
Escape to Medford: Luxury Suites & Unbeatable Deals at Holiday Inn Express!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving HEADFIRST (and maybe a little clumsily, let's be honest) into the Holiday Inn Express in Medford. This review isn’t just about bullet points and perfect prose; it's about the messy, glorious reality of actually staying there. Get ready for an unfiltered journey, because let’s face it, who really trusts a perfectly polished review?
Escape to Medford: Luxury Suites & Unbeatable Deals at Holiday Inn Express! (The Real Deal)
Right, let's cut the fluff. They say "Luxury Suites." Okay, maybe slightly embellished… let’s call it "Comfortable Suites" with… potential. But the "Unbeatable Deals"? Now that’s where they might just have a point. I’ll get to that later.
First Impressions & Initial Chaos - Gotta Love It! (Accessibility, Check-in Shenanigans & Wi-Fi Woes)
Okay, so the exterior isn't exactly the Taj Mahal. But let's be real, it's Medford, not Monaco. The important thing? Accessibility. I mean, I'm not in a wheelchair, but I do have a friend who is, and I always look out for this. GOOD NEWS: They seemed pretty on-point with ramps and elevators. CHECK!
Now, the check-in? That's where the fun really began. I think I got the "new guy" and it was Monday. He was blessedly trying to be efficient, bless his heart, but it was a symphony of fumbles. Key cards that didn't work the first time. My name, mangled in a way that only a computer system and a well-meaning human can achieve. But hey, I'm a forgiving soul! (Mostly.) They do have contactless check-in/out, thankfully I gave up on that and opted for the human interaction for my own sanity.
And the Wi-Fi… Sigh. They say Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and they say Wi-Fi in public areas. And technically, both are true. It's just that the Wi-Fi signal in my room felt like it was beamed in from the moon. Seriously, I spent more time trying to load a single picture of a cat than I did actually working. Deep breath. Thank God for the lobby Wi-Fi.
But hey, at least they have Internet access, Internet [LAN] (if you’re hardcore like that!), and Internet services. They even appear to have Wi-Fi for special events. I just wouldn't recommend planning a live-streaming conference from your room.
Cleanliness & Safety - Did Someone Say Anti-Germ Warfare?
Okay, this is where the Holiday Inn Express actually shines. In a post-pandemic world, cleanliness is KING. And guess what? They take it seriously.
- Anti-viral cleaning products? Check.
- Daily disinfection in common areas? Yep.
- Rooms sanitized between stays? Absolutely.
- Staff trained in safety protocol? Seemed like it! They all wore masks (though I’m not sure anyone else, and the staff seem to be fine with the mask mandates being lifted).
- Hand sanitizer everywhere? You betcha.
- Individually-wrapped food options? Definitely.
They also offer Room sanitization opt-out, which is a nice touch, just in case you believe in your own cleaning powers (I don’t). Sanitized kitchen and tableware items is essential, and honestly, it put my mind at ease. The fact that they have a Doctor/nurse on call gave me some peace of mind, too. I did spot a First aid kit on my way out, if that helps.
Rooms - My Suite of Almost-Luxury (Features and Quirks)
Alright, let’s talk about the actual room. Remember when I said "Comfortable Suites"? Yeah. Truthfully, it was actually really nice.
- Air conditioning? CHECK. Essential.
- Blackout curtains? THANK GOD. I like my beauty sleep.
- Coffee/tea maker? Crucial. I need my caffeine fix.
- Free bottled water? Nice touch.
- Refrigerator? Excellent for midnight snacks (and avoiding the completely overpriced minibar).
- Separate shower/bathtub? Actually really appreciated that after a long day.
- Wi-Fi [free]? (See above. Deep sighs).
- Window that opens? YES! Fresh air is a must, even if it’s Medford air.
- Desk, High floor, In-room safe box, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Reading light, Socket near the bed, Telephone, Toiletries, Wake-up service, and Window that opens – Check, check, check, check, check, check, check, check, check, check!
Personal Anecdote Time: The Great Shower Curtain Catastrophe (And a Little Tears)
Okay, so here's a moment of total vulnerability. One night (okay, maybe three nights), I was trying to take a shower. And, the shower curtain situation was… terrible. Like, clinging to me, refusing to slide, and generally causing chaos.
I spent a good five minutes wrestling with it, feeling utterly defeated. Then, for some reason, I just started laughing at the absurdity of it all. It was the kind of laughter that bubbles up from a place of deep exhaustion and a touch of "I can't believe this is my life."
Then, I just went to the front desk and laughed about it with the now seasoned employees. The employees were great and brought me some extra towels. But the experience will be embedded in my memory.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Fueling the Adventure (Mostly)
Breakfast – A mixed bag, honestly. Breakfast [buffet] was… well, it was what you'd expect. The usual suspects: Western breakfast, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant. They do have Breakfast takeaway service, which is a HUGE win if you're in a rush. I even think I saw some Asian breakfast.
- Poolside bar? Sadly, this was not a reality.
- Snack bar? Yes.
- Restaurants? They seem to have restaurants (I never ventured beyond the breakfast buffet or snacks).
- Room service [24-hour]? Nope.
- Coffee shop? No.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax - Gotta Unwind, Right?
Here's the thing… while they don’t have a full-blown spa with Body scrub, Body wrap, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Massage, they do offer some decent options for relaxation.
- Fitness center? Yes! Had all the basics.
- Gym/fitness? Yep.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]? Yes! Actually looked quite inviting.
- Pool with view? (Debatable. It's Medford. The view is… Medford.)
Services and Conveniences – The Mundane, But Important, Stuff.
- Air conditioning in public area? (Yes, of course!)
- Business facilities? Yes, Business facilities, Xerox/fax in business center, Meeting/banquet facilities.
- Doorman? No.
- Dry cleaning, Laundry service, Ironing service? Yes, yes, YES!
- Elevator? Essential!
- Luggage storage? Yes.
- Medical and concierge services? No.
- Smoking area? Yes.
- Wi-Fi for special events? Probably!
- Smoking area? (Yes, because, Medford.)
For the Kids – Family Travel, Simplified?
- Babysitting service? No.
- Family/child friendly? Seems like it, yes.
- Kids facilities? Not really.
- Kids meal? No.
Getting Around – Location, Location, Location (and Driving)
- Airport transfer? No.
- Car park [free of charge]? YES! Huge win.
- Car park [on-site]? Yes.
- Taxi service? Available.
The Deal – The Real Reason to Book!
Okay, let’s talk pricing. This is where that "Unbeatable Deals" claim actually rings true. I managed to snag a seriously discounted rate. I’m talking a deal that made me actually giggle with delight. Keep an eye out for those specials! They’re worth it. That is part of what helps me give the Holiday Inn Express the edge over other hotels, as well as its cleanliness.
The Verdict: My Recommendations (A Little Messy, But True)
Should you stay? YES, mostly! If you're looking for a clean, comfortable place to crash while exploring the area, especially if you are on a budget, and are particularly
Escape to Amazing Deals: Quality Inn & Suites Across the USA!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your grandma's perfectly-planned travel itinerary. This is MY potential train wreck/triumph at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Medford-Central Point, courtesy of yours truly. (And yes, I’m already anticipating the inevitable coffee spills and questionable food choices.)
Subject: Medford Mayhem - A Mostly-Coherent Plan of Action (and Maybe a Breakdown or Two)
Day 1: Arrival and the Quest for Decent Caffeine (and a Deep Breath)
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Arrive at Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport (MFR). Pray to the travel gods for a smooth landing. Seriously, I've been reading the reviews – apparently, landing can be a bit…spirited at this airport. Fingers crossed I don't end up sideways. Grab my rental car. (Probably a slightly embarrassing compact, thanks to my budget. Hope it fits my luggage AND my general level of indecision.)
- 2:30 PM - 3:00 PM: Check-in at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Medford-Central Point. (Address: 1951 Crater Lake Ave, Medford, OR 97504). Note to self: Remember your ID. Seriously, you’d think after, like, a billion trips, I’d have this down. My brain is currently operating at 60% capacity. I'm usually too overwhelmed to remember anything.
- 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM: The Great Caffeine Hunt. Okay, this is crucial. A bad first coffee experience can ruin an entire trip. I'm aiming for a local coffee shop. Google Maps is my friend. I'm banking on some serious caffeine, maybe something with oat milk, and a pastry that doesn't taste like it was made in the Cretaceous period. If the coffee isn't up to snuff, I'm walking out and finding the nearest Starbucks. There. I said it. I'm already a diva.
- 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM: Settling into the hotel, unpacking. Attempt to organize my suitcase, which will inevitably end up looking like a bomb went off inside it. I’m picturing strategically-placed clutter. I'll attempt to locate the TV. Because let’s be real, sometimes all you need is mindless television and a mountain of snacks.
- 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM: Dinner at a restaurant in Medford. I'm thinking of checking out "Cicily's Italian Restaurant". I'm kinda feeling some pasta. The reviews online seem promising, but I'm prepared to be disappointed. Actually, I expect to be slightly disappointed. It manages expectations.
- 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM: Wind down, maybe a short walk (weather permitting), check out the hotel amenities (is the pool even real?!). Read. Watch some truly awful television. Contemplate the meaning of life. (Kidding… mostly.)
Day 2: Crater Lake and Existential Dread
- 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel. Free breakfast, eh? I’m gonna brace myself. Honestly, I’m picturing lukewarm eggs and suspiciously-square sausage patties. But! Free is free. And if there is a waffle maker, I'm going to become best friends with it. (Waffles: they're basically therapy in carbohydrate form.)
- 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM: The Crater Lake Adventure! The big kahuna. Drive to Crater Lake National Park (it's about an hour and a half, so I’m told. I'm hoping to get there on time, unlike my usual lack of punctuality). Okay, so this is supposed to be breathtaking. I've seen photos. I'm expecting some major "OMG nature is amazing” moments. And if it's overcast, I'm blaming the weather gods.
- 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM: Explore Crater Lake! Hike a bit. Take approximately 700 photos. (I take a lot of photos. It's a problem.) Maybe try to find a nice spot to sit and stare into the abyss. Contemplate the immensity of the universe. Feel a profound sense of insignificance. (That's what I'm expecting, anyway).
- 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM: Lunch. Pack a picnic. Or, if I'm feeling lazy (and I probably will be), check out whatever options are available in the park. Sandwiches. Maybe some chips. Definitely something to help with the existential angst.
- 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Drive back to Medford.
- 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Hotel Relaxation. Maybe a nap? (Yeah, probably a nap.) Or perhaps a pre-dinner chill session. I need it.
- 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM: Dinner. I'm thinking something casual. Maybe some local burgers. Food and more food.
- 8:30 PM Onward: Netflix and chill. (Myself, and the television, duh.)
Day 3: Wineries (and the Unavoidable Hangover)
- 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Another attempt at the hotel breakfast. (See Day 2, the "Suspicious Sausage" section.)
- 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM: Wine Tasting! The Rogue Valley is known for its wineries, so it's time to dive into the grape-y goodness. Researching wineries ahead of time is essential. I will, of course, pace myself. (I say this now, but we all know how this will end. With me giggling in the back and a very confused Uber driver.) The plan? Two, maybe three wineries. Plenty of water. Designated Driver (or Uber, depending on how this goes). I'm sure I'll start to regret my life.
- 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Attempt to recover from the wine. Maybe a nap again? (It's a theme.) Hydration! Electrolytes! The usual after-wine-tasting routine.
- 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM: Dinner. (Order something from delivery. I'm going to be hung over.) Comfort food is the objective here.
- 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM: Watch more TV. Ruminate on the meaning of life. Or just stare blankly at the ceiling. Depends on the level of the hangover.
- 9:00 PM Onward: Cry? (Maybe. Possibly.)
Day 4: Homeward Bound (and Regrets)
- 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: The Last Hotel Breakfast. Embrace the mediocrity.
- 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Check out of the hotel. Pack. Try to leave the room in a semi-decent state. (No promises).
- 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Last-minute souvenir shopping. (Panic buying!) Possibly even a final coffee run.
- 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Drive to Medford Airport.
- 12:00 PM: Depart from MFR.
- The Aftermath:
- Spend the first few days after the trip recovering.
- Post approximately 4,000 photos on social media.
- Vow to never drink wine again. (And then, probably, break that vow within a couple of weeks.)
- Immediately start planning the next trip. Because, as messy and imperfect as it is, travel… is the best.
Disclaimer: This itinerary is a suggestion. It is subject to change based on my whims, the weather, the availability of coffee, and the overall chaos of my life. I reserve the right to completely abandon this plan at any moment. Don't take anything here as gospel. Prepare for delays, spontaneous adventures, and a healthy dose of self-deprecating humor.
Escape to Fort Wayne: Your Dream Stay Awaits at Holiday Inn Express!
Escape to Medford: Luxury Suites & Unbeatable Deals at Holiday Inn Express! (Or...Was It?)
So, are these "Luxury Suites" *actually* luxurious? Because my last "luxury" stay involved peeling wallpaper and a mysterious stain on the sofa...
What's the deal with these "Unbeatable Deals" they keep advertising? Are we talking steal-a-car-at-midnight good, or just, you know, *OK*?
Breakfast! Tell me about the breakfast. Is it the standard Holiday Inn Express fare, or are we talking epic waffle bar and bacon that makes angels weep?
Is there a pool? Because after a long day of… well, *whatever* you do in Medford, a dip sounds divine.
What about the staff? Were they friendly and helpful, or did they seem like they were plotting to escape?
Parking? Easy peasy or a logistical nightmare?
Noise levels? I'm a light sleeper, and the thought of a screaming child or a party next door fills me with dread...
Would you go back? Be honest!

