Youngstown's BEST Hotel? Hidden Gem: Holiday Inn Express Review!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving HEADFIRST into the swirling vortex that is… the Holiday Inn Express in Youngstown, Ohio. Yeah, I know, Youngstown. You're already cringing, right? But hold on a second! This ain't just any Holiday Inn Express. This, my friends, is a surprisingly… well, let's just say "pleasant" little pocket of… okay, okay, let's just call it a "hidden gem." (Yes, I know, everyone uses that phrase, but bear with me).
First Impressions (AKA The "Did I Actually Book This Place?!" Moment)
So, I pull up. It's… a Holiday Inn Express. You know the drill: beige building, predictable landscaping. Nothing screams "UNIQUE!" But the parking lot is clean. A free car park, I should add! And that's a win in my book. No airport transfer, but hey, I drove myself here which is like, extra points for being the designated driver. The exterior corridor makes me a little nervous at first – I'm picturing a scene from a low-budget movie where some guy lurks in the shadows – but the security features seem good, with CCTV in common areas and outside. And, fire extinguishers, smoke alarms – all the safety stuff that actually makes you feel… safe.
Accessibility: Smooth Sailing (Mostly!)
Okay, let's get real, because I’m a stickler for accessibility. The website says “Facilities for disabled guests,” so I have high hopes. The elevator, thank the travel gods, actually works, and is a good size. No getting squished. Not all rooms are exactly wheelchair accessible, but they have some that are (it pays to call ahead, people!), which is already a huge step above some places I've been.
Entering The Room: A Sigh of Relief (and Immediate Wi-Fi Test!)
The door opens, and… wow. It's… clean. Like, REALLY clean. Which, after a long drive, is the best feeling in the world. Air conditioning that actually WORKS? Check. Blackout curtains that actually block the light? Double check! The room… it's not the Ritz, but it's comfortable. And that free Wi-Fi? Works perfectly. In every room! Not a choppy second, or a dropped connection, or me having to go to the lobby to get a reliable connection. This is a HUGE win. (And yes, I immediately tested it by streaming every episode of "Parks and Rec" while simultaneously checking emails and googling "fun things to do in Youngstown… really?"). Internet access [LAN] is also available, which I didn’t touch.
The Room Essentials (And My Inner Packrat's Thoughts)
Okay, the good stuff: Air conditioning, a comfy bed with extra-long options(!), a desk (if I had to work, bleh), and a mini-fridge perfectly sized for… you know, keeping your evening snacks cold. The bathroom? Clean, with a decent shower (separate shower/bathtub options which is like, luxury!), and the all-important complimentary toiletries. I appreciate the little things: the mirror, the reading light, even the little scale (judging myself is a favorite pandemic pastime!). There's also a coffee/tea maker (essential), an iron and ironing board, and a surprisingly useful luggage rack… I hate unpacking, but if I HAVE to live out of a suitcase, then it's nice to organize everything, you know?
But wait, there's more! (And My OCD Kicks In)
Some things really made me smile. Like: extra outlets near the bed, a safe box for valuables (because… trust issues, am I right?), and an umbrella (because, Ohio). But then, I noticed something: there's no additional toilet. I'm weird, but one toilet is not enough for me when I'm in a room. I really wish for that, and then I would've given a perfect score.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – The Breakfast Gambit
Ah, the buffet. Or, you know, the "breakfast in restaurant" situation. I'm not a huge breakfast person, but this one was actually… decent. There was a buffet, but I also got the breakfast takeaway service, because I'm a rebel like that. They have the basics: eggs, bacon (crispy!), pastries, fruit, coffee. It’s not gourmet, but hey, it's free! I always appreciate the option for breakfast.
I didn’t see the "Asian breakfast", but there were some other offerings. I didn't get any, but good to know.
The "Things To Do" Debacle and the "Ways to Relax" Mirage
Okay, so… Youngstown. Let's be real. The "Things to Do" category is a little… limited. The hotel itself doesn’t have a pool with a view (sad face), a spa, or a sauna. No "spa/sauna", no massage (sigh). No "Steamroom". No "Gym/fitness". There's a fitness center, but… I can't vouch for it! It's there, but I didn't go. My "way to relax," unfortunately, was mostly binge-watching Netflix in my comfy room. (Don't judge me.)
Cleanliness and Safety – The Anti-Germ Warrior
This is where the Holiday Inn Express REALLY shines. They are taking COVID seriously. I felt completely safe. Anti-viral cleaning products are in use, there’s daily disinfection in common areas (it was spotless!), and hand sanitizer is EVERYWHERE. Individually-wrapped food options. Physical distancing of at least 1 meter. The staff wears masks and is really doing their job in the name of public safety! Sanitized kitchen and tableware items. Rooms sanitized between stays. It's a comfort to know they are being properly hygienic.
Services and Conveniences – More Than Meets the Eye
The hotel offers a surprising array of services. Check-in/out is ridiculously easy (contactless check-in/out is a godsend). There's a convenience store, a daily housekeeping (my messy heart sings!), dry cleaning, and a laundry service. They also have an elevator which is a huge plus.
For the Kids (And The Kid in All of Us)
Babysitting service? No, but… kids are really allowed to come. Family-friendly, definitely. Kids meal? Not that I saw. I don't have kids, so I didn't look hard.
The Quirky Extras (Because Life Isn't Always Beige)
I was pleasantly surprised by the little things. The staff was friendly, the location was convenient (once you get past the whole "Youngstown" thing). The soundproofing in the rooms was excellent – I didn't hear a peep from the hallway.
The Verdict – The "Hidden Gem" Is Legit
So, is the Holiday Inn Express in Youngstown a "hidden gem?" Maybe. It’s definitely not the most glamorous place. It's not trying to be. But it surprised the heck out of me! It's clean, comfortable, safe, and the staff is actually trying to make your stay pleasant. The accessibility is better than a lot of places. And for the price point? It's pretty darn good!
The Not-So-Hidden Imperfections:
- Limited Entertainment: Youngstown isn't exactly overflowing with options. Bring a book, or prepare to explore the city.
- The Exterior Corridor: Could be a little unsettling for some (especially if you're a horror movie aficionado).
- Not a Spa Oasis: If you're craving pampering, look elsewhere.
- No additional toilets in rooms.
- No poolside bar.
But…
If you need a clean, comfortable, and affordable place to stay in Youngstown, Ohio (and let’s be honest, sometimes you do!), the Holiday Inn Express is a solid choice.
Would I stay here again? Absolutely. Especially if I'm looking for a budget-friendly place that actually feels… well, good.
My Final, Opinionated, Stream-of-Consciousness Verdict:
Look, it's a Holiday Inn Express. Manage your expectations. But seriously, they've nailed the basics. Cleanliness is TOP NOTCH, the Wi-Fi is a blessing, the staff is friendly, and the location is workable.
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Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this ain't your pristine, cookie-cutter itinerary. This is… well, this is me, in the Youngstown, Ohio, vicinity. And, as anyone who's ever met me knows, "pristine" and "cookie-cutter" are words I try to avoid, especially when on the road.
The Great Youngstown Adventure: A Mostly Coherent Itinerary (Cross Your Fingers)
Day 1: Arrival and the Quest for Decent Coffee (and Maybe Some Dignity)
1:00 PM: Arrive at Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport (or, more realistically, limp out of my car after eight hours of driving, fueled by questionable gas station coffee and the existential dread of the open road). The Holiday Inn Express & Suites Youngstown - North Lima/Boardman is supposedly a short drive away. "Short drive." Famous last words.
- Imperfection Alert: I invariably underestimate the mileage. Always. My internal GPS is less a sophisticated system and more a Magic 8-Ball that's mostly out of order.
1:30 PM: Check in. Pray the room isn't on the 4th floor and that the elevator actually works. Last time I stayed in a budget friendly hotel, It took me 20 minutes to get to my room! It's a good sign if the staff seems vaguely aware of their surroundings.
2:00 PM: Unpack. (Or, more accurately, dump my overstuffed suitcase onto a bed, hoping for a decent bounce). Admire the view (probably a parking lot, let's be honest).
2:30 PM: THE COFFEE EMERGENCY. Locate the complimentary coffee in the lobby. It's the moment of truth. Will it be that lukewarm, vaguely-brown-flavored substance that haunts budget hotels? Or…dare I dream…something vaguely drinkable? (Spoiler alert: It's usually the former. But a girl can hope.)
3:00 PM: Assess the local landscape. Is there a Starbucks nearby? (Desperate times…desperate measures). Or, God forbid, a decent, local diner? The quest for true coffee begins!
- Quirky Observation: I love a good diner. There's something about the smell of sizzling bacon, the clatter of plates, and the grumpy waitress with a heart of gold that just screams "America."
4:00 PM: If coffee mission is a success, I make my way to the local attractions! Maybe the Butler Institute of American Art or Mill Creek Park.
7:00 PM: Dinner. Search for a decent restaurant. (I am open to suggestions, Youngstown! Please, no chains.)
8:30 PM: Collapse in the hotel room, victorious (or defeated, depending on the coffee situation). Watch some TV. Maybe order some sketchy room service. (I'm a sucker for a late-night burger).
Day 2: The Deep Dive - Youngstown's Soul and the Curious Case of the… Well, You'll See
- 9:00 AM: Wake up. Assess the damage (emotional and physical). Coffee (the saga continues).
- 10:00 AM: Head in for the breakfast included. I give it a chance, but i go ahead and get ready for the day!
- 11:00 AM: Drive to Mill Creek Park.
- Stronger Emotional Reaction: Okay, so the last time I visited a park, I got completely and totally lost, and wound up wandering around for hours convinced I was going to become a permanent resident of the woods. The sheer vastness of nature sometimes fills me with a kind of delicious terror.
- 1:00 PM: lunch in Mill Creek Park.
- 2:00 PM: After relaxing a bit, I decide to make my way and visit the Arms Family Museum of Local History.
- Opinionated Language: History is cool, but I swear, sometimes museums can be the equivalent of staring into a beige abyss of taxidermied squirrels and explanatory plaques. I'm hoping this one is different. I want the color. The juicy bits! The scandalous gossip of the past (yes, I know that is too much to ask).
- 4:00 PM: Head back to the hotel to relax.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner.
Day 3: The Great Escape (and the Aftermath)
- 9:00 AM: Get ready for departure.
- 10:00 AM: Check out. Say goodbye to the staff at the hotel.
- 11:00 AM: Road Trip.
The Messy Truth and My Emotional Rollercoaster:
- Messier Structure and Occasional Rambles: I know, I know, this isn't exactly a masterclass in organization. But life isn't always neat, is it? I'm a firm believer in embracing the chaos, the unexpected detours, the moments where you have to pull over on the side of the road and just…breathe.
- Doubling Down on a Single Experience: I'm hoping to find a quirky antique shop and get lost in the stories of the past. The feeling of dust and the potential treasures they could hold.
- Stronger Emotional Reactions: Look, it's not always sunshine and roses. Sometimes, things go wrong. Sometimes, you get a flat tire at the worst possible moment. Sometimes, the coffee is truly, truly awful. But even the bad stuff? It makes the good stuff that much sweeter.
- Opinionated Language: I'm not afraid to say what I feel. Because what's the point of traveling if you're not experiencing, truly experiencing? And sometimes, that experience is pure, unadulterated meh. But hey, even "meh" can be interesting, in its own way.
So there you have it. My potential Youngstown adventure. It's a work in progress, a rough draft, a symphony of potential mishaps and unexpected joys. And I wouldn't have it any other way.
Montenegro's Hidden Gem: Your Dreamy Cosy Escape Awaits!
Youngstown's "BEST" Hotel? (Spoiler: It's the Holiday Inn Express, probably... but is it *REALLY*?)
Okay, spill the beans. Is this Holiday Inn Express actually a "hidden gem" or just... a Holiday Inn Express?
Alright, alright, fine. Here's the deal. "Hidden gem"? Maybe a slightly embellished truth. It's not like some secret mountain top retreat. But hear me out. After schlepping through Youngstown (and let's be honest, this ain't exactly Tuscany!), a clean, comfy, *reasonably* priced hotel is gold. And yeah, this HIE... mostly delivers. It’s a solid B+, maybe a B+ with a dash of "they have cookies at night" charm. Which, let’s be real, is a major selling point after a Youngstown day.
The Room: What's the vibe? Cozy? Dated? Or somewhere in between?
Okay, room vibes. Think... predictable. It's not going to blow your mind with interior design. My room felt a little bit like a slightly upscale dentist's office... clean, functional, but lacking that *je ne sais quoi*. The bed? Surprisingly comfy. I'm a light sleeper, and I actually slept soundly! That’s a win. One tiny snag though: the AC unit sounded like a dying walrus. Seriously, it wheezed and groaned. But, hey, at least it *cooled* the room, right? Small price to pay, I guess. Bring earplugs, just in case.
Rambling Thought: You know, what *is* the deal with hotel AC units? Are they all designed by sadists? I swear, they all sound like they're one wrong decision away from exploding.
Breakfast? Is it the usual sad continental spread, or is there actual *food*?
The breakfast. Ah, breakfast. It was… better than expected. Yes, there's the usual suspects – sad, pre-packaged pastries, lukewarm coffee that tastes vaguely of… well, *something*, and a fruit selection that looked like it had seen better days. BUT! They had a waffle maker! A *waffle maker*! And, listen, a fresh, hot waffle can fix a lot of breakfast woes. I devoured two. Shame on me. But they were GOOD. This is the true definition of a "hidden gem," right? The waffle maker.
Anecdote: I was there with my grumpy Uncle Joe who only drinks black coffee and looks like he's permanently scowling. And guess what? He cracked a tiny smile eating a waffle! It was the highlight of his year, I'm convinced.
Location, Location, Location! Is it convenient to, like, *anything*?
Okay, the location. It's… decent. It's not in the middle of nowhere. It's near some restaurants (mostly chains, let's be honest). And it's reasonably close to, you know, *Youngstown stuff*. Whatever that is. I mean, it’s not like it's steps from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (wrong city, completely!). You'll probably need a car to get around. But, hey, driving's a thing, right? It was perfect for me to drive to the Canfield Fair. That was a blast!
The Staff: Are they friendly? Or are they just going through the motions?
The staff? Generally, friendly. Not overly bubbly, not robotic. Just… normal. They helped me with a small problem with my card, they gave a great recommendation for a place to grab a pizza. The front desk person even knew a good joke! Not even a bad one! It was refreshing. Definitely human, and that really matters when you're in a strange town.
The Pool: Is it a gross swamp or actually swim-able?
I didn’t use the pool. I saw it from afar. It looked... pretty standard. Clean enough, I guess? It wasn’t green and murky, which is a plus. But I'm not a big pool person. Your mileage may, as they say, vary. If you're looking for a luxurious resort pool, this ain't it. But if you just wanna paddle around a bit, it looked fine. I heard some kids having a blast in there. So, a win, I guess.
The Laundry: Is there laundry facility to wash my clothes while I rest?
Yes! There is a coin-operated laundry room. The machines are in a small room next to the fitness center. It was clean, so that's always a win. I needed to do laundry, so I did! I wasn't too much of a "laundromat snob." It got the job done and I had clean clothes. I'm not sure how much the machine cost, I didn't pay attention. I was too busy having to find quarters! They made me have to find quarters. Still. But that's my problem, I guess. Overall, a good experience!
So, would you stay again? The ultimate question!
Honestly? Yeah, I probably would. It's not perfect. But it's clean, it's generally comfortable, the breakfast waffle maker is a godsend, and, in Youngstown, that's pretty much all you can ask for. It's not a destination in itself, but if you need a place to crash while you're exploring the area, it's a solid, reliable choice. Look, nobody's going to write poetry about the Holiday Inn Express. But sometimes, all you need is a decent bed, a hot waffle, and a place to call home for a night or two. And this place… delivers on those fronts. Plus, remember the free cookies. Worth it for the cookies alone.
Final Verdict: Best for?
Best for: People who need a practical, reasonably priced place to stay. People who LOVE waffles. People who aren't expecting the Ritz. People who have realistic expectations. People visiting the Canfield Fair. People who, frankly, are just happy to find a clean bed in Youngstown. This place is for you.
