Lawton's BEST Hotel? Holiday Inn Express Review (Fort Sill Near!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the, ahem, Lawton's BEST Hotel? Holiday Inn Express Review (Fort Sill Near!). And trust me, after staying a few (ahem, several) nights, I've got thoughts. Brace yourselves, because this ain't your average, sterile hotel review. This is the unfiltered, messy, gloriously human truth.
Accessibility, Mobility, and the Great Elevator Adventure (or Lack Thereof!)
So, first things first, accessibility. This is important, right? Very important. The Holiday Inn Express (Fort Sill area, to be precise) claims to be accessible. And… it kinda is. The hallways are wide enough for a wheelchair, the rooms (more on those later) have the space, etc. The elevator, however, is a bit… moody. One time I swear I waited a solid ten minutes, watching a family try to squeeze their luggage and a stroller in at the same time. They ended up just using the stairs. I felt their pain. So, accessibility: generally thumbs up, elevator reliability… questionable.
(Side note: There is a car park [free of charge] and Car park [on-site]. Parking is easy as pie, even on a busy weekend. Score!)
The Wi-Fi Wilderness and the (Almost) Seamless Internet
Okay, let's talk internet. Because, let's be honest, in this day and age, no Wi-Fi, no good! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! is the mantra, and they deliver. Mostly. The connections are pretty solid most of the time which is nice. I needed to run a lot of files, I had a Internet access – LAN option but didn't use it. The Internet services are adequate.
(Rant alert!) Let's be real: Sometimes the Wi-Fi goes down. It happens. It's the bane of modern existence! When that happens, I'm on the phone with tech support, and it's a whole thing. But hey, at least they try! And, bonus: Wi-Fi for special events. So, if you're planning a massive online gaming convention, you're covered. Seriously!
Dining, Drinking, and the Breakfast Bonanza (or, The Quest for the Perfect Omelet)
Now, the real meat of the matter: food! Dining, drinking, and snacking: this is a category that can make or break a hotel stay. The Breakfast [buffet] is, as they say, included. And it's… well, it's a Holiday Inn Express breakfast. Think: Buffet in restaurant. Eggs (scrambled, mostly), International cuisine in restaurant (I saw some oatmeal), cold cereal, Western breakfast, yogurt, and the gloriously inconsistent pancake machine. Sometimes the pancakes are masterpieces, light and fluffy; other times, they resemble hockey pucks. It's a gamble. I actually like the Asian breakfast. There is a Coffee/tea in restaurant and the Coffee shop is available, which is a big plus.
(Here's the anecdote: One morning, I swear the pancake machine was possessed. I mean, the pancakes were coming out sideways, some burnt, some raw. I swear someone nearby said; "It seems like you need a Bottle of water and a bit of luck!". I laughed so I went back for more pancakes. The coffee was good though, always!)
There's also a Snack bar, which is convenient when you're craving a late-night bag of chips. The Poolside bar, however, is MIA (this can depend on the Holiday Inn Express location). No A la carte in restaurant to be seen, so you're pretty much stuck with the options. But hey, you have the Room service [24-hour].
Things to Do, Ways to Relax, and the Elusive Spa Dream
Okay, let's be real. Lawton, Oklahoma isn't exactly known for its vibrant spa scene. So, the Spa/sauna situation is… well, there ain't one. There is a Fitness center. It's small, but it has the basics. Gym/fitness is in fact available.
(Confession time: I went to the gym once. Once! I swear it was the only time I saw anyone else in there. Then, I went back to my room. It was just more me.)
If you're looking for serious pampering, this isn't your place. However, the Swimming pool [outdoor] is a nice touch, especially during the hotter months.
Cleanliness and Safety: Sanitizer, Sanitizer Everywhere!
Alright, let's be serious for a moment. Cleanliness and safety are paramount, especially these days, right? The staff at the Holiday Inn Express (Fort Sill) Staff trained in safety protocol. Anti-viral cleaning products seem at the ready. I noticed Daily disinfection in common areas. Rooms sanitized between stays. The Hand sanitizer is everywhere (THANK GOODNESS!), and they’re doing their darnedest to keep things sanitary. The Cashless payment service is a win, no fumbling with cash.
(Here's a little something for you: When I arrived the first time, I was shown the Door man, who wasn't a "man" but a friendly, helpful staff member.)
Rooms, Relaxation, and the Battle for the Perfect Temperature
The rooms are… fine. Don't get me wrong, they are. Non-smoking rooms are available, Praise be! Soundproof rooms are another victory. They have a desk, hair dryer, a refrigerator, a coffee/tea maker, a mirror, and a Safe/security feature. Seating area is available. Shower and a private bathroom are also there. Blackout curtains are a lifesaver. The Bathrobes however are not a thing. I was able to Window that opens, a great feature!
(Here's the reality check: The temperature can be a pain. You want it arctic; your room wants to be a tropical rainforest. Be prepared to fiddle with the thermostat. Also, the lighting can be a bit… dim. Read in your bed, be ready, otherwise it's not going to be what you are looking for.)
Services and Conveniences: Your Comfort is Their Command!
Okay, here's where the Holiday Inn Express (Fort Sill Area) really shines. The Front desk [24-hour] is a godsend, especially when you arrive at 3 AM. Daily housekeeping is consistent. Laundry service is available, which is a huge bonus. Elevator is present (when it works). Luggage storage is super convenient. Facilities for disabled guests are also available.
(Personal touch: On one check-in, the staff was super helpful and friendly even when they were clearly slammed. It makes a huge difference! They were able to help me with the Contactless check-in/out and were able to provide me a Invoice provided.)
For the Kids: Family-Friendly Vibes (Mostly!)
Family/child friendly is a big thing, and the hotel usually is. I saw a few families, but I didn't see any specific Kids facilities. Babysitting service I didn't see.
(It's not a luxury resort; it’s more about practicality and a sense of what's really important in this location.)
Getting Around:
Car park [free of charge] and Car park [on-site] are amazing. Taxi service is also available.
My Verdict: Is Lawton's BEST hotel the Holiday Inn Express?
Look, the Holiday Inn Express (Fort Sill near!) isn't the Four Seasons. It's not perfect. But it's reliable, clean (mostly), and the staff generally really tries.
You get what you pay for. Is it Lawton's BEST Hotel? Hmm, maybe. It's certainly among the better options. It offers a safe, comfortable, and convenient stay.
Final Score: 7.5/10 (Would Stay Again. Possibly with a stronger coffee and a firmer pancake game!)
A Compelling Offer for the Holiday Inn Express (Fort Sill Near!)
Tired of generic hotel stays? Craving convenience with a touch of comfort?
Book your stay at the Holiday Inn Express (Fort Sill near!) and experience Lawton like never before!
Here's what you'll get:
- Free Wi-Fi: Stay connected, stream your favorite shows, and work remotely with ease.
- Complimentary Breakfast: Fuel your adventures with our varied breakfast buffet.
- Comfortable Rooms: Clean and functional rooms provide a welcome respite.
- Friendly Service: Helpful and friendly staff are here to make your stay enjoyable.
- Accessibility: Wide walkways, and ADA-compliant rooms mean you'll feel welcome whatever your mobility needs are.
- Parking: Free parking.
Book now and get a special discount!
**Click here to book your stay and experience the difference
Escape to Paradise: Your Irondequoit Holiday Inn Express Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, 'cause we're about to dive headfirst into my Lawton, Oklahoma adventure. Specifically, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lawton-Fort Sill By IHG. Let's just say, I wasn't expecting Cannes, but I was hoping for a functioning coffee machine. (Spoiler alert: results varied.)
Day 1: Arrival and the Mystery of the Missing Remote (and My Sanity)
14:00 (ish) - Arrival and Initial Impressions: Swerving into the parking lot, dodging a tumbleweed (kidding…mostly), the hotel looked…beige. Very beige. The lobby? Standard, generic, but clean enough. The check-in woman was lovely, bless her heart, especially since I'd already had a minor meltdown involving a delayed flight and my suitcase deciding to vacation in Bora Bora for a week. "Welcome to Lawton!" she chirped. I suspect my face screamed, "Get. Me. Coffee."
14:30 - Room Reconnaissance: Okay, room. It's…a room. The air conditioning blasted Arctic winds, a welcome relief from the Oklahoma sun that was currently trying to melt the asphalt outside. The bed looked comfy. That's a win. Now, the remote. Where, oh where, is that blasted remote? (This will be a recurring theme.) After about 20 minutes of frantic searching (under the bed, behind the curtains, you name it), I finally found it…buried under a pile of promotional flyers for local attractions I had zero interest in. Score.
15:00 - The Coffee Debacle: This. Is. Where. Things. Got. Real. The coffee machine. The promised nectar of the gods. Except, it was stone cold. Dead. Kaput. My soul screamed. I considered a small act of rebellion (unplugging the fridge and letting all the ice cream melt, perhaps?), but instead, I trudged down to the lobby, begging for a cup of the good stuff. Success! They did have coffee. It was, admittedly, not the best coffee I've ever had (think lukewarm brown water), but it was coffee. Survival.
16:00 - First Taste of Lawton (and Regret): I ventured out, armed with a vague plan to "explore." This involved driving towards the Fort Sill National Historic Landmark and Museum. But first! I had to locate a roadside burger. It was a moment of weak decision. While I love a good burger I ended up getting a burger and fries from some place.
18:00 - Settling In and the Remote Strikes Again!: After stuffing myself silly, I returned to my beige sanctuary. The remote, of course, had mysteriously disappeared again. I swear, this thing must have a life of its own.
19:00 - Dinner and Deep Thoughts (or, the Loneliness of the Road): The hotel had a limited evening "meal" of soup and salad, which was okay. Ate dinner. I realized, with a pang of loneliness and the sheer size of my hotel room, that maybe I should face the fact that this whole trip was a mistake. I'm clearly not built for this. Then, I watched a terrible action movie on TV, and eventually, exhaustion won out.
Day 2: Fort Sill, More Coffee, and the Pursuit of Happiness (or, at Least, Decent Wi-Fi)
07:00 - The Alarm and the Coffee Quest, Part Deux: The alarm blared. Sleep had been fitful, haunted by dreams of rogue remotes and lukewarm coffee. I braved the hotel's breakfast buffet. I am not what people would call a "buffet person." I had some rubbery scrambled eggs and a stale muffin. It was…an acceptable breakfast.
09:00 - Fort Sill and the Weight of History: I actually made it to Fort Sill! It was genuinely impressive. The sheer scale of everything, the stories…I could feel a lump forming in my throat. The history was heavy… but also fascinating. I did try to see a tank, but it was too crowded.
12:00 - Lunch and a Moment of Reflection: I scarfed down another burger. Lunch was uneventful, but I began to think that, maybe, just maybe, I was enjoying the whole thing.
14:00 - The WiFi Saga and the Desperation Begins: I retreated to my beige haven, eager to upload pictures, write some emails. NOPE. The WiFi signal was weaker than my resolve. After an hour of battling the internet gods (failing miserably), I went down to the lobby to see if there was a stronger signal there. I checked my email. I felt a slight peace from knowing I was connected to the outside world again.
19:00 - Dinner? Oh, Right, I Didn't Eat, and I'm starving. The hotel restaurant was really just soup and salad again, but it was better than nothing, right? I was tired of everything I'd come into contact with that day.
Day 3: Departure and the Unanswered Questions
07:00 - The Final Coffee and the Existential Dread: I packed. The coffee was still lukewarm. Is this all there is? I'm making jokes, but I'm also thinking this is what it's all like.
09:00 - Check-Out and the Lingering Smell of Beige: The check-out process was smooth. The staff were still friendly. I left, with a lingering feeling of mild beige-ness. Did I have any fun? Sure, I have fun everywhere.
9:00 - Leaving the town The airport was a disaster of planes. On the way I grabbed a burger.
Final Thoughts:
Lawton, Oklahoma. The Holiday Inn Express & Suites. I left with a sense that this place was the essence of the middle of America. I also left with a newfound appreciation for the simple things: good coffee, functional remotes, strong WiFi. It wasn't the most glamorous trip, but it was my trip. And who knows? Maybe next time, I'll even find that tank. And the remote.
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Hotel Colonial Hermosillo's Hidden Gem!
Lawton's BEST Hotel? Holiday Inn Express Review (Fort Sill NEAR!) - The Brutally Honest FAQ
Is this REALLY the "BEST" in Lawton? Because, let's be real, Lawton...
How's the proximity to Fort Sill? Because I'm picturing a Death March to get there.
The Breakfast...Oh, the Breakfast! Don't tell me it's the same sad continental buffet.
The Rooms! Are they clean? Because cleanliness is next to… well, you know.
The "Amenities." Do they have a pool, or am I stuck with the Oklahoma heat?
Parking? Because I’m driving a monster truck.
Any weirdness? Like, did I have a bizarre experience?
So, overall... Would you recommend it? Give it to me straight!
