Youngstown's BEST Kept Secret? This Hotel Will SHOCK You!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the supposed "Youngstown's BEST Kept Secret? This Hotel Will SHOCK You!" I'm a sucker for hyperbole, so naturally, I had to check it out. Let's be real, Youngstown isn't exactly the Riviera. But after, some minor confusion on the name of the hotel and its location, I managed to book a stay, and let me tell you, the experience was…well, let's just say it was an experience. And yes, I'm going to be brutally honest. Prepare for a whirlwind tour, because this is gonna be a messy, glorious, and hopefully helpful review.
First Impressions…Did I Even Get Here? (Accessibility, Getting Around)
Okay, so first off, the accessibility thing. I'm gonna be completely frank, I didn't extensively check for wheelchair access. The "shock" of the hotel nearly distracted me. I did notice an elevator, which is a huge plus. The website did claim accessibility features, but honestly, you'll have to double-check the specifics if this is a primary concern. Getting to the place was tricky - GPS seemed to have a bad day (and I may have too!), but hey, you'll get there eventually, hopefully. Parking was plentiful (car park [free of charge] AND car park [on-site]), which is always a win. And they supposedly offer Airport transfer, though I didn't test that out. Valet parking? Nope. No charging station either.
Safety First? (Cleanliness and Safety, Access, Safety/Security Features)
This is a big one right now, right? And I'm giving them serious points for effort. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Professional-grade sanitizing services? Check. They seemed genuinely committed. There was a lot of hand sanitizer strategically placed (almost too much, made me feel like I was in a biohazard suit!) and the staff members were wearing masks. Rooms sanitized between stays? Yep. I felt relatively safe, but let's face it, you're still breathing the same air as everyone else, so… YMMV. Hand sanitizer? Check. Staff trained in safety protocol? Check. CCTV everywhere, inside and out, a front desk that's always staffed (24-hour!), smoke alarms, and fire extinguishers. Okay, safety box included.
But Is it REALLY "Shocking"? (The "Things to Do" and Relaxation)
Okay, now for the fun part. The "shock" seemed to be a build-up of expectations that probably weren't met. I was promised a place that would blow my mind. It didn't. But, and it's a big BUT, it had some seriously decent amenities for Youngstown.
- Pool with view: Nope. Average pool. Not a "view" in sight, unless you count the parking lot.
- Spa: There was a spa! With massage and spa/sauna.
- Fitness center/Gym: Yep, a gym, nothing to write home about, but functional.
- Sauna: A sauna, as a regular patron of such things, it was pretty good!
- Body scrub/Body wrap: I didn't investigate.
- Steamroom: Yes, and it was lovely.
Let's go back to the massage though. It was the most shocking thing about this stay, and I had to write about it because I was so blown away by it. The masseuse, bless her heart, was named Brenda (I think). She was super friendly and made me laugh a lot because she was a little bit confused and quirky, and I loved that as it all felt so real. The massage itself? Incredible. She got right into the knots in my back, and the pressure was perfect. I felt like a new person afterward. I'd almost stay there just for the massage, and for that, it's a win.
Feeding the Beast (Dining, Drinking, and Snacking)
Alright, time to eat. The dining situation was…interesting.
- Restaurants: Yep, there are restaurants. I checked them all out.
- Happy hour: Yes, they do a happy hour! And the drinks were cheap.
- Coffee Shop/Coffee/Tea in restaurant: Coffee and/or tea were always available, so that's nice.
- Bar/Poolside bar: Both, and the poolside bar actually looked pretty decent considering the pool wasn't much to write home about, but I didn't test it out.
- Breakfast [buffet/takeaway/in room]: The buffet was a standard hotel affair, nothing spectacular. But, there was a breakfast takeaway, which was handy for the bleary-eyed mornings. You could get breakfast delivered straight to your room, too!
- Asian cuisine/Western cuisine/International cuisine in restaurant: Pretty standard with an emphasis on Western/American food.
- Room service [24-hour]: Yup, always handy.
- Desserts/Soup/Salad in restaurant: Yes indeed.
The Nitty Gritty – Rooming Around (Available in all rooms, Internet Access etc.)
Okay, the rooms. Remember how I said everything was a little… surprising? The rooms were a mixed bag of surprises.
- Air conditioning? Yes! (Relief!)
- Blackout curtains? Praise be!
- Coffee/tea maker? Yep, essential.
- Free Wi-Fi? You betcha! (Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!)
- Internet Access – LAN? Yes.
- Internet Access – Wireless? Yes, again.
- Desk/Laptop workspace? Functional.
- Mini bar? The mini bar was pretty stocked, but I was a bit confused as to whether anything was free.
- Safe Box? Yes.
- Shower/Separate shower/bathtub? They all had them, some more luxurious than others.
- Soundproofing? Good, but not perfect.
- Wake-up service? Aye.
- Rooms Sanitized? Between stays, yes.
The Overall Vibe – Services and Conveniences and For the Kids
The hotel tries to be everything to everyone, which is kind of charming.
- Business Facilities: Business services, meetings, meeting stationery, and more were available.
- Concierge? Check.
- Daily housekeeping? Indeed.
- Laundry/Dry cleaning/Ironing service? Yep, all the usual suspects.
- Baby sitting service/Family friendly/Kids Facilities: Okay, I can't say the hotel is completely child-friendly, but the kids facilities are there.
- Gift shop? Convenient.
- Check-in/out [express/private]: They offer both. Contactless too!
- Facilities for disabled guests: The information is there.
- Pets are allowed? No.
- Smoking area? Yes.
- Terrace? Yes, nice place to relax.
The "Shock" Factor (The Verdict)
Did the hotel shock me? Not in the way the marketing suggested. It's not going to win any design awards. But for Youngstown, this hotel punches above its weight. The staff were friendly, the rooms were comfortable, the amenities were decent, and that massage…oh, that glorious massage. The biggest shocker may have been the actual amount of good service and amenities available.
The Imperfections
Of course, it wasn't all perfect. There were a few hiccups: some minor confusion with the front desk staff, some of the decor was dated, and the overall atmosphere felt a little…clinical. But hey, for the price, and for Youngstown, it's a solid choice.
The Offer (Ready to Book?)
Tired of the SAME OLD boring hotel stays? Youngstown's BEST Kept Secret Hotel offers a surprisingly refreshing experience, blending comfort with surprising services that will keep you guessing.
Why Book NOW?
- Unbeatable Massage: Seriously, it's worth it alone!
- Comfortable Rooms & Reliable Wi-Fi: Sleep soundly and stay connected.
- Delicious Dining Options: From casual bites to satisfying meals.
- Convenient Amenities: Everything you need, right at your fingertips.
- Dedicated Staff: Committed to making your stay the best it can be.
Book your stay at Youngstown's BEST Kept Secret Hotel today! Embrace the unexpected! Be sure to check for promotions and packages – they frequently run deals!
Click here to book your room and prepare to be…surprised! Remember, you're getting a quirky, honest, and potentially wonderful experience! And maybe, just maybe, you'll be shocked too.
Disclaimer: My experience is my experience. Yours may vary. But hey, isn't that half the fun of travel anyway?
Fremont's BEST Hotel? Holiday Inn Express Review (You Won't Believe This!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't gonna be your average, pristine, robotic travel plan. This is gonna be a hot mess express of a trip, fueled by lukewarm coffee, questionable decisions, and the sheer bewildering beauty of the… uh… Youngstown North-Warren/Niles area. Let’s do this.
Subject: Operation: Escape the Mundane – Youngstown (Probably Not) Edition Location: Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Youngstown North-Warren/Niles By IHG
Day 1: Arrival & The Existential Dread of the Complimentary Breakfast
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at the glorious… Holiday Inn Express. Alright, the entrance lobby is… clean. Smells faintly of chlorine and ambition. Check-in. The receptionist seems way too chipper. (Is this a cult? Are they all secretly part of a cult that loves… Ohio? I need to be vigilant.) Get my key card. The little "Welcome to the hotel" card is… okay, let's be honest, feels like a soulless corporate hug. They probably print them out by the millions, but oh well, I'll take the gesture.
- 1:30 PM: The room! Okay, it's… a room. Two queen beds, a TV that probably has every channel known to man, and a view of… the parking lot. Fantastic. My soul is slightly crushed but hey, at least there's a desk, and I can open my laptop, and pretend to be productive, while I'm on vacation… or at least, a trip.
- 2:00 PM: Unpack. Or, more accurately, throw suitcase contents at the general vicinity of the closet. I always overpack. It's a curse. What if there's a sudden black-tie gala in Niles? Gotta be prepared, you know? (Narrator: There will not be a black-tie gala in Niles.)
- 2:30 PM: Consider venturing out. Chicken out. Realize I haven’t eaten in several hours. Start rummaging through my bag for snacks, which leads me to an unexpected discovery. A bag of chips. Score!
- 7:00 PM: Okay, must. Leave. Room. For dinner. Research options online. They all seem to be… chain restaurants. Sigh. Decide on Applebee's. It's familiar. It's safe. It's predictable. Like my life choices, I suppose.
- 7:30 PM: At Applebee's. My waiter seems… enthusiastic. Like, too enthusiastic. Did he just call me "champ"? I may need to rethink my life choices… again. The food arrives. It’s… Applebee's. You know what you're getting. The fries are crispy, and the burger is… a burger. It hits the spot though.
- 9:00 PM: Back in the room. Collapse on the bed. Watch some TV. The channels are overwhelming, and it is hard to choose what to watch. It is okay, I'll just close my eyes. Sleep. The sweet release of sleep.
Day 2: The Pursuit of Local Flavor (Maybe)
- 7:00 AM: Wake up. The sun is… there. Time to face the music: the complimentary breakfast. This is where the real adventure begins.
- 7:15 AM: Downstairs to "breakfast." Oh, sweet Jesus. The usual suspects: rubbery eggs, questionable sausage, and… holy mother of… what is that? Some kind of… breakfast casserole? It looks like it's been sitting there since the Precambrian era. Courage and boldness, I decided it is. I loaded a plate and took a first bite. Honestly, it's not all bad. The coffee, though, is… uh… let's just call it "brown water." Fine, I'll drink it. Needs lots of sugar.
- 8:00 AM: Okay, I've had my breakfast. Time to venture out into the wild, wild west of… Niles. Research tells me that Niles has a few attractions, and I have to decide on where I'm going.
- 8:30 AM: After some debate, I decide to visit the National McKinley Birthplace Memorial. Because… history! And I need to feel like I'm doing something "cultured." Plus, maybe I can learn something.
- 9:00 AM: Arrive at the Memorial. Okay, it's… impressive. And… quiet. Very quiet. There's a certain somber aura around the place. I wander around, reading the plaques, feeling vaguely inadequate. Was McKinley assassinated, you know? I didn't know. But I learned. I was told that I look very well in the place and decided to take some pictures.
- 11:00 AM: I'm hungry. I forgot to bring any snacks. I should've eaten more breakfast. I'm getting a bit cranky.
- 12:00 PM: I decide to go to Chipotle. After a while, I decided to buy some snacks, as well. Good for me.
- 2:00 PM: Back to the hotel. I feel a certain tiredness. Time to rest.
- 4:00 PM: Wake up from a nice nap. Time to plan for more food.
- 7:30 PM: I decide to go eat again. I feel like I'm stuck in a loop here, but I like eating!
- 9:00 PM: Back to the hotel.
- 10:00 PM: Sleep
Day 3: Departure (And the Lingering Taste of… Niles?)
- 7:00 AM: Breakfast. Again. The eggs look even more… egg-like. I'm starting to think I developed an allergy to the eggs here.
- 8:00 AM: Pack. The suitcase is even messier than yesterday. I now have a shirt that smells like chlorine and an unexplained banana peel. It is fine. My real concern is if there are any banana spiders in the room.
- 9:00 AM: Check out. The receptionist is still… enthusiastic. “Hope you enjoyed your stay!” she sings. I offer a wan smile and a thumbs-up. Yes, ma’am. I certainly did.
- 9:30 AM: Hit the road.
- 10:00 AM: Driving. Thinking about the entire trip. Looking back, I feel both a sense of boredom and something else. The people, the places. Maybe, I can come back and see more?
- 11:00 AM: Back home.
Postscript:
So, there you have it. My Youngstown/Niles escapade. It wasn’t exactly glamorous. It wasn't exactly life-altering. But it was… something. I survived. I ate some questionable eggs. I pondered the mysteries of McKinley. And I'm pretty sure I'll be back in a couple of years, maybe better prepared. This is how it should be. A mess, but a good one!
Santa Clarita's Hidden Gem: Triplodge Awaits!
Is this REALLY a "best kept secret"? Come on, spill the tea!
Okay, so what's the big "shock" factor? Is it haunted? Do they serve the worst breakfast EVER? (I have standards, people!)
The "Quirkiness" you're hinting at is all about the building's age? Give me a good example.
Is it actually *clean*? Because, let's be real, that's a deal-breaker for some of us.
What kind of people stay there? Is it all budget travelers and… interesting characters?
So, would you recommend it? Seriously. Is it worth it?
And if I go, any pro tips? How do I SURVIVE?
