Ogden's BEST Hotel? Holiday Inn Express Review (You WON'T Believe This!)
Okay, deep breath. Let's dissect this giant list for a review of… well, let's just call it "The Grand Hotel" for now. Because seriously, who names a hotel like "Hotel 1234"? Anyway, this is gonna be messy, honest, and hopefully, useful. Buckle up, buttercups.
Accessibility: The First Hurdle (and Hopefully, a Ramp, Too!)
- Accessibility: Ugh, this is crucial. They claim to be accessible. But "claim" is the operative word. Do they really have accessible rooms? Roll-in showers? Ramps that aren't death traps? We need details. If they're serious about being accessible, this is where they need to shine.
- Wheelchair Accessible: Okay, partially good. But "wheelchair accessible" can mean anything from "a ramp at the entrance" to "an actual, thoughtfully designed experience." I need more intel!
- Facilities for Disabled Guests: This is the one. This better include stuff like grab bars in the bathrooms and enough space to turn a wheelchair around. I'm going to say, hopefully they checked these boxes.
- Elevator: Well, thank goodness. This is a positive to note.
My Take: I'll need to see photos and read specific reviews from people who actually need accessible accommodations to feel confident. "Accessibility" is not a buzzword; it's a promise.
On-Site Grub, Grogs, and Other Goodies (or, the Gastronomic Gauntlet)
Okay, buckle up, foodies and drinkers. This is where it gets interesting.
- On-site accessible restaurants / lounges: Okay, so they have restaurants and lounges on-site, but the accessibility aspect is still suspect. Make sure that the restaurant is accessible.
- Restaurants, Poolside bar, Bar, Coffee shop, Snack bar: Oh, sweet mercy, a buffet! This could be amazing. I'm a sucker for a good buffet. But good buffets are an art form. Fingers crossed it's not just lukewarm mystery meat.
- A la carte in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant: Options! This is promising. The inclusion of vegetarian options is a huge plus. It shows some forward-thinking.
- Happy hour, Buffet in restaurant, Breakfast [buffet], Asian breakfast, Western breakfast: Oh, lord, breakfast buffet AND happy hour?! Consider me intrigued. This could be dangerous for my wallet (and waistline).
- Coffee/tea in restaurant, Bottle of water: The little things matter. Free water is always a win.
- Desserts in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Salad in restaurant: A balanced meal and a sugary treat. This is what I'm looking for when I am choosing my perfect meal.
- Room service [24-hour]: This is key. After a long travel day, sometimes all you want is to crash in your room and order a burger.
- Alternative meal arrangement: A good sign. Flexibility is key, right?
My Take: The sheer volume of options is exciting. But execution is everything. I need to know if the food is actually good. The variety suggests they are trying to cater to different tastes, which is a plus.
The Tech Stuff: Wi-Fi, Internet, and the Digital Dark Ages
- Internet access, Internet [LAN], Internet services,: The hotel provides various internet access, which is a good thing.
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!: Wi-Fi in public areas: Finally. Free Wi-Fi. This is non-negotiable. Wi-Fi that is not free is an actual scam.
My Take: Free Wi-Fi is a must, and it's good that it extends to all rooms. The mention of LAN (Local Area Network) is a bit old-school, but hey, some people still need a wired connection.
Things to Do (or, How to Avoid Getting Bored)
- Things to do, ways to relax, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor], Fitness center, Gym/fitness, Massage, Sauna, Foot bath, Body scrub, Body wrap, Pool with view: Goodness gracious! The amenities are impressive. A pool with a view? Sold.
- Proposal spot: Aww! That's sweet.
My Take: They've got all the basic stuff and some nice extras. It looks like they are aiming for a "something for everyone" kind of vibe.
Cleanliness and Safety: Post-Pandemic Paranoia
- Cleanliness and safety: Oh, the times we live in…
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment: Okay, this is good. Very good. They are taking COVID seriously. Thank you.
- Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit: Peace of mind is invaluable.
- Cashless payment service, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Shared stationery removed: These are the details that show they're genuinely trying to keep you safe.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Great safety protocol.
My Take: They seem to be on top of their game in terms of hygiene. This is a huge selling point in today's world.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (Again!)
- (See the detailed section above for this – it's extensive!)
My Take: Let's hope, this is the star of the show, if not the entire hotel experience.
Services and Conveniences: The Extras That Make a Difference
- Air conditioning in public area, Air conditioning, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center: Holy moly, that is a lot of services!
- Food delivery: Another win!
- Luggage storage, Laundry service, Dry cleaning, Ironing service, Daily housekeeping: Basic but essential.
- Concierge: Always a good thing to have. People often overlook this, but it can make a big difference for booking tours, restaurant recommendations, and assistance in finding the best places to eat and shop,
- Business services: Good for those who have to combine business and vacation.
- Meeting/banquet facilities: A good option if you're traveling for work.
- Convenience Store, Gift Shop: Always appreciated.
My Take: They're really trying to cater to all needs. This is a hotel that truly cares about its guests.
For the Kids (or, Keeping the Little Monsters Occupied)
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: Fantastic! If you are traveling with kids, this is a big win.
My Take: This hotel seems family-friendly, another win!
Access & Getting Around: What About the Nitty Gritty?
- Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking: Another positive.
- CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private], Couple's room, Exterior corridor, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Hotel chain, Non-smoking rooms, Pets allowed unavailablePets allowed, Proposal spot, Room decorations, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, Soundproof rooms: Safety, security, and convenience. Very good!
My Take: Makes getting around easy. The safety features are also on point.
Available in all rooms: The Bedroom Breakdown
- **Available in all rooms, Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned travel itinerary. We're diving HEADFIRST into a chaotic, hopefully hilarious, and definitely unfiltered adventure at the Holiday Inn Express Ogden, baby! Prepare yourselves, because I'm pretty sure this trip is gonna be a rollercoaster of questionable decisions and accidental discoveries.
Day 1: Arrival, Awkwardness, and the Search for Decent Coffee
- 1:00 PM - OMG, the Drive! Seriously, the drive here was a saga. Let's just say my GPS and I aren't on speaking terms anymore. What should have been a breezy three-hour jaunt turned into a five-hour odyssey punctuated by a minor existential crisis. I'm pretty sure I saw a tumbleweed personally judging my life choices.
- 3:00 PM - Check-in Shenanigans: Rolling into the Holiday Inn Express, feeling all dishevelled and road-weary. The front desk person… bless her heart… seemed like she'd seen it all. Which I’m sure she has. She was so kind. But the check-in process? Well, let's just say my credit card and I had a moment. Multiple moments, actually. And then there was the elevator. Is it just me, or are hotel elevators always the scene of awkward silences and forced camaraderie?
- 3:30 PM - Room Reveal: A Love-Hate Relationship: First impressions? The room is fine, I guess? Clean, which is a major win. The view is a parking lot, which is less of a win. A vague feeling of "hotel room loneliness." (Is that a thing? It should be.) Plus, the inevitable battle for the perfect temperature began. I need it cold, the thermostat wants it hot, and we're already locked in a bitter power struggle.
- 4:00 PM - Coffee Crisis: Okay, this is a HUGE problem. The "complimentary" coffee in the lobby tastes like dishwater mixed with regret. I NEED a decent caffeine hit. Google Maps to the rescue (hopefully)! Scouring for an actual coffee shop. Pray for me.
- 5:00 PM - Coffee Triumph (Maybe?): Found a cute little independent coffee place downtown! It's got character, good coffee, and a barista who seems to understand my need for a strong, dark brew. Thank god. This could be a turning point.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner Dilemma & the "Lonely Traveler" Special: The restaurant options in Ogden are… varied. I ended up at [Insert restaurant name here, TBD]. The food was… edible. The company? Me, myself, and I. Maybe I'm making myself a little too self-conscious about eating alone. But hey, it's an adventure, right? And I'm pretty sure the server kept giving me extra fries - bless them, they knew I was looking forlorn.
- 7:00 PM - Hotel Lounging and the Netflix Abyss: Back in the room. The TV is on the blink. Actually, the whole entertainment system is a bit of a trainwreck. Netflix time! But first, a deep dive into the abyss of hotel guide books. Anyone ever actually use those? It's more entertaining, really, to observe the weirdness.
Day 2: Ogden Adventures & the Questionable Charm of the "Historic" Downtown
- 8:00 AM - Breakfast Battle: The breakfast bar at the Holiday Inn? Let's just say it's a mixed bag. Scrambled eggs that may or may not be made of actual eggs. Coffee that's marginally better than yesterday's. But the waffles! The waffle maker is the star of the show. I may have had three. Don't judge me.
- 9:00 AM - Downtown Ogden Exploration: The historic downtown is… interesting. Lots of old buildings, some charming, some… less so. I swear I saw a ghost or two lingering around a particularly creaky antique store. The "charm" factor is high, but the shops are a bit.. well, specific.
- 10:00 AM - The Union Station Discovery (and a Bit of History): Okay, this was fantastic. The Union Station is a real gem. The train museum was fascinating. I even learned something! And the art deco architecture is stunning.
- 12:00 PM - Lunch & the Waitress with the Sass: Found a diner with surprisingly good burgers and a waitress who clearly had zero time for my indecisiveness. I love it. She kept calling me “Honey Bunny” and I’m not sure why (or if I'm offended).
- 1:00 PM - More Downtown Wandering (and the Impending Shopping Spree): I'm starting to see the appeal of this town. Lots of little side streets to wander down, and a surprising number of art galleries. Maybe I'll actually buy something besides a random knick-knack this time.
- 3:00 PM - The Ogden Canyon Drive: The canyon drive promised stunning views. It delivered. But also a healthy dose of white-knuckle driving. I'm pretty sure I aged five years on some of those hairpin turns. The views, though, were stunning. Seriously, breath-taking.
- 4:00 PM - A Near-Death Experience (Maybe a Slight Exaggeration?) Nearly crashed into a deer. In a canyon. I swear, I saw my life flash before my eyes. Okay, maybe my life wasn't flashing, but my heart rate certainly was.
- 7:00 PM - The "Evening of Entertainment" (Which is Really Just Netflix and Pizza): Okay, back in the room. I'm tired. I'm going for pizza. I'm avoiding social interaction, because I need… recharging. Pizza, a good TV show, and early bedtime. The ultimate travel reward.
Day 3: Departure, Reflections, and the Promise of Laundry
- 8:00 AM - The Last Waffle: Goodbye, breakfast bar. I will miss those waffles. The rest? Not so much.
- 9:00 AM - Check-out Chaos: The check-out process wasn't smooth. The "system" at the front desk failed. More awkward silence. More waiting. More existential dread.
- 10:00 AM - The Drive Home: Reflecting on the Madness: The drive is a slog. But you know what? I actually had a great time. Ogden is quirky, a little rough around the edges, and definitely not perfect. But that's exactly what made it memorable.
- 1:00 PM - Home Sweet Home (and Laundry Hell): Unpacking, laundry, and the overwhelming feeling of having to go back to real life. The good news? I have a whole album of ridiculous photos to bore my friends with. The bad news? I need a vacation from my vacation.
Quirky Observations & Emotional Outbursts:
- I'm convinced hotel pillows are designed to actively prevent sleep.
- Why do hotel rooms ALWAYS have so many tiny, individually wrapped shampoos? Does anyone actually use more than one?
- I saw a guy in the hotel lobby wearing Crocs. With socks! I need to be alone to process this.
- I’m pretty sure I’m now a connoisseur of diner coffee. And I have some STRONGLY held opinions.
- The little water bottles in the hotel mini-fridge are like, mini-prisons holding tiny, sad, slightly warm water.
- I swear, one of these days, I'm going to find a hotel room that DOESN'T have a leaky faucet.
Final Thoughts (and a Little Messy Advice):
Traveling is weird. It's messy. It's sometimes uncomfortable. But it's also amazing and worth it. Don't worry about making your trips Instagram-perfect. Embrace the awkwardness, the unexpected detours, and the bad coffee. Just let yourself be human. And pack extra pairs of socks. You never know.
Escape to the Majestic Auburn Mountains: Best Western Plus Awaits!
So, what *is* this thing about, anyway? Like, actually?
Oof. Good question. I... uh... I was *supposed* to be answering questions, right? About something? Crap. See, this is why I need coffee. Specifically, the kind that costs a small fortune and has foam art that's too gorgeous to destroy. But yeah, the idea was to, like, give you the lowdown, the skinny, the... whatever other cliché you want to throw in there. Basically, I'm winging it. So, brace yourselves.
Okay, okay. But *specifically*? Are we talking about, say, choosing a pet? Or... what?
Right. Um... maybe. Look, I'm not good at specifics. I'm more of a "vibe" person. You know, the kind of person who wanders around a bookstore for three hours, ends up buying a cookbook, and then orders takeout because cooking seems like *way* too much effort. So if you're expecting a meticulously organized guide, you've come to the wrong place. This is more of a… a soul-searching session (for both of us, honestly).
**Anecdote Time!** Last week, I spent a solid hour trying to assemble a bookshelf. An HOUR! And it still wobbles. I swear, I followed the instructions, I had the right tools... but still, it's this leaning tower of cheap particleboard. My takeaway? I'm clearly not cut out for building things. And maybe this FAQ shouldn't be either.
**Anecdote Time!** Last week, I spent a solid hour trying to assemble a bookshelf. An HOUR! And it still wobbles. I swear, I followed the instructions, I had the right tools... but still, it's this leaning tower of cheap particleboard. My takeaway? I'm clearly not cut out for building things. And maybe this FAQ shouldn't be either.
Alright, let's try a different approach. What's the *best* thing about... this... whole experience? Whatever "this" is, I guess.
Ooh, the *best* thing? Okay, okay, I can get behind that. (Finally, a question I can actually answer without rambling.) The *best* thing is... the potential for chaos. Seriously. Embrace the messiness! The uncertainty is where the fun is. And who knows, maybe we'll stumble upon something profound. Or not. Either way, we'll have a story to tell. And let's be honest, a good story is worth its weight in unicorn tears. They're probably really valuable.
What are the biggest challenges you've faced (or are still facing) in... doing this?
Oh, the challenges? Honey, let me tell you. It's a *war* in here. My biggest challenge, by far, is myself. Keeping the train on the tracks. Avoiding the urge to go on epic tangents about, say, the existential dread of choosing a font. (Spoiler alert: I'm a Helvetica kind of gal.) Okay, maybe that was a *bit* of a tangent. And the fact that I'm pretty sure I'm talking to myself at this point. It's all quite mortifying. And exhausting. And possibly the best thing that's ever happened to me because… well, I’m still here, aren’t I?
**Imperfection Alert!** The constant self-doubt is a killer. Is this any good? Am I making sense? Am I just rambling incoherently? I have no idea. And that's probably the whole point!
**Imperfection Alert!** The constant self-doubt is a killer. Is this any good? Am I making sense? Am I just rambling incoherently? I have no idea. And that's probably the whole point!
Do you have any actual, you know, *advice*? For me? Or anyone?
*Advice*? Oh, dear. Okay, here goes.
- Don't take anything too seriously. Life's too short to be a stick-in-the-mud.
- Embrace the awkward. Seriously. The awkward is gold.
- Learn to laugh at yourself. Because, trust me, you *will* be laughing. Probably a lot.
- If all else fails, blame it on the coffee, the weather, or your questionable life choices. It works every time.
What’s the *worst* part? If there is one?
Ugh. The *worst* part. Okay, let's be real. The worst part is probably the self-doubt that creeps in. That little voice in your head that keeps whispering, "You're not good enough. You're not smart enough. You're probably making a complete fool of yourself." It’s relentless. And sometimes, it *wins*. (Let's be honest, it probably won at least 3 times during the writing of this FAQ. Shhh!) But then I remember the chaos, the potential for fun, and the fact that, honestly, maybe nobody is even reading this anyway, and it’s back to the good vibes.
How do you keep going? Like, when you want to just… quit?
Ah, the million-dollar question. How do I keep going when I want to chuck this whole thing in the nearest trash can and run screaming into the sunset? Honestly? It's a combination of things. Stubbornness. A deep-seated fear of failure. And a healthy dose of caffeine-fueled delusion. But mostly... I think it's the hope that, somewhere along the line, someone will find this even remotely amusing. And that maybe, just maybe, someone will feel a little less alone. See? I'm sentimental! Now I'm going back to the coffee. Don't judge me.
Okay, enough philosophical garbage. Can you, like, summarize this entire thing? Quickly?
Fine. Summary: It's a disorganized mess. I'm making it up as I go. It's probably terrible. But hey, at least it's honest. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need a nap. And maybe a therapist.
