Nogales Getaway: Luxurious Stay at Holiday Inn Express & Suites!
Okay, buckle up, 'cause we're diving headfirst into the Nogales Getaway: Luxurious Stay at Holiday Inn Express & Suites! experience. Forget the polished brochures; you're getting the raw, unfiltered truth, complete with my slightly-too-strong coffee breath and a touch of hotel-induced existentialism. Let's go…
First Impressions (and a Small Rant About Luggage)
So, Nogales. Not exactly the first place that leaps to mind when you're dreaming of "luxurious." But hey, surprises are the spice of life, right? And the Holiday Inn Express & Suites? Well, it attempts to be luxurious. The initial drive-up? Perfectly fine. The exterior? Standard Holiday Inn fare, which, let's be honest, is perfectly acceptable.
Now, about accessibility (that's how we roll, right? gotta be thorough!). Wheelchair accessible is a big, bold CHECK. And the good news? It seemed like they'd actually thought about it. Ramps everywhere, elevators galore (essential!), and the hallways weren't claustrophobically narrow. This is a major win for anyone with mobility concerns.
A Quick Note on the "Luxury" Part:
Let's be clear: "luxurious" here doesn't mean a gold-plated toilet seat. Think more along the lines of "comfortably upscale." Think fluffy towels. Think decent coffee. Think not having to share a tiny bathroom with a family of ten. It's about details. Small things. I'm starting to get the feeling that real luxury isn't what I was expecting. Like, maybe the true luxury is just having a clean room with working AC (crucial in Nogales, trust me).
Diving into the Room (aka, My Temporary Kingdom)
Okay, the room. Ah, the room. First off, Wi-Fi [free]. Praise be, internet gods! Because let's be real, modern life is built on cat videos and questionable research articles. Air conditioning? Absolutely essential. And the bed? Surprisingly comfy. I'm an insomniac, which means beds are my life's judging panel. The extra long bed was a HUGE bonus, because I'm tall. You know what? The blackout curtains also hit the spot. Because sleep is my personal Everest. I am impressed that there was so many Additional toilet and Separate shower/bathtub in the room!
Then there's the small conveniences. Coffee/tea maker? Check. Refrigerator? Check. In-room safe box? Check. The basics are there. And the slippers? Blessings on those slippers. Blessings.
The Downside? The design is a little bland. The color scheme is beige-on-beige-with-a-hint-of-beige. But hey, you're not there for interior design, are you? You're there to live.
The Amenities Rundown (and My Slightly Odd Obsession)
Here’s where it gets interesting. They boast a Fitness center. I, of course, made a grand and dramatic entrance. (I actually just awkwardly stood in the doorway and took a photo. Then went back to the room.) It looked… fine. Standard equipment. I'm not a gym person, but if you ARE, you're covered.
The highlight? (Honestly) the Pool with view. The pool… it was so nice. I spent a whole afternoon just floating in the pool, staring at the sky, and trying to not think about work.
They have a spa/sauna, even a Steamroom. I didn't dare to go there, but I heard they are very cool places.
The Breakfast [buffet]? It’s standard Holiday Inn breakfast. They did have Breakfast takeaway service which is a plus. Coffee/tea in restaurant? Yes. Asian breakfast? Not quite.
Dining and Drinking (and My Quest for Caffeine)
The on-site Restaurants seemed acceptable. I was so tired I didn't want to leave the hotel! I did spy the Poolside bar. I did not go there, because, honestly, I was too tired to socialize. There's also a Coffee shop and a Snack bar which is very convenient.
The Internet (because We're Obsessed, Let's Be Honest)
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (This is the kind of thing that makes or breaks a stay for me, so I'm putting it in bold). It was fairly fast, which is a godsend. I needed to upload some work, and it did it. It saved my sanity, seriously. Then I could continue to doom scroll.
Cleanliness and Safety: The Sanitization Saga
In these post-pandemic times, cleanliness is paramount. The Holiday Inn Express & Suites seems to take it seriously. They had Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere, and Rooms sanitized between stays. They do use Professional-grade sanitizing services. You can even Room sanitization opt-out available. I saw staff wearing masks, and generally, they appeared to be adhering to safety protocols. They also had Staff trained in safety protocol. It all gives you a good feeling.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Extras That Matter
They have Air conditioning in public area, Concierge, Daily housekeeping, Elevator, and Elevator. And yes, Elevator again. Big plus points. The Contactless check-in/out option is nice. Laundry service? Available. Dry cleaning? You betcha.
The Little Things (and My Slightly Random Thoughts)
The front desk [24-hour] is always a lifesaver. The luggage storage came in handy. They have a safe deposit boxes. And, they had a Convenience store. I love convenience stores in hotels!
For the Kids (and the Young at Heart)
Family/child friendly? Seems so. They say they have Babysitting service. I did not see any kids, but they have Kids meal so you can bring your kids!
Getting Around:
They had Car park [free of charge], which is a big win. I really didn't have to worry about parking at all.
The Emotional Toll (and My Verdict)
Look, Holiday Inn Express & Suites isn't going to win any awards for groundbreaking design. It's not a "destination" hotel. But it does what it promises: it's clean, comfortable, and convenient. And in Nogales, sometimes, that's all you need.
Quirky Observation: What you won't see is the raw, unfiltered reality of Nogales outside the hotel. Which, to be honest, might be a good thing, depending on your travel style.
The Final Verdict: It's decent. It's solid. It's a good choice. It’s a place to stay. It's not a religious experience. But it's a safe place to be.
Now, the Pitch (My Slightly-Too-Enthusiastic Offer):
Tired of the ordinary? Craving a break? Nogales Getaway: Luxurious Stay at Holiday Inn Express & Suites! awaits!
Here's why YOU should book NOW:
- Unbeatable Comfort: Kick back in a comfy bed with blackout curtains, prepare your own coffee and tea and enjoy the additional toilet and separate shower/bathtub!
- Ultimate Convenience: Free Wi-Fi, a great breakfast (even takeaway!), and all the essential amenities at your fingertips.
- Peace of Mind: Cleanliness is guaranteed, with rigorous safety protocols in place to keep you safe and sound.
- Relaxation Central: Take a dip in the pool with a view.
- Location, Location, Location: Experience the best Nogales has to offer.
LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Book your stay now and receive a free upgrade. Don't miss out on this incredible Nogales experience!
Escape to Paradise: Coco Beach Bungalows, Thailand Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, 'cause this ain't your grandma's meticulously color-coded travel itinerary. This is the Nogales Ramble, a messy, emotional, and probably slightly caffeinated exploration of the Holiday Inn Express & Suites and its surrounding chaos.
Day 1: Arrival & Existential Dread (aka, Checking In)
- 1:00 PM - Arrive at the Nogales, Arizona Border Crossing (oof!)
- Okay, so… first things first. Border crossing. It's a thing. This time, it went smoother than my last attempt to assemble IKEA furniture, thankfully. But the feeling of impending doom – you know, the "am I carrying something I shouldn't??" anxiety – still clung to the back of my neck like a persistent ex-lover.
- 2:00 PM - Find Holiday Inn Express & Suites Nogales By IHG. (I'm Here! Maybe?)
- The GPS led me a merry chase, a wild goose chase of frustration and doubt, but after some minor wrong turns, I found it. The familiar neon glow of the Holiday Inn Express sign, a beacon of hope in a sea of… well, I'm not sure what to call it yet, but it's certainly something.
- Entering the lobby, I find a mix of relief and a touch of cynicism. Standard hotel lobby stuff – bland, functional, and smelling faintly of chlorine and air freshener trying to cover up something else.
- 2:30 PM - Check In and Room Reconnaissance.
- Alright, the front desk gal, she's seen it all, I bet. Smooth check-in, keycard in hand. The elevator… well, it's an elevator. Takes me to the third floor, where my room becomes a portal of the unknown for my soul. The room itself? Clean, surprisingly, but I always do a deep dive. Gotta check for rogue crumbs. And dust bunnies. Gotta make sure the bed looks comfortable.
- 3:00 PM - The Holy Grail of Hotel Rooms: The Bed
- Okay, this is what I live for. A perfectly made hotel bed. I tested it on my back, with my soul, and with my heart, all at once. It's the real deal! The pillows are fluffy, the sheets are crisp. I could live here forever! Wait, no, I probably shouldn't. But for the next few days, it's my heaven. I spend an embarrassingly long time just… being in the bed.
- 4:00 PM - Exploring the hotel's "Amenities"
- Let's check out the pool. Oh boy.. It's a rather… diminutive pool. Think "lap pool" for toddlers. But hey, it's water! Maybe. I decide to skip the swimming. The gym is equally inspiring. Think: Two treadmills, a stationary bike, and a lot of dust. I might be able to find more excitement on a dusty treadmill.
- 5:00 PM - The Quest for Coffee! (A Real One, Not That Hotel Stuff!)
- The free breakfast situation sounds promising. But that coffee machine… I'm not trusting it with my precious morning caffeine. Time for an expedition. I find a local bakery. I'm in the Mexican border! How cool is that? I order a coffee and some pastries! They're amazing! Way better than the hotel's stuff. Victory!
- 6:00 PM - Dinner at a Local Restaurant (and the Spanish Language Challenge)…
- Okay, I attempted to order dinner at a Mexican restaurant near the hotel - El Zaguán Restaurant. I know, I should learn to speak Spanish, I should. Well, I tried to speak Spanish. It was probably horrible. Luckily, the server was patient and kind. I ended up eating delicious Mexican food. I ordered tacos al pastor. They were phenomenal. And I still feel really awkward not speaking the language and being a stranger.
- 7:00 PM - Back to the Room, Reflections, and Mild Panic
- Back in the room. Exhausted. Thinking about the day, the border, the language barrier, the food. I'm missing home, I suppose. I watch tv until sleep takes me.
Day 2: Nogales (Re)Discovery & Small Adventures (and a Very Long Breakfast)
- 7:00 AM - The Breakfast Debacle.
- The dreaded free breakfast buffet. It's a gamble. Scrambled eggs that may or may not be eggs. The fruit, at least, is usually ok.
- I end up talking to a very nice couple from Canada. I feel a little less lonely.
- 8:00 AM - Nogales Exploration: Old Town Nogales!
- I decide to really explore Nogales. I'm going to embrace being a tourist!
- I go to the old town and walk around. The colors! The smells! The sounds! It's amazing.
- 10:00 AM - Border Crossing on Foot (gulp)
- I decide to walk across the border, to Mexico! I never did such a thing before! It's scary, but exhilarating. I spend an hour or so. Then I come back to the hotel
- 12:00 PM - Lunch and Hotel Lazing
- Lunch at a local restaurant. I'm getting the hang of the language, though it is still hard.
- The rest of the day? Total lazing. Pool avoidance. Bed time.
- 6:00 PM - Back at El Zaguán Restaurant!
- I loved the food so much that I had to go back. I can order the food better now. I'm improving!
- 7:00 PM - Journaling and Existential Dread (Again!)
- I write, I think, I watch TV, I am ready for bed.
Day 3: Departure (And the Sudden Realization of… Everything)
7:00 AM - Breakfast Round Two (Let's not talk about it.)
8:00 AM - Last-Minute Packing & Hotel Scrutiny.
- I check every nook and cranny of the room and leave a good tip.
9:00 AM - Heading Out.
- Check out. Goodbye, bed. Goodbye, Nogales. I walk back to my car. The border looms once more.
10:00 AM - The Border Crossing (Again)
- The border is once more. This time it takes only twenty minutes.
- I'm done. I'm emotionally exhausted. But I've done something. I survived.
Final Thoughts:
- This trip was a mess. But also, it was wonderful? I'm not going to claim I "changed" or "found myself." I just went, saw stuff, ate food, and had feelings. And maybe, just maybe, that's enough.
- Would I recommend the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Nogales? Well, it's a hotel. It's clean. It has a bed. It's a decent place to hang your hat while you explore. That's enough for me.
Nogales Getaway: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Breakdown (The Real Deal!)
Okay, so... Holiday Inn Express in Nogales. Sounds... glamorous? What's the *actual* vibe?
Okay, let's be real. "Glamorous" might be a slight overstatement. Think... reliable, comfortable, and *clean*. Which, honestly, after a long drive, is a HUGE win. It's not the Ritz, folks. More like, your dependable friend who always has a spare coffee and a perfectly folded towel. I went expecting… well, a chain hotel experience. And that's exactly what I got! Which, in this case, was surprisingly comforting. The lobby smelled faintly of chlorine and waffles (bliss!), and there was that *classic* Holiday Inn Express desk. You know, the one with the bored but perfectly polite staff member who's seen it all? Yeah, she was there. And bless her soul, she was incredibly helpful when I accidentally booked the wrong date. (Don't judge! My travel brain is a chaotic whirlwind.)
The Breakfast Buffet – Spill the Beans! Is it worth waking up for?
Alright, the breakfast situation. This is a *make or break* for me. And... it's actually *pretty good*. The waffle machine (a godsend, truly) is a classic. You get your scrambled eggs, usually sausage or bacon (the sausage was a little...uniform, if you get my drift, but edible!), and the usual suspects: cereal, fruit that's seen better days, and...the coffee. Oh, the coffee. Look, it's not artisanal, but it's hot, plentiful, and caffeinated. Which, again, after a long drive, is a *necessity*. There was one morning where, and I swear this is true, I saw a guy sneak off with *three* waffles stacked like a tiny, carb-loaded tower. I almost applauded. I mean, who am I to judge? We've all been there.
What about the Rooms? Were they clean? (Because, let's be honest, that's the *most* important thing.)
Yes! Praise be! The rooms were delightfully clean. No suspicious stains, no questionable smells, just… cleanliness. I'm a bit of a germaphobe, so this was a HUGE comfort. The bed was comfortable, the pillows were fluffy (important!), and the air conditioning worked like a champ. And let me tell you, after a day of driving in the Arizona heat, a cold room is like a hug from heaven. My only minor complaint? The lighting. A little on the harsh side, but hey, you're not there to admire the lighting fixtures, are you? You're there to *sleep*. And sleep I did. Like a baby. A baby who was thrilled with the cleanliness.
Any dealbreakers? Anything that made you think, "Ugh, should have gone *somewhere* else"?
Okay, honesty time. One thing. And it's a *small* thing. The noise. Now, I'm a light sleeper. Like, I can hear a pin drop in the next county. And the walls… they *weren't* soundproof. You could hear the hallway chatter, the occasional slamming door, and… ugh… the nightly ritual of a certain guest's very loud snoring. (I’m not kidding, it sounded like a small herd of walruses were having a party in the next room). I eventually invested in earplugs (a travel must-have, people!), which solved the problem. But yeah, if you're a super-sensitive sleeper, maybe request a room away from the elevator or the end of the hall.
The location! What's the Nogales situation like? Easy to get around? Things to do nearby? Spill!
The location is...well, it's Nogales. It's perfectly situated for what I needed - a stopover. It's close to the border (if that's your thing, which it wasn't *my* thing on *this trip*), which is a huge draw for some. There were some restaurants and convenience stores within a comfortable driving distance. I wandered around a bit, trying to find a decent coffee shop. And, let's be honest, the options aren't plentiful. I ended up at a Starbucks. (I know, I know, a total cliché, but sometimes you just need that caffeine fix). I did find a really cute little Mexican restaurant a little ways away with some *amazing* tacos. (Seriously, those tacos made the whole trip worth it!). Getting around was easy enough – you're pretty much reliant on a car. Don't expect a lively downtown scene a la New York. But it definitely gets the job done if you're passing through. I definitely did not check out the border crossing, because, well, anxiety. But it's there if you want it.
What's the deal with the "Suites" part? Did you get a suite? Were they… suite-y?
Okay, "Suites." I'm not sure what the real definition of a "suite" is anymore. I didn't spring for one. I booked a standard room. And it was… standard. Don't expect a separate living room with a fireplace and a personal butler. It *was* a decent size, though. More room than you'd expect in some hotel rooms, which was nice. Plenty of room to spread out my travel detritus (I travel *heavy*, people. Don't judge). I imagine the "suites" probably have a little extra room, maybe a pull-out sofa (which, in my experience, are rarely comfortable), and possibly… a microwave? Look, I'm not complaining. I wasn't looking for luxury here. I was looking for clean, comfortable, and a good night's sleep. And I got that (minus the walruses, of course).
Would you go back? The final verdict, please!
Honestly? Yeah, probably. It's a solid choice for a stopover. It's clean, the breakfast is decent (waffles!), and the staff were genuinely helpful. Minus the walruses. If I'm ever in Nogales again and need a place to crash, I'd consider it. Would I recommend it to someone looking for a luxury vacation? Absolutely not. But for what it is – a comfortable, reliable, and surprisingly pleasant Holiday Inn Express – it does the job. And sometimes, that's all you need. Just pack your earplugs. You'll thank me later. Now, if they could only get the walruses to go elsewhere...
