Marquette's BEST Hotel? Holiday Inn Express Review (You Won't Believe This!)
Marquette's BEST Hotel? Holiday Inn Express Review (You Won't Believe This!) - A Seriously Honest Take
Alright, folks, let's talk Marquette. And when you're in Marquette, you need a good hotel. I mean, you could be chasing waterfalls, hiking the Noquemanon Trail, or just desperately needing a good ol' pasty. Whatever your adventure, a comfy bed and a decent shower are basically mandatory. So, I took the bait and checked out the Holiday Inn Express, you know, the one everyone raves about? You Won't Believe This! (Okay, maybe you will, but it's still worth sharing.)
First Impressions & Accessibility (Where Things Get Real)
Pulling up, the hotel looks… well, like a Holiday Inn Express. Clean, modern, and a little bit…beige. But hey, beige is safe, right? More importantly, accessibility: the ramp was smooth, the doors opened easily (major win for the less-abled folks!), and I, personally, appreciated the clear signage. Wheelchair accessible? Absolutely. That's a huge plus in my book – inclusivity matters! I didn't personally need it, but seeing those features put a smile on my face. Inside, the front desk was staffed, friendly, and efficient with a contactless check-in/out, which is gold in the current climate. Score!
Rooms: The Good, the Slightly-Less-Good, and the Absolutely Necessary
My room? Let's break it down.
- The Good: It was clean. Really clean. And that’s HUGE. The room sanitization opt-out available is a nice touch, if you're that kind of person. The free Wi-Fi (in all rooms!) worked like a charm (essential for streaming your guilty pleasure). Free bottled water? Yes, please! The bed was comfortable (I passed out almost instantly), the blackout curtains actually blacked out (hallelujah!). The Internet access - wireless was great! Plus, it had all the basics: air conditioning, a coffee/tea maker (essential!), and a desk for pretending to work (we've all been there). The available in all rooms part should include a mini-bar.
- The Slightly-Less-Good: The decor was… well, practical. No frills, no fancy artwork, just functional. The soundproofing was decent, but I did hear a kid screaming at 6 am. (Not the hotel’s fault, more a parenting thing, I’m sure). The satellite/cable channels selection was alright, and it seemed a little outdated.
- The Absolutely Necessary: A good shower! And this one delivered. Plenty of hot water, good water pressure, and a clean private bathroom. Sold. The slippers were a nice touch. I am a fan!
Cleanliness & Safety: The COVID-19 Shuffle
Alright, let’s be brutally honest: these times call for extra vigilance. And the Holiday Inn Express got it. I saw hand sanitizer stations everywhere. Staff trained in safety protocol. The daily disinfection in common areas was noticeable. Anti-viral cleaning products? Apparently, yeah. The room sanitization was probably a real thing since the room felt fresh. They even had the individually-wrapped food options for breakfast, the safe dining setup, and cashless payment service. Definitely gave me peace of mind in the midst of all this chaos.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Breakfast & Beyond (The Struggle is Real)
Breakfast, the most important meal of the day - ESPECIALLY when you're traveling. This is where the Holiday Inn Express showed some cracks. The breakfast buffet was modified due to Covid, but they did have a breakfast takeaway service. It was… adequate, at best. The usual continental suspects: cereal, yogurt, some (slightly sad-looking) pastries, and the quintessential breakfast bar. The coffee was weak (big issue) and I really missed my favorite breakfast burrito. I'd like to see more heart-healthy choices and fresh fruit, but it gets the job done.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Beyond the Bed
This isn't a resort, folks. Don't expect a spa or a pool with a view. Though, they did have some decent things to do. The fitness center was small but functional (treadmills, weights, the basics). They had a swimming pool which was a nice choice. I didn't use it, but it looked clean and inviting. Marquette itself is the main attraction here - the hotel just gives you a base camp for action and relaxation.
Getting Around, Services, and Conveniences: The Hidden Gems
- Free Car Park (on-site). HUGE. Parking in Marquette can be a mess, but the Holiday Inn Express has you covered.
- Daily housekeeping - Always appreciated!
- Laundry service/Dry cleaning - A lifesaver when you're on a longer trip and running low on clean clothes.
- Elevator – Important for those of us with luggage and/or limited mobility.
- Convenience store - handy for snacks and forgotten toiletries (we've all been there).
- The front desk (24-hour) was super helpful with info on local things to do. They also offered essential condiments if you need them!
The Quirky Observations That Really Sold Me
- The elevator music. It was elevator muzak. The kind that made you smile and roll your eyes simultaneously. Perfect!
- The sheer number of pillows on the bed. Like, a mountain of pillows.
- The little "Do Not Disturb" cards with the image of a snoozing cartoon bear. Adorable.
The Verdict: Marquette's Best? Maybe, Maybe Not. But Here's the Deal
- Cleanliness & Safety: A+. They're taking this seriously, and for that, I'm grateful.
- Comfort and Value: Solid. The beds are good, the Wi-Fi works, and the price is reasonable.
- Location: Excellent. Close to everything Marquette has to offer.
- Overall Impression: It's not a luxury experience, but it's a comfortable, reliable, and safe place to rest your head after a day of exploring.
Why You NEED to Book the Holiday Inn Express RIGHT NOW (and not just for the Pasty Fix)
Listen, if you're heading to Marquette, you're there for the adventure, for the lake, for the food. You're not there to spend a fortune on a hotel. The Holiday Inn Express hits that sweet spot: it offers a clean, comfortable, and convenient basecamp without breaking the bank.
Here's your deal: Book your stay at the Holiday Inn Express in Marquette today and get ready for a stress-free getaway! (Plus, use the rewards points, honey!)
Remember, the best part of Marquette isn’t the hotel; it's the experience of being there. And the Holiday Inn Express gives you the solid foundation you need to make those memories happen. So, pack your bags, grab your pasties, and get ready for a fantastic trip. Just don't forget your camera (and maybe some earplugs, just in case!) You will not be disappointed!
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Apartment in Polychrono, Chalkidiki Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, Buttercup! This isn't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. This is… my attempt at a Marquette adventure based around the comforting, if slightly generic, embrace of a Holiday Inn Express & Suites. Let's see if we can survive this with our sanity (and maybe a few complimentary continental breakfast pastries) intact.
MARQUETTE MADNESS: An Imperfect Itinerary (aka, I'm making this up as I go)
Day 1: Arrival & the Quest for Legit Pasty
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at Sawyer International Airport (MQT). Assuming the flight wasn't a total disaster (last time I flew, a toddler repeatedly tried to steal my window seat – bless his heart). I'll actually say "bless their heart," so it sounds more polite, the airport parking would be a nightmare. Pick up the rental car – pray it's not a lemon. Note to self: double-check the insurance. Remember that time in Croatia… shudder.
- 1:45 PM: Check into the Holiday Inn Express & Suites. The usual drill: smile politely, pretend to be a functioning adult, snag the key. High hopes for a decent view… because let's be honest, after a flight, even a parking lot can feel scenic.
- 2:30 PM: THE GREAT PASTY HUNT BEGINS. This is non-negotiable. My friend, a Yooper (that's what they call people from the Upper Peninsula, FYI) has insisted that I cannot leave Marquette without consuming at least three pasties. Three!! The pressure is REAL. First stop: somewhere recommended. Research commences. Online reviews, whispered secrets, maybe even a psychic reading… decisions, decisions…
- 4:00 PM: Let's be real, I'm probably still googling pasty joints. Okay, fine. I'm aiming for Lawry's Pasty Shop, I've heard they're the best. Fingers crossed they live up to the hype!
- 5:00 PM: Pasty devoured (hopefully). Assessing the damage. Is it the best pasty ever? Did I accidentally spill gravy on myself? I'm hoping for the best! Post-pasty bliss/food coma assessment.
- 6:00 PM: A walk along the waterfront. Maybe see Presque Isle Park. The lake will be beautiful, I'm sure. A healthy dose of nature is needed after that carb overload. I'll try to take some pictures, but don't expect National Geographic quality here, folks.
- 7:30 PM: Back to the hotel. Unpack. Realize I forgot something crucial (probably my charger). Curse under my breath. Contemplate raiding the vending machine – chips or cookies? The eternal question!
- 8:00 PM: I was really just looking for a moment of peace, y'know? I'm going to try to read in bed, possibly fall asleep for a couple of hours, then wake up and watch some TV.
Day 2: Chasing Waterfalls & Questionable Decisions
- 9:00 AM: Attempt the continental breakfast. Prepare for the usual suspects: rubbery eggs, questionable sausage, and the promise of waffles. I'm going in with low expectations.
- 9:30 AM: Fuel up with as much coffee as humanly possible. I'll need it.
- 10:00 AM: Waterfall Road Trip! This is where things get a little… ambitious. I'm planning on visiting at least one waterfall - maybe two - that the internet swears I have to see. I'm thinking of the following places: Sugarloaf Mountain.
- 12:00 PM: Hangry. Waterfall-gazing makes me hungry, apparently. Pack a lunch, I'll probably get some bread from a local bakery or find some kind of lunch nearby.
- 1:00 PM: Continuing the waterfall adventure. I'm hoping that everything is as good as I want.
- 3:00 PM: More waterfalls, and I'm hoping for the best.
- 5:00 PM: Back to the hotel because I'm tired. Take another nap.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. I'm now thinking maybe a local restaurant, I'll look for some good recommendations online. I'll be honest, I'm not craving hotel food.
- 8:00 PM: Take some time to review the day, the good and the bad. It's good to reflect.
Day 3: Leaving on a Jet Plane (to be continued…)
- 9:00 AM: Last breakfast. Savor the last moment of the breakfast buffet (probably the bread).
- 10:00 AM: Check out. Please let that check-out be a smooth one!
- 10:30 AM: Last-minute souvenir shopping. I hope I can find a good item for my friends.
- 11:30 AM: Head to the airport.
- 1:00 PM: Flight home. Pray the toddler isn't on my flight again.
Random Thoughts & Ramblings:
- Hotel rooms always feel a little… sterile, don't they? Like a perfectly neutral canvas waiting for you to mess it up. I'm ready to add some character!
- I'm terrible at packing. Always overpack, always forget something essential.
- I'm hoping to meet a friendly local. Those are always the best travel experiences!
- I'm trying to resist the urge to document everything. Sometimes you just need to be there.
- This itinerary is a suggestion. Let the adventure begin!
So, yeah. That's the plan. Don't judge me too hard if it all goes sideways. The best travel stories are usually the ones that didn't go according to plan, right? Right?! Wish me luck!
Unbelievable Samara Luxury: Dubki Hotel's Hidden Paradise!
Marquette's BEST Hotel: Holiday Inn Express Review (You Won't Believe This!) – The Unfiltered Truth
Okay, lay it on me. Is this Holiday Inn Express REALLY the "BEST" in Marquette? I'm skeptical...
Let's talk breakfast. The dreaded free breakfast. Is it edible? Or should I pack my own protein bars?
What about the rooms? Are they, you know, *clean*? I have standards.
The pool! Because, you know, EVERYONE loves a hotel pool. Good, bad, or just plain forgotten?
What about the staff? Are they friendly? Or surly hotel employees who hate life?
Location, location, location! How convenient is it to, you know, *stuff*?
Anything REALLY bad? Any dealbreakers? Spoil it for me.
So, would you go back? Don't be shy.
Post a Comment for "Marquette's BEST Hotel? Holiday Inn Express Review (You Won't Believe This!)"