Flint's BEST Hotel? Holiday Inn Express Campus Area Review!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the Holiday Inn Express Campus Area in Flint, Michigan. And let me tell you, after my stay, I’m ready for a nap. A REALLY long nap. But hey, before I succumb to sleep, let's spill the beans (and maybe some lukewarm coffee) on this place.
First Impressions & Accessibility - It's a Mixed Bag, Folks.
Okay, so pulling up, the building looks like a Holiday Inn Express. You know, the clean-cut, cookie-cutter kind. Nothing jumps out… unless you're desperately seeking a decent hotel in… well, Flint. Accessibility? Hmm. They claim to be wheelchair accessible. The website lists it. I didn't personally test this, but I did see elevators and what appeared to be ramps. So, pencil that in as a tentative "yes." The entrance itself wasn’t a death trap of steps, which is always a good start.
Check-in Chaos (A Minor Saga)
The front desk… well, let's just say they were trying. Contactless check-in? The idea was there. The execution? Slightly less so. The Wi-Fi code (which, by the way, is FREE and works in ALL rooms! Hooray!) was almost easier to catch than a butterfly in a hurricane. But eventually, after a few deep breaths and a generous helping of patience, I was IN.
The Room – More Than Meets the Eye (and the Fatigue)
My room? Standard. Clean. Surprisingly, the carpet wasn't a horror show of stains (always a win). My bed was… a bed. Not heavenly, but I slept. The blackout curtains were a godsend. Listen, after a long day of… well, being in Flint, you need a good blackout curtain. They nailed it. The free Wi-Fi was a lifesaver. Being able to stream my guilty pleasure show was a small win, especially since my desk had the space for my laptop, a small win indeed. There was a mini-fridge I didn't open, and a coffee maker I did use because, well, coffee.
The "Wellness" Area: Gym, Pool, or Just a Room of Sighs?
Let's be honest, after a long day of traveling, finding yourself in a town with minimal options, you want a swimming pool. There is a pool (outdoor, bless its heart, probably closed in winter.) But here's my honest assessment - the pool looked… serviceable. Not exactly an oasis, but hey, it’s a pool! A gym? There was one. I peeked. It looked… functional. Didn’t see anyone actually working out, but the equipment appeared to exist. No spa, sadly. So, if you are looking for a spa adventure in Flint, you are out of luck, maybe book a spa-cation to somewhere else.
Dining & Drinking: The Continental Breakfast Caper (and the Lack of Options)
Alright, confession time: I'm a breakfast person. And the breakfast, it was there. A buffet. Buffet in restaurant: ✅ Waffles, questionable pastries, cereal, fruit (looked a little sad), and the usual suspects. It was… fine. Nothing to write home about, unless your home is desperately in need of a mediocre breakfast. They had coffee, thank goodness (and tea, if that's your jam). Breakfast takeaway service? I think possibly. Alternative meal arrangements? Unsure. But hey, it's FREE. Just don't expect gourmet.
Location, Location, Location (and What To Do…)
The Holiday Inn Express Campus Area is, well, near the campus. And that's pretty much it. Not a buzzing, vibrant area, but you can find a few places to eat nearby. A grocery store is a short drive away if your planning on stocking up on snacks. There wasn't much to do, mind you, beyond the hotel’s amenities and the general, slightly-grim feel of Flint. That said, there ARE opportunities if you are interested; the hotel is close to several historical sites, parks, and museums.
Cleanliness and Safety: The Sanitization Symphony (Mostly)
Okay, this is where things get interesting. They seem to be taking COVID precautions pretty seriously. Hand sanitizer everywhere. Daily disinfection in common areas: ✅. My room seemed clean (though I didn't inspect it with a magnifying glass, because… time and sanity). Rooms sanitized between stays: ✅. They even had those little individually-wrapped food options at breakfast (Individually-wrapped food options: ✅). I'm not going to lie, it felt… safe. Mostly.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter (Sometimes)
Elevator – yes. Laundry service - yes, I think. Daily housekeeping – absolutely (and they did a good job!). Business facilities? There was a business center, if you need to print something in a hurry.
For the Kids: Family Fun Factor (Slightly Above Zero)
Family-friendly? Technically, yes. Babysitting service? I think they might be offering it. But I didn't see any kids playing. They had a pool, I guess, but nothing specifically geared towards the little ones.
Important to Note: The Flaws (Because Life Isn't Perfect)
- The lack of a decent restaurant on-site. Seriously, a half-decent eatery attached to a hotel is a huge plus.
- The "atmosphere." Let's just say it wasn't exactly buzzing with energy.
- The occasional wonkiness of the staff. They were trying, bless their hearts, but some training could go a long way.
My Emotional Rating: I'm a solid “meh” for the hotel and the stay (I would call it mid)
In conclusion:
Is the Holiday Inn Express Campus Area Flint "The Best?" I’d hesitate to call it the absolute best, considering the limited options. But is it a decent, clean, and safe option for a stay in Flint? Absolutely. Definitely a step up.
Final Recommendation:
Book this hotel if: You need a clean, functional place to stay while in Flint. You are travelling on a budget. You value free Wi-Fi. You prioritize safety and hygiene. You’re not expecting luxury but appreciate a decent, functional hotel.
Skip this hotel if: You’re looking for a luxury experience. You need a ton of on-site amenities. You're expecting a vibrant, exciting location. You're a foodie with high expectations.
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Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's meticulously planned travel itinerary. This is the raw, unfiltered, and probably slightly caffeinated account of my recent… experience …at the Holiday Inn Express Flint-Campus Area by IHG. Let's just say it wasn't all sunshine and complimentary waffle batter.
The Anti-Itinerary: A Flint Fiasco (with a side of IHG Points)
Day 1: Arrival and the Existential Crisis of Beige
- 1:00 PM - Arrival at Flint-Bishop Airport (FNT). "Welcome to Flint," the sign boomed, a cheerful greeting slightly undermined by the… well, let's just say the landscape wasn't exactly postcard material. My Uber driver, bless his heart, seemed to know everyone in town. By the end of the ride, I felt like I'd been given a complete history of Flint’s woes. Now, THAT'S customer service.
- 1:30 PM - Check-in at the Holiday Inn Express (HIE), Flint. Ah, the warm embrace of… beige. Everything was beige. The walls, the carpet, the… well, you get the idea. It's the perfect color palette for a place where your soul slowly drains away, isn't it? The front desk clerk seemed nice enough, but I swear, she was radiating a vibe of weary resignation.
- 2:00 PM - Room Reconnaissance. Okay, the room's clean. That's a win, considering my general luck with hotels. The bed looks… bed-like. And the air conditioner is actually working, which is a huge point in its favor. The view? Overlooking the parking lot. But hey, at least I can people-watch, right? Actually, that's not a bad idea… gotta get out of this beige box.
- 2:30 PM - The Great Waffle Debate. So, the HIE is famous for its complimentary breakfast buffet - a holy grail for the budget traveler. And you know, I love a good hotel waffle. This one, however… let’s just say it was a lesson in "slightly undercooked." I blame it on the high-speed-waffle-maker's ambition to serve every guest. I mean, the potential was there. The batter tasted promising. But alas, reality was a soggy, pale imitation of the crispy, golden perfection I craved. I ate it anyway. Free food is sacred, even if it leaves you yearning for a toaster.
- 3:00 PM - Attempted Adventure: A Flint Expedition. I decided to be a tourist and explore. I started walking. I wasn't sure where I was going, and, well, after awhile, I didn't care much either. The streets felt… empty. I encountered a couple of people, and tried to strike up some small talk, but it died before it could get off the ground. Flint is a pretty sad place. I returned back to the hotel and got back into my room. Oh, the irony.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner at… somewhere. There were three restaurants in spitting distance. One was packed and noisy. One was empty and smelled like old grease. The third, a diner, was the perfect middle ground. Okay, the food was… predictable. The waitress, however, was a chatty delight. She knew everyone's name, the latest gossip, and regaled me with stories of her grandkids. Sometimes, the best parts of travel are the unexpected connections. I still hate Flint, though.
- 8:00 PM - Evening of Netflix and Existential Dread. The TV worked! After a few channel flips, I managed to escape the clutches of reality for a while.
- 10:00 PM - The Bed, The Savior, The Bed. And then, sleep. Thank God.
Day 2: The Breakfast Redemption (and the Longing for Escape)
- 7:00 AM - The Waffle: Take Two. I approached the waffle station with a mixture of trepidation and hope. This time, the waffle was a little better, maybe because the machine had gotten its bearings. Or maybe it was just my increasing desperation for a single moment of culinary joy. Still, the aftertaste left a lingering sense of disappointment. Is this what purgatory feels like?
- 8:00 AM - Gym Time. (Yeah, Right.) My lofty ambitions of a morning workout went down the drain, like the residual waffle batter in the sink. I am not a morning person. Or a gym person. Or a person.
- 9:00 AM - The Great Flint Escape Attempt, Part Deux. I had to get out. I had to. I decided to drive a short distance away to see the local sights. I saw a building that was boarded up and a church. What a tourist adventure!
- 12:00 PM - The Decision. I was going to leave early. There was nothing here for me. The beige was starting to close in.
- 1:00 PM - Check-out and Getaway. The front desk lady flashed me a knowing look. I think she'd seen it all. "Safe travels," she said, and I swear, there was a hint of relief in her voice. I know the feeling. I made it to the airport in time to see the plane. The flight, it turned out, was delayed. The end.
Final Thoughts (and a Score):
Okay, let's be honest. This wasn't a bad hotel. It was… a hotel. The staff were pleasant. The room was clean. But the Flint experience? Let's just say it's not going to be on my highlight reel any time soon.
Holiday Inn Express, Flint-Campus Area by IHG - My Verdict:
- Cleanliness: Solid, but very beige (7/10)
- Breakfast: Potential for waffle perfection, tragically unrealized (5/10)
- Location: Convenient to the airport, but lacking in… everything else (4/10)
- Overall Vibe: Beige. Soul-crushing beige. (3/10)
- Would I go back? Only if I absolutely had to. And even then, I'd pack my own goddamn toaster.
Final, final note: After this whole experience, I might be done with IHG properties for a while. But then again, there are those points… Damn those loyalty programs! Okay, I'm rambling again. But hey, this is my Anti-Itinerary. And that's all she wrote. Until next time, travel safe… and maybe avoid Flint.
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Okay, So You're Thinking About The Holiday Inn Express Flint - Campus Area? Buckle Up, Buttercup.
Is this place actually "the best" in Flint? I saw that in a review...
Best? Oh, honey, that's a loaded question. Best *for what* exactly? For escaping a zombie apocalypse? Maybe. For a glamorous getaway? Absolutely not. Look, Flint isn't exactly known for its luxury hotels. You're setting your expectations appropriately, right? This Holiday Inn Express… it's *serviceable*. It's clean-ish. The breakfast is… well, let's just say it exists. I wouldn't recommend writing home about it, but it'll fill that hole in your stomach. "Best?" I'd say "best by default" is more accurate. You know, like, the best option *available* given the circumstances. And yes, I have stayed in worse. Much worse. Like, places where you genuinely worried about being the next CSI episode.
Okay, so the breakfast. Spill the beans. Tell me everything!
Alright, alright. The breakfast. Let's get the bad news out of the way first. The 'eggs'? Probably powdered. The bacon? Crispy to the point of potential dental damage. The coffee? Weak enough to water a dying cactus. Okay, now for the good news: They usually have a waffle maker! And those waffles, even if they look a bit… pallid, are a small act of rebellion against the morning gremlins. They provide syrup, too, which is… well, it's sugary and it's there. You *might* score some yogurt. Honestly, the highlight is usually just *consuming something* before you have to face the day. It's a survival breakfast, people. A breakfast of necessity.
What about the rooms? Are they... you know... clean?
Clean-ish. I mean, they *try*. Let's be honest, it's a hotel. Cleanliness is relative. I’ve stayed in a few rooms where I swear I could feel the ghost of college pizza night past. But, generally, the rooms are… okay. The beds? Comfy enough to get a decent night's sleep. The bathrooms are… functional. I always give it a good once-over when I get there - check for any rogue hairs, dust bunnies that have taken up residence, that sort of thing. I'm not a germaphobe, but I'm not a fan of uninvited guests. One time, I found a rogue sock under the bed. A *child's* sock. The mystery of that sock will haunt me forever, by the way. Anyway... the rooms. They're fine. Just bring some antibacterial wipes. You're welcome.
Is the location convenient? "Campus Area" sounds... vague.
Alright, "Campus Area." That does sound a little… broad, doesn’t it? It's *relatively* convenient if you're visiting someone at the University of Michigan-Flint. It's close to the campus, as advertised. There are some restaurants nearby - a few chains, mainly. Don't expect gourmet dining, but you won't starve. Beyond that, it's… Flint. Getting around requires a car, pretty much. Be prepared for some driving, if you're planning on seeing the sights (or the lack thereof). Plus, the location does come with a hidden gem: you can sometimes snag a decent view in the morning of the beautiful Flint River. Just don't get *too* close to the river. Just kidding... mostly.
What are the staff like? Are they friendly?
Oh, the staff… The people behind the counter. I will say this: they're *trying*. They're usually… well, they're present. Some days, they're bright-eyed and cheerful. Other days, you can tell they've seen things. Like a really bad, long shift. They're generally helpful, though. They’ll get you extra towels if you ask. They'll point you in the direction of the nearest convenience store (which you'll probably need). They're not *overly* friendly, but they're not actively trying to ruin your day, either. So, a solid B- in the customer service department, I'd say. Definitely don't expect them to be your best friend. Just be polite, and they'll take care of you. They're just people, trying to get through their day, too.
Do they have a pool/gym? Because I need a place to drown my sorrows... or at least work off the waffle calories.
Ah, a fellow waffle-eater! Okay, let's talk amenities. The good news: they *usually* have a pool. It's not Olympic-sized, mind you. More like a slightly-larger-than-average bathtub. It does the job, though. It's a good way to wash off the day. The gym… it's the kind of gym that makes you wonder if the equipment has seen a chiropractor lately. Don't expect cutting-edge fitness technology. There will likely be a treadmill that makes noises and a few weights that are probably still in good shape. But hey, at least there *is* a gym. It's a functional space, for the most part. The pool? Always my go-to. Especially if you're dealing with something… stressful. Let's just say the water does wonders for the soul. Just make sure you don't wear too much gold jewelry... it's Flint, remember?
Okay, hit me with the craziest thing that happened to you while staying there. I need a good story.
Alright, brace yourselves. One time… one *glorious* time… I was there for a conference. A *very* boring conference. Picture me, in the dead of winter, staring out my window at the bleak Flint landscape, contemplating the meaning of life (or at least the meaning of the upcoming coffee break). Suddenly, the fire alarm went off. And not just a gentle little beep-beep. This was a full-blown, earsplitting, strobe-light-blasting, "GET OUT NOW" kind of alarm. We all stumble out into the freezing cold, bundled in whatever we could grab, wondering if we were about to become part of a local news story. Turns out, it was just a burnt Pop-Tart. A burnt Pop-Tart. Someone *burned a Pop-Tart* and set off the entire fire alarm system. *The entire system!* And the best part? The culprit never came forward. I stood there in my pajamas and slippers, shivering, contemplating the existential absurdity of it all. That, my friends, is a memory. A truly Flint-tastic memory. So yeah, it's not always glamorous, but it does tend to be memorable.
So, bottom line: Should I stay here?
