Valparaiso Getaway: Unbeatable Deals at Holiday Inn Express!
Valparaiso Getaway: Honestly, Is This Holiday Inn Express All That? (SEO-Optimized Rant)
Okay, folks, let's be real. We've all been there, staring at the Holiday Inn Express logo, thinking, "Is this… the vacation of my dreams? Or just a clean bed and free breakfast?" Well, buckle up buttercups, because I just waded through the Valparaiso Holiday Inn Express experience, and I'm here to tell you… it's complicated. Let's dive in, shall we? (And yes, I'm going to try and cram in those SEO keywords, because apparently, that's how you survive in this digital jungle.)
First Impressions: Accessibility and the Dreaded Elevators
Alright, let's start with the good stuff. Accessibility: This is important, people! They seem to actually care. Wheelchair accessible? Yep. Facilities for disabled guests? Check. That's a massive relief for anyone with mobility concerns. The elevators? Oh, the elevators. (There's always a but, right?). They were…well, they worked. Predictably, they're not the speed demons, but the fact they exist and service all the floors is a huge win. And hey, the elevator also has access to the exterior corridor, which is a massive plus, especially if you want to get to the pool or in case of emergency.
Cleanliness and the Sanitizing Shenanigans (Post-Pandemic Edition)
This is where things get interesting. Cleanliness and safety are obviously a massive priority these days. They're making a serious effort. Anti-viral cleaning products? Supposedly. Daily disinfection in common areas? Claimed it. Rooms sanitized between stays? Absolutely. I appreciated the little touches: the hand sanitizer dispensers everywhere, those individually-wrapped food options at breakfast (more on that later). The room sanitization opt-out available is cool. But honestly, who is gonna opt-out? I’m glad to hear they're taking things seriously. The Staff trained in safety protocol is also a reassuring, I guess. But let's be real: after the mess of 2020, we're all paranoid about germs now. So, I'm giving them the benefit of the doubt.
The Room: My Personal Oasis (Or Not?)
Let's talk about the actual room. Available in all rooms: Air conditioning? Naturally. Free Wi-Fi? (Praise be!). In-room safe box? Check. A hair dryer? Yep. Wi-Fi [free]? DOUBLE-CHECK. The little things matter! Some of these are not really worth mentioning, like the alarm clock, bathrobes, bathroom phone, bathtub, blackout curtains, carpeting, closet, coffee/tea maker, complimentary tea, daily housekeeping, desk, etc. Now, I will mention them! The extra long bed was a lifesaver. I'm 6'4" and I’m usually in a constant state of leg-cramping. This? This was luxurious. I’d give it a rating of 8/10, for sure. The non-smoking was a plus, of course, and the reading light was perfect for late-night novel binges.
Internet – The Lifeblood of Modern Existence
I'm a digital nomad, folks. The internet is my oxygen. So, the fact they advertise "Getaway: Unbeatable Deals at Holiday Inn Express" for the Internet really had me going. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! – crucial. The Internet access – wireless was strong. Internet access – LAN? Possibly. The Internet services themselves worked well, and the Wi-Fi in public areas was also serviceable. (I did a little work from the terrace, which was surprisingly pleasant). This is a win.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – The All Important Feedbag
Breakfast. Ah, breakfast. The make-or-break moment of any Holiday Inn Express experience. The Breakfast [buffet] was… well, it was. The buffet in restaurant thing seemed a tad basic, but it was what it was. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was okay. The Asian breakfast was…there. The Western breakfast was the safer bet, mostly. They did have breakfast takeaway service which was neat. The Snack bar was convenient. The Poolside bar was a pleasant touch. The Restaurants in this situation are fine. The room service [24-hour] was actually amazing. The fact you could order a pizza at 3 AM and be okay with it, well that is perfect.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax (or Kill Time)
Okay, let's talk things to do around the hotel to avoid boredom. Okay, the gym/fitness area was small, but it had the essentials. I did a solid workout session in the fitness center. They even had a pool with view, which was pretty. The outdoor swimming pool was an oasis of calm after a long day. And honestly, that sauna was pure bliss. The Spa/sauna experience was…well, it wasn’t the Four Seasons. But it was there, and sometimes, that's all you need. They had a Steamroom as well, which I did not try out, because I was having too much a great time with my swimming pool experience!
Services and Conveniences – The Little Things That Matter
Cash withdrawal? Check. Concierge? Yep. Daily housekeeping? Definitely. The elevators worked (though, as I mentioned before…). The facilities for disabled guests were a huge bonus. I actually appreciated the laundry service, because I’m a slob. And the luggage storage came in handy when I had to check out.
For the Kids: Making Sure Everyone is Annoyed
Look, I don't have kids, but I did see some. Babysitting service? Probably available. Family/child friendly? Definitely. They will not bother you.
Getting Around: The Great Escape
Car park [free of charge]? Yes, THANK GOD. Airport transfer? Yep. Taxi service? Easily accessible. But the real hero here? The Car park [on-site]. Parking in a city like Valparaiso can be a nightmare. So, this was a HUGE win.
Important Considerations for Your Booking!
- Couple's room is available, perfect for romantic getaway!
- Non-smoking rooms are available.
- Pets allowed unavailable. Bummer for Fido.
The Emotional Verdict (My Truly Honest, Opinionated Take)
Honestly? This Holiday Inn Express in Valparaiso is…fine. It's not going to blow your mind. It's not going to make you cry tears of joy (unless you're REALLY stressed). But it’s clean, safe, generally accessible, and you get a decent sleep. The location is good, the safety/security feature is a big plus.
My Honest Offer: Book Now for… Convenience and a Relatively Stress-Free Stay!
So, if you're looking for a solid, reliable, and conveniently located hotel in Valparaiso, Holiday Inn Express is a solid choice. Don't expect luxury. Expect a clean bed, free Wi-Fi, a decent breakfast, and easy access to the city. And hey, maybe you'll even enjoy that sauna!
Here's the SEO friendly call to action:
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Unbelievable Serbia Getaway: Hotel Etno Centar Balasevic Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! This ain't your grandma's perfectly-planned travel itinerary. This is REAL LIFE, Holiday Inn Express edition. And frankly, I needed this escape. Been staring at spreadsheets all week – my brain feels like scrambled eggs.
Destination: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Valparaiso, Indiana… because apparently, even stressed-out city dwellers need a Midwest respite. (And hey, IHG points, right?)
Arrival: Thursday – The Promised Land (of Free Breakfast, at Least)
1:00 PM - Journey Begins (The Pre-Trip Anxiety Tango): Okay, so technically, I'm already in the car. But the real trip starts now. I swear, packing is the most stressful part. Did I pack enough socks? (Always a gamble.) Did I remember my phone charger? (Almost didn't.) Double-checking the reservation… yup, Valparaiso. Sounds vaguely… pastoral? Let's hope it's not too pastoral. I’m a city girl, you know? I need some stimulation beyond cows and cornfields.
3:00 PM - Road Trip Blues & Coffee Runs: Traffic. Of course, traffic. And the inevitable "Are we there yet?" from myself. Hit a rest stop, downed a lukewarm coffee. The energy drink kicked in later and I felt like could fly, driving like the wind and ready for an adventure!
5:30 PM - Check-In Chaos (and the Sweet Relief of AC): Finally! Hotel check-in. The lobby actually smells… decent. Not like chlorine-soaked carpet. But I got the room with the “slightly askew” view of the parking lot (thanks, IHG rewards level!). Honestly, though, the AC is blasting ice cold air, and I could weep with joy. Hotel life is a win for AC.
6:30 PM - Pre-Dinner Power Nap (the Art of the Short Sneeze): A quick power nap. Crucial. You must recharge your internal batteries before the evening meal. This time, I went for the short, 30 minute power nap and it was perfect.
7:30 PM - Dinner Debacle (in a Good Way): Found a local pizza place called "Pizza Joe's" (original, right?). Turns out, it's actually fantastic. The pizza had that perfect balance of crispy crust and gooey cheese. And the owner, a guy named Tony, kept calling me "Hon" and regaling me with tales of his grandkids. Totally charming. Made me feel like I'd stumbled into a Norman Rockwell painting, but with better pizza.
9:00 PM - Hotel Room Hula (and Mild Regret): Back in my room, feeling stuffed and surprisingly content. Watched a truly awful B-movie on cable (I’m addicted), but hey, no judgment here. Played music and dance, felt like a teenager again.
10:30 PM – Bedtime. Maybe. With a side of "Am I forgetting something?" Toothbrush? Check. Phone charging? Check. Mental checklist going through my mind: what did I not pack? Why do I always feel like I'm missing something? Ah well. Bedtime.
Friday – Exploring (and Trying Not to Get Lost)
7:00 AM - The Free Breakfast Brigade: OH. MY. GOD. The free breakfast. Expectations were low. Reality? Pretty darn good. Waffles! Fruit! Sausage! (Okay, maybe the eggs were a little… rubbery. But hey, it's free.) The sheer chaos of hungry families and bleary-eyed business travelers is a comedy show in itself. I love it.
8:00 AM - Valparaiso's Charm (A Slightly Biased View): So, I decided to actually, you know, see Valparaiso. I found a local park. The park was lovely, with a walking trail. Trees! Sunlight! I went for a long walk. I needed it. Breathe in, breathe out. This place…it’s actually kind of…nice. (Don't tell anyone I said that.)
10:00 AM - The "Lost on Purpose" Incident: Got a little turned around trying to find a specific antique shop. This is where the "urban navigation skills" went out the window. Ended up wandering aimlessly for a bit. But you know what? It was kind of fun. Saw some cute little houses and a particularly grumpy-looking cat.
12:00 PM - Lunch (and the Perils of Trying New Things): Tried a local deli. Sandwich was… interesting. Let's just say it involved ingredients I'm not entirely sure I can pronounce. But hey, I tried it! (And then immediately regretted not getting a pizza.)
1:30 PM - Afternoon Delight (The Library Escape): Needed some quiet time. Took refuge in the public library. The air conditioning! The scent of old books! Found a comfy armchair and read for a couple of hours. Pure bliss. (Maybe I do have a hidden librarian side.)
4:00 PM - Pool Day! (Or: the awkwardness of hotel pool life): I went swimming in the hotel pool. It was fine. Not crowded. Nothing earth-shattering. But I did it. I swam in a pool. Achievement unlocked.
6:00 PM - Dinner Again! (The quest for deliciousness continues): Decided to try another local restaurant. Much better! Had a fantastic burger. Feeling full and content.
8:00 PM - Netflix & Chill (in the purest sense): Back in the hotel room, feeling totally relaxed. Streamed a few episodes of my favorite show. Pure escapism. Feeling my worries melt away, bit by bit.
10:00 PM - The "Almost Forgot" Panic: Almost forgot to pack my laundry! Rushed around. Luckily, got it all done and ready to go.
Saturday – Departure (Bittersweet Goodbyes to Free Waffles)
- 7:00 AM - Breakfast (Again!): Goodbye, free breakfast, you beautiful thing. Devoured the last waffle with a pang of sadness. I'm going to miss that waffle.
- 8:00 AM - Last-Minute Souvenir Shenanigans: Had to buy a tacky souvenir for my cat. (Don't ask.) Found the perfect one. It’s hideous. Perfection.
- 9:00 AM - Check Out & Farewell: Checked out of the hotel. Said goodbye to the lovely staff.
- 9:30 AM - The “What Did I Forget?” Revisited: Was I forgetting something? Nope. I think. Car keys! Phone! Wallet! I think I have everything.
- 10:00 AM - Drive Home (with a renewed appreciation for… everything.) I left Valparaiso, Indiana. And I am going to miss it. This trip was exactly what I needed. It’s nice to get away sometimes. I'm back, refreshed, and, dare I say, slightly less prone to panic attacks.
Post-Trip Thoughts:
- The Unexpected Charm: Valparaiso isn't exactly Paris. But it was… nice. It was a break from the usual chaos. It was a chance to breathe.
- The Importance of Free Waffles: Seriously, those waffles were a life-changer.
- Next Time: I’m going to find that antique shop. And maybe learn how to pack a little more efficiently. (Maybe.)
- Final Verdict: Holiday Inn Express Valparaiso? Would recommend. Especially for the free breakfast. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need a nap. And maybe another waffle… (Just kidding… probably.)
Okay, okay, Holiday Inn Express in Valparaiso... is it *really* a "getaway?" 'Cause, you know, "getaway" implies... glamor, right? Or at LEAST a decent continental breakfast?
Alright, hold your horses, drama queen! Look, "getaway" in this context is maybe pushing it. Glamor? No. Think more... practical. More like, "escape from the laundry pile and questionable Tupperware" getaway. And the continental breakfast? Ooh, boy. Let's just say it features the usual suspects: stale bagels, lukewarm coffee that tastes vaguely of despair, and those pre-packaged muffins that have the structural integrity of a brick. However, after two toddlers and a mountain of bills, any room, any bed... is kind of a getaway.
But here's the thing. Valparaiso itself is charming in a slightly under-the-radar way. And the deals at the Holiday Inn Express? Yeah, those *are* actually pretty good. Which is why I ended up there last month, trying to salvage my sanity after a particularly brutal week (and a leaking roof, don't even ask). So, a getaway? Maybe a *slightly* downgraded version. But hey, it worked.
What about parking? Is it a complete free-for-all, or do you actually get a spot? I'm not about that circling-the-lot-like-a-vulture life.
Okay, so parking. This, my friend, is a crucial question. Because there's nothing worse than arriving, exhausted, after a 5-hour drive (with the kids, of course, who managed to develop a full-blown wrestling match in the backseat somewhere around Ohio), and THEN discover you're circling the parking lot, feeling like a low-rent Formula 1 driver. And the answer? Relatively decent. I mean, it's not the Ritz-Carlton, we're talking about a Holiday Inn Express here. But they have a decent-sized lot, *and* I actually managed to find a spot even on a Saturday night when a youth baseball tournament was in town! So yeah, you likely won't have to channel your inner vulture. Hallelujah!
Although, one time... okay, this is a confession. Once, I had to park *slightly* further away and had to carry three bags and a car seat and a screaming toddler. But that was my own fault. I overpacked. Don't be like me. Pack light. Or bring a sherpa.
Are the rooms actually clean? Because I have standards. Slightly.
Cleanliness. Ah, the holy grail of hotel stays. Listen, I'm not expecting surgical operating room sterility. But yes, the rooms at the Valparaiso Holiday Inn Express were, for the most part, clean. The bedsheets smelled freshly laundered (a HUGE win in my book). The bathroom was… well, it wasn't sparkling, let's be honest. But no questionable stains or hairs that weren’t my own. You know, the essentials. And I always bring my own Lysol wipes now. Just in case. Because, you know, kids are germ factories.
I’ll be honest, one stay I had to quickly check under the bed after a suspicious stain on the carpet (which, let’s be honest, might actually have been the kids, I have no idea). But on balance, I'd say it's a solid "pretty darn clean" rating overall.
What about the pool? Is it a cesspool of screaming children and questionable bodily fluids? Be honest.
Right. The pool. Okay, here's the thing about hotel pools. They are, by their very nature, magnets for small humans with questionable hygiene practices. And the Valparaiso Holiday Inn Express pool is no exception. Yes, there are likely to be screaming children. Yes, there's a high probability of splashing. And yes, you might catch a whiff of chlorine-tinged… whatever-it-is that toddlers emit.
However! My kids LOVED it! And honestly, it's not *always* a complete free-for-all. I've found it gets less chaotic mid-morning. If you’re going for a serene swim, aim for the less busy times. Be prepared to dodge a rogue inflatable or two. Embrace the chaos. Or, you know, bring a book and a strong drink and just watch from a distance. No judgement.
Let's talk breakfast again. Any chance of saving the poor souls who are subjected to the dreaded "continental breakfast?" What are the *actual* options?
Okay, the breakfast. Deep breaths. I have... opinions. Let's just say, it's a buffet of *possibilities*. You've got your usual suspects: pre-packaged pastries that taste suspiciously of cardboard, instant oatmeal that's probably been around since the Jurassic period, and those sad, sad mini-muffins. Oh, and the coffee. The coffee is... well, it's there. It's caffeinated. That's about the best you can say.
BUT! There's usually (and this is where things get slightly better) a waffle maker! So, yeah, you can make your own waffles. Which is a win. My kids always loved that. And they sometimes have things like hard-boiled eggs (which, let's be honest, are kind of amazing) and maybe some questionable-looking fruit. And occasionally, on a good day, there's sausage. Which, after a rough night, is a small slice of heaven. So, save the poor souls? Maybe pack your own backup breakfast snacks. But also, waffles. Don't underestimate the power of the waffle maker. Seriously, the waffles were the *best part.* Okay, that's a lie. The sleep was the best part. Still, though, waffles.
Okay, so, based on all this... would you recommend the Holiday Inn Express in Valparaiso? The bottom line, please! Don't make me read another rambling answer...
Alright, alright, the bottom line. YES. I would. Not for a romantic getaway. Not for a luxury experience. But for a clean, reasonably priced place to lay your head, escape the madness of your life (even if that escape involves a pool full of shrieking children), and maybe, just maybe, score a decent waffle... absolutely.
Especially if you're looking for a good deal... look, it's not perfect, but it's a decent option. And after a long week or even just a long day... it is an escape and it is an escape, and that's all that matters.
