Escape to Biddeford: Your Dream Holiday Inn Express Getaway Awaits!
Escape to Biddeford: My Totally Honest (and Slightly Messy) Holiday Inn Express Review
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! Because I'm about to drop the truth and the real deal on this Holiday Inn Express in Biddeford, Maine. Forget those sterile, corporate reviews – you're getting me. And, let's be real, I'm a bit of a chaotic delight.
First Impressions: Is This Place Wheelchair Friendly? (Accessibility, duh!)
Okay, important stuff first. As someone who occasionally appreciates a smooth roll (and for you folks out there with mobility needs), here's the skinny. Yes! The website promises wheelchair accessibility, and from what I saw, they weren't lying. Elevators? Check. Ramps? Check. Seems like they made a genuine effort. That's a big gold star right there. Now, I didn’t personally need a roll-around myself, but watching a couple navigate the lobby with ease just made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Seriously, it's a good start to a vacation – you know, not having to wrestle with the world.
Tech Junkies & Wi-Fi Warriors: Are We Connected? (Internet, Internet, Internet!)
Alright, let's talk internet. My lifeblood (and probably yours too). Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! HALLELUJAH! And, get this, it actually worked. Like, I could stream Netflix without buffering (a miracle!). There was also, allegedly, Internet access – LAN, if you're a dinosaur who still uses that, and Wi-Fi in public areas. Plus, they had Internet services. But I'm just going for the free stuff. I’m a simple woman with simple needs.
The Room: My Cozy Cocoon (Available in All Rooms, & More!)
Okay, my room. Let's just say I'm a sucker for air conditioning. YES. And, the blackout curtains? Oh, glorious. I need to sleep in, so these were a godsend. Non-smoking? Thank the heavens. And the bed, extra-long, and with linens that felt pretty darn clean. (Okay, I sniffed.) The desk was perfect for, you know, pretending to work while scrolling through Instagram. They had a coffee/tea maker, which, let's be honest, is essential. No grumpy mornings allowed! Also good things: a refrigerator, which is always a plus, a hair dryer (never travel without your own, ladies!), and a safe box for…well, the stuff I didn't want to lose. And gasp a bathtub. I rarely use them, but its nice to know its there.
Side note: some of you might judge me, but I might or might not have spent a solid hour just lounging about in the bathrobes. Soft and fluffy. It’s the little things, folks.
Cleanliness & Safety: Did They Sanitize? (Cleanliness and safety, oh my!)
Listen, people, cleanliness is paramount these days. I get it! And thankfully, I’m happy (and relieved) to report that the Holiday Inn Express in Biddeford seemed to take it seriously. They were touting Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and Rooms sanitized between stays. They also offered Room sanitization opt-out available, which, hey, if you're paranoid, go for it. They had Hand sanitizer everywhere, Staff trained in safety protocol, Hot water linen and laundry washing, and Hygiene certification. Okay, cool, I can actually relax now.
It's not perfect though. Let’s be real, I’m a slightly messy person. I like to strew things about. So, the fact that Daily housekeeping was happening? THANK YOU! I didn’t see anyone sterilizing equipment, but hey, it's the Holiday Inn Express, not a medical facility. I did feel safe.
Food, Glorious Food! (Dining, drinking, and snacking, oh my!)
Okay, the most important part: FOOD. Let's be honest, if the food sucks, the whole trip is ruined.
The breakfast [buffet]… well, it's a Holiday Inn Express breakfast. You get your usual suspects: eggs (sometimes), sausage (mostly), and a waffle maker that's a real crowd-pleaser. The buffet in restaurant area was fairly clean and well-stocked, and they had Breakfast takeaway service, which, if you're running late and just want to grab a muffin, is a win. There are Restaurants, a Coffee shop, and a Snack bar. They had Vegetarian restaurant options, but let's be real, I'm not a huge vegetarian. Sadly no Asian cuisine in restaurant, and I was hoping for the best soup ever. But there was some Coffee/tea in restaurant which saved the day.
The Bottle of water was a nice touch. I didn't check out the other offerings.
Things to Do (and Ways to Relax – kinda…)
Okay, so here's where things get a little… limited. But hey, this is Biddeford, not Vegas. They had a Fitness center, which I peeked into. Looked okay. The usual treadmills and ellipticals. Didn't use it. I'm on vacation! They had a Swimming pool [outdoor]! And a Pool with view. Alas, too cold for swimming when I was there. There’s a Gym/fitness area. But if you are a spa person, you're out of luck! No spa, no sauna, no steamroom. You’re not here to be pampered, you're here to exist.
(A Note on the Spa-less Experience: My Meltdown)
Okay, fine. I’ll admit it. I craved a spa. A massage. Some zen-like peace. But this place didn’t have a spa. The lack of a Massage option and the absence of a Spa really bummed me out. I'm talking full-on mini-meltdown in the lobby. Okay, maybe the mini-meltdown happened in the room. I was slightly disappointed. I wanted a Foot bath! But, hey, maybe I should have looked before booking, right? Sigh. Okay, moving on.
Services & Conveniences: Did They Bend Over Backwards? (Services and conveniences)
They have a Concierge. Though, I didn’t actually use the concierge. I'm pretty self-sufficient. But it's nice to know they're around. Also, Cash withdrawal – handy! Daily housekeeping (thank you, again!). Laundry service and Dry cleaning. They offered Food delivery, a Convenience store, and Luggage storage. Elevator, which is always a plus.
For the Kids (Family/child friendly)
I didn't see a babbling brook of small children running round. I don't have kids, but I did admire the family atmosphere.
Getting Around: Did I Get Lost? (Getting around)
They had Car park [free of charge] – a huge win! And, a Car park [on-site]. Pretty easy to get around.
The Verdict? (Final Thoughts)
Look, the Holiday Inn Express in Biddeford isn't the Ritz. But it's clean, comfortable, conveniently located, and easy on the wallet. It's a solid choice for a no-frills getaway. It's got the basics covered, with decent internet, a clean room, and a solid breakfast.
My Emotional Takeaway: It's a good place to crash after a day of exploring. It won’t blow your mind, but it'll provide a comfortable basecamp for your Maine adventures.
The Ultimate Holiday Inn Express Biddeford Escape Offer!
Tired of the Everyday Grind? Craving Coastal Bliss?
Escape to the heart of Maine and experience the laid-back charm of Biddeford! Our Holiday Inn Express offers you unbeatable comfort and convenience, with everything you need for a rejuvenating getaway.
Why Choose Us?
- Guaranteed Glitzy Experience!
- Super-Fast, Free Wi-Fi: Stream your favorites, catch up on emails, or simply brag about your Maine adventure online. Our connection is blazing fast!
- Wake Up Happy: Start your day with a delicious breakfast buffet, featuring fluffy waffles, fresh fruit, and all the coffee you can handle. Plus, we offer takeaway options for those early-bird adventures!
- Cleanliness You Can Trust: We're committed to your safety! Our rooms are meticulously cleaned and sanitized, with daily disinfection of common areas.
- Convenient Location: Explore the stunning beaches, charming shops, and delicious seafood restaurants of Biddeford, all within easy reach.
Special Offer – Book Now & Save!
- Stay 3 Nights, Get 15% Off! Perfect for a long weekend or a relaxing week-long escape.
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Penang's BEST Sea & City Views: Urban Suites Luxury Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercup! This ain't your grandma's meticulously color-coded travel itinerary. This is… well, it's my attempt at one, and it's going to be a glorious, messy, and probably caffeinated adventure at the Holiday Inn Express in Biddeford, Maine. Here we go!
Subject: Biddeford Bonanza (aka, Pray for My Sanity)
Dates: Let's say… October 26th - 28th. Perfect for a pre-Halloween escape. (God, I need one.)
Hotel: You already know: Holiday Inn Express Biddeford By IHG. Hopefully, they have decent coffee. Coffee is life.
Day 1: Arrival and the Impending Doom of Lobster Roll Expectations
Morning (ish): Ugh, the drive. Getting to Maine from… (Let's just say a place with questionable weather) is a commitment. My car is basically a rolling junk drawer, which really adds to the exciting mystery factor as I begin my trip. I'll need to swing by the gas station. Pray that the guy behind the counter isn't named "Cletus" or something equally foreboding. I'm already picturing my first existential crisis of the trip arising from the price of gasoline. Ugh.
Afternoon: Check-in. Hopefully, the room isn't a dungeon. I once stayed in a hotel with a very suspicious stain on the carpet, and I’m still recovering from the emotional trauma. Crossing my fingers for a window that isn't boarded up. Let's hope for a view of something more inspiring than the parking lot! Maybe a glimpse of the Saco River? My expectations are pretty low, but hey, baby steps. I'll unpack (or, more accurately, unload the car into the room, and then decide what to do with the mess later). Time for the most important mission of the day: finding a decent latte. Because caffeine.
Late Afternoon / Early Evening: Lobster Roll Hunt! This is THE thing. The whole reason I came to Maine. I picture myself devouring a perfect, overflowing lobster roll. Creamy mayo, sweet lobster meat, a toasted bun… swoon. I found a place called "The Claddagh" in Biddeford that looks promising. I’ll be judging them harshly. Like, Olympic judges harsh. If it's anything less than divine, I'm writing a strongly worded Yelp review. I'll probably end up ordering two, just to be sure. This could go either way, folks. I’m equally excited and terrified of this experience. It's a gamble!
Evening: Post-lobster roll coma. Assuming I survive. I'll attempt to find an enjoyable way to enjoy my food. I'll need a beer. Or two. Or three… Hey, I'm on vacation! I'll probably end up watching bad TV in the hotel room and ordering pizza. Don't judge me. Pizza is also life.
Day 2: Beaches, Bookstores, and the Bitter Taste of Tourist Traps
Morning: Wake up! Or try to. I'm not a morning person, but Maine beckons! Today is all about exploration. I'm thinking a trip to Ogunquit. It's supposed to have a beautiful beach, Marginal Way. I hear the sunsets are amazing! Probably too touristy but can't be avoided at this point, I've heard that. Ugh.
Mid-Morning: Drive to Ogunquit. Pray for no traffic. (This is a recurring theme in my life.) I'll park the car. Pay the exorbitant parking fee. Wander around, get annoyed by all the people. Take some pictures. Try to look like I'm enjoying myself (even if I'm secretly plotting my escape back to the solitude of my hotel room). Sunscreen is a must, because I'm basically a vampire in the sunlight.
Afternoon: The crucial element. Bookstores! I heard that there are some lovely bookstores in the general Maine area. Perhaps I'll find a quirky antique book that I didn’t know I wanted and proceed to carry it with me for the rest of the trip. I am a big fan of that trope.
Late Afternoon: A visit to the famous Nubble Light. I am going to take way too many pictures of it. It's pretty and I can’t help it. The giftshop will be a nightmare, but I'm prepared. I'll buy a weird keychain and pretend I'm not easily swayed by tourist trinkets.
Evening: Dinner at a place that isn't a tourist trap. This is proving difficult. Fingers crossed. Maybe I'll just stock up on snacks at the grocery store and eat in the hotel room. The thought is tempting, but I must be somewhat civilized. I’ll probably regret this decision.
Day 3: Farewell, Maine, My Glorious, Messy Fling!
Morning: Sleep in! Until I check out, anyway. (The joy of hotel breakfast!) I will take advantage of the complimentary breakfast at the Holiday Inn Express. Cereal, fruit, maybe some sad-looking scrambled eggs… I'll eat it anyway. I'M NOT LEAVING WITHOUT MY MONEY’S WORTH! Might as well eat my money on these eggs, honestly.
Mid-Morning: One last attempt at… something I haven't done yet. A hike? A museum? Another lobster roll? It depends on how exhausted I feel and how much time I have. Because I still have to drive back. The drive looms.
Afternoon: Check out. Sigh wistfully at the hotel. I might call it a great adventure! Make sure I didn’t forget anything. (I probably did.) Drive home.
Evening: Arrive home, utterly exhausted but with a slightly enhanced sense of self-loathing (probably). Spend the next week reminiscing about the trip, and then start planning the next escape.
Okay, that's it. My "itinerary." I'm sure it will go completely according to plan. (Spoiler alert: It never does.) Wish me luck. I'm going to need it. And maybe a really good, strong coffee. And possibly therapy. But mostly coffee.
Bali Villa Paradise: 5BR, Private Pool, White Castle Luxury!
So, what *actually* makes this Biddeford Holiday Inn Express special? Is it, like, magic?
Magic? Maybe a little. Okay, probably not. But here's the thing: It's *Biddeford*, Maine! You're breathing that fresh ocean air. That alone is worth the price of admission. But the hotel itself? Well, it's got that reliable Holiday Inn Express vibe. Clean rooms, comfy beds (seriously, I actually SLEPT!), decent breakfast. Look, let's be honest, I'm a sucker for a good waffle maker, and they had one. That's half the battle won right there. Plus, it's the *location*. Close to the beach, close to restaurants... it's that jumping-off point for pure, unadulterated Maine fun. It's less about the hotel itself and more about what the hotel unlocks. The potential! The promise of lobster rolls! Am I getting a little too excited? Maybe. But I can't help it.
Okay, breakfast. Spill the beans. Is it the usual sad continental offering?
Alright, alright, breakfast. The most crucial part of any hotel stay, let's be real. It's not gourmet, let's get that straight. There's the usual suspects: yogurt (I bravely tried it. It was...yogurt), cereal, those sad little muffins that have the consistency of Styrofoam (avoid, trust me), and, of course, the aforementioned waffle maker. And here's where I confess... I may have *over*indulged at the waffle station. Like, a *lot*. Three, maybe four times. Don't judge! The syrup was particularly dangerous. Also, they had sausage and eggs! Sometimes, the eggs were a little...questionable. Look, you're on vacation. Don't overthink the egg situation. Just embrace the carbs and get on with it! The coffee kept me going. That's really all that matters.
What’s the deal with the rooms? Are they cramped? Clean? Haunted (asking for a friend)?
Okay, rooms! They're... perfectly fine. Not palatial suites, but not walk-in closets either. Clean, definitely clean. No spooks that I noticed, thank god. (I saw enough ghosts myself, you know?) Decent size. The beds? Oh, the beds! Heavenly. I had the best sleep in weeks. Seriously, I'm a light sleeper usually, but I was out like a light. The pillows were fluffy. The sheets were crisp. It was pure, unadulterated bliss. Okay, yes, they are clean. The bathrooms, that's a must. I give them a good check. There's nothing worse than a bad bathroom, you know? No, they weren't cramped. They were... a happy medium. Not too big, not too small. Just right for a vacation of relaxing, enjoying some local seafood, and, yes, maybe a few naps.
Give me some insider tips on things *to do* in Biddeford and the surrounding area—beyond the hotel lobby.
Oh, this is where it gets *good*. Okay so, a few things. First: GET TO THE BEACH. It's Maine! You can't go to Maine and NOT go to the beach. Check out Kennebunkport– it's cute and adorable and full of art galleries. And eat ALL the lobster rolls. ALL OF THEM. Don't mess around. Go to that little shack on the pier, talk to some locals, and get your roll on. Also, I was there during the off-season, it's important to note. The shops are quieter, the crowds are smaller, and the lobster rolls are still amazing. It was perfect. Also, go to one of those antique shops and try to find something that you've been missing from your grandma's house. You never know! It was pure gold. Oh, and don't forget to take some pictures! You'll want to remember!
Was it *actually* a relaxing getaway? Were there any, like, *major* hiccups? Be honest, okay?
Relaxing? Mostly, yes. There's no such thing as a *completely* perfect vacation, you know? One minor hiccup? Okay, I'll tell you. I accidentally left a charger at the hotel. Don't ask how. I was rushing, I was tired, I'd had a few too many lobster rolls—it happens. But they were super helpful on the phone and shipped it back to me right away, and the person on the phone was very lovely. So, really, that's it! The only real problem I had was that I didn't want to leave. I wanted to stay there forever. The sounds of the ocean, the waffles, the peace and quiet, and the people were great.
Would you recommend this Holiday Inn Express to a friend? Or, you know, to us? The internet?
Yes! Absolutely, yes! I would! But here comes the disclaimer. It won't be the *most* luxurious experience, if that's what you're after. It's not a five-star resort. But, if you're going for a comfortable, clean, convenient home base for exploring a beautiful part of Maine, and don't mind a few questionable eggs, then absolutely. It's a solid choice. And more than that, it's a launching pad for something truly special. You know? The kind of place where you leave feeling refreshed, recharged, and already planning your return. So pack your bags. And tell the waffle maker I said hello.
