness.
- 8:00 PM: Back at the hotel. TV on. Netflix. Bed. Ahhhhhh.
Day 2: The Great Desert Trek (and Praying for Air Conditioning)
- 7:00 AM: The infamous complimentary breakfast. Okay, let's be honest. The coffee is vile. It tastes like burnt battery acid and regret. But there's instant oatmeal and those sad little, plastic-wrapped pastries. Fuel is fuel, I guess.
- 8:00 AM - Noon: Drive out to Imperial Sand Dunes Recreational Area. I have never seen so much sand in my life! (I live in the Pacific Northwest, so, technically, I should be a sand expert…but this is desert sand, a different beast altogether.) It's stunningly beautiful, even with the threat of heatstroke and the fact that I am seriously considering buying full desert camouflage. We attempt to hike. The sun tries to kill us. We retreat to the car.
- 12:30 PM: Lunch at a roadside diner. The menu boasts "World Famous Chili." I cautiously order it. It's… alright. The waitress, a woman with a thousand stories etched on her face, gives me a knowing look as I tentatively take a bite. I feel like she knows about my terrible coffee.
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Find some form of indoor fun, like the Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park. It is amazing, and it feels like a real deep dive into the past. We walk through the cells, and I get this weird shiver down my spine. The energy of the place… it's palpable!
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at a Mexican Restaurant. So good! Lots of tacos and tequila. My internal monologue shifts from "sunstroke is imminent" to "maybe I could retire here."
- 8:00 PM: Attempt to use the hotel's gym. It smells faintly of stale sweat and disappointment. I opt for the couch and some mindless TV.
Day 3: History, Hangovers, and the Holy Grail - Ice Cream?
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast. More instant coffee. More existential dread.
- 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Explore the Yuma Quartermaster Depot State Historic Park. It is just gorgeous! I love that old history! More sunshine. More sweat. I buy a silly souvenir.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch. A burger this time.
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM The holy grail: ice cream. We find a local ice cream shop. Happiness. Pure, unadulterated, melted-all-over-my-hand happiness. I swear, this is the moment I actually felt like a human being again.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at a restaurant that is okay! It's nothing crazy!
- 8:00 PM: Back at the hotel. Pool! Before closing. And I'm so happy
Day 4: River Views and the Search for Authenticity
- 7:00 AM: Breakfast. The coffee. Again. This time, I add extra creamer and pretend it's a latte.
- 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: A stroll by the Colorado River. The river is so pretty! But my feet are killing me.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch. A cafe by the river. Watching the world go by. It’s so pretty.
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM We go to a local museum. It's interesting!
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at a food truck. The food is amazing. Finding this food truck is the embodiment of my quest for authenticity.
- 8:00 PM: Back at the hotel. Sleep.
Day 5: Departure – Goodbye, Yuma, You Crazy Place
- 7:00 AM: Final breakfast. Yes, the coffee. Yes, the despair.
- 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Pack. Try to stuff all the laundry.
- 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM: One last dive in the hotel pool, a final moment of blissful coolness before the drive to the airport. The sky is a brilliant blue.
- 12:00 PM: Depart from Yuma. Say goodbye. I didn't realize how tough it was before. I'm exhausted, sunburned, and slightly haunted by that prison. But! I'll never forget it.
- Post-Trip: Vow to invest in a better travel pillow. And maybe a coffee machine.
Seriously, Yuma? Holiday Inn Express? Is This Actually Good?
Okay, buckle up buttercups. You're in Yuma. Let's be real, it's not exactly *The Ritz*. So, going in, my expectations were lower than a desert tortoise's belly. BUT...and this is where things get weird...the Holiday Inn Express? *Surprisingly* decent. It's not winning any awards, but for a budget-minded traveler? Yeah, it'll do. I mean, you're not *thrilled*, but you're not immediately regretting your life choices either. That's a win in Yuma, folks, a big, dusty, sun-baked win.
The Breakfast...Spill the Beans! What's the Situation?
Alright, the breakfast. This is where things get REAL. The usual suspects are there. That’s right, the scrambled eggs that look suspiciously like… well, you know… AND they *taste* suspiciously like…you know… BUT! (And this is a BIG BUT!), they also have those little microwave breakfast burritos. And those things? They're like a tiny, guilty pleasure hug in the morning. I may have, um, "invested" in more than one during my stay. Don't judge me. It's Yuma. You NEED the fuel. Oh, and the coffee? It’s…coffee. Acceptable. Don't expect gourmet, but it'll get you through until you hit the nearest greasy spoon.
The Pool! Did You Even *Go* to the Pool? What Was the Vibe?
Okay, the pool. This is HIGHLY dependent on the time of year. I went in…let’s just say it was HOT. Like, "melt your shoes on the pavement" hot. The pool? An oasis. Literally. Clear, cool (ish – it's still Yuma), and they usually had a few floats bobbing around. The VIBE? Chill. Occasionally, a family or two splashing around, but mostly, it was a perfect place to…okay, I'll admit it: I fell asleep in a pool chair for a good hour. Best nap I'd had in ages. And the towels? Surprisingly fluffy!
The Room – Cleanliness! Is the Bed a Disaster?
Alright, room. Let's get this straight. This isn't the Taj Mahal. But! Surprisingly clean. Like, I wasn't afraid to put my bare foot on the floor – a *huge* win in my book. The bed? Comfortable. Not the kind that you'd write love letters to, but definitely comfortable enough to crash after a long day in the desert. Pillows were okay. And the AC? Glorious. A lifesaver in that heat! I did have to deal with a minor incident...more on that later, though.
Wait, What About the "Minor Incident"? Spill!
Okay, so, the "minor incident." Here's the deal: One night, around 3 AM, I woke up and… well, let's just say I had some…unexpected visitors. Tiny, creepy, scurrying visitors. COCKROACHES, people! I'm not proud to admit it, but I may have screamed. Loudly. Like, "wake the whole hotel up" loudly. I called the front desk, who were actually pretty nice, and they immediately sent someone up to spray. I then spent the rest of the night sleeping with the lights on. The next morning? No more roaches. Crisis averted. But the memory? Eww.
The Staff – Are They Actually Friendly, or Just Putting on a Show?
Okay, the staff. Surprisingly pleasant! They're not the overly bubbly, fake-friendly types. These folks were just… genuinely helpful. Checking in? Smooth. Needed extra towels because of the… *ahem* …pest control? No problem. They seemed to care and the one person I encountered at breakfast made a suggestion of a good lunch place in the city. Made me feel welcomed and not like I was just another traveler, passing through and making a mess. This is something I really appreciated after my "incident."
Location, Location, Location! Is it Convenient?
Location? Eh. It is what it is. It's a bit off the beaten path, but honestly, in Yuma, everything's a bit off the beaten path. It's close to… things. Restaurants, the highway. I had to drive everywhere so nothing really stands out about the location! It's okay and has a good parking lot. Not going to win any awards for proximity, but it’s perfectly functional.
Okay, So, Verdict? Would You Stay Here Again?
Alright, the big question. Would I stay here again? Honestly? Yeah, probably. The cockroach incident was… unfortunate. Let's be honest, they happen. But everything else, from the surprisingly decent breakfast to the comfy beds (minus the uninvited guests) to the friendly staff, made it a good enough stay. It's a solid, reliable option for Yuma. Just… maybe pack some extra bug spray. And light sleepers? Bring earplugs. You never know what kind of shenanigans your neighbors are up to (like maybe screaming at 3 AM).
