Nashville Getaway: Brentwood's BEST Hotel? (Holiday Inn Express Review)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into a review of the Holiday Inn Express in Brentwood – or, as the ad copy breathlessly calls it, "Nashville Getaway: Brentwood's BEST Hotel?!" (I'm already skeptical. BEST? Country music hype machine, I see you…)
Alright, let's get messy with this.
First Impressions & Location, Location, Location (and a little rant about Brentwood):
Brentwood. Now, I used to think Brentwood was just where the rich folks hid their McMansions, but… okay, it kind of IS. It's clean, it's polished, it's… well, it's not exactly "Nashville" Nashville. More like Nashville's perfectly manicured, slightly boring cousin. So, the "Getaway" part is a bit misleading. You are getting away… from the grit, the honky-tonks (they're a bit of a drive), and the authentic weirdness that makes Nashville, well, Nashville. BUT, it's convenient if you have business in the area or want a quieter base for exploring the broader region. The hotel itself? Standard Holiday Inn Express fare. Nothing wildly exciting, but also, nothing offensively bad.
Accessibility (Because We Gotta):
This is important! Holiday Inn Express locations are generally pretty good in this department. I always, always check for these things. They list Facilities for disabled guests, which is a good start. I didn’t have personal opportunity to dig in, but I always give points for even saying it! The elevator definitely helps folks… and for me, cause stairs are the devil. I am fairly certain it had wheelchair accessible rooms. Overall, I’d say the Accessibility category is a solid… okay, a "good".
Cleanliness and Safety: (The COVID Angst is Still Real):
Okay, let’s be real, the world is still a germaphobe’s nightmare. I want to see Anti-viral cleaning products. And, bless their hearts, the hotel seems to be trying. They're saying there’s Daily disinfection in common areas, and Rooms sanitized between stays. Now, I didn’t bring a UV light to check (I'm not that paranoid… yet), but the lobby and my room looked clean. Hand sanitizer was readily available – a big plus. They boast Hygiene certification, which is… something. I do not know the exact meaning of that, but I see it and like it. The Staff trained in safety protocol is also appreciated. The Cashless payment service is good - though I find I still reach for cash sometimes. The Rooms sanitized between stays, Individually-wrapped food options. And they say they offer Safe dining setup. I am happy to give a score here! I give this category… a solid "Relatively Worry-Free." (Emphasis on relatively!)
Rooms: The Good, the Okay, and the "Where's My Blackout Curtain?!"
So, the rooms. They offer a lot of goodies on paper. Air conditioning? Check. Free Wi-Fi? Absolutely - and thank goodness for that! The speeds were fast enough, which is a HUGE win in my book. Desk? Check. Coffee/tea maker? Check, but the coffee was… well, it was hotel coffee. You know the drill. The bed was comfy enough. Blackout curtains? Ah, now we get to the not-so-good. Mine didn't quite black out the room. A little ambient light still crept in, and for a light sleeper like me, that can be a recipe for disaster. Extra long bed, yes, I did not trip myself in the night. A safe box to put valuables – good to have. All the basic features - and the usual problems, but still the basics. The mini-bar? Empty, and that actually makes me happy! I hate over priced stuff that is already there.
Internet: Yes, Wi-Fi! (But Let's Be Honest, We All Check the Wi-Fi Speed First):
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Thank the sweet baby Jesus. And it was actually… usable. I have battled hotel Wi-Fi that’s slower than dial-up. This was good. I was able to stream, work, and generally not tear my hair out from frustration. Big win! Internet access – wireless is also a good point.
Food & Drink: Coffee, Coffee, Everywhere… (Plus a Slightly Disappointing Breakfast):
Alright, breakfast. This is where things get a little… meh. Breakfast [buffet]? Yes. Buffet in restaurant? Yes. Asian breakfast? Maybe. Western breakfast? Definitely. You get the picture: your standard scrambled eggs, sausage (if you're lucky), some sad pastries, and… more coffee. Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop… okay, I get it! They really want you to drink coffee. The coffee wasn't bad, but also, it wasn’t the life-affirming nectar of the gods. Breakfast takeaway service is available, which is a nice touch for those in hurry. They offer A la carte in restaurant, maybe I missed it! I was hoping for a little more… pizzazz. I saw a Restaurant, possibly with Snack bar. They seem to offer a Poolside bar I didn’t explore. Bottom line: don't expect gourmet, but you won't starve and can be on the go.
Things to Do… or Not Do (Mostly Relax):
Okay, this isn’t a resort. It's a Holiday Inn Express. You're not coming here for a destination experience. They do have a Fitness center, so you can work off the buffet breakfast. They have a Swimming pool (outdoor) which I did NOT check out. I needed a place to hide away from the world, which I did, I took many naps – what they call Ways to relax, I did a LOT of – I also did a little work. They do not offer a Spa, Spa/sauna, Sauna, Steamroom, Foot bath, Massage, Body scrub, Body wrap, Pool with view. Really, it's all about using this place as a launchpad for your real adventures.
Services & Conveniences: The Usual Suspects:
You get all the standard stuff: Daily housekeeping, Laundry service, Dry cleaning, Luggage storage, Elevator, Safe deposit boxes, Air conditioning in public area, Business facilities, Facilities for disabled guests, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Security [24-hour]. Everything you'd expect from a place geared towards business travelers and families. The Concierge was helpful. Front desk [24-hour]. They've got you covered.
FOR THE KIDS: (If You MUST Bring Them):
They say they’re Family/child friendly. They offer Babysitting service, Kids facilities, Kids meal. I didn't do any investigating on these, I generally avoid those things. But, if you’ve got the littles, they're probably equipped to handle them.
Let’s Get Personal – The Experience (The Good, the Bad, and the Meh):
Here's where I get honest. I was on a low-key work trip. I just wanted a clean, comfortable, and quiet place to crash. And it delivered that. The staff was friendly. The check-in/check-out was smooth (I love Contactless check-in/out!). The location was convenient for my appointments. No drama. No major complaints.
But… and there’s always a "but," isn't there? It felt a little… generic. A little… sterile. It lacked personality. A quirky piece of art? A local coffee brand in the lobby? A Nashville-themed throw pillow in the rooms? Something, anything, to remind me I wasn't in a perfectly-sanitized hotel room in Anywhere, USA. I felt myself wanting to escape the hotel, at any chance.
The Verdict & The (Slightly Sarcastic) Recommendation:
So, "Nashville Getaway: Brentwood's BEST Hotel?" Let's dial back the hype. It's a perfectly acceptable Holiday Inn Express. Which means it's clean, safe, and conveniently located. It's NOT exciting. It's NOT oozing with charm. It’s probably NOT going to be the highlight of your Nashville trip, but it serves a purpose.
Here’s the deal:
Perfect for: Business travelers, families who want a clean and reliable stay without breaking the bank, and anyone who values convenience and Wi-Fi over character and charm.
Not so perfect for: Those seeking a true Nashville experience, anyone who needs a luxuriously appointed hotel. Those who love the vibe or the grit of Nashville.
My Recommendation:
If you're looking for a practical, no-frills hotel in Brentwood, go for it. Just don’t expect your mind to be blown.
**Let's get you something special – A Discount, just for You!
Unbeatable Bessemer Stay: Sleep Inn's Hidden Gem!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! Because we're about to embark on a digital expedition to… the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Brentwood North-Nashville Area. Yes, the glamour. Let’s get this perfectly imperfect itinerary thing rolling. My life – and this trip – isn't about pristine planning. It's about embracing the beautiful chaos.
Trip Title: “Nashville & Naps: A Quest for BBQ and Quiet”
Hotel: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Brentwood North-Nashville Area. (By IHG, in case anyone's keeping score, which I'm sure the IHG overlords are.)
Dates: [Insert your actual dates here – otherwise, we're just spitballing!]
Day 1: Arrival & the Great Bed Hunt (or, “Where’s My Damn Room Key?”)
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Oh, the Arrival! Let's be honest, the drive down from [Your Starting Point] was a blur of road-trip snacks (mostly Cheez-Its, naturally) and existential dread. I swear, every time I hit the road, I forget how much I hate the open road. I swear, the first thing I saw was a billboard advertising "Discount Furniture." Am I already old? We finally stumble into the hotel. The lobby feels… hotel-y. You know? Like a slightly fluorescent purgatory. Found the hotel, got to the reception. The lady at the front desk was too cheerful for a Monday. It's like she personally hand-crafted the perfect welcome. Got my room key after the usual key-key-not-working-key routine (seriously, why are hotel key cards so temperamental?).
- 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: The Search for Sanctuary. The elevators! A cramped metal box of anxiety. Arrived at my room, and the anticipation was killing me. After the key-card battle, finally got in! The room: clean-ish. The bed? THE BED! This is where this all boils to. I’d need to throw myself on that king-sized comfort. That all-important bed. Is it soft? Is it clean? Is it going to give me bed bugs? (Okay, deep breath. Probably not.) Did a full-on inspection. The pillow was a tad fluffy, the comforter’s color neutral (thank god). I'm a fussy sleeper: I need that perfect temperature, perfect darkness, perfect silence. The battle for comfort, begins!
- 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Unpacking and Internal Debate. Unpacked. The agonizing process of choosing what to wear for dinner. Jeans? A skirt? Too much effort. The eternal struggle. The inner monologue was in full swing. *Do I even *like* exploring? Should I just order room service?*
- 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Naps. Took a nap, because that's the only reason to book a hotel room.
- 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Dinner Dilemma and a Local Recommendation. The hotel staff gave us some local recommendations, places to visit. However, as I wanted to sit here and do nothing and never leave the bed, I ignored it all.
- 6:00 p.m. onward: The Bed's Embrace. In bed, watching something brain-dead on TV. The true joy of a hotel room.
Day 2: BBQ Bliss (or, “I’m Already Thinking About Breakfast Sausage”)
- 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM: Breakfast Buffet, The Great Deception. The free breakfast at the Holiday Inn always sounds good in theory. In reality, it's a crapshoot. The cereal is either stale, the fruit is mushy, and the scrambled eggs… well, let’s just say they’re "egg-like." The sausage? I have questions. But it's free. Free food is a siren song.
- 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Morning Relaxation. Back in the room.
- 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Preparing. Time to prepare for the day.
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: BBQ Pilgrimage. After much deliberation, we ventured out. Today, we were going to find food. I found a place called “Martin's BBQ Joint” (or something like that, my memory’s a little hazy). The anticipation was intense. The smell, though. Oh, the smell. Smoke-kissed heaven. The brisket was beyond glorious. Juicy, tender… I may have shed a tear. The coleslaw was, by the way, terrible. But who cares? Brisket! I could eat brisket until I turn into a brisket.
- 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Food Coma. Ate too much. Needed to make a full recovery. Back to the hotel!
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: The Afternoon of Rest. Nap. Nap. Nap again.
- 4:00 PM - Onward: Dinner, (or, "Should I just get another round of Brisket?") It was time for the eternal debate: Where to eat? Or should I just sit in my room with some chips and watch television? I think I'll just get a brisket to-go!
Day 3: Deep Fried Everything (or, “Is This a Heart Attack Waiting to Happen?”)
- 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM: Breakfast of Champions (or Regret). Back to the breakfast buffet. The same questionable eggs, but the promise of waffles! And I got 'em. With syrup.
- 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: The Calm Before the Deep-Fried Storm. Time to get ready.
- 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM: The Deep-Fried Adventure. We were going to a classic restaurant that everyone raves about! Deep-fried pickles! Deep-fried Oreos! Deep-fried butter? It’s a culinary masterpiece and I had all of it, all of it! Ate much I couldn't walk.
- 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Recovery Time. I was exhausted, so back to the hotel.
- 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Nap. The sweet, sweet release of sleep.
- 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Packing and Departure Prep. The dreaded time to pack!
- 6:00 PM onward: Goodbye, Nashville! (and hello, post-trip depression…)
General Ramblings & Imperfections:
- Mood Swings: I might cry. I might laugh. I might spontaneously combust from the sheer joy (or potential disappointment) of everything.
- Fitness Plan: This is a joke. I'm going to walk… to the buffet and back.
- Budget: Let’s just say, I’m hoping to avoid Ramen for the next month.
- Unexpected Delight: Prepare for the unexpected. Maybe I’ll discover a love for country music. Maybe the hotel pool will be surprisingly clean. (Or maybe I'll just find the perfect nap spot.)
- The Imperfect Truth: This itinerary is a suggestion, not a binding contract with the universe. Things will go wrong. Plans will change. I will probably eat too much. And that’s okay. It's real life, baby.
This is the bare bones. Actual details, whims, and inevitable deviations will be inserted as the trip unfolds. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to find my toothbrush. Wish me luck!
Beloit Getaway: Hampton Inn's Unbeatable Deals & Amenities!
Nashville Getaway: Is Brentwood's Holiday Inn Express *Really* the BEST? (Spoiler: It's Complicated!)
Okay, spill. Is this place actually good, or just another cookie-cutter hotel experience?
Brentwood. Why Brentwood? Isn't that…far?
The Breakfast Buffet: The Ultimate Make-or-Break. What's the verdict?
Parking. Is parking a nightmare? Because I HATE parking nightmares.
The Staff - are they friendly or just going through the motions?
Okay, hit me with the downsides. There *have* to be downsides. Nothing's perfect.
(The Big Question) Recommendation? Would you actually stay there again?
