Anniston's BEST Hotel? IHG's Hidden Gem Awaits! (Oxford Near I-20)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst, and probably a little sideways, into the review of [Hotel Name], and trust me, it's going to be a wild ride. I'm basically your travel-weary, slightly sarcastic, but ultimately hopeful guide to this place. Let's get messy. Let's get real. And hey, let's see if this hotel's worth a darn.
First Impressions: Accessibility & Safety – Or, "Can a Clumsy Person Survive?"
Okay, so first off, accessibility. That's a biggie. They claim to be on the up-and-up, but I'm a sucker for the details. Wheelchair accessible? Excellent. Let's hope that extends beyond just the lobby. I'm picturing a smooth trip to the pool with a view, not a nail-biting ascent involving ramps that look like they're designed to launch a rocket ship. I'll keep my fingers crossed because a beautiful view would make the effort worthwhile. As for the facilities for disabled guests – fingers crossed too, hoping for more than just a room on the first floor. I'm looking for real thought and not just a checklist item.
And because the world is currently a giant germ factory, the Cleanliness and safety protocols are critical. They boast about anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection, and a whole laundry list of things. Personally, I like to see the evidence. Does the lobby smell like a hospital (over-sanitized)? Or is there a subtle, reassuring scent of something actually working? I'm a germaphobe in recovery, you see. The hand sanitizer better be plentiful, and available in those cute little designer bottles instead of the cheap pump stuff. Staff trained in safety protocol – good! But are they actually following it? I'm talking masked-up, distance-conscious, not just kinda-sorta-trying. The Room sanitization opt-out available option seems thoughtful.
They also stress the importance of Physical distancing of at least 1 meter. Excellent! I'm hoping they take the "at least" part seriously. And, bonus points for, Rooms sanitized between stays, because no one wants to sleep in someone else's germs.
Internet: Free Wi-Fi? Hallelujah! But…
Okay, let's cut to the chase: Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Praise the internet gods! I'm already picturing myself, laptop on lap, binge-watching travel documentaries while simultaneously updating my Instagram feed. But how free is free? Does it actually work? Is it just for show? I'll be testing the streaming capabilities with ruthless efficiency. The details are critical. And those Internet [LAN] and Internet services options—are those still a thing? I'm picturing a dusty ethernet cable, and I'm shuddering.
Food, Glorious Food! And the All-Important Cocktail…
Now, this is where I get excited. Dining, drinking, and snacking: let's see what's on offer. The presence of Restaurants is a given, but the quality is the deciding factor. A Buffet in restaurant can be a double-edged sword: glorious abundance or questionable mystery meats. I'm cautiously optimistic, and I'm praying for the Asian cuisine in restaurant to be authentic. A decent Bar is essential. And a Poolside bar? Yes, please! I'm envisioning myself sipping a margarita whilst surveying my kingdom (aka the swimming pool). Happy hour? Don't even think of missing it! And the Snack bar better be stocked with something better than sad, stale potato chips.
However, I'm a critic. This is where I get picky. A good selection of Alternative meal arrangement is a must. And of course, they better have a Vegetarian restaurant. They need to cater to all tastebuds, including the ones that want to eat something more than a pile of leaves.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa Day – Or Spa Fail?
Okay, let's talk relaxation. The spa is the jewel in the crown, or at least, it should be. Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Massage…oh, yes. I'm already unwinding just thinking about it. Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath – bring it on! This is where they win me over. If they screw it up, I'll be writing strongly-worded emails for weeks.
The Fitness center, however, is sometimes a red flag. Is it a serious gym, or a few dusty treadmills and a bench press that looks like it's been rescued from a junkyard? I need to know the layout. Is it stocked with equipment that is kept in good condition.
The Room: My Sanctuary, or My Prison?
The Available in all rooms section is what I care about the most, and it's all about the details. I'm focusing on the Air conditioning (essential!), the Blackout curtains (sleep is sacred!), the Coffee/tea maker (first thing in the morning is critical!), and the Free bottled water (because hydration is key). I can’t live without Wi-Fi [free] inside a room. A Desk and Laptop workspace are crucial for catching up on emails and pretending to be productive. The Bathroom better be spotless. I'm expecting Toiletries, Bathrobes, and Slippers. Extra points for a separate shower/bathtub. Oh, and a Mirror that shows me looking my best!
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things that Matter
Okay, the details here can make or break the experience. A Concierge is essential. A decent Daily housekeeping crew is a must. Laundry service? Thank you, very much. A Cash withdrawal? Good. Currency exchange? Perfect. Luggage storage? Okay, that's another good thing.
For the Kids: Family Fun, or Family Mayhem?
If you are traveling with kids, pay attention. Babysitting service? A lifesaver. Kids facilities? What does "facilities" actually entail? Kids meal? Important. Are there playgrounds, or even a dedicated area for children? Let's hope it's more than a dusty corner with a few broken toys.
Getting Around: From the Airport to the Bed
The most important thing is the Airport transfer; I’m all for convenience. Taxi service? Good to have. Car park [free of charge]: a huge plus. Valet parking? Fancy.
The Bottom Line: Will I Book This Hotel?
Honestly? The answer depends. The key to a great hotel is the execution of the promises. I'm looking for attention to detail, genuine care, and a little bit of magic. If they nail the basics, the amenities, and the service, then heck yeah, I would book it. Because, let's be honest, we all just want a little bit of pampering and a decent vacation. It's not too much to ask, is it?
Escape to Comfort: Lombard's Best-Kept Secret Hotel!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's travel itinerary. This is my Anniston/Oxford, Alabama adventure, potentially disastrous but definitely entertaining (for me, at least). I'm staying at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites, which, let's be honest, is the culinary and architectural equivalent of a beige handshake. But hey, free waffles, right? That's the fuel I need to navigate this… adventure.
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Oxford Stakeout (aka, "I'm Already Tired")
- 1:00 PM - Arrival & Check-In: Okay, so the GPS led me to the gas station, where I had to ask for direction again. I am terrible at geography. Found the hotel! It looks exactly like the pictures, which is a blessing and a curse. The check-in lady was blessedly efficient. My room… well, it's a room. Functional, but devoid of any personality. I am already missing my cat, Mittens. (Don't judge. She judges me plenty.)
- 1:30 PM - Waffle Reconnaissance: Gotta establish waffle dominance early. The breakfast area: predictably beige. The waffle machine: a beacon of hope. Okay, the waffles are… fine. Edible. The coffee, however, is the brown water consistency. I am considering a caffeine intervention on myself.
- 2:00 PM - Oxford Shopping "Experience": Decided to embrace the local retail, hoping for a quirky antique shop or a hidden gem. Found a Dollar General, which… is not exactly a hidden gem, unless "gems" are defined as discounted laundry detergent and single-serving bags of chips, in which case, jackpot! The only other shop was a pawn shop. I'm not sure what that means about Oxford, but it's definitely something.
- 3:00 PM - The Great Oxford Stakeout (Part I): I wanted to get a sense of the town, so I find myself sitting in a park, watching families, couples, and kids playing without any specific plan. I am not sure if I'm enjoying myself here.
- 4:00 PM - Hotel Room Debrief: Back in the room. I'm already feeling the pull of the bed. This trip could be a total bust, or a masterclass in mediocrity, I am not sure at this point.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner Debacle at "Taco Hell" (Okay, I'm exaggerating, but the name is catchy): Okay, so I googled "best tacos near me" and ended up at some place called Taco Bell. I ordered a taco. It was a taco. No more, no less. The experience was… neutral. Taco Bell, you win.
- 7:00 PM - The Great Oxford Stakeout (Part II, Electric Boogaloo): Decided to try the same location, at night, and see what happens. The lighting wasn't great, and I did more reflecting on my life.
- 8:00 PM - A Late-Night Dip into Regret: Tried to swim in the hotel pool at night. It was cold. I got out. Watched some bad TV.
Day 2: History, Hikes, and Humbling Realizations
- 7:00 AM - Waffle Redemption: Back to the breakfast buffet. This time, I bravely attempted the oatmeal. It tasted of… well, I'm not sure. Let's just say it wasn't a highlight. But the waffle, oh, the waffle, it was a warm, familiar embrace.
- 8:00 AM - Anniston History (Attempt 1): Went to the Anniston Museum of Natural History. Turns out, a lot of things are from the 1800s! I'll be honest, I am not too interested in history, maybe its just me.
- 10:00 AM - Hike of Despair: I thought I was going to be adventurous and go hiking. The trail was moderately difficult, and the terrain was… well, it was terrain. I don't hike regularly, so maybe that's the issue.
- 12:00 PM - Lunch and Existential Dread: Ordered a sandwich from a nearby café. The sandwich was good. It's the only thing that has gone right today.
- 1:00 PM - Anniston History (Attempt 2): I visited another location, but it was closed. I am not good with history.
- 3:00 PM - Room Service (aka, the Art of Doing Nothing): Decided I'd had enough adventure for one day. Ordered room service from the hotel. A burger, fries, and a diet coke. Comfort food. Comfort life.
- 4:00 - 6:00 PM - Nap (necessary): The hike got me feeling tired. I don't do adventure.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner at "Big Bob Gibson's BBQ" (potential salvation): Okay, I read reviews. This place better live up to the hype. BBQ is the only thing that can save this trip from being a complete wash.
- 8:00 PM - The BBQ Judgment: The BBQ. It was fantastic. I ate so much that I felt ill. It was worth it.
- 9:00 PM - Contemplation and Bedtime: Sat in my room, feeling bloated and slightly ill, finally realizing that maybe, just maybe, I like Anniston/Oxford.
Day 3: Departure (and a Promise to Return… maybe?)
- 7:00 AM - Farewell Waffle & Breakfast Buffet Farewell: One last waffle. One last, sad cup of coffee. It was time to leave.
- 8:00 AM - Pack & Check-Out: Packing up my stuff. One last look at this hotel room that had been my home. At least it was clean.
- 9:00 AM Departure: Set off for home. Goodbye, Anniston/Oxford. It wasn't perfect, but it was an experience, and I have a feeling, somewhere in my heart, I'll be back.
Final Thoughts:
This trip? It wasn't Instagram-worthy. It was real. It was messy. And it was, dare I say, kind of fun? I learned that I like BBQ, that I am easily tired, and that hidden gems are not always easy to find. Would I recommend this itinerary? Maybe not. Would I do it again? Well, ask me after I've recovered from that BBQ. Right now? Let's just say I'm already planning my escape back to my cat, Mittens.
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