Edmond's BEST Hotel? Holiday Inn Express Review (You WON'T Believe This!)
Edmond's Holiday Inn Express: Seriously, You Won't Believe This Review (And Maybe You Will, Eventually)
Alright, folks, buckle up. I just spent a few nights holed up at the Holiday Inn Express in Edmond, Oklahoma, and I'm here to give you the real deal. No sugarcoating, no corporate speak. Just me, my notebook, and a whole lotta opinions. This isn't just a review; it's a rollercoaster ride of hotel experiences. Let's dive in!
First Impressions & Accessibility (And Why Getting Out of the Car Was an Adventure)
Okay, first off, finding the place wasn't exactly rocket science, but the parking lot? Let's just say navigating a parking space felt like a minor victory. Side note: While they have a car park [free of charge] and car park [on-site], good luck finding a spot after 6 PM. Consider that.
Regarding Accessibility, I'm not a wheelchair user, but I poked around with the keen eye I have for these things. There's an elevator (thank goodness!), and the entry seemed pretty straightforward. Didn't see any facilities for disabled guests actively advertised. Not the most inclusive setup, but passable, in my biased opinion.
The Room: My Fortress of Quiet (and the Occasional Wi-Fi Rage)
Let's talk about the room. It's got all the expected bits and pieces: Air conditioning (crucial in Oklahoma!), a comfy bed, and a decent desk to work from. They also have those helpful little things like a mirror, a hair dryer, and a coffee/tea maker. Plus, they seemed to have some sort of safe or safety box, not that I used it.
Wi-Fi… Oh, the Wi-Fi. This is where things got… interesting. The brochure gloats about "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!". Fantastic! Finally, some time to catch up on my favorite show. Except… the connection? Breathes deeply Let's just say it occasionally resembled a dial-up modem in the age of fiber optics. There was a little blurb about Internet access – LAN, but who carries those cords anymore? At least it was enough to write this review. The Internet was there, sometimes, but it was a struggle.
I was grateful for the blackout curtains. I am not built for the sun, and they worked like a dream, creating a perfect cave for sleep. My room was a Non-smoking room - always appreciated. It was also a Soundproof room, so that could be good in theory, but I'm not sure! Another plus in this regard is that the **Window that opens, and the *Air conditioning* meant that I could make some adjustments when I wanted, so I certainly appreciate that.
Cleanliness, Safety &… Sanitizing? (Or, "How Many Times Can You Sanitize a Door Handle?")
The Cleanliness and safety were definitely a priority. They had this whole post-pandemic protocol going on. The staff seemed diligently trained in safety protocol, and there were signs everywhere, which is comforting, if a bit overwhelming. Lots of Anti-viral cleaning products, which felt good, and the Daily disinfection in common areas never went unnoticed. They also offered Rooms sanitized between stays, which is great, maybe.
They had Hand sanitizer stations, and Staff trained in safety protocol, which is important. I also appreciated the Smoke alarms and the Fire extinguisher. All good things. They had a Doctor/nurse on call, but let's hope you don't need them.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: Breakfast, Beware!
Okay, the free breakfast! This is where things get interesting. They offer a Breakfast [buffet], and frankly, it's… fine. There was the usual: scrambled eggs, the dreaded sausage patties, maybe with a pastry. The Breakfast service was on time, at least. The star of the show was the coffee! I was so tired that I needed it. I like that they offered a Breakfast takeaway service, so you can save your time and go.
There's a Coffee shop and Restaurants and a Snack bar, but I didn't check them out. They seemed basic, but I was here for a night. I'm not a big eater, so I was satisfied.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax (Because Let's Be Honest, Edmond Isn't Exactly Vegas)
Now, this is where the Holiday Inn Express leans into its… lack of resort-ness. I searched around, but the pool with view was definitely not an option. There's a Swimming pool [outdoor] but nothing fancy. No Spa, no Sauna, no Steamroom (sad face). There's a Fitness center, so there's that. Gotta burn off those underwhelming breakfast calories somehow. I guess you could try a Foot bath, but, uh… it's not that kind of hotel.
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter (or Don't)
The hotel offered the usual slew of services: Daily housekeeping, Laundry service, but nothing fancy. This hotel offers a Concierge, but I never needed them. I always love a Convenience store, but sadly, this Holiday Inn Express didn't have one. They had a Cash withdrawal machine.
Getting Around: Driving is King (Or Queen)
You're definitely going to want a vehicle. They offer Car park [free of charge], and in my humble opinion, is a total necessity. There's a Taxi service, too, but in Edmond, it's mostly for show.
The Verdict: Worth the Stay? (Maybe, If You Manage Expectations)
Look, the Holiday Inn Express in Edmond isn't going to blow your mind. It's functional. It's clean. It’s, for the most part, safe.
Here's the bottom line: It's a perfectly acceptable place to spend a night. If you're looking for a fancy getaway, look elsewhere. But if you need a clean, basic room with (questionable) Wi-Fi and a free breakfast, it'll do the trick. Just don’t expect the world. I'll probably go back. It's solid.
Escape to Paradise: Your 5-Bedroom Big Bay Beach Villa Awaits!
Alright, Buckle up, buttercups, because this ain't your sanitized, brochure-perfect itinerary. This is my trip to the Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Edmond, Oklahoma, and trust me, it was… an experience. Let's dive in, shall we?
The "Oh God, I Need a Vacation After This" Itinerary (aka My Edmond, OK Adventure):
Day 1: Arrival, Ambition, and Immediate Regret (Kinda)
- 1:00 PM - "Arrival" (More Like, "Dragged Myself Out of the Car After a 6-Hour Drive"):
- Okay, first off, I thought Edmond was closer. Turns out, Oklahoma is vast. My butt was officially numb. Found the Holiday Inn Express & Suites alright. The sign was… well, it was a sign. You know. It said "Holiday Inn Express & Suites." (Deep breaths, gotta stay positive.)
- Anecdote: The front desk guy, bless his heart, seemed genuinely thrilled to be there. I think I saw a flicker of existential dread in his eyes when I checked in. I maybe saw him stifling a yawn that could swallow small children.
- Imperfection: My suitcase wheel was immediately possessed by evil. It started squeaking like a dying rusty robot. The trek to the elevator was a symphony of despair and squeaky plastic.
- 1:30 PM - The Room (The Good, The Bad, and the Slightly Overlooked):
- Honestly? Not bad. Clean-ish. Bed seemed comfy. (Priorities, people!) Slight whiff of cleaning product mixed with… something else. Perhaps a hint of "institutional carpet."
- Quirky Observation: The bedside lamp had one of those gooseneck things, perfect for… well, for nothing, really. Except maybe strategically illuminating your eye bags at 3 AM.
- Emotional Reaction: Relief. Sheer, unadulterated relief. My legs could finally relax. I needed this pillow. This was going to be ok. (Famous last words, clearly.)
- 2:00 PM - The Pool (Let's Get This Over With):
- I told myself, "Emily, swim. You need to de-stress." The pool area was… functional. Chlorine smell strong enough to raise the dead.
- Anecdote: I saw a kid gleefully flinging himself in. The lifeguard was either sleeping or meditating. I have no idea. I may or may not have almost tripped on my own feet at the sight of all that water.
- Imperfection: The water was not actually that warm. My teeth were starting to chatter. Decided to dip in.
- Emotional Reaction: This… was less relaxing than I’d hoped. The joy of the initial dip was over, replaced by, well, cold.
- 3:30 PM - Grocery Shopping (Because I'm a Grown-Up Now):
- Needed snacks. Needed coffee. Needed something to combat the existential dread of Oklahoma. Found a grocery store, which, bless it, was pretty average.
- Quirky Observation: Oklahoma seems to be very fond of the "everything is bigger" mentality. The produce section was… intense.
- Emotional Reaction: Found ALL the snacks. Victory.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner (The Quest for Edible Sustenance):
- This is where it goes off the rails slightly. Found a highly-rated local barbecue joint.
- Rambling: The air was thick with the scent of smoked meat. The menu was… extensive. I ordered brisket. (Big mistake. Huge.) They had these enormous sides. I ordered fries. (Double mistake. Even huger.) I watched a toddler fling mashed potatoes directly into their mother's face.
- Emotional Reaction: I was over-whelmed. And then I was stuffed. And then… well, let's just say I needed a walk around the block and had a slight regret about eating the entire bread.
- 8:00 PM - The Evening Ritual - TV and Bed:
- Fell into bed after the meal. I tried to read, but the buffet in my belly made me sleepy. Slept for about 100 hours.
Day 2: Breakfast Trauma, the Oklahoma City Memorial, and a Deep Dive into the Absurd
- 7:00 AM - The Breakfast Buffet (The Scene):
- I knew this was coming. The dreaded hotel buffet.
- Opinionated Language: This, my friends, was not gourmet. This was… aggressively adequate. The scrambled eggs appeared suspiciously yellow. The "sausage" looked like tiny, dried-up hockey pucks.
- Imperfection: The waffle maker was a battlefield of drips and stickiness. I made a waffle that resembled a geological formation. I attempted to get syrup. I dropped the syrup and it formed an unfortunate, sticky pool on the counter. The man in the polo shirt glanced at me, then glanced away.
- Emotional Reaction: Hunger. And a slightly desperate desire for a protein shake. (I gave up.)
- 9:00 AM - The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum (The Emotional Assault):
- Needed a good cry. The Memorial was both heart-breaking and inspiring. A truly potent experience for the raw heart.
- Anecdote: I walked around the Reflecting Pool and the empty chairs for the victims. It was… really, really moving. I could feel my eyes welling up.
- 12:00 PM - Lunch (After the Tears):
- Desperately needed to escape the weight of the museum. Found a cute little diner.
- Rambling: The waitress, bless her heart, had the patience of a saint. Asked her what was good.
- Emotional Reaction: Comfort.
- 2:00 PM - The "Stuff I Should Be Doing But I'm Not" Time:
- Rambling: So, I was supposed to do some "work". I stared at my laptop. Didn't happen.
- **I did, however, turn the TV on. My soul was at peace. My brain loved this.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner (The Sequel):
- Slightly terrified of repeating the barbecue incident, opted for safer fare. Found a… well, it was a chain restaurant.
- Quirky Observation: The menu had pictures of the food. Always a good sign.
- Emotional Reaction: Undeterred. I ordered the fried chicken. Everything was delicious!
- 8:00 PM - The Evening Ritual - TV and Bed:
- I attempted to read again. The buffet of fries started to reassert itself. I dozed.
Day 3: Farewell Edmond, and a Glimmer of Hope
- 7:00 AM - The Breakfast Buffet (Take Two):
- I saw the eggs. I saw the "sausage." I grabbed a banana and orange juice.
- Opinionated Language: The fruit… was edible. The bar was set low this morning.
- Imperfection: The coffee was surprisingly good. A single victory in a sea of… blandness.
- Emotional Reaction: Okay. Just okay. I could survive.
- 8:00 AM - Checkout (Freedom is Near!):
- Said my goodbyes to the front desk guy. He still had the look in his eyes.
- Quirky Observation: The elevator actually worked this time. Progress!
- 8:30 AM - The Long Drive Home:
- The end. The drive was long. The trip was… an experience. I needed a vacation from my vacation.
- Emotional Reaction: A mixed bag of weariness, mild food poisoning, and profound fondness for my own bed.
Post-Travel Observations (Because I'm Still Processing):
- Edmond… is… okay. It's a place. It has… things.
- The Holiday Inn Express & Suites was… adequate. I survived. Barely.
- I’ll never look at a waffle maker quite the same way again.
- Most importantly, if you find yourself in Edmond, Oklahoma… maybe skip the barbecue. And bring your own syrup. Just saying.
- The Verdict: Would I go back? Maybe. But next time, I'm bringing extra snacks. And earplugs. And maybe a hazmat suit for the pool. Good times. (Maybe?)
This is my trip. Yours may vary. But probably won't. Embrace the mess. Embrace the weirdness. And always, always, bring snacks. You’ll need them.
Vancouver's BEST Kept Secret: Metrotown's Hidden Gem Hotel!
Holiday Inn Express in Edmond: The Good, the Bad, and the Honestly, Sometimes Hilarious
Okay, spill the tea. Is this place *actually* the "BEST" in Edmond? Because the internet, you know...
Alright, alright, settle down. "BEST" is a bold claim, right? Look, I gotta be honest. I went in expecting… well, the usual. You know the drill: generic hotel rooms, a vaguely sad breakfast, and the faint aroma of chlorine from the pool. This place... it's got its *moments*. So, best? Maybe. Definitely memorable. More on that later... Let's just say, it’s a rollercoaster and I am here to talk about it.
Let's talk about the room. Was it clean? Because cleanliness is king (or queen!).
Cleanliness… *deep breath*… Okay, so, mostly. The bathroom? Sparkling. Seriously, I'm a stickler for a clean bathroom, and this one passed the white-glove test (though I didn't *actually* have a white glove). The bedsheets? Fresh. The carpets? Well… there might have been a stray… *crumb*. Maybe a tiny, teeny, weeny, little… *something*. Look, I might have slightly judged the previous occupant's choice of snack, but let's move on. Overall, it was acceptable. More than acceptable, in fact. You could breathe easy. That's a win in my book!
The dreaded breakfast. How bad was it, really? Because hotel breakfasts are notorious.
Oh, the breakfast. The *baker's* dreaded breakfast. Okay, so it wasn't gourmet. Let's be clear. We're not talking Michelin stars. BUT... (and this is a BIG but)... they had those little microwaveable sausage patties. And they were... well cooked. I didn't expect that. The eggs? Eh, standard hotel eggs. The cereal? Your basic options. The coffee? Drinkable, which is a victory in itself. But here's the kicker: the *waffles*. They had a waffle maker. And I, my friends, made like four waffles. And they were *delicious*. Fluffy, crispy, PERFECTLY waffle-y. I even snuck one back to my room for later. Don't tell anyone. I'm still dreaming of these waffles.
Okay, so you liked the waffles. But what *else* did you like or dislike? Give me the nitty-gritty.
Okay, the nitty-gritty, you want? Fine. The pool? Fine. Nothing to write home about. The gym? Small, but functional. The staff? Really, really friendly. I mean, overwhelmingly friendly. Like, the kind of friendly where you suspect they’re either secretly plotting world domination or are just genuinely lovely people. I'm leaning towards the latter. The location? Excellent! Easy access to everything. Especially if you want some food. Here’s a big one: THE WIFI! Okay, I was working remotely, and the wifi was actually reliable. Like, I didn’t have to tear my hair out and scream at my laptop (much). That's HUGE! Now for the dislikes… The noise. There was a kid or two running in the halls. I'm not a noisy kid, but I was once a kid, so the noise was manageable. It's a Holiday Inn Express, not the silent retreat.
Any ridiculously specific experiences? Give me a story!
Alright, buckle up. This is where it gets *really* interesting. I had one, memorable, incredibly specific experience. So, I'm in the elevator, right? Heading down for my waffle-fest. And in walks this… *character*. A man, older, wearing a Hawaiian shirt, carrying a flamingo pool float, and loudly humming the "Hawaii Five-O" theme song. He looked at me, winked, and said, "Off to paradise, my friend!" I… I didn't know what to say. And then, he looked at my face... "Don't worry," he whispered. "Waffles are a MUST in paradise." It was weird, funny, and completely unforgettable. This hotel is a place that just pulls that sort of thing out. And you can't make that stuff up. My point is that it's not just a hotel, it's a *vibe.*
Would you stay here again? The ultimate question!
Look, after a while, the rooms blur. But the good ones... they stick in your mind. The friendliness, the waffles, the flamingo guy... The Holiday Inn Express in Edmond is not a palace, but it's not a dump! It's a good hotel. Yes, I would stay here again. And I'd probably head straight for that waffle maker. And who knows, maybe I'll run into Mr. Flamingo again.
