Escape to Princeton: Unbeatable Holiday Inn Express Deals!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! Let's dive headfirst into a review of… drumroll … , the grand hotel with a name that somehow feels both generic and… something. Let's find out what that something is, shall we? And, like, seriously, if you're considering a stay, listen up, because I'm laying it all bare. From the accessible toilets to the goddamn blackout curtains (bless them, truly).
First Impressions & the Accessibility Tango:
Okay, so first things first: accessibility. It’s a HUGE deal, and frankly, it's the first hurdle any hotel needs to clear. Good news! Seems . They've got "Facilities for disabled guests" listed, and that's a starting point. We're talking elevators, which is crucial. Details, details, details! Wheelchair accessible? That's a biggie. I need to know if the ramps are actually ramps (i.e., not death traps). And how about the bathrooms? Is there space? Grab bars? Listen, I'm not exactly a mobility expert but I can tell you that a hotel that claims to be accessible better be. Seriously, because if you miss that… you’re setting yourself up for a bad day.
On-Site Bliss (and the Potential for Disappointment):
Right, so we're talking the good stuff. Restaurants/Lounges: Yes! Always a plus. Because who wants to wander the streets hungry after a long flight? My ideal scenario? Checking in, dumping the bags and IMMEDIATELY hitting the poolside bar. They've got a Poolside bar??? Okay, now we're talking! If they have a good Pina Colada, I’m sold. But listen… "Restaurants" is broad. Are we talking a single, sterile dining room? Or a vibrant collection? A la carte? Buffet? I am a BUFFET STAN. There, I said it! But the buffet better be good. Otherwise… well, otherwise, it's a sad breakfast.
Now, if I’m going to be honest, I also look for a good spa. It's a non-negotiable. Spa? Check. Sauna? Double check! And bonus points for a Pool with a View. Seriously, give me that infinity pool overlooking… something. The ocean? A glistening city skyline? A random, but oddly beautiful, field of cows? Don't care: view is good. Massage, Body Scrub, Body Wrap – the whole shebang. Because let's be real, sometimes you just need someone to knead the stress out of your life. And if I can get a foot bath too? HEAVEN.
The Internet Abyss (and My Obsession with Wi-Fi):
Okay, I need to know about the internet. I’m basically a digital nomad, even if my "nomad" journey usually involves just leaving my apartment. So let's go. Internet? Listed. Good. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms?! YES!!!! You know what that means? Netflix and Chill, baby! Internet [LAN]? LAN? Are we back in the 90s? Who uses LAN anymore? Maybe that's their secret weapon. But as long as I can stream my shows in peace. Wi-Fi in public areas? Yes! I need to be able to upload my perfectly angled poolside selfies!
The "Things to Do" & "Ways to Relax" Dilemma :
Ah, the hotel's "things to do" section. I will be real - I'm not usually the "go-go-go" type on vacation. But it's always good to have options. Fitness center? Okay, I might hit that… once. I'll be honest, I often intend to. And then… the pool bar beckons…. Gym/fitness? Again, same deal. But it's there, which is a positive. Sauna again! Hell yeah! If these are bad, no one will ever know I existed.
Cleanliness & Safety – The Current Reality:
Okay, let's get serious because, well, the world is weird right now. Cleanliness and safety? Paramount! Anti-viral cleaning products? Good. Daily disinfection in common areas? Excellent! Rooms sanitized between stays? Crucial. Staff trained in safety protocol? Phew. Hand sanitizer? The new normal. Room sanitization opt-out available? I like the choice. Safe dining setup? I want to feel safe eating!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – The All-Important Food Scene:
Okay, this is where things get really interesting. Because I live to eat. Restaurants? (duh, we covered that). Bar (already excited). Asian cuisine in restaurant? Ooh! Western cuisine in restaurant? Excellent. Variety is the spice of life! Breakfast [buffet]? I'm back on my buffet obsession train. Breakfast takeaway service? Great for those days when you are running late for a tour.
Services & Conveniences – The Little Things That Matter:
Concierge? Yes, please! Dry cleaning? Always a bonus. Laundry service? YES! Doorman? Love it. It makes me feel a little boujee. Elevator? Yep. Luggage storage? Always useful. Cash withdrawal? Essential.
For the Kids – A Family Perspective:
I don’t have kids, but I’m always curious. Family/child friendly? Good. Babysitting service? Helpful for parents. Kids facilities? Always nice. Kids Meal important. They gotta eat too!
Rooms, Rooms, Rooms! – The Ultimate Comfort Test:
Here's where we get to what really matters. Air conditioning in public area? Good. Air conditioning? Must-have. Blackout curtains? YESSSSS! Okay, I've been clear about this. I NEED BLACKOUT CURTAINS. Seriously, dark rooms are essential for sleep. Bathtub? (Squeals). Separate shower/bathtub? Perfect. Coffee/tea maker? Essential. Free bottled water? Nice! Wi-Fi [free]? Still winning.
My Hypothetical Experience – The Good, the Bad, and the Slightly Messy:
Let's just pretend I am in .
Day 1: Arrival and the Initial Thrill
The taxi drops me off, and I'm immediately hit by the grandeur. Check-in? Smooth and easy. The lobby is bright and airy, and the bellhop – YES! – whisks my bags away with a smile. The Wi-Fi is working, which is a win!
Into the room. The view is amazing! The bed is massive. The blackout curtains – oh, the blackout curtains! These are legit, so the room is dark, which is perfect. Then, the room is sparkling clean like a hospital. I take a moment to breathe. I'm in vacation mode!
Okay, I'm going to go to the spa. The massage is divine. Pure bliss. As I am walking back to my room, I grab some sushi and head to the pool with a view. Now I'm living the dream.
Day 2: The Buffet, the Gym Debacle, and a Touch of Annoyance
Breakfast! Oh the breakfast buffet. The omelet station is a godsend. But a few things are not so hot, some of the food is lukewarm, the juice is watered down.
I go to the gym. The gym is functional, but the air conditioning is a bit weak. It's hot in the gym! Which made me want to go to the sauna - which I did! I was very happy.
Day 3: Going Home.
It's time for my departure. The checkout is quick. The staff even helps me get a taxi.
Final Verdict: The Good, the Bad, and The “Worth It”
Listen, is going to win any awards? If everything works smoothly, it's definitely worth a stay. If it's good, it's very good. And the blackout curtains? They get an A+ from me.
My Persuasive Offer for YOU: Book Now!
Okay… so, you're reading this, right? You deserve a vacation! I'm talking about a place that offers relaxation and is also close to all attractions. And, let's be real, the ability to order room service at 3 AM is worth a premium price itself.
So, are you ready to escape? Book your stay at . The pool and the blackout curtains await! And hey, maybe I'll see you there. (But if you see me, don’t judge my buffet choices!).
Montenegro's Hidden Gem: Your Dreamy Cosy Escape Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your meticulously curated travel blog – this is the REAL DEAL. We're talking a trip centered around the hallowed halls of the Holiday Inn Express Princeton/I-77 By IHG in West Virginia. Don't snicker, I'm telling you, this place… sigh …it's an experience. Buckle up. Here we go.
The Plan (if you can call it that…): West Virginia Whirlwind & Holiday Inn Shenanigans
Day 1: Arrival & "Welcome to West Virginia" (Mostly Mild Panic)
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at Ye Olde Charleston Yeager Airport (CRW). Okay, so first off – CRW. It's like, "Airport of the Almost Lost." Small, charming, and the last place you want to be if you’re terrified of short flights with a 5-minute delayed.
- 1:45 PM: Rent the Car. Pray to the rental gods I don't accidentally select the monster truck again (last time was… memorable. Let's just say I ended up in a cornfield).
- 2:30 PM: The Drive. 2 hours. I hate road trips. You start thinking you're a country music singer… and then you lose a bet with your bestie.
- 4:30 PM: Arrive at Holiday Inn Express Princeton/I-77. Ooof. The sign is… well, it's a sign. "Welcome." And by welcome, it means a slightly beige, aggressively practical building. No judgment, I was hoping for a luxurious hotel.
- 5:00 PM: Check-in. Pray to all that's holy they have the room I requested. Last time, I got the "haunted storage closet" special.
- 5:15 PM: Drop bags and immediately scout the place. Pool? Doubtful. Vending machine? A must.
- 6:30 PM: Dinner. Ah, the classic dilemma: chain restaurant or brave it and go local? I'm leaning towards the chain. Maybe a little comfort food will help set the tone for the trip.
- 7:30 PM: Unpack, find my favorite PJs, and get some sleep. I have to be ready for all the planned events.
- 8:30 PM: Lights out! Before realizing I forgot to check the TV remote, there's probably a war going on in the room to get the channel you want to see on TV and going to sleep with the air conditioner noise.
Day 2: "Almost Paradise" & The Breakfast Bonanza
- 7:00 AM: Wake up (ideally). The all-important breakfast! The lifeblood of a road trip. Pray for waffles. Pray hard.
- 7:30 AM: The Breakfast Buffet. Okay, I’m here to tell you: the breakfast buffet at Holiday Inn Express… is a science. A beautiful, slightly greasy, carb-loaded science. The waffles are… well, they’re waffles. The plastic-y fruit? Manageable. The coffee? Surprisingly strong. I'm a huge fan.
- 8:00 AM: Hit the Road! Today's adventure: Pipestem State Park. It's supposed to be gorgeous, all mountains and overlooks and… gasp… a gorge! My inner mountain girl is screaming with joy!
- 9:00 AM: Drive to Pipestem. Pretty drive, but the "scenic overlooks" are going to be very boring.
- 10:00 AM: Pipestem. Okay, the views? Stunning. Breathtaking. Makes you feel like you might actually be living in a postcard.
- 12:00 PM: Hike! Okay, so I planned a hike. I'll likely last 10 minutes before my lungs start protesting. Will take some water and snacks.
- 1:00 PM: More hiking. Maybe a little more.
- 2:00 PM: Ride the tram. It looks scary but it's awesome.
- 3:00 PM: Back to the hotel. Nap time! So needed!
- 6:00 PM: Dinner! Let's go back to the hotel
- 7:00 PM: Sleep!
Day 3: Departure (and the inevitable existential crisis)
- 7:00 AM: Breakfast. Again. Will I ever get sick of waffles? The answer is no.
- 8:00 AM: Check-out. Say goodbye to the beige walls and the promise of lukewarm coffee.
- 8:30 AM: Make a last-minute run to the local store for something to take home.
- 9:00 AM: Drive back towards the Airport.
- 10:00 AM: Get on the plane.
The Emotional Rollercoaster (Because Let's Be Honest)
- Anticipation: The thrill of the unknown! The promise of a fresh start! The potential for, maybe, a good hotel pool?
- Excitement: Pipestem! Nature! Freedom! Okay, maybe I'm getting a little carried away.
- Frustration: Driving. Finding a restaurant. The constant, nagging fear I've forgotten something vital.
- Joy: Waffles. Mountain views. The unexpected kindness of a local. Maybe, just maybe, I'll find a reason to come back.
- Existential Dread: The airport. The return home. The realization that… well, time keeps moving, even when you're staring at a hotel sign.
- Acceptance: Okay, so the Holiday Inn Express isn't the Four Seasons. But it's a place to sleep for me to get away. And sometimes, that's all that matters.
So there you have it. A messy, honest, slightly rambling account of a potential trip. No promises of perfection, only a guarantee of experience. And maybe, just maybe, a few good stories. Wish me luck. I'll need it.
Escape to Philly: Clarion Hotel's Airport Oasis Awaits!
