Middletown's BEST Hotel? Goshen's Hidden Gem! (Holiday Inn Express Review)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving HEADFIRST into the glorious, the… ahem …the slightly flawed, but ultimately pretty darn good Holiday Inn Express in Middletown, NY, aka Goshen's Hidden Gem. (Let’s be honest, “hidden gem” is a phrase slapped on everything, but we'll see if it holds up.) This isn't your sanitized, corporate-speak review; this is the raw, unfiltered truth, complete with my caffeine-fueled brain's tangents.
First Impressions & Accessibility: Am I going to Die? (Probably Not)
Finding the place wasn’t a Herculean feat. Score one for the GPS gods. Pulling up, it looks…like a Holiday Inn Express. You know, clean lines, a slightly-too-cheerful facade. Accessibility-wise, it's mostly on point. Wheelchair accessible? Yep, ramps everywhere, which is fantastic because my knees are older than some TikTok trends. Elevator? Absolutely. Facilities for disabled guests? Seemed adequate. The automatic doors are a lifesaver when you're juggling luggage, a coffee, and existential dread. (Okay, maybe that last part's just me.)
Inside, the lobby is standard issue: bright, clean, lots of beige. CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property give a feeling of safety, which is always appreciated, especially when you're traveling solo. Front desk [24-hour] is a massive plus. Because…well, you know how travel goes. Delayed flights, forgotten toiletries, the constant fear of missing your train to the next adventure.
Internet, The Lifeblood of Modern Existence:
Let's cut to the chase: Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! HALLELUJAH! Thank you, Holiday Inn Express. My sanity hinges on having an internet connection. Internet access – wireless is a must. And it worked! Reliably! I even streamed a movie. Internet access – LAN is there, if you're old school. But honestly, who uses ethernet cables anymore? (Maybe I'm showing my age.) The Business facilities seemed decent, though I didn't huddle in there.
The Room: Was It Clean? (Spoiler: Mostly Yes)
Okay, the moment of truth. The room. The website touted Non-smoking rooms, a requirement for me, but it had the standard decor. Rooms sanitized between stays. The important thing? It felt clean. Air was fresh. Carpeting? Present. Air conditioning? Working. Blackout curtains? Bless those things; they are a blessing. Complimentary tea and Coffee/tea maker? Yes, yes, and YES! That's a small detail but a big win for me. Mini bar? Sadly no, but honestly, who needs one? A decent coffee maker can get you through the first part of the day.
My room Window that opens, always a plus, and a Laptop workspace that actually works. Sofa? A comfy one. The Bathroom was well-lit and the Shower pressure was surprisingly good. The Toiletries, though generic, were present, a good indicator of Daily housekeeping, and the Towels were fluffy. Hair dryer? Check. Safe box? Check. Interconnecting room(s) available? Useful for families, I suppose. I didn’t see any, but you can’t get everything. I loved the alarm clock!
Eating, Drinking, and Surviving (and Maybe Eating Again):
Breakfast. The make-or-break for any hotel. Breakfast service? Included. The Breakfast [buffet] was…typical. Think scrambled eggs that might be real eggs, questionable sausage, and a waffle maker that requires the patience of a saint. There was Coffee/tea in restaurant (essential), Asian breakfast, and a Buffet in restaurant. Don't expect Michelin stars, but it's free and fills the void.
Dining, drinking, and snacking options are limited beyond that. No Poolside bar, or a real Coffee shop. My hopes of a poolside Moscow Mule are squashed. There is a [Snack bar], and Restaurants are close, but not on the premises.
Things to Do (In Middletown?): A Quest for Entertainment
Honestly, Middletown isn't exactly a hotbed of activity. I did find myself wondering Things to do. However, this Holiday Inn Express isn't responsible for your lack of social life. The hotel is more about a comfortable resting spot and a great base. I used this stay to go to a very interesting museum about the Hudson Valley which was a short drive from the hotel.
Cleanliness and Safety: The New Obsession
Okay, the pandemic has changed us all. Anti-viral cleaning products? Claimed. Hand sanitizer everywhere? Yep. Staff trained in safety protocol? Seemingly so. Room sanitization opt-out available? Good. Physical distancing of at least 1 meter in common areas? Attempts made. Look, it's a hotel. They're doing what they can. It felt clean, and I didn’t get plague. Hygiene certification is provided. Daily disinfection in common areas. Rooms sanitized between stays.
The Almost Perfect Imperfections:
The most important thing is the employees are friendly and approachable. I had an issue with the TV, which was fixed quickly. The team was very helpful and accommodating.
The Verdict and My Offer (aka, the "Hidden Gem" Question)
Is this place a hidden gem? Well, it IS a solid, dependable option. It's clean, comfortable, and the accessibility is genuinely good. The free Wi-Fi is a lifesaver, and the breakfast, while not gourmet, is free (and that counts for something). It probably isn’t a “proposal spot,” but it’s perfect for a solo traveler, a business trip, or a family passing through.
My Offer (Because, Seriously, You're Going to Book This, Right?)
Ready to experience Middletown with ease, comfort, and a strong internet connection?
Here's what you get:
- Guaranteed Cleanliness & Safety: Rest easy knowing the entire hotel is sanitized, and we put our guest's safety first.
- Free Wi-Fi: Stream, work, or just catch up on cat videos, all on us!
- Breakfast Included: Start your day the right way.
Click here to book your stay at the Holiday Inn Express Middletown!
Because, Let's face it, you'll be glad you did. (Just don't expect a Michelin-starred chef.)
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, 'cause we're diving headfirst into my Middletown, New York, adventure. This ain't your polished brochure itinerary, oh no. This is the real, slightly-caffeinated, slightly-stressed-out me, laying it all bare. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Middletown - Goshen, here we come… or, well, were here we come. This whole thing happened last week. Let’s just pretend I’m still there, shall we?
Day 1: The Great Arrival & The Quest for the Perfect Pillow
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at the Holiday Inn Express. Okay, first impression… it’s… a Holiday Inn. You know? Clean-ish, beige-ish… expected. But hey, the lobby smelled faintly of chlorine and vaguely of hope. That’s a win in my book, considering I drove for like, four hours listening to a true crime podcast. (Spoiler alert: the killer in the podcast wasn’t me, just in case you were wondering).
- 1:30 PM: Checking in was a breeze… until they try to upsell me on a suite. I’m tired, I’m hungry, and I’m pretty sure my credit card is judging me. I declined the suite, but I did request a high floor and a quiet room. A girl can dream, right?
- 2:00 PM: Room acquired! Okay, not the best view (facing a parking lot, naturally), but the bed… ah, the bed. This is where the real work begins. The pillow test is paramount. Fluffy? Too firm? The Goldilocks dilemma of hotel rooms. After a solid five minutes of fluffing, squishing, and sighing, I found the one. Victory! This is the high point of the day thus far.
- 2:30 PM: Unpack. Or rather, sort of throw my stuff into the closet and onto various surfaces. I'm not gonna lie, my suitcase and I aren't exactly friends. We have a complicated relationship built on hastily packed outfits and forgotten travel-sized toiletries.
- 3:00 PM: Explore the hotel. The gym? Looked… intimidating. The pool? Actually quite tempting, but there were a few screaming children… nah, I’m good. The vending machine? Now that’s where the real adventure lies. After a fierce internal battle (chips or gummy bears?), I went with the chips. No regrets.
- 4:00 PM: This is where things get… interesting. I got lost. Okay, not lost lost, but wandered aimlessly around the parking lot for a good fifteen minutes trying to find the damn ice machine. It was probably three feet away from my door… I have zero sense of direction.
- 5:00 PM: After my intense search, I was finally able to collapse and relax at my room.
Day 2: Goshen, History and the Haunted Bookstore…or so I thought.
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel. The "free breakfast" at any hotel is always a precarious situation. The usual suspects were present: rubbery scrambled eggs, suspect sausage, and the sweet, sweet hope that the waffle maker is working. (It was! Success!). I also grabbed a cup of coffee that was definitely not gourmet, but which was exactly what I needed.
- 10:00 AM: Embark on a quest to find Goshen Historic Track. I'm a sucker for a bit of history, plus, I’d seen some gorgeous pictures online. The track itself was impressive, even if you're not a huge horse racing fan. It was a bit… lonely on a Tuesday morning, though. But Hey, more room for me and my thoughts.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at a cute little deli in Goshen. The sandwich was good, the service was adorable, and it gave me the energy to keep going.
- 1:00 PM: I had planned to visit the supposedly haunted bookstore… I drove by and saw, but the truth is, I chickened out. Okay, I’m a scaredy cat. Sue me! I peeked in the window, saw some old books, and then rapidly reversed my car. Maybe next time.
- 2:00 PM: Back to the hotel for some much-needed alone time. I watched a trashy reality show, and felt completely, wonderfully, unapologetically lazy.
Day 3: A Day of Unexpected Adventures and the Dreaded Departure
- 9:00 AM: Wake up! I felt energized.
- 9:30 AM: Breakfast. The eggs were slightly less rubbery today! Progress!
- 10 AM: The hotel staff recommended a local park that I didn't know much about. So, what did I do? I went. It ended up being the high point of my trip. The scenery was beautiful.
- 12:00 PM: A quick lunch. Grabbed some food and enjoyed the view.
- 1:00 PM: Time to pack. The sheer, soul-crushing dread of packing. The realization that you somehow acquired more stuff than you came with. The frantic search for that one charger you swear you brought… Yeah, that. I survived. Barely.
- 2:30 PM: Checkout. The front desk lady was super nice. She asked me how I enjoyed my trip, and I had to stop myself from launching into a multi-paragraph explanation of the pillow situation. "It was great," I said, and I meant it.
- 3:00 PM: The drive home. A mix of emotions. Sad to leave, excited to be home, already planning my next escape. And yes, already plotting my return to that darned haunted bookstore. Just maybe… next time, with a friend.
And that's it, folks! My Middletown, New York, adventure. Messy, imperfect, and uniquely mine. Maybe the next one will be even better… or maybe not. That's the beauty of it, isn't it? You can plan all you want, but the best travel memories always seem to be the ones you never saw coming. Now, to start planning the next one… and find a better packing strategy. Wish me luck!
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Middletown's BEST Hotel? Yeah, Right... Goshen's Hidden Gem (Holiday Inn Express Review, AKA My Brain's Playground!)
So, is this actually a good hotel, or is "Hidden Gem" code for "We're Desperate"?
Okay, *deep breath*. "Hidden Gem" is a strong phrase, and maybe I should have used "Sort of Okay, But Mostly Charming In A Bizarre Way." Look, the Holiday Inn Express in Goshen (which, technically, is *near* Middletown, don't @ me) isn't going to win any awards for luxury. You're not getting a butler, a Michelin-starred chef, or a pillow menu (thank GOD, because I’d spend all night overthinking it). But... it's got *something*. Something that makes you remember it. Mostly in a "Did I really just see that?" kind of way.
Let’s talk rooms. Are they... clean? Because that's kinda important.
Clean-ish. Okay, let's be real. My first room... well, let's just say I'm pretty sure the previous occupants had a small indoor picnic involving Cheetos and a very enthusiastic chihuahua. Thankfully, they *did* switch me. The second room? Much better. Regular clean, not "hospital-grade sterile," but hey, I wasn't looking for a crime scene. The beds? Comfy enough. The sheets? Pretty sure they weren't threadbare, which is a win in my book. The bathroom? Adequate. The shower pressure? Surprisingly strong. I was expecting a trickle, but no, I could actually *wash* the travel grime off. So... a pass. Barely. It's like a slightly messy, but well-meaning friend's house - you know?
The breakfast situation. Give it to me straight. Is it a continental wasteland?
Oh, the breakfast. THAT is where the charm (and potential chaos) starts. It's *technically* a continental breakfast, but with a Holiday Inn Express twist. You know, the usual suspects -- cereal (the kind you ate in college, the good stuff), pastries (occasionally fresh, mostly not), yogurt (maybe), and the orange juice that tastes suspiciously like artificially flavored sunshine. BUT! They occasionally have those little breakfast sandwiches. The egg is... a mystery. The sausage is... well, it's there. The cheese? It's... melt-ish. But those sandwiches... They have this weird, comforting quality, this "I'm hungover and I don't care" energy that I *appreciated*. And the coffee? It's bottomless, and sometimes, that's all you need.
Any other amenities? Pool? Gym? A resident ghost? Spill the tea!
Pool? Yep. Tiny, indoor pool. I peeked in. It was... wet. And chlorinated. I didn't go in. The gym? I'm pretty sure it's a closet with a treadmill and a bench press. (Okay, maybe I'm exaggerating a *little*, but I'm not a gym person, so sue me.) Resident ghost? Possibly. I swear, I heard random thumps in the hallway at 3 AM. But it could have just been the aforementioned chihuahua (or the Cheetos-fueled party animal still in the room next door, after I was moved). The lobby has a fireplace... which, if nothing else, is a cozy aesthetic. And the staff? Honestly, they were… *nice*. Like, genuinely nice. Which goes a long way, people. A *long* way.
Okay, the 'Hidden Gem' thing keeps bugging me. What makes it "hidden"?
Alright, alright, the branding. "Hidden" is probably because it's… well, it's in Goshen. Not exactly a tourist mecca. It's hidden from the hustle and bustle, from the fancy hotels. The fact that it exists AND has a pulse may be its charm! It’s a solid choice if you’re visiting the area and don’t want to pay NYC prices and be surrounded by pretentious people. Because who can afford that? I’m rambling now. My point is… it's a solid, affordable, slightly quirky option and is my personal pick. It's my "I need a place to crash close to my relative who lives there" haven and it’s earned a special place in my heart, flaws and all.
Rate the customer service, please?
Okay, customer service. Let's talk about the woman at the front desk, she was the one who saved me from the Cheeto room. She was a total QUEEN. She was a beacon of sanity. She had *patience*. She smiled! She was a shining example of "hospitality". The other staff members were also pretty consistently pleasant. A lot of hotels can be a little… robotic. This place? I got a “Good morning, how are you?” every morning. That might seem small, but it made a difference. Especially after the Cheeto incident. Like I said: the staff were genuinely nice, so that's a HUGE win.
Would You Stay Here Again?
In a heartbeat. Seriously. Despite the Cheeto Room (shudder), despite the questionable breakfast sausage, despite the vague "ghost" activity...yes. Because, frankly, it was… comfortable. It was *real*. It wasn't trying to be anything it wasn't. It’s a place to unwind with a decent bed, easy parking, a half-decent coffee, and really good people. The kind of place where you feel like you can actually exhale, even if it's just for a night or two. And hey, if I see the chihuahua again, at least I know the staff will offer me another room! It’s not perfect, but it’s got something. And sometimes, something is enough.
Okay, one last thing... What about that "stream of consciousness" vibe you kept teasing?
Ah yes. That. Look, I'm me. I'm a messy, imperfect person. And this stay was, well, a tiny bit chaotic, but also pretty good and memorable. I wanted to be honest, to tell you about my experience, not a generic, boring review. And that's the long and the short of it. This hotel is what it is. A not-too-fancy, slightly endearing place, with really nice people, that I’d recommend. You won't be blown away, but you might leave remembering your stay - which, honestly, is more than you can say for a lot of hotels. And now, if you'll excuse me, I need a nap.
