Escape to Houghton: Your Dream Holiday Inn Express Getaway Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the swirling vortex of… Holiday Inn Express in Houghton! deep breath “Escape to Houghton: Your Dream Holiday Inn Express Getaway Awaits!” sounds a bit… clears throat… corporate, doesn’t it? We’re gonna ditch the PR spin and get down to the nitty-gritty.
So, I’m tasked with reviewing this place, right? And the list of stuff they want me to cover is longer than a pre-pandemic line at Disneyland. Fear not, intrepid traveler, I'm not just going to be listing bullet points; we're going to be feeling this review. Let's begin.
Accessibility: The First Hurdle (and Hopefully, Not the Only One)
Okay, let's be real, accessibility is HUGE. I'm happy that they're highlighting it. I mean, in 2024, it’s frankly embarrassing if a place isn't trying. They say facilities are available, which suggests at least they're thinking about it. The presence of an elevator is a good start, and a “Facilities for disabled guests” listing is optimistic. I'd love to know specifically what they offer: ramps, accessible rooms with roll-in showers? We need more details, people! This is a crucial area, and vague promises won't cut it.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Adventure (or Just Avoiding Hunger Pangs)
Restaurant. Restaurants, plural! A la carte, buffet… Oh, that word: BUFFET. Now, I'm a sucker for a buffet, I'm not gonna lie. Especially after a long drive. But let's break it down, okay?
The Buffet: Ahem. Always a gamble. I adore them, no matter the quality, and I fully expect the breakfast (if they still have that) to be decent. I’m guessing the usual suspects: scrambled eggs that may or may not be an egg-adjacent substance, rubbery bacon (still love it!), and questionable pastries. But hey, you can load up, right? Western breakfast, Asian breakfast… Variety is the spice of life, even if that spice is a touch bland.
Coffee/Tea: I'm a caffeine fiend. The possibility of free coffee in the restaurant is crucial. Otherwise, I'm cranky.
The Bar: Happy hour? Pray for it! Poolside bar? Maybe. But a bar is a bar, and the freedom it brings to relax is always desirable.
Room Service: 24-hour, you say? Okay, I'm listening. This is a MAJOR pro. Especially when you're exhausted from… well, whatever you're escaping to Houghton from.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax – Beyond the Netflix Binge
Okay, so it's a Holiday Inn Express, not the Taj Mahal. Let’s be realistic.
The Gym: Fitness center. Groan. Look, I intend to use it. I always do. But let's be honest: I'll probably peep through the window, see the sweating masses, and decide a quiet evening with the 24/7 room service sounds much cooler.
The Pool: Outdoor swimming pool. Now, that's tempting. A pool with a view? Intriguing. But hey, let's be real, a pool is a pool. It's great for a quick dip, especially if it's hot.
Spa/Sauna/Steam Room: This is where things get interesting. I love a good sauna! The chance to sit and sweat out my troubles, I love that.
Cleanliness and Safety: Because Nobody Wants to Catch a Bug (Or Worse)
Look, let’s be blunt: Nobody wants to spend their dream getaway hunched over the toilet. The list is impressive. Sanitizing, anti-viral products, daily disinfection… It all sounds good. I need to feel like the place is clean, and that they are taking this seriously. The "Room sanitization opt-out" is also really good. In my mind I am also thinking: “Are there staff members wearing masks? Are they wiping down surfaces regularly?" I need this reassurance.
Services and Conveniences: Making Life Easier (or at Least Less Annoying)
The essentials: Free Wi-Fi is non-negotiable. Air conditioning? Thank goodness. Elevator to the top floor? Perfect.
The Really Good Stuff: Daily housekeeping. Hallelujah! Contactless check-in/out. Brilliant. Makes those awkward interactions with the overly keen front desk staff a quick thing of the past.
The Important, But Less Glamorous Stuff: The laundry service. A must for any trip, regardless of its length. Luggage storage? Always handy. Cash withdrawal? Essential, especially if you are cheap like me.
The Maybe Useful Stuff: Gift shop? Probably not. Currency exchange? Hmm… maybe, if you are going to a country that uses a different currency. Car park [free of charge]? Yes, this is good, and a reason to stay over other hotels.
For the Kids
Babysitting? Family-friendly? Kids facilities? Good, good, good. Holiday Inn Expresses often cater well to families.
In-Room Amenities: Where the Magic (and Mild Disappointment) Happens
The Must-Haves: Air conditioning (saved my life during a trip there once), free Wi-Fi, a comfortable bed (hopefully), a shower that actually works.
The Nice-to-Haves: A fridge, a coffee maker, a safe box (for my laptop/passport).
The Could-Live-Withouts: Bathrobes (unless extremely fluffy), extra-long beds (I’m average height, thanks), a bathtub (I only have showers).
Getting Around:
Airport transfer - A big plus. Car park [free of charge], also fantastic. Taxi service, essential.
Final Thoughts and the Imperfect, Honest, and Quirky Review
Okay, I am not going to lie. “Escape to Houghton: Your Dream Holiday Inn Express Getaway Awaits!” is a Holiday Inn Express. This isn’t the Ritz. It’s clean, functional, hopefully somewhat comfortable, and they seem to be taking precautions.
My Experience (Stream-of-Consciousness)
I once stayed at a Holiday Inn Express (not Houghton, but similar) after a truly horrendous week at work. I was exhausted, and the only thing I craved more than sleep was a hot shower. The room was… well, it was a room. Clean, with a bed that was just firm enough. I grabbed a coffee, which was drinkable. And I slept for, like, 12 hours. It was glorious. I didn’t use the gym (obviously). I did, however, spend a good hour watching terrible TV and ordering room service. And that, my friends, was precisely what I needed.
I then woke up and had a buffet breakfast.
The Verdict (My Opinion):
This isn't a lavish escape. But if you are looking for somewhere safe, accessible, and functional, the Holiday Inn Express in Houghton could be okay.
My Offer (The Actual Persuasive Bit):
Don't Just Dream of Escaping! Escape to Houghton and Recharge!
Are you seeking a hassle-free getaway? Do you value comfort, convenience, and a good night's sleep? Then book your Escape to Houghton today!
Here's Why You Should Book Now:
- Peace of Mind: Know that your health and safety is a priority with their comprehensive hygiene protocols and cleanliness procedures.
- The Convenience Factor: Everything you need, right at your fingertips.
- That Buffet Breakfast: Trust me, you’ll need it.
Limited Time Offer: Book your stay at the Holiday Inn Express in Houghton this week and receive a complimentary upgrade (subject to availability) and a voucher for a free cocktail at the bar! Don’t delay – your perfect getaway is just a click away!
(Phew! That was exhausting. Now, where's that room service menu?)
Chambersburg Getaway: Unbeatable Deals at Holiday Inn Express & Suites!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into my totally unplanned yet meticulously documented trip to the Holiday Inn Express Houghton-Keweenaw! Yeah, that mouthful. It’s a trip, alright, but a journey, my friends. A journey into the heart of… well, a Holiday Inn Express. And the Keweenaw Peninsula. And probably my own existential angst. Let’s GO.
Day 1: Arrival and the Quest for a Decent Coffee
1:00 PM - Arrival at Houghton County Memorial Airport (CMX): Oh joy, the majestic CMX! Landed, got my rental car (a surprisingly spiffy little thing, considering I requested the cheapest option), and the immediate sense of “Well, this is… quiet.” Which, honestly, is a welcome change from the city, but still. I felt a pang of…anxiety? Excitement? Both? Who can say?
1:30 PM - Check-in at Holiday Inn Express Houghton-Keweenaw: Found it! The beacon of… well, cleanliness. The lobby seemed surprisingly clean, and the front desk clerk, bless her heart, was radiating genuine Midwestern cheer. I felt instantly relaxed. Except for the slight feeling that I'd stumbled into a time warp where everyone wears khakis and says "ope" a lot. Which, you know, might be accurate.
2:00 PM - Room Reconnaissance: Ah, the sanctity of the hotel room. It was a standard room, nothing fancy. Clean. Surprisingly, the bathroom was spotless! A minor miracle in travel, let's be honest. I dumped my bags and immediately started rummaging for the coffee maker. Because, priorities.
2:30 PM - Coffee Calamity: The in-room coffee. Let’s just say it tasted vaguely of… regrets. I spent a solid twenty minutes trying to improve it. Adding creamer, sugar, prayer. Nothing. It was a crime against java, I tell you. So, first mission: find decent coffee. This will color the entire trip, I can feel it.
3:00 PM - Downtown Houghton Stroll: Decided to brave the elements (a light drizzle) and go exploring. Houghton is, in a word, charming. The old brick buildings, the canal, the vibe is just chill. Found a little bakery that sold excellent coffee. Crisis averted! I felt like I could conquer the world. Or at least, the next hour or so of sightseeing.
4:00 PM - Quincy Mine Overlook: Driving up to the overlook, I had this weird feeling like I was on a movie set. The view was breathtaking, but also surreal. The abandoned mine workings… wow. It felt like a forgotten age. I even did a little interpretive dance. Don't judge me; the view inspired it!
6:00 PM - Dinner at a "Local Favorite": I found a local-owned restaurant, The Library. Good food. But mostly I couldn't stop staring at locals. I wondered what life here must be like.
7:00 PM - Back to the room and attempted relaxation: Tried to watch TV. Fell asleep.
Day 2: Copper Country and Existential Dread
8:00 AM - Another coffee quest: This time, I was prepared. Headed straight back to that bakery, caffeine levels were critical. I felt a fierce loyalty to this place.
9:00 AM - Copper Country Exploration: Okay, so now we're getting into the good stuff. Drove along M-26, the "scenic route." Stunning. Absolutely, breathtakingly stunning. Lake Superior roaring on one side, forests on the other. I actually yelled "WOW!" at one point. I haven’t done that in years. It was cathartic.
10:00 AM - Quincy Mine Tour: This is where my day took a turn. Being underground was… well, claustrophobic. I'm not typically claustrophobic, but being in the dark, with all the history surrounding me… it was powerful. I spent an hour in the dark, my heart pounding. The guides were great, telling the stories of the miners. I emerged blinking into the daylight, feeling… different. Changed. Possibly just slightly overwhelmed.
12:00 PM - McLain State Park: Okay, needed some fresh air. McLain State Park, beautiful dunes, and the lake. Just breathing. I sat and watched the waves for a long time, just thinking. I felt…small. in a good way.
2:00 PM - Lunch and Deep Thoughts: Had lunch, bought a book about existentialism (because, why not?). I'm starting to feel like I came here for a vacation, but now I'm getting a spiritual awakening.
3:00 PM - Kearsarge Mine: Okay, more mines. But this one was less about actual coal mining and more about history? It was fascinating, and I really found the whole experience so much better.
5:00 PM - Sunset and Regret: Saw the sunset. Breathtaking, even though it was cloudy. Wondered if I packed enough snacks. Regretted not buying more coffee.
6:30 PM - Dinner and Journaling: Ordered pizza. Wrote in my journal. The weirdest thing is… I can't stop smiling. This might be the best trip I have ever been on.
9:00 PM - Bedtime: Early night again. Am starting to feel like a local.
Day 3: Copper Harbor and the Emotional Fallout
8:00 AM - Coffee, Contemplation, and Departure: One last bakery run. This time, the barista knew my order. This is my new favorite town. I drove north, the road twisting and turning, revealing more of the Keweenaw's rugged beauty. Sun and clouds. Everything was perfect.
9:30 - Copper Harbor: This is the jewel of the Keweenaw. I wish I could stay longer.
10:30 - Fort Wilkins State Historic Park: I walked through the fort. It smelled like old wood, old metal, and the echoes of long-gone soldiers. The history here is so alive.
12:00 PM - Lunch and Pondering the Next Chapter: A little burger joint. Food for the soul. I asked myself… what now? The answer? More.
1:30 PM - The Drive Back and the Feeling… of Something: The drive back was filled with a mix of peacefulness and reflection. I thought about the mines, the people I met, and my own internal journey. I left feeling like I'd been to the edge of somewhere and came back changed.
3:00 PM - Check Out: The pleasant clerk wished me a safe trip. I knew I wanted to come back.
4:00 PM - Heading to the Airport: In the rental car. Heading home.
5:00 PM - The End: I will be back.
Escape to Houghton: Your Dream Holiday Inn Express Getaway Awaits! (Or Does It?) – FAQ & Ramblings
1. So, what *exactly* is this "Escape to Houghton" thing? Sounds... dramatic.
Alright, alright, settle down, drama queen. Basically, it's YOUR chance to book a stay at the Holiday Inn Express in Houghton. We're talking a little slice of small-town Michigan, a chance to, well, *escape*... the monotony of life, maybe? Or the screaming kids? Or that pile of laundry that's been judging you from the corner of the room? I came here wanting an escape, not just a hotel stay! Anyway, booking the stay, if you are even still reading, is the "Escape."
2. Houghton? Where even *is* that? And why should I care?
Okay, geography whizzes, settle down. Houghton is in the beautiful Upper Peninsula (UP) of Michigan. Think stunning views, pristine lakes, and maybe even a fleeting glimpse of the elusive Mackinac Island! Why should YOU care? Well, are you tired of the same old tourist traps? Do you crave a REAL experience, not just the Instagram-perfect version? I came to escape the perfectly curated lives I saw on the internet. Houghton's got charm, people! Plus, the Holiday Inn Express promises a hot breakfast, which is a HUGE win in my book. Although, last time I booked a "continental breakfast" I had to ask where the bread was! No joke, I thought they had forgotten to put it out.
3. What can I *do* in Houghton? Besides, you know, existing?
Good question! Houghton offers a mix of outdoor adventures and cultural experiences. You could hike, bike, or just generally breathe in the fresh air. There's the beautiful Portage Lake, perfect for a sunset stroll (or a romantic paddleboat ride, if you're into that kind of thing - no judgement... much.) You can visit Michigan Technological University – the buildings are kinda cool, honestly, especially if you're into architecture stuff. And, of course, there are local shops and restaurants to explore. I once found a killer antique shop that was a total rabbit hole… lost track of time, money, and, honestly, reality itself. That's a good escape, right?
4. The Holiday Inn Express... what's the vibe? Give it to me straight.
Okay, so, the Holiday Inn Express is... well, it's a Holiday Inn Express. It's not the Four Seasons, okay? But it's clean, it's generally comfortable, and it has a pool (usually). Think of it as a cozy base camp for your Houghton adventures. The breakfast is usually decent (free!), and the staff is generally friendly. My stay was fine, the staff was, as I mentioned, friendly. But it isn't exactly luxury. I did try the waffle machine though, and it was actually a solid experience. The only thing that truly tripped me up was my own expectations! I was expecting the world and ended up with warm waffles!
5. Okay, but the *real* question: Is the bed comfy? Because sleep is sacred.
YES! Okay, maybe not *guaranteed* to be the most comfortable bed *ever*, but Holiday Inn Express beds are usually pretty decent. Think plush pillows, a supportive mattress, and a promise of a solid night’s sleep. Honestly, after a day of hiking or exploring, you'll probably crash no matter what. My bed was comfy enough to get me through to the next morning, and that's all that really matters, isn't it? I think so. Sleep is EVERYTHING. I did bring my own pillow though - you know, just in case. I swear, I would have brought my own mattress if I could have. You should too!
6. Any horror stories? Spill the tea! (Or, you know, the lukewarm coffee.)
Alright, alright, you want the dirt? Well, no, no real horror stories, thankfully. But... there was this *one* time. The elevator was out of order. And my room was on the fourth floor. Four. Long. Flights. Of stairs. With luggage. Plus the waffle machine being out of order as well. I'm still not sure why the elevator being out of order bothered me more than the waffle machine, but there you have it. I guess it's because I was going to eat the waffles while I was riding it, but not the steps. The breakfast was lukewarm, too.
7. What about parking? Will I be wrestling for a spot?
Generally, parking is NOT a nightmare. It's not a sprawling airport lot, but there's usually ample space. You'll probably be fine. Unless there's a massive convention in town, or a monster truck rally, or… well, you get the idea. Call ahead if you're REALLY worried. You're escaping, you have time to call!
8. I'm *so* in! How do I book?!
Excellent! Go to the Holiday Inn Express website. Or, you know, call them. Or, if you are really feeling adventurous, show up at their desk. Then, select your dates. Be sure to check all the boxes, and don't be shy about picking the rooms that sound best. And then, and only then, prepare for your escape! You deserve it. Now, go get some rest, find some peace, and get ready to not do laundry for a bit. You got this!
