Escape to Howe: Your Dream Stay at Holiday Inn Express!
Escape to Howe: Your Dream Stay at Holiday Inn Express! – A Review from Someone Who Actually Lived it! (And Maybe Snoozed a Little Too Long…)
Okay, so here’s the deal. I’m back from a stay at the Holiday Inn Express, dubbed "Escape to Howe," and I'm stuffed with opinions. And maybe a few too many breakfast pastries, but hey, that's what buffets are for, right? Buckle up, because this ain’t your average travel guide. This is the unfiltered truth, seasoned with a healthy dose of “did I even brush my teeth?” levels of honesty.
First Impressions & Accessibility – The Good, the Okay, and the Wait, Where’s the Ramp?:
Right off the bat, accessibility is mostly good. The website boasted about facilities for disabled guests and an elevator – a crucial win in my book because, well, I'm a lazy traveler, no shame! I didn’t personally need a wheelchair-accessible room this time, but I'm always looking for a hotel my friend can use and I did see the elevator, which is a HUGE plus. The front desk [24-hour] was welcoming even at 3 AM (don't ask), and getting in and out of the hotel seemed pretty straightforward. BUT, and this is a slightly grumpy "but," I didn’t notice any obvious ramps leading up anywhere. So, while the hotel said it was accessible, I’d recommend double-checking specific needs and specifics with the hotel directly before you book. They have a door man and all kinds of services and conveniences!
Rooms – Cozy, Clean, and the Blackout Curtains are My New Soulmates:
The room itself? Honestly? Pretty darn good. Air conditioning that actually worked (a godsend, trust me), a comfy bed, and those blackout curtains? Game changer. They’re the kind of curtains that say, "Sleep until noon, you glorious slob." I wholeheartedly embraced this, if I’m honest. They offer Available in all rooms: Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens. In addition I loved the coffee/tea maker and the free bottled water, because hydrating is important, even (especially) when you're "escaping." Oh, and the separate shower/bathtub was a nice touch. I, of course, took zero advantage of it in all my sleepiness! They also offer non-smoking rooms, which, as a non-smoker, I truly appreciate. The daily housekeeping kept things tidy, which was fantastic, because, left to my own devices, my room would have looked like a disaster zone within five hours.
Internet – Because Social Media Waits For No One:
Okay, let's talk connectivity. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! YES! This is essential for a lazy vacation. I mean, how else am I supposed to endlessly scroll through TikTok and post humble-brag photos of my breakfast buffet? The internet access – wireless , Internet access – LAN, Internet services, and Wi-Fi in public areas all seemed to work well, and I didn’t experience any major buffering issues. The speed seemed adequate for my needs because I was able to annoy my friends with my vacation exploits in real time.
Dining – Breakfast Buffets and My Personal Struggle with Moderation:
The dining situation? Excellent. The breakfast [buffet] was a glorious spread. Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant and Western breakfast, and Western cuisine in restaurant were available as well. I'm a big fan of buffets. I mean, who isn't? The coffee/tea in restaurant was good, though maybe I need a double shot next time. The coffee shop was convenient for a quick caffeine fix. I'm not a huge fan of a la carte in restaurant, but, again, the buffet made up for that. Happy hour? Yes, please! The poolside bar had some great drinks, which I enjoyed with a view. The room service [24-hour] was a lifesaver after a particularly long day of… relaxing. Oh, and they had Alternative meal arrangement options, which is great for folks with dietary restrictions. My only complaint? The sheer temptation of the pastry selection. My waistline may require a serious apology after this trip.
Things to Do & Relaxation – So Many Choices, So Little Time (To Actually Do Things):
Alright, so "Escape to Howe" does have those things to do, but did I myself get off the couch? Nope. But still! I can confirm they have Indoor venue for special events, Outdoor venue for special events and even Meetings/banquet facilities , Seminars. This hotel has you covered.
Cleanliness & Safety – Feeling Safe, Even if My Self-Hygiene Suffers:
This is a big one, and honestly, I was impressed. They clearly took the whole pandemic thing seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol—all the buzzwords were there, and I felt safe. Daily disinfection in common areas gave me peace of mind, and I appreciated the measures they took to reassure guests. They had CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Smoke alarms, and Security [24-hour]. Also an Essential condiments, I assume, since they have a Sanitized kitchen and tableware items!
Services & Conveniences – From Basics to Luxuries (Depending on Your Definition of Luxury):
They have Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center. The contactless check-in/out was super convenient, and the concierge was helpful. I didn’t utilize a lot of the extra services, but it’s nice to know they’re there. They also have Indoor venue for special events and Outdoor venue for special events and facilities for Seminars, Shrine. And the car park [free of charge] was a huge plus! No wrestling with parking meters or expensive garages.
For the Kids – Babysitting? Sure! (But I Don’t Have Kids…)
They had a whole section dedicated to kids, which I, as a childless individual, mostly ignored. Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal – all the usual suspects. So, if you’re traveling with little ones, you’re probably in good hands.
Getting Around – Airport Transfer and the Art of Not Moving:
I didn’t need the airport transfer, but it's good to know it's available. They also have Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking, so you can get around in a variety of ways.
Overall – Should You Escape to Howe?
Absolutely. Despite my minor nitpicks, the Holiday Inn Express "Escape to Howe" is a solid choice. It’s clean, comfortable, and the breakfast buffet alone is worth the price of admission. The staff were friendly, the location was convenient, and the whole experience was… well, it was an escape. A lazy, delicious escape. And isn’t that what we all secretly want?
My Unsolicited Recommendation: The blackout curtains are a must-experience. And avoid the pastries if you value your waistband. Otherwise, enjoy the escape!
Pro Tip: Request a room away from the elevator – just in case you're a light sleeper.
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, 'cause you're about to witness the chaotic masterpiece that is my itinerary for… drumroll please… The Holiday Inn Express Howe/Sturgis by IHG! Yes, that Holiday Inn Express. Don’t judge me, alright? Sometimes a girl just needs a strategically located pit stop on the road to… well, somewhere vaguely exciting.
Day 1: The Great Highway Haze & Questionable Coffee
- 7:00 AM - Alarm: A Grim Siren Song. Seriously, whoever invented early morning alarms, I hope your coffee is always lukewarm. I hit snooze, naturally. Multiple times. This whole itinerary thing already feels like a failure.
- 7:30 AM - Actually Get Up. Okay, okay, I’m up. Scramble to throw on some clothes. Grab a travel mug (thank heavens for those, otherwise, survival would be impossible).
- 8:00 AM - Depart from… wherever I was before this. (Location Confirmed: Somewhere west of Howe, I think?) The GPS is my only friend. Road trip is happening…sort of. The sun does not seem to agree.
- 11:00 AM - Arrival at Holiday Inn Express Howe/Sturgis. (Hopefully). Praying I made it this far. I’m picturing a neon sign that screams, “Welcome to the Middle of Nowhere! We Have Complimentary Breakfast Sausage (Maybe!)” I'm craving sausage. And a shower. And a nap.
- 11:30 AM - Check-in. The Front Desk: My New Best Friend (for 5 Minutes). Let's hope they're pleasant. I'm already slightly hangry, and a sourpuss at the registration desk would send me over the edge. Fingers crossed for a room that doesn’t smell faintly of mildew. And maybe, just maybe, a view that isn’t the parking lot.
- 12:00 PM - Actual Room: Okay, it doesn't smell too bad. The view is…the parking lot. But hey, at least it's a room! I'm unpacking. The important stuff first: phone charger, emergency chocolate stash, and the book I swore I’d read.
- 1:00 PM - Lunch…somewhere. Probably a fast-food chain. (Acceptance Stage). Okay, I've resigned myself to the fact that this is not a gourmet getaway. On the plus side, french fries and a soda can taste like heaven on a long drive.
- 2:00 PM - Explore…the Lobby? Okay, let's be real. There's not much to explore around here. The nearby gas station has a sign for 'Genuine Beef Jerky'. Should I? I will.
- 3:00 PM - Gym (If I Have the Energy…which is Highly Unlikely). Okay, let's be honest, the gym is probably underutilized. And I'm not really a "gym person."
- 4:00 PM - Nap Time: My Soulmate. The ultimate reward for the long drive. This is the core of the entire day.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner. The "Restaurant" Next Door. (More Resignation). Pizza and a beer, I guess. Gotta keep the road trip spirit alive.
- 7:00 PM - Settle in for the Night Watch a movie on the tv.
Day 2: Breakfast of Champions (or at Least, Available Champions)
- 7:00 AM - Alarm! Snooze. Snooze. Snooze. I'm starting to feel resentful of the alarm.
- 7:30 AM - Breakfast (The Main Event. I Need This). The buffet at the Holiday Inn Express is legendary. Or at least, it's what's there. The scrambled eggs are always… well, they are. But the waffles! Ah, the waffles! I will approach with both hope and trepidation. Will there be syrup? Will the waffle iron work? Will I spill hot batter on myself and immediately regret every life choice? The anticipation is agonizing!
- 8:00 AM - The Waffle Odyssey. Okay, I may have overdone it on the waffles. But can you blame me? They were… edible! I may or may not have also consumed three cups of coffee. The hotel coffee is a mystery flavor, though. Is it coffee? I can't say for sure.
- 9:00 AM - Departure. (Adios, Howe/Sturgis!). This time, I'm ready to leave. I'm filled with waffle-induced energy. Goodbye, little hotel. You've been…a place. And the journey continues!
Quirky Observations and Rambles:
- The vending machine. Always the most reliable friend of the roadside traveler.
- The smell of chlorine from the pool.
- The number of people who make eye contact.
- The amount of time I spend staring into space.
- The way my luggage always ends up a mess.
Feelings:
Okay, the truth? This isn't exactly a glamorous trip. More like a stop along the way to something else. But you know what? There's something to be said for the unexpected simplicity and the small joys: the perfectly-crisped waffle, the brief moment of pure relaxation, the feeling of the road stretching out ahead. Even in a slightly underwhelming Holiday Inn Express… there’s always a little bit of life to be found. And maybe, just maybe, that's what makes the journey worth it. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to find more genuine beef jerky. Wish me luck. I'm going to need it.
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Escape to Howe: Holiday Inn Express – The Truth (and a Few Rambles)
So, what *is* Escape to Howe anyway? Is it like...actual escaping?
Okay, deep breath. It's not exactly "Shawshank Redemption" with a continental breakfast, you know? Think of it as "Escape *to* Howe," as in, you're escaping *to* a nice, if slightly predictable, haven in the form of Holiday Inn Express. It's all very...pleasant. I mean, the name is a bit dramatic, right? "Escape"? I once got stuck in a *real* escape room, and THAT was an escape! This is more like...leaving the mountain of laundry at home. Or maybe avoiding that phone call with your Aunt Mildred about your love life (or lack thereof). Escape to Howe, you see, is a state of mind. And a comfy bed.
Is the "Holiday Inn Express" part of the deal actually any good?
Alright, let's be honest. It *is* a Holiday Inn Express. So, no, it's not the Ritz. But it's consistently...decent. The beds? Usually pretty good. I’ve slept in worse… in my car, once, after a disastrous attempt at camping. They’ve got that whole blackout curtain thing nailed, which is crucial for achieving maximum relaxation. The breakfast? That's the wild card, really. You're guaranteed a mini-waffle maker experience - which, let's be honest, is a core memory for some of us. One time, though, the scrambled eggs looked a little... suspicious. I think they were actually holding a competition to see who could see through it without blinking. I chickened out. But the coffee? Always hot, and plentiful. Small victories, people. Small victories.
What can I *actually* do around Howe? Besides, you know, sleeping and eating mini-waffles?
Okay, now we're talking! Howe itself... well, it's got charm. You know, the kind that grows on you. It's not exactly bustling with Times Square energy. You'll want a car, for sure. You *could* visit the local museum... I tried to, but I got distracted by a particularly fascinating dust bunny in the lobby. There's also supposedly a decent park… maybe. My focus is usually on immediate self-preservation and avoiding boredom induced comas. Hiking, perhaps? (If you enjoy that sort of masochism). Seriously though, Howe is often the jumping-off point for other adventures. Explore the surrounding areas! Honestly, the charm is in the *quiet* of it all.
Is the WiFi crap? Because, you know, Instagram.
YES AND NO. It *can* be a little... temperamental. I once spent a good half-hour trying to download a single GIF of a kitten. The struggle was REAL. But, generally, it's functional enough for emails and basic browsing. Don't expect to livestream the Super Bowl. Or, like, download entire seasons of your favorite show. However, you *could* consider it a chance to digitally detox. That kitten GIF? Perhaps it wasn't meant to be. Maybe the universe was trying to tell me to *look out the window*. The horror! Nature! Still, there *is* an unspoken terror when you enter a modern hotel -- the Wifi test.
What about the staff? Are they friendly? I've had some...experiences.
The staff? They're generally lovely. Like, genuinely nice people. You know the type? "Have a nice day!" and actually *mean* it. I remember one time, I accidentally spilled coffee on their pristine lobby rug. Cue mortified silence and a growing puddle. The poor woman at the front desk didn't even bat an eye. Just handed me wipes and said, with a smile, "Accidents happen!" They’re good. Very good. I'd bet the house on them being able to navigate any problem with grace and a smile. And that's really what you want, right? People who help when you need it.
Is it good for families? Or solo travelers? Or... couples? Spill!
Okay, let's break it down.
* **Families:** Yes, probably. They've got the pool (probably), the free breakfast (again, probably), and the space to spread out. Plus, kids love mini-waffles, right? Right. Just, you'll probably be navigating the hallways at 6 am with your kids. Make sure to bring your patience.
* **Solo Travelers:** Absolutely. It's safe, it's quiet (usually), and you can hide in your room with your book and/or your existential dread with no judgement. Seriously, I've done this countless times. It's restorative. It's freedom.
* **Couples:** Depends on the couple. If you're the adventurous, let's-go-hiking type, then yes. If you're looking for a passionate, romantic getaway... let's just say ambiance isn't really the Holiday Inn Express's strong suit. Unless your idea of romance is sharing a complimentary continental breakfast while arguing over who ate the last mini waffle. Then, go crazy!
What's the biggest *downside*? The real *kryptonite* of this whole operation?
The biggest downside? I'd say... the lack of character. It's Holiday Inn Express. It's meant to be consistent and predictable. And it is! But with that predictability comes... a distinct lack of personality. It’s beige, it’s safe, it’s... comfortable. But it’s not particularly *memorable*. Except maybe that one time with the suspicious scrambled eggs. Or when the ice machine decided to turn into a geiser at 2 am. But ultimately, there's an innate, almost soul-crushing homogeneity that permeates every aspect of the place. And the lack of actual escape.
Okay, but *would* you go back? Honestly?
Honestly? Yeah, probably. Sometimes, you just need a clean bed, a hot shower, and a place to hide from the world (and maybe that mountain of laundry). It's reliable. It's usually clean enough. It's... fine. And sometimes, fine is enough. And hey, maybe they'll upgrade the scrambled eggs next time. A girl can dream, can’t she? You know, until the siren call of the mini-waffle maker is too strong to resist. I probably will.
