Wichita's BEST Kept Secret? Andover's Holiday Inn Express! (IHG)
Alright, buckle up Buttercups! Because I'm about to spill the tea – hot, fresh, and probably with a rogue coffee stain on the review – about Wichita's BEST Kept Secret: The Holiday Inn Express in Andover. Forget those stuffy downtown hotels; this place is a vibe. And I, your humble hotel hunting guru, am here to break it down for ya.
First off, let's be real. I'm not exactly a hotel snob. My standards: clean sheets, strong Wi-Fi, and a decent coffee situation. Anything else is a bonus. So, when I tell you this Andover IHG surprised me, you KNOW it's good.
Accessibility & Cleanliness – The Basics They Nailed (And That's Saying Something!)
Listen, I'm not wheelchair-bound, but I always appreciate a place that gets accessibility. The Andover Holiday Inn Express? They definitely do. I noticed wide hallways, grab bars, and a general sense of ease. Plus, and this is HUGE for peace of mind, they’re on point with cleanliness. They're serious about this – serious. Anti-viral this, daily disinfection that, you get the picture. I even saw them sanitizing the elevators (yes, I'm nosy, don't judge!). My room? Spotless. And that's saying a lot because, let's be real, I’m a messy human being.
Internet – The Lifeline (And Thank Goodness They Have Good Wi-Fi!)
Okay, okay, I confess. I'm addicted to Wi-Fi. It's how I survive. Work, streaming, obsessively checking my Instagram…it's a problem. So, a hotel with free Wi-Fi in every room? A godsend. And it was good Wi-Fi. No buffering, no drop-outs. I even managed to (almost!) successfully Zoom with my grandma! (She was, as usual, three minutes late…but the Wi-Fi didn't help). I'm also seeing mentions of LAN, meaning, if you're into that, you're golden.
Dining: Not Michelin Star, But It'll Do
Now, the food. Don't expect the Ritz. This ain't it. They DO have a decent breakfast buffet (buffet in restaurant!). I'm talking the usual suspects: scrambled eggs, sausage, those weird little pre-packaged danishes, and…wait for it…a waffle maker. And the best part? You can actually make your own waffle. Seriously, it's the small victories. Plus, they have breakfast takeawayservice. Need to hit the road? Grab and go. No fuss, no muss. And if you want more, there’s a coffee shop. Oh, and a snack bar with goodies. Restaurants are nearby if you want a little something better like Asian or just Western style.
Things to Do and Relax - The Hidden Gems (Or Where I Found My Zen)
Okay, here's where the Andover Holiday Inn Express actually SHINES. Remember that "Best Kept Secret" thing? Well, I think it might be the pool. I'm not kidding. There's a swimming pool [outdoor]. This is not just any pool, people. (Pool with a view?? Not really. But it's relaxing). I’m more of a "laze around with a book" kind of person, and that pool was perfect for it. I spent an afternoon basking in the sun, feeling the Kansas breeze, and finally finishing that cheesy romance novel I've been avoiding. They have a Fitness center, in case you want to burn off those waffles. I didn't, but you certainly could.
Services & Conveniences – They Thought of Everything (Almost…)
They clearly cater to business travelers. Business facilities, meetings, a full-on Xerox/fax situation. But even for a lazy bum like me, they had the goods. Free parking? Yes, please. A convenience store in case you forgot your toothbrush (guilty). Daily housekeeping that even managed to put up with my mess, I tip my hat. I saw a gift shop, if you have a habit of souvenirs.
The Room Itself – My Little Oasis (Okay, Maybe Not "Little," but You Get the Idea)
The rooms! Air conditioning that actually works (a crucial win, especially in Kansas summers). Blackout curtains, which are KEY for sleeping in. A comfy bed with extra long bed. I swear I slept better in this hotel than I do at home. The bathroom was clean, had all the essentials, with a bunch of those tiny toiletries (I’m a sucker for free shampoo!). And yes, there was a desk for my laptop workspace, in case I needed to pretend I was working.
Things I Wished Were Better (Because Let’s Be Real, Nothing’s Perfect)
Look, it's not the Four Seasons. No concierge that can arrange everything. No fancy spa or sauna. And the coffee in the room? Eh. It's the usual instant stuff. But honestly, for the price, I'm really just nitpicking because, overall, I had a lovely experience.
The Offer: Your Andover Escape Awaits!
Are you sick of the same old hotels? Ready for a relaxing getaway without the pretension and inflated prices? Then book your stay at the Andover Holiday Inn Express NOW! And to sweeten the deal, use code "ANDOVERFUN" (yeah, I made that up) when booking directly through their website and get a complimentary upgrade (based on availability), a voucher for a free coffee, and a late check-out (perfect for those who, like me, enjoy a good sleep-in).
Why Choose Andover's Holiday Inn Express?
- Cleanliness Superstar: They're serious about keeping you safe and sound.
- Wi-Fi Warriors: Strong, reliable internet is your best friend.
- Relaxation Central: Pool, comfy beds, and a chill vibe.
- Value for Money: You get so much more than you pay for.
- Andover Adventures: Escape the city, explore the local scene.
Don't delay! This hidden gem won't stay hidden forever! Click this link to book your stay now! (or, you know, go to their website, I can direct you, if you just ask…)
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Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this itinerary isn't your perfectly-polished Pinterest board. This is real life, people. This is me, possibly fueled by questionable gas station coffee, attempting to navigate the wilds of… checks notes … Andover East, Kansas. At the Holiday Inn Express & Suites. Wish me luck, I'm gonna need it.
My Andover East Adventure: A Slightly-Haphazard Itinerary (and my sanity-meter)
Day 1: Arrival, Disappointment, and Endless Questions
1:00 PM - Arrive at Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT). Okay, so the flight was delayed. Again. And let me just say, whoever designed the "comfort class" seats on Southwest airlines clearly hates humans. My knees are currently protesting. Seriously, I'm pretty sure I'm going to walk with a pronounced limp for the next few days. Ugh.
1:45 PM - Pick up rental car. Anxious. Will I break it? Pray for me and my tiny rental car. The last time I drove something this… compact, I took out a mailbox. Twice. Let's just say I'm not exactly a graceful behemoth behind the wheel.
2:30 PM - Check into the Holy Grail, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Andover East. Okay, first impressions: it smells… surprisingly clean? That's a good start. The "suites" part better be true, because I'm envisioning a glorious, spacious room to combat the cramped airplane experience. (And, you know, maybe a mini-fridge with some cold beverages.) I can't find the elevators, I had to ask a janitor for directions. So it is going well so far.
3:00 PM - Room Reconnaissance and Mild Panic. SUCCESS! It IS a suite! It's not the Taj Mahal of suites, but hey, there's a separate seating area and a genuinely comfortable-looking bed. (Thank God.) But then reality hits. The TV remote is missing. And I swore I saw a tiny bug scuttling across the carpet. Is this a sign? Is it the beginning of the end? Am I going to be trapped in a hotel room with an endless buffet of existential dread? I need chocolate. NOW.
3:30 PM – Find the Restaurant and Regret the lack of options. I had to eat dinner! Oh, my sweet baby Jesus, the options are… slim. I was really expecting more. I had to go with the closest thing. A burger. I am in existential dread.
4:30 PM - Walk around the hotel. I did a little walk, mostly to check for the bug and find the gym, but I was exhausted so I went back to my room.
6:00 PM – Find a way to stream a movie. This took too long but I eventually found the way. I found the remote, I had to check the trash!
8:00 PM - Unnecessary anxiety. I looked at the map and I am not excited about tomorrow.
9:00 PM - Attempt sleep. I cannot sleep yet. I took an anti-anxiety medication.
9:30 PM – Sleep.
Day 2: The Wichita Whirlwind and the Pursuit of the Elusive "Fun"
7:00 AM - Breakfast at the Hotel. The free continental breakfast is a mixed bag. The scrambled eggs look… dubious. The coffee is passable. The waffles, however, are actually pretty darn good. This could be the highlight of my day.
8:30 AM - The Exploration. So here is the thing. I was told to go to the Sedgwick County Zoo. And the Old Cowtown Museum. But. It all felt so far. This is all so overwhelming. I need a moment.
9:00 AM - Back to the room. I am so stressed.
9:30 AM - I figured out the pool. I did a quick swim and it really helped me relax.
10:30 AM - Drive to… somewhere. Maybe I will find something to do.
11:00 AM - Lunch. I went for a burger. Still.
12:00 PM - Rest in the room.
2:00 PM - Okay, I went for a drive. I went to a local park and looked there. I felt at peace.
4:00 PM - I decided to sit down and find a dinner option. I was not excited.
5:00 PM - The Dinner. I went to a restaurant and I had a burger. Again.
6:00 PM - I am feeling slightly more optimistic. I checked the map for another day.
7:00 PM - Back to the room, I am slightly more excited about tomorrow.
8:00 PM - The TV and sleep.
Day 3: Departure and the Aftermath (Mostly) Undamaged
7:00 AM - The Breakfast. More waffles. Bless them.
8:00 AM - I checked out of the room.
9:00 AM - I drove back to the airport.
10:00 AM - I boarded the plane.
11:00 AM - Arrived home.
6:00 PM - Back to normal.
Anecdotes, Observations, and General Ramblings:
The Andover East Vibe: Okay, okay, I'm not going to lie. Andover East isn't exactly buzzing with excitement. It's… quiet. Very, very quiet. I could probably hear a tumbleweed rolling down the street if there were any tumbleweeds. But hey, maybe that's the point. Maybe the lack of noise is exactly what I needed. Or maybe I'm just exhausted. It could be either.
The Hotel Staff: Surprisingly friendly! The woman at the front desk was cheerful and helpful even when my attempts to find the elevator almost resulted in a minor incident. Seriously, I applaud their patience.
The Bug Incident: I never saw it again. Mysterious. Was it a hallucination? A phantom bug? I'll never know. (But I'm still slightly paranoid).
Food, Glorious Food… Or Lack Thereof: The food situation is definitely a weak spot. More options would have been appreciated. But hey, at least I didn't starve.
The "Fun" Factor: Was it a blast? No. Did I have the time of my life? Absolutely not. Did I survive? Yes! And that, my friends, is a win in my book.
Final Thoughts:
Would I come back to Andover East? Maybe. If I needed a quiet escape and a solid waffle, then sure. But next time, I'm bringing my own snacks. And maybe a bug zapper. And a therapist.
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Wait, Andover? Isn't that... like... near Wichita? And what, exactly, is the "secret" here? Is it the continental breakfast? Because I've seen better.
Okay, yes, technically Andover is a suburb of Wichita. And the “secret”? Okay, *secret* might be a strong word. Let's call it… a well-kept *blessing* for some weary travelers. Listen, when you're looking at hotels near Wichita, especially if you need something affordable, clean-ish, and without the *total* chaos of downtown, Andover's Holiday Inn Express kinda… shines. I mean, it’s not the Ritz. But it's *functional*.
Okay, so "functional." Dish out the dirt. What's Actually Good About This Place? Don't hold back.
Alright, alright, fine. Here's the brutal truth – and the few actual gems. First, the staff. I swear, those people are saints. I once checked in looking like I’d wrestled a bear (it was a bad travel day, alright?) and the front desk lady just… smiled. Didn't bat an eyelash at my hair-do, even though I know I looked rough. Second, the location. Easy access to the highway. Close to a few… well, *decent* restaurants. And hey, the free Wi-Fi actually *works*. That’s a win in my book, especially when you're trying to work and avoiding the family. Oh, and lastly, the pool. It's not the Bellagio, but when you have kids, and you need some sanity, it's a life saver.
And the Breakfast? Don't Lie. It's a Staple of a Hotel! Is it actually anything to write home about?
Okay, okay, the breakfast. Let's be honest. The breakfast is… *a breakfast*. There's the usual suspects: stale (sometimes), microwaved (definitely), and possibly questionable (maybe?). The waffles are usually a solid choice, but the *machine*? That's the real star. You have to have the patience of a saint to get the waffle maker to cooperate. (I've seen people lose their minds trying to get that flipping thing to work.) Bottom line: it'll fill a hole, but don't expect a culinary revelation. Bring your own syrup. And your own sanity pills.
So, what's the catch, the "downside"? Spill it. Don't sugarcoat this.
Oh, there’s a catch, alright. Several. First, the noise. You're close to the highway. Trucks. Semis. Neighbors. You name it, you hear it. Bring earplugs, seriously. Second… the rooms. They're clean-ish, but sometimes they feel… *lived in*. You know? Like, the last people *really* lived there. I swear I once found a stray sock under the bed. A *sock*. And then there's the maintenance. Or, more accurately, the *lack* of maintenance. The shower head pressure might be a trickle. The elevator gets a little jerky... And don't even get me started on the "fitness center". It's a closet with a treadmill and a rickety elliptical. Don't go expecting the gym of your dreams. And lastly, the elevator. I've been stuck in that elevator. It was a *nightmare*. I'm claustrophobic, and I was convinced I was going to die. To this day, I take the stairs, even if I'm on the 12th floor.
What's the best room to request? Any tips for a better stay? Are there any rooms to avoid?
Okay, listen up. Room tips are crucial. Try to get a room as far from the highway as possible, so you don't go deaf by morning. Avoid rooms near the ice machine and the elevator. Always inspect the bathroom. And if you see any… questionable stains, just… don’t. Ask for a different room. Bring your own pillows. Trust me. The ones there are… questionable. And, most importantly, remember to pack your patience. And ear plugs. Did I mention earplugs?
Alright, I'm booked! What's the vibe? Is this a romantic getaway? A business trip? Or something else entirely?
Ummm... No. No romance. Unless your romance involves dodging questionable stains and battling lukewarm coffee. This is a practical place. Business travelers, families on road trips, people avoiding the chaos of downtown Wichita. It's not a luxury resort, folks. It's a place to sleep, and maybe… just maybe… grab a waffle that *kinda* tastes like a waffle. Accept that reality and you might actually have a somewhat decent time. Try not to expect things you wouldn't expect. Seriously.
This is still a Holiday Inn Express. What makes this one... different? What *is* this secret?
Okay, look. There's no *real* secret. But for some, especially those who need a functional place near Wichita? It’s the *absence* of the ridiculous. No overpriced resort fees. No pretension. The staff are generally (that's a *very* general statement) pleasant. It's a place to rest your head, fill your belly, and get back on the road. Is it perfect? Absolutely not. Does it have its quirks and problems? Oh, dear heavens, yes. But sometimes, that's exactly what you need. It’s a perfectly imperfect place. Take it as you find it, and don't expect the moon. And maybe… just maybe… you won't be entirely disappointed. Just bring your earplugs.
So, in a nutshell? Would you recommend this place? And, honestly, how many stars would you give it?
Okay, deep breath. Would I *recommend* it? It’s complicated. If you need clean, cheap, and close to Wichita? Sure, *with caveats*, by all means. If you're looking for luxury? Run. Run far, far away. Stars? Okay, let's get real. Based on my last experience and after seeing the state of my last room?... *two and a half stars*… on a generous day. Mostly for the staff and the close proximity to the highway exit. The rest… well, let’s just say it’s an experience. Prepare for the adventure.
