Columbia City's BEST Hotel? Holiday Inn Express Review!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the swirling vortex of… the Holiday Inn Express in Columbia City! And lemme tell you, I've wrestled with more hotel reviews than I care to admit, and I'm here to give you the real, unfiltered, slightly-caffeinated truth.
First Impressions: Walking in and My Jaw Nearly Hits the Floor (in a Good Way!)
Okay, so I’m not gonna lie, I had certain expectations. Holiday Inn Express? Functional, maybe a little… beige? Wrong. BAM! Clean lines, bright colors, a lobby that actually invites you to sit and… well, just be. My initial thought? "Okay, this is not what I expected. This might actually be… nice." The staff? Super friendly. They weren’t robots spouting platitudes; they were people, and that counts for a lot. The check-in? Contactless check-in/out they said. Effortless! I love it. Plus, they had a handy little Convenience store right there. Emergency candy? Check. Snack attack prevented!
The Room: My Temporary Fortress of Comfort and Wi-Fi Bliss
Okay, let's talk about the room. Comfort is key for me. Air conditioning? Absolutely. Blackout curtains? YES, PLEASE. Because sometimes, you just need to shut out the world and sleep until, like, noon. They've got High floor options. A Seating area? Check. And, because my entire life revolves around the internet, the Wi-Fi [free] in the room was a godsend. I’m talking fast, reliable Internet. No buffering nightmares. Internet access – wireless they call it. I call it… a lifesaver. I tested it relentlessly. Streaming, video calls… all smooth sailing. And the desk? Perfect for my laptop workspace. A serious upgrade from the cramped corners I've experienced in the past..
Look, I'm not saying it's perfect. The carpet was a little… well, let's just say it looked like someone had enjoyed a generous helping of coffee at some point. But, in all honesty? Daily housekeeping was on point. It was kept impeccably clean.
And the best part? Non-smoking rooms? Thank goodness. Never a fan of the lingering smell of stale cigarettes.
The Eats: Fueling the Adventure (or at Least, the Morning)
Okay, the food situation is a big deal. First of all, they have a Breakfast [buffet]. And yes, it's a good one. They give you loads of variety, too. Asian breakfast? Check. Western breakfast? Check. Eggs. Bacon. Cereal. The whole shebang. Coffee/tea in restaurant. Fresh and plentiful. I’m not gonna lie, I’m a sucker for a good continental breakfast, and this one delivered. They even were considerate, providing Individually-wrapped food options for the cautious traveler. Breakfast takeaway service? Genius!
Amenities and Relaxation: Finding Your Zen (or Just Avoiding the Crowds)
Okay, so this Holiday Inn Express isn't a full-blown spa resort. But it's perfectly equipped for a relaxing stay. They have a Fitness center. I, uh, peeked in, but did not actually use the gym. Hey, some of us are here for the relaxation, not the burn. You know? There's a Swimming pool [outdoor]. It looked inviting, but it was a bit brisk, so I didn't indulge. Family/child friendly. Seeing happy little kids splashing around seemed pretty nice.
Cleanliness and Safety: Putting My Germophobia at Ease (Mostly)
This is a big one these days, yeah? Hand sanitizer everywhere. You can tell they’re taking it seriously (Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Rooms sanitized between stays, Staff trained in safety protocol). They even offer Room sanitization opt-out available, which I really appreciated. CCTV in common areas? That made me feel secure and comfortable.
Accessibility: Making Everyone Welcome (Kudos!)
Accessibility is a big win here. They have Facilities for disabled guests. I didn’t personally test this, but it's important to know they are prepared to welcome people with different needs.
The Downsides (Because Nothing is Perfect, Sadly)
Okay, I have to be honest: the Car park [free of charge] was a little crowded. And while the Internet [LAN] technically exits in some rooms, I was too busy with the wireless to bother with the cord.
But Wait, There's More!
Services and Conveniences - They’ve thought of almost everything. Air conditioning in public area. Concierge. Elevator. Laundry service. It’s all there.
For the Kids - A Babysitting service. Perfect for parents.
Getting Around - They have a Taxi service and Airport transfer.
The Unforgettable Moment: The Bed (Yes, Really)
I am a very picky sleeper. And the bed? The bed was heaven. It was soft, supportive, and I literally drifted off to sleep the second my head hit the pillow. The Extra long bed made a huge difference. I woke up feeling… rested. Which, for me, is a minor miracle. It's these little things that turn a hotel stay into a genuinely good experience.
The Verdict: My Honest Assessment
Listen, the Holiday Inn Express in Columbia City isn't the Ritz. But it's clean, comfortable, and has the essentials: good Wi-Fi, a decent breakfast, and a bed that lets you sleep. I would wholeheartedly recommend this hotel. It’s a solid choice for solo travelers, couples, and families alike.
My Personal Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
Final, Final Thoughts
This hotel isn't perfect. But it's real. And that, my friends, is what actually matters.
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THE OFFER: Book Your Blissful Columbia City Escape!
Hey there, Travel Seeker!
Tired of boring hotel stays that leave you feeling… well, blah? Then prepare to fall head-over-heels for the Holiday Inn Express in Columbia City.
Here’s the Deal:
- Book now and receive 10% off your stay! (Mention promo code: COLUMBIABLISS at check-in.)
- Enjoy Complimentary Breakfast! Start your day off right with our delicious, hot breakfast buffet.
- Free Wi-Fi! Stay connected (and stream your favorite shows) with our lightning-fast Wi-Fi.
- Experience the Comfort! Relax in our sparkling clean and comfortable rooms with extra-long beds and blackout curtains.
- Stay Safe! Enjoy the highest levels of cleanliness and safety with our enhanced sanitation protocols.
But that's Not All!
- Explore Columbia City! Our hotel is conveniently located near all the best attractions, restaurants, and entertainment.
- Unwind & Relax! Indulge in our outdoor swimming pool and fitness center.
- Easy Booking! Book your stay online and get the lowest price guarantee.
Don’t Miss Out!
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Limited Time Offer! Book by [Date - e.g. "the end of the month"] and get a free bottle of water upon arrival!
Milan: Unveiling the Secrets Italy's Hidden Gem Doesn't Want You to Know
Alright, buckle up buttercups, 'cause we're diving headfirst into a stay at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Columbia City, Indiana. Truth be told, I'm not exactly thrilled about being in Columbia City, Indiana. My GPS, bless its digital heart, thinks this is a destination. I’m here for… well, a thing. A thing that's probably going to be a whole mixed bag, and given my track record, mostly a bag of chips with a side of existential dread. But, here we go, my messy, beautiful itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival, Tentative Optimism, and the Mystery of the Breakfast Waffles
- 1:00 PM - Arrival and the Parking Lot Hustle: Arrive at the Holiday Inn. First impressions? The parking lot’s surprisingly well-maintained. Actually, everything looks perfectly… adequate. I mean, it’s a Holiday Inn. Don't go expecting the Ritz, but the curb appeal doesn't scream “abandon all hope, ye who enter here.” Finding a parking spot wasn't a nightmare, which, in this day and age, is a minor victory.
- 1:15 PM - Check-In: The Front Desk Gauntlet: Front desk lady was… pleasant enough. No eye-rolling, no surly grunts, just a polite "Welcome! Here are your keys!" Good start. I swear, checking into hotels is like a test of my patience. Will the room be the right one? Will the keys work? Will they actually have my reservation? The anxiety is real, folks.
- 1:45 PM - Room Reconnaissance: The Standard Edition: Okay, room. Clean. Basic. The bed looks… bed-shaped. And the air conditioning is already humming. Bless it. There's a weird floral print wallpaper I'm trying to ignore. I've seen worse, believe me. My expectations weren't high, and they’ve been met. Progress?
- 2:30 PM - Unpacking and the Sudden Urge to Nap: Unpacked my suitcase. I have no idea how I accumulate so much stuff in so little time. Then, the siren song of the bed began to call my name and I succumbed and took a short-lived nap
- 4:00 PM - Exploration of "Downtown" Columbia City: Alright, time to venture out. "Downtown" Columbia City. I drive around for a while, I see a charming courthouse, I see a cute little library. I wander the area briefly. I find a bookstore but don’t go in.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner at [Local Restaurant – TBD]: Okay, here’s where things get hazy. Still deciding. Yelp reviews are, as always, a minefield of conflicting opinions. I'm leaning towards [Name of Restaurant]. Wish me luck. If you don’t hear from me, assume the food was truly awful and I’m currently curled up in the fetal position, considering a career change.
- 7:30 PM - The Netflix Abyss: Back at the hotel. Now, it's Netflix time. Gotta kill some time.
- 9:00 PM - The Great Waffle Conundrum (and Early Bedtime): The most important thing. The breakfast conundrum. That complimentary waffle maker. The siren call of hot, golden, slightly undercooked (let’s be honest) waffles. This could make or break the whole trip. Seriously. Bedtime, I'm already tired.
Day 2: Waffles, Small Town Charm (Maybe), and the Great Departure
- 7:00 AM - The Breakfast Battleground: Waffle time. Let's see… I stumble down to where the free breakfast is. There's a woman in a track suit and a man in flannel. The waffle maker is out. There's a line. I join it. I am a basic human. The waffle is… a waffle. Acceptable. The fruit salad? Not so much. I eat the waffle, I eat an apple.
- 8:00 AM - A Walk Around and the Coffee Odyssey: Coffee. I need coffee. The hotel coffee situation is bleak, so I take a wander around. I found a coffee shop. I think I found some joy.
- 9:30 AM- Time for the Real Reason I’m Here: The reason! I'm here for the thing. If I tell you what I'm here for, I'd have to… you know the drill. Whatever it is, it’s probably going to involve a lot of awkward smiling and forcing myself to make small talk. Wish me luck.
- 12:00 PM - Lunch (Wherever): I’m starving. Where to eat lunch in this town? This is the real challenge. I'm thinking about a diner.
- 2:00 PM - The Aftermath (and Reflection): No matter how the thing went, it’s done. Time to… process. Maybe grab a book. Or just stare at the ceiling and contemplate the meaning of life.
- 4:00 PM - Last Walk and Souvenir Shopping: Final walk around town. Buy something. Maybe the bookstore. Maybe get a magnet that will end up in a drawer eventually.
- 5:00 PM - Packing, Regret, and Departure: Back at the hotel, the packing begins. The bittersweet task of returning. Did I enjoy my time here? Does it matter? I check out, and hit the road.
This itinerary is subject to change. I'm a free spirit, baby! (Said no one ever.) And honestly, there's a good chance I'll deviate wildly from this. So, stay tuned. The adventure is, quite possibly, just beginning. Or ending. Depends on how you look at it.
Casa Marisa: Your Dream Golfo Aranci Escape Awaits!
Holiday Inn Express, Columbia City: The Real Deal (Or Is It?) - An FAQ from Someone Who's Been There... Mostly!
Okay, *actually* is the Holiday Inn Express in Columbia City the "BEST" hotel? Because the Google reviews are all over the place. Spill the tea!
Alright, buckle up, buttercup. The "BEST"? Look, my expectations are usually lower than the price of a decent coffee (and trust me, they charge a FORTUNE for coffee these days!). I've stayed there...a few times. "Best" is subjective. Is it the Ritz? Absolutely not. Is it a potential lifesaver after a long drive on I-69? Possibly. It depends on your definition of "best." Clean-ish? Usually. Breakfast that doesn't entirely resemble sadness? We'll get to that. It's... serviceable. Like a reliable, slightly-worn, pair of khakis. They get the job *done*. Don't expect to be blown away. Expect… practicality. But the location? Pretty sweet, actually. Columbia City itself? Charm for days.
Let's talk breakfast. The dreaded free breakfast. Is it as bad as the internet makes it sound?
Oof. The breakfast. Okay, here's the thing. I've had *better* breakfasts in highway rest stops. I've also had significantly *worse*. It's a gamble. The eggs, they're… well, they're *eggs*. They could be scrambled, or they could be a rubbery, vaguely yellow substance. The sausage patties? Think… compressed something or other. The muffins? Stale, possibly date-stamped from the last Ice Age. (Okay, *maybe* not. But you get the picture). But! They often have a waffle maker! And let me tell you, the waffle *can* be the saving grace. I once saw a kid load up a plate of waffles with so much syrup, it could've sunk a small boat. I mean, that’s pure, beautiful, unabashed breakfast joy. So, waffle power... yes. Everything else? Proceed with caution and maybe pack a granola bar. Unless you're hungover. Then you'll eat *anything*.
What about the rooms? Are they... clean? I have standards (sort of).
Okay, room cleanliness is a *massive* variable. I've stayed in rooms that sparkled and I've stayed in rooms that seemed to have housed a family of dust bunnies for several generations. Look, let's be honest: it's not a five-star experience. The carpets could be a little… *suspect*. The corners *might* have accumulated a certain... patina. But, on the whole, they're *usually* clean enough. I’m not a germaphobe (though I’ve played one on the internet), but I like a reasonably clean space. Check the bathroom. Check under the bed. And if you find something… well, consider it a story to tell later. I mean, at least it's not a *roach motel* situation, right? (Knock on wood!). Once... ONCE, I swear, I found a half-eaten bag of chips under the bed. My blood ran cold. Who... *did* that? What had they been *doing*? The mystery of the forgotten chip bag haunts me to this day. So, check under the bed, people. For the love of all things sanitary.
The pool. Is it a mythical oasis of relaxation, or a chlorine-infused cesspool of screaming kids?
The pool... ah, the pool. Let's just say it's... *variable*. Sometimes it's lovely. Sometimes it's overcrowded with screaming kids, like you said. Sometimes the water is… lukewarm. Sometimes the chlorine smells so strong, you can practically *taste* it in the air. I always bring a swimsuit. I’ve *never* used it. Fear of the unknown, I guess. I'd advise checking the pool hours beforehand, because, let me tell you, nothing is more disappointing than dragging yourself all the way to the pool only to find it closed for "maintenance." And by maintenance, I mean, "they ran out of chlorine and everyone is potentially developing gills." Again, this is a HIGHLY variable experience. Prepare for the worst, hope for the best. And maybe pack some earplugs. Just in case.
How about the staff? Are they friendly? Do they care?
The staff are generally... fine. Look, they're working a job. It's not always easy, dealing with tired, grumpy travelers. I've encountered some genuinely lovely people. They were helpful, polite, and seemed to actually *care* about making your stay pleasant. I've also encountered people who seemed like they'd rather be anywhere else on the planet. But that's life, right? I think overall, they’re trying their best, and that's all I can ask for. Remember, kindness and a good attitude go a long way. Be nice to the people behind the desk. They're the gatekeepers of your room, and they've got the power to make or break your whole trip. Seriously, a friendly smile can get you a long way. (And maybe a few extra coffee pods).
Is the location convenient? What's nearby?
The location *is* pretty good. It's on the edge of Columbia City, which I adore. (It's just… quaint! And safe, and friendly!) You’re not *right* in the thick of it (which, in a smaller town, isn’t necessarily a bad thing), but you're close to restaurants and some shops. It's super close to the highway (convenient for travelling, but not always great for noise). There's a gas station nearby. And a few fast-food options. Honestly, the best part is the access to the *rest* of Columbia City. It's a charming little town with that small-town vibe, and it's worth exploring.
Any hidden gems or things to watch out for?
Okay, a couple of things. Watch out for the breakfast crowd. That buffet line can get *long*, so get there early, or plan to wait. Also, the elevators are… slow. Very, very slow. If you're on a high floor, bring a book. Or, you know, take the stairs. Get your steps in! And here's a tip: the rooms facing the highway can be noisy. Ask for a room in the back if you're a light sleeper. Seriously. The rumbling of those semis… it’s a constant companion. You've been warned. Finally: Don't expect amazing. Set realistic expectations. You're there for a place to sleep, not a spa day. Enjoy the town, and don't sweat the small stuff. Unless the small stuff is that half-eaten bag of chips under the bedNomadic Stays
