Lincoln's Hidden Gem: Unbeatable Deals at Holiday Inn Express!
Lincoln's Hidden Gem: Holiday Inn Express - My Honest, Messy, And Surprisingly Great Stay! (SEO'd For You!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups. I've just gotten back from a stay at the Holiday Inn Express in Lincoln, and honestly? I went in expecting nothing. Just another generic hotel, you know? But it surprised me. Actually, it kinda wowed me, in a weird, understated way. Let me spill the tea (along with a few stray crumbs of croissant – more on that later) and try to paint you a picture of what it's really like. And yes, I'm including all the SEO buzzwords because, well, you gotta play the game! 😉
First Impressions - Accessibility and Security: A Sigh of Relief
Right off the bat – and this is HUGE for me – the accessibility was solid. I didn't personally need it, but I saw several guests using the ramps and elevators, and it looked genuinely easy. They've clearly put effort into facilities for disabled guests. And let me tell you, after a long drive, an elevator is a godsend! Elevator access is a must. Plus, they had CCTV in common areas and even CCTV outside property. The front desk [24-hour] felt secure, and the fire extinguisher in the hallway gave me a little peace of mind. Basically, they seemed to have the basics covered, which is sometimes more than you can ask for.
That "Deals" Promise… Did They Deliver? (And the Wi-Fi Saga)
Now, about those "Unbeatable Deals"! Look, I won't lie, I went in with lowered expectations. But I actually found the price reasonable. And the Wi-Fi [free] in the rooms? A lifesaver. I'm a writer, I need internet. And it was…mostly reliable. Okay, there were a couple of moments where I wanted to throw my laptop out the window (that’s the truth!), but hey, that’s the internet for ya. They also had Internet access – wireless. The Internet [LAN] wasn’t something I used, but it was there if you need it. And for those super serious internet users, Internet services exist! They also boast Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and also it's Wi-Fi in public areas which is neat. So, yes, the 'deals' weren't highway robbery. Success!
Rooms: Beyond Basic (and That Epic Blackout Curtain!)
The rooms themselves? Surprisingly comfy. They were clean – seriously, squeaky clean. They also had Rooms sanitized between stays. They claim to use Anti-viral cleaning products, and their Daily disinfection in common areas, which at least gives you peace of mind. It had a desk, a chair, a bed! The blackout curtains are the real MVP. Seriously, it was like sleeping in a tomb – perfect for a good night’s sleep. I’m talking extra long bed, and linens that actually felt clean. Plus a window that opens. They had Air conditioning, Air conditioning in public area (very important for me, I get very hot!) There were bathrobes and slippers, although I think I might have left them in the bathroom. Oops. The on-demand movies were a nice touch, though I barely had time to watch anything. The sofa was surprisingly comfy. They even had a coffee/tea maker (essential for a caffeine addict like me!), and some complimentary tea. A refrigerator to keep my snacks and drinks cold, which is a big win in my book, and free bottled water to wash it all down. I also appreciated the mirror, mirror on the walls. The smoke detector and smoke alarms were an added plus. The safety/security feature was all over the place and the safe was great to store my money. The visual alarm was there too!
Food Glorious Food (and That Questionable Asian Breakfast…)
Okay, let's talk food. I'll be honest, I'm not a huge fan of hotel breakfasts. But, the Breakfast [buffet] was… well, it was a buffet. They had a variety of options – your standard Western breakfast, but also, surprisingly, Asian breakfast options. And as much as I love Asian cuisine, I wasn't brave enough. The Buffet in restaurant was a little too self-serve, if you take my meaning. I prefer my eggs cooked, and my bacon crisp! They also provided some breakfast takeaway service. I did appreciate the coffee/tea in restaurant and the bottle of water they gave. There's a coffee shop for your caffeine needs, too. I did glimpse a bar and even a poolside bar. They also have restaurants so you can choose what kind of cuisine you want! and even a vegetarian restaurant!
Relaxation and Amenities: Trying To Unwind (Minus The "Spa" I Was Expecting)
Okay, here’s where things got a little… interesting. The website mentioned a spa. I pictured fluffy robes, cucumber water, the whole shebang. Nope. Turns out, “spa” meant a (very functional) swimming pool and a small gym/fitness area. Don't get me wrong, the swimming pool [outdoor] was nice and the pool with view was wonderful, perfect to blow off some steam after a long day. They also had sauna, spa/ sauna, and a steamroom. I could have used a massage! But no fancy spa services. The fitness center was what I hoped for when I needed to ways to relax. The reality was a little less glamorous than the brochure.
Cleanliness and Safety: A New Era (Thank Goodness)
This is where the Holiday Inn Express truly shone. In this post-pandemic world, cleanliness and safety are paramount. I saw staff diligently cleaning and sanitizing. They were using Professional-grade sanitizing services. They used Individually-wrapped food options, Safe dining setup, and Sanitized kitchen and tableware items. They even offer Room sanitization opt-out available. There was Hand sanitizer stations everywhere. They had Staff trained in safety protocols and Sterilizing equipment. This made a huge difference. I felt safe and comfortable, which is a big deal.
For the Business Travelers (and the "I-Need-To-Get-Work-Done-But-Also-Chill" Crowd)
They definitely cater to business travelers. They offered Business facilities. They have Meeting/banquet facilities equipped with Audio-visual equipment for special events. They even provide Meeting stationery! They do have Air conditioning in public area and Wi-Fi for special events. Plus, there's a Xerox/fax in business center, which is super useful. And if you need a quick bite or some essentials, the Convenience store is a godsend. They offer On-site event hosting, Indoor venue for special events, and Outdoor venue for special events.
Service and Quirks: The Human Touch (And the Occasional "Ehhh")
The staff? Generally friendly and helpful. The concierge was great for questions. They offer Daily housekeeping and even have a Laundry service, which is handy if you're traveling light. There's Doorman and Elevator access. Cash withdrawal is easy--I think I saw a sign about where to withdraw cash. Contactless check-in/out was super convenient. They have a Luggage storage, helpful for those early arrivals or late departures. The Invoice provided was easy to understand. And if you need something extra, Room service [24-hour] is available.
The Quirks:
- The elevator music. It was… memorable. I swear I heard the same song 5 times within the first hour.
- The complimentary toiletries. Fine, but the shampoo smelled faintly of… something.
- The fact that you could hear the neighbor's TV. Soundproof rooms would be a plus.
Overall Verdict: A Solid Choice. Really!
Look, the Holiday Inn Express in Lincoln isn’t a luxury resort. It's a solid, reliable hotel that gets the basics right…and then some. It's safe, clean, well-located, and offered a decent value for money.
My (Stream-of-Consciousness) Booking Recommendation (With a Dash of Honest Hype!):
Okay, let's be real. I'm not going to spend a week at this hotel. But for a short stay, business trip, or a weekend getaway? Absolutely. Because, after a long day sight-seeing, I’m looking for a place to rest my head, get some
Holiday Inn Express Greensburg: Your Dream Stay Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your grandma's perfectly polished travel itinerary. This is the raw, unfiltered, probably-slightly-chaotic account of my adventure at the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Lincoln-Roseville Area By IHG. Prepare for tangents, questionable decisions, and a whole lotta feelings.
Travel Itinerary: The "Almost Had it Together" Edition
Day 1: Arrival & the Illusion of Sanity
1:00 PM: Arrive at Sacramento International Airport (SMF). Ugh. Airports. The smell of stale coffee and impending doom. Found the rental car – thankfully, it didn't look too shady.
1:45 PM: The Drive! Oh, the drive to Roseville. The scenery was, well, California. Lots of beige, and maybe a hint of "slightly dusty" that only intensified as I drove along the road.
2:30 PM: Check-in at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites. The front desk person was blessedly efficient. Got my key card. Made a mental note to grab a Diet Coke from the vending machine later. Already feeling the caffeine withdrawal.
3:00 PM: Room Reconnaissance. Okay, not bad. Standard hotel room. Clean-ish. Beds look…bed-like. Immediately tested the mattress for maximum comfort. (Verdict: Acceptable. Not the "clouds of bliss" I'd hoped for, but adequate for the purpose of sleeping.)
3:30 PM: The Pool. Yes. The hotel pool. Time to enjoy it. Decided to spend here for about half an hour because I was not prepared with my clothing
- 3:45 PM: Encountered a shrieking child and his mother and decided to go to the next activity.
4:00 PM: The bathroom. I spent far too much time in the bathroom. There was an issue with the water, which was a little bit frustrating. I decided to call a friend and complain about it.
5:00 PM: Dinner. The pizza place… nearby, it was highly priced. The pizza was also pretty awful. I definitely regretted ordering it. I have never felt so upset over pizza in my life.
7:00 PM: Back to the hotel. I was defeated by the pizza. Decided to just go back to bed and sleep for the day.
Day 2: Roseville Revelations (and Pizza PTSD)
- 8:00 AM: The free breakfast. Okay, here's where things got interesting. The "eggs" were…questionable. The sausage patties looked suspiciously like hockey pucks. Chose the waffle maker. Waffles are basically fool-proof. Added way too much syrup.
- 9:00 AM: The Gym. Decided I'd get fit. The gym was tiny. Two treadmills, a weight machine that looked like it hadn't been used since the Clinton administration, and a dusty yoga mat. Did a quick 20-minute walk on the treadmill while watching a truly awful morning talk show. Felt marginally better about my life choices.
- 10:00 AM: Explored around the hotel. The area around the hotel wasn't particularly amazing. In a strip mall, there was a liquor store. I debated with myself because I wasn't going to buy something.
- 11:00 AM: The drive. I went to my next planned activity.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch.
- 1:00 PM: I went back to the pool because I wasn't able to properly experience it yesterday. There was another kid there. I decided to spend as much time as I could here.
- 3:00 PM: I went to my room to spend an hour.
- 4:00 PM: I had a moment of panic, where I realized I had a ton of errands to do.
- 5:00 PM: I went to the local diner for dinner.
- 6:00 PM: I went back to bed.
Day 3: Departure & The Lingering Taste of Slightly-Cheesy Pizza
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast. Decided to avoid the "eggs." Settled for the waffle experience. Slightly less syrup this time. Progress!
- 9:00 AM: Check-out. The front desk person was just as efficient. Asked if I enjoyed my stay. Said "Yes" and quickly made my getaway.
- 9:30 AM: Drive to SMF.
- 10:30 AM: Airport Rituals. Finding my gate and getting onto the plane.
Quirky Observations & Emotional Tidal Waves:
- The Pool Crisis: The hotel pool was really loud with the children.
- Pizza Regrets: I'm still haunted by that pizza. It was truly a culinary tragedy.
- The Waffle Maker: A tiny beacon of joy in a sea of mediocrity. The perfect balance of crispy and fluffy.
- The Hotel Room's Comfort: The room was acceptable. I'm just glad that it was clean.
- The Local People: Every employee that I've encountered was nice and kind.
Final Thoughts:
This trip was…an experience. It wasn't perfect. There were moments of boredom, frustration, and a healthy dose of "what was I thinking?" But it was real. It was me, stumbling through a few days in Roseville, surviving questionable breakfasts, and wrestling with the existential dread of bad pizza. And, honestly? I wouldn't trade it for a perfectly curated, Instagram-worthy adventure. Because sometimes, the imperfections are the best parts. Now, if you'll excuse me, I think I need another waffle. And maybe a therapy session.
Escape to Paradise: Rimba Villas, Gili Air's Hidden Gem
Lincoln's Holiday Inn Express: The Truth (and a Few Regrets) Revealed
So, is this place ACTUALLY a hidden gem? Or just...a Holiday Inn Express?
Okay, alright, let's be real. "Hidden gem" might be pushing it a little. More like...a reliably decent, budget-friendly haven that sometimes feels like a minor miracle, especially after a six-hour drive with three kids. Hear me out. It's not the Ritz. You're not getting Michelin-star breakfasts. But the deals? Sometimes, they're *insane*. Think last-minute bookings where you're practically *paid* to stay. Granted, sometimes the "continental breakfast" resembles a pre-packaged apocalypse, I'm looking at *you* Mr. Stale Muffin. But hey, free coffee and a waffle maker of questionable cleanliness can sometimes save a road trip. Don't go expecting luxury. Expect...affordable comfort, and the *possibility* of a seriously sweet deal.
The Deals! What's the secret sauce for these "unbeatable" prices?
Okay, the secret? It’s not *really* a secret. Check their website. Check the booking apps. Be flexible! Seriously, if you're tied to a specific date, you're playing with fire. And be prepared to refresh, refresh, refresh. I once snagged a room for like, FORTY BUCKS. FORTY! That was after a *massive* cancellation by someone else. Pure. Dumb. Luck. But it paid for itself the moment I saw the (slightly questionable) pool. Think of it as playing the stock market...but for hotel rooms. The earlier you book, the more they hope to get, the more you wait… the price might drop. Or, you know, they might be booked solid. Risk versus reward, people.
Is the location...you know...actually decent?
It depends on your definition of "decent." It's not downtown, that's for sure. Think more...suburban commercial district. You'll probably have a chain restaurant or two within stumbling distance. The plus side? Easier parking than the downtown nightmare. Seriously, I HATE hunting for parking spots downtown after a long day. The downside? Well...charm is not exactly their elevator pitch. But it's usually safe, well-lit, and close to the highway. Which, after driving for hours with whiny children, is almost enough to make me cry with gratitude.
The Breakfast...What horrors await me?
Ah, breakfast. The true test of any budget hotel. The Holiday Inn Express breakfast buffet is a...a *thing*. It varies. Sometimes, you get surprisingly good stuff. Waffles! Eggs that aren't *completely* rubbery! Fresh fruit! Other times...well, let's just say the pastries look like they've been sitting under a heat lamp since the Cretaceous period. My advice? Manage your expectations. Coffee is usually acceptable, and the yogurt/granola combo is usually safe bet. Avoid the pre-packaged danishes. Trust me on this. And hey, waffle makers are universally beloved. Even I will make the first waffles that give me a smile.
The Pool...is it…clean?
Okay, the pool. This is where things get *interesting*. It’s not the Bellagio pool, folks. Let's just get that straight right now. I've seen pools that looked pristine, and I've seen pools that...well, let's just say I'd advise inspecting the water *before* letting the kids dive in. I once saw a rogue rubber ducky floating in one...it was kind of endearing, actually. And another time, the water was so cloudy, it was like swimming in a swamp. But, hey, it's a pool! Kids love pools! They'll scream and shout and splash and forget about the four-hour car ride, which is a win in my book. So, my advice? Bring goggles, and maybe a bottle of sanitizer. Just in case.
Let's talk about the *rooms*. Clean? Comfy? Or a portal into a dusty dimension?
Alright, the rooms. This is the make-or-break moment, yeah? For the most part, they're...fine. Clean enough. The beds are usually comfy. The pillows, however, sometimes? Flat. Like pancake flat. I travel with my own now. Learned that lesson the hard way. Once, I swear, the room had the faint smell of...old pizza. Not the *pleasant* kind. The kind that lingers in your nightmares. But again, the rooms are generally well-kept, the air conditioning usually works, and that's all I really need. I am not expecting miracles people!
Parking? Free? A war zone?
Free! Usually. Unless they're having a convention, then, Godspeed. But generally, you don't have to worry about parking fees, which is a HUGE plus, particularly when you're traveling with a car full of luggage and…well, everything you own. Just be prepared to maybe walk a little further if things are crowded. But hey, walking is good for you, right? (I say this as I’m secretly plotting how I can avoid the hotel gym.)
Staff? Are they friendly? Or just going through the motions? And do you tip them?
The staff? Hit or miss. Some are super helpful, friendly, and will bend over backwards to find you extra towels (which, let's be honest, you'll need with kids). Others? Well, let's just say they've seen some things. And, look, I get it. They deal with a lot. But generally, they’re fine. Helpful enough. Always try to be kind to receptionists. I tip when I can. Even a couple of bucks can make someone's day. It doesn't hurt.
Ever had ANY truly awful experiences? Spill the tea!
Oh, yes. Let me tell you about the time... Okay, brace yourself: I booked a room last minute, got it for a ridiculously low price, thought, 'Score!' Check-in? No problem. Room? SeBudget Travel Destination
