Jackson's BEST Hotel? Holiday Inn Express Review!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into a review of Jackson's… wait for it… Holiday Inn Express. Yep, that’s right. The Holiday Inn Express. You know, the one. But trust me, this ain’t your grandma’s Holiday Inn Express. (Unless your grandma’s secretly a travel blogger with a penchant for free waffles, in which case, hi Grandma!)
Jackson's BEST Hotel? Holiday Inn Express Review! (Brace Yourselves)
Let's be honest, when you hear "Holiday Inn Express," your brain probably conjures images of… well, let's just say competent lodging. Clean, functional, gets the job done. Which, you know, sometimes is exactly what you need. This Jackson location, though. It’s got… potential. Let’s dissect this beast, shall we?
First Impressions: The Arrival Shenanigans
We rolled up, weary travelers after a particularly epic Yellowstone adventure (more on that later, trust me). The exterior corridor offered a peek into the inner workings of fellow guests, which let's just say it was entertaining. The CCTV outside property gave us a reassuring sense of security, especially after seeing some of the… wildlife… we'd encountered that day. The elevator was a godsend, because I, for one, am not built for a marathon up the stairs after a day of hiking. (I'm looking at you, leg muscles!). The front desk [24-hour] meant someone was always there, which is reassuring when you're convinced a bear followed you to the hotel… (okay, maybe that was just me.) The check-in/out [express] made the process, blessedly, fast and painless.
Accessibility – The Good, The Okay, and the “Could Be Better”
Okay, real talk. As for Accessibility, it's a mixed bag. The facilities for disabled guests are listed, which is a good start. And the elevator is definitely a plus. But I didn't personally test any of the specifically wheelchair accessible rooms, so I can't give you a firsthand account. Same with the on-site accessible restaurants / lounges. My advice? Call ahead and ask specific questions about their setup. Don't assume. Trust me on this one.
The Room: Comfort and Quirks
Stepping inside, the room was… well, it was a Holiday Inn Express room. Clean. Functional. The carpeting wasn't exactly luxurious, but it was clean. There was a desk to wrestle with your laptop on, a mini bar (score!), and a coffee/tea maker (essential for surviving the day). The blackout curtains earned major points – crucial for getting any sleep with the constant daylight up here. The internet access – wireless (Wi-Fi [free]) was clutch. Seriously, essential. The alarm clock was a little… enthusiastic. (Let’s just say it woke me up every single time without fail. It's like it had a personal vendetta against me and my sleepy-head ways.). The bathroom had a bathtub which felt a little cramped, but a separate shower/bathtub was pretty nice. And the complimentary toiletries were your standard fare. No complaints.
The Bed: My Love Affair with Sleep
The extra long bed was glorious. I sank right into it. The linens were clean, crisp, and oh-so-inviting. I'm pretty sure I spent the first hour just basking in the utter bliss of uninterrupted sleep after a day of hiking. It was an honest to goodness experience. It was my experience.
Amenities: The Good, The Could-Be-Better, and The Unexpected
Okay, let's talk about the promised land, The amenities:
- Fitness Center: Yeah, it was there, but I didn't go. Judge me if you must. After all of the hiking, I didn't need a reminder of my physical prowess!
- Swimming Pool [outdoor]: This one, however, I did try. The pool with a view was okay, but the view really wasn't worth writing home about. There was a lot of chlorine, which, you know, pools tend to have.
- Breakfast [buffet]: Ahhh, the holy grail. The Breakfast [buffet] was the experience that defined the hotel. Waffles. Loads and loads of waffles. And the toppings bar! The coffee/tea in the restaurant was acceptable, and the breakfast service was efficient. But the real star was the waffle machine. It delivered crispy, golden, fluffy perfection every single time. It was a religious experience. It was my religious experience. (Okay, maybe I'm exaggerating. A little.)
- Business Facilities: I didn't actually use the Business facilities! But the internet [LAN] was there, there were a few meetings going on, and the Xerox/fax in business center was available, you know, if I'd needed it, I could have.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (A Waffle-Fueled Adventure)
The Buffet in restaurant was it. Honestly, it was the highlight of my culinary journey. No, there wasn't anything fancy. No salad in the restaurant. No Asian cuisine in the restaurant, though I swear I saw a soup in the restaurant at one point. But the waffles. Oh, the waffles! I also appreciated the coffee in the restaurant, which was a lifesaver given the early start times for hiking. In short: It's not winning Michelin stars, but the breakfast kept me fueled for adventures.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Secure
This is a big one, especially in the current climate. The hand sanitizer stations were everywhere. The staff was wearing masks, and I noticed they cleaned the shared spaces diligently. The rooms sanitized between stays, is important. The Safe dining setup, also. Plus, there was a Doctor/nurse on call, as well as a first aid kit if I got a little too adventurous.
Services and Conveniences: A Mixed Bag
The daily housekeeping was ace. The laundry service was a bonus, because, let's face it, hiking involves sweat. The luggage storage was convenient.
- Things to Do: Jackson Hole is all about the great outdoors. This hotel is a good base for visiting Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park.
Getting Around: Navigating Jackson Hole
There’s car park [free of charge] (hallelujah!), which is essential if you're driving (which you probably are in Jackson). There's also airport transfer available, but I didn't use it. I did see some taxi service options around.
For the Kids (Because They Travel Too!)
I didn't have kids with me. But did notice they have babysitting service and definitely family/child friendly.
The Imperfections (Because Life Isn't Perfect)
The hotel wasn't perfect. The view from my window was, shall we say, unremarkable. The Wi-Fi sputtered a few times. The elevator occasionally took its sweet time, but these are minor gripes.
The Verdict: Would I Stay Here Again?
Yes. Yes, I absolutely would. Especially if I'm after a good, solid, reliable, and most importantly, accessible waffle machine. It's not a luxury hotel. But it’s comfortable, clean, and offers a good value, especially considering how expensive Jackson Hole can be.
The Emotional Fallout (Because I'm a Mess, and So is Travel)
- The waffles made me unreasonably happy. Like, grin-like-an-idiot-while-stuffing-your-face happy.
- I felt safe and secure, which is always a good thing when you're in bear country.
- It was exactly what I needed after days of roughing it.
The Offer: Book Now and Get Your Waffle On!
Okay, here's the deal. Book your stay at the Jackson Holiday Inn Express today and get a special bonus: Unlimited Waffle Access! That's right, you heard me. Forget about that sad continental breakfast. We're talking about a full-blown waffle extravaganza. Book now and experience the joy of a perfectly crispy, golden, and fluffy waffle. Don't miss out on the delicious starting point for you Jackson Hole adventure. Book Today!
Indulge in Luxury: India's Most Comfortable & Elegant Stays
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your average, sterile travel itinerary. This is… life. At the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Jackson, by IHG. Yeah, that one. (I’m already picturing the perfectly folded towels on the bed. Ugh.)
DAY 1: Arrival & The Great Carpet Conundrum
2:00 PM: Arrive in Jackson, MS. (Or, more accurately: Attempt to arrive.)
- Okay, so the flight was… an experience. Delayed. Of course. Which meant a mad dash through the airport, clutching my carry-on like it was the last slice of pizza on Earth (it probably felt that way, actually). My travel partner, bless her heart, was convinced TSA was going to confiscate her giant bag of artisan jerky. (Spoiler: they didn't. America.)
- Driving to the hotel from airport, the GPS was determined to take me through the worst part of the city - I thought I was going to need to sell my car on the side of the road to pay off a ransom demand.
- Minor Category: The Rental Car. (Let's just say I’m not exactly renowned for my parking skills. This rental car might not make it back in one piece. More on that later.)
3:30 PM: Check into the Holiday Inn Express & Suites.
- Okay, first impression: surprisingly… clean. I was expecting a little more "budget motel chic," but the lobby was actually… nice. (Don't get me wrong, I'm still hyper-aware of all the germs lurking on the doorknobs.)
- The room? Standard. The bed looked inviting. The air conditioning? Blessed relief from the Mississippi humidity.
- Quirky Observation: The complimentary shampoo and conditioner smelled vaguely of… desperation? Like the kind of stuff you'd find in a survival kit. But hey, free is free.
4:00 PM: The Carpet… A Love Story?
- This is where things got interesting. I’m a huge fan of hotel carpets, I love them. They're unique and there never exactly the same. The carpet was so fluffy and nice. I immediately sprawled on the floor. It was so… comforting. I may have stayed there for an hour just enjoying it. My travel partner, however, was not quite as thrilled. "Are you sure you want to be on the floor? That’s where the… the stuff… gets.” (She’s a germaphobe. We’re a perfect match, really.)
6:00 PM: Dinner at… somewhere. (Maybe?)
- Alright, so the original plan was to find a “charming Southern eatery.” But after the flight delay and the Carpet Conundrum, the idea of leaving the sanctity of air conditioning felt… arduous. So, we ended up at a (sigh) chain restaurant. The food was fine. The service was… perfunctory. The emotional reaction? Mild disappointment. I wanted more.
8:00 PM: Bedtime. (Or, trying to.)
- This is when everything went haywire. I started to have an itch. I don't know where it was coming from, maybe the carpet I was on all day, maybe the hotel, maybe the ghost of my own stupidity. I wanted to go home.
- Minor Category: The Pillow Saga. I am not a pillow person. I need just the right pillow, otherwise my back will hurt for a week. The pillows were… adequate. One was lumpy. The other was like a brick. I alternated between a low-level rebellion and simply not sleeping.
DAY 2: The Blues & the Battle of the Buffet
7:00 AM: The Breakfast Buffet… A Challenge.
- Okay, this is where the "Express" part of the Holiday Inn Express really shined. The breakfast buffet. Now, I'm not one to judge a breakfast buffet. I've seen some things. But this one… this one was something else. The scrambled eggs looked suspiciously yellow. The sausage, well, it had a… texture. But the coffee? Oh, the coffee. It was like battery acid masquerading as caffeine.
- Strong Emotional Reaction: I powered through out of spite. I will not be defeated by a lukewarm breakfast. I consumed a plate of questionable eggs, a (very small) piece of sausage, and a whole waffle. I consider this a win.
9:00 AM: The Blues Trail… or Attempting It.
- We set out to find some real Mississippi Blues History. The plan was to hit up some of the iconic landmarks. The driving was… questionable. The GPS took us on roads that were suspiciously deserted. (See: Rental Car Conundrum).
- But we drove. Because the music was calling.
12:00 PM: Lunch & The Great Bathroom Debate.
- We found somewhere to eat. The food was better than the breakfast, but the bathroom situation warranted a full discussion. I was not pleased. It was a true low point of this adventure.
2:00 PM: Museum Visit (Hopefully a redemption!)
- We drove here. Finally, a success! The museum was good. I spent a long time just staring.
5:00 PM: Back to the Hotel. (Regret.)
- Honestly, at this point, I was running on fumes. The idea of another chain restaurant was like a punch to the gut. I have no words.
7:00 PM: Sleep.
- Finally, I could sleep.
DAY 3: The Escape & The Deep Sigh
8:00 AM: The Dreaded Farewell Breakfast.
- (See: Day 2, 7:00 AM)
9:00 AM: Check Out… and Praying for a Smooth Departure.
- Praying to whatever deity is in charge of making sure flights don’t get delayed. And that I don't leave my hotel room with a suitcase full of regret.
- Minor Category: The Souvenir Hunt. I had a list. A very specific list. I would not leave Jackson without it… (did not get it).
10:00 AM: The Drive to the Airport… (Again).
- See: Rental Car Conundrum. Pray for me.
12:00 PM: Flight… (Hopefully On Time.)
- Fingers crossed.
- Final Thoughts: The Holiday Inn Express & Suites Jackson? It was… an experience. It’s not the Ritz, but it did the job. Mostly. Would I go back? Maybe. But I'm definitely bringing my own pillow. And maybe a HAZMAT suit. You know, just in case.
So, is the Holiday Inn Express in Jackson, TN... actually *good*? Like, REALLY good?
Okay, let's be real. "Good" is relative, isn't it? I went in expecting... well, a Holiday Inn Express. You know, the beige of hospitality. The promise of a free breakfast (hallelujah!). It wasn't awful, but it *wasn't* the Ritz. But for Jackson, TN? Honestly? It's a contender. I mean, I've stayed in places that felt like they were last updated when dial-up was still a thing. This one... felt like it was *attempting* to be modern. Emphasis on *attempting*. More on that later...
What's the breakfast situation like? Because let's be honest, that's a make-or-break deal.
Alright, buckle up, breakfast enthusiasts. The free breakfast is... free. Which is the best part! The usual suspects were present: the sad little pre-made omelets that tasted vaguely of rubber, the slightly-too-sweet cereal, the (thankfully!) decent coffee. And the breakfast attendant? bless her heart, she was keeping the peace with relentless efficiency. They were out of bagels the first morning (a tragedy!), but by day two, bagels were back! And they had those little packets of peanut butter you can take with you. I lived on those. So, you won't starve, but don't expect a culinary masterpiece. Think... functional sustenance.
The rooms – what’s the deal? Clean? Comfy? Ghosts? (Asking for a friend…)
The rooms? Ah, the rooms… Okay, the cleanliness was… acceptable. I didn’t find any suspicious stains, which is already a win in my book. The bed? Comfy enough. I slept. Did I sleep *well*? That's a different question. The pillows were a bit… lumpy. Like they'd seen some things. I think there might have been a faint smell of air freshener trying *really* hard to cover up something else. But overall, solid. No ghosts that I saw. (Though, honestly, the flickering fluorescent lights above the bathroom mirror did give me a bit of a jump at 3 AM. They have a mind of their own, I tell you!)
Okay, but what about the *vibe*? What's the overall feeling of the place?
The vibe? Hum… It’s *Jackson, TN*. It's a solid, workaday feel. The lobby had a slightly-too-bright, slightly-too-sterile feel. Like they were actively trying to sanitize the whole place, but also trying to make it look inviting. The staff was friendly! Not overly effusive, but genuinely helpful. They seemed to have seen it all. Like they’ve dealt with every type of guest. I will give them the credit: They were accommodating of my random questions and bizarre requests. (Don't ask.) It’s not a "destination" hotel, you know? It’s a place to rest your head after a long day, and for that it works. The worst part was that the hallways seemed to suck the very life out of the air at 2 AM. Almost haunted.
The pool? I need to know about the pool!
The pool! Okay, this is where things got… *interesting*. I went down one afternoon, expecting a quick dip. The water was CLEARLY not up to code. I am talking... cloudy. I’m not a pool expert, but I know a green tinge when I see it. I turned around. I couldn’t do it. The one big guy swimming laps in the pool also didn't seem to mind it. I wanted to ask if he could feel anything weird but I thought better of it. I went back to the room to complain, but never did. Maybe next time? 😬
Anything else I should know? Any hidden gems or glaring flaws?
Hmm, hidden gems…Okay, the location is actually pretty decent. Close to restaurants. Close *enough* to the things you might need. The wifi was… passable. It went in and out sometimes. The elevators were... well, they worked, which is more than you can say for some places. As for flaws… the pool, as mentioned. The walls are thin – I heard EVERYTHING from the hallway. And the parking lot was… let's say it had character. (Meaning: pot holes and questionable lighting). Did I mention the air freshener? It was aggressively trying to mask something. But, overall? For a quick trip to Jackson, it's a fine choice. I’d stay there again. Just… maybe bring my own pillow.
So, would you recommend it, overall? Be honest!
Okay, here's the bottom line. Would I recommend the Holiday Inn Express in Jackson, TN? Yeah, probably. Don't go expecting luxury, but DO go expecting a cleanish room, a free breakfast, and a reasonably convenient location. If your expectations are set appropriately... you won't be disappointed. You might even have a halfway-decent stay. And hey, you might get lucky and miss the pool. Definitely bring your own pillow though. And maybe some earplugs. And maybe an extra pair of hands to help with the luggage. Just in case.
