Lincoln's BEST Holiday Inn Express? (You Won't Believe #3!)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the muddy, glorious, sometimes-a-little-bit-suspect world of hotel reviews. And today, we're tackling… Lincoln's BEST Holiday Inn Express? (You Won't Believe #3!). Yeah, that mouthful. Let's see if it lives up to the hype (or, you know, manages to avoid burning to the ground).
First off, let's just say I’m perpetually on the search for a decent hotel. I’m not a fancy pants, but I do appreciate a clean bathroom and a bed that doesn’t feel like I’m sleeping on a bag of rocks. So, armed with my trusty notebook (and a serious aversion to bed bugs), I waded in.
Accessibility & Safety First (Because, Duh!)
Alright, accessibility. This is HUGE for me. I'm not physically disabled, but I love knowing a place is genuinely inclusive. And honestly? This Holiday Inn Express gets it. Wheelchair accessible? Check. Elevators? Abundant. They weren't just compliant; they seemed to genuinely care. And the same thing for CCTV, Fire extinguishers, Smoke alarms, and 24-hour security – all present and accounted for. Made me feel a little bit more comfortable, especially since this is Lincoln. The Front desk [24-hour] was a lifesaver at 3 AM after my flight was delayed and I almost lost my entire mind. Also, the doctor/nurse on call, and first aid kit? Solid peace of mind. They also got bonus points for the sheer number of hand sanitizers everywhere.
Now, let’s talk about the current state of the world: pandemic era. The Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Rooms sanitized between stays, Hygiene certification, and staff trained in safety protocol was important. I wouldn’t say I felt like I was in a sterile lab. I had serious concerns about my safety. I mean, they are cleaning properly, but it’s not perfect, and it still felt… vaguely unsettling. But what can you do?
The Room: A Sanctuary (Or, You Know, a Place to Sleep)
Right, the rooms. The bread and butter. The moment of truth. And… it was pretty damn decent.
- Cleanliness: Spotless. I'm a stickler, and I found zero questionable stains. That alone is a win.
- Comfort: The bed? Comfy. Not cloud-nine comfy, but good for a solid night's sleep. The blackout curtains were a godsend, because I am not a fan of sunlight at sunrise.
- Amenities: Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Internet access – yes, a glorious connection. Air conditioning that actually worked (praise be!). Coffee/tea maker (essential). I also appreciated the complimentary bottled water, although I will say, a single bottle hardly cuts it for my water intake. The desk, ironing facilities, and the in-room safe box were all nice touches, though I definitely didn’t use the Iron. I appreciated the mirror and hair dryer. The slippers were a cute touch, but I forgot to put them on.
- The separate shower/bathtub was nice, and the scale was terrifying. I was glad there was a desk and a laptop workspace.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – The Fuel for Adventure (or Just Surviving Travel)
Now, this is where things got… interesting.
- Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast: They offered the usual Breakfast [buffet] (which again, felt a little risky), but also a Breakfast takeaway service and Individually-wrapped food options. I opted for the takeaway, and it was… fine. Not gourmet, but free, and definitely better than nothing. The Asian breakfast was a bit of a surprise, but I was there, so I tried it.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant and Coffee shop: I needed these things. I would not have survived without them.
- Restaurants: They had a restaurant, but I didn't eat there because, well, the buffet was already pushing my limits. The Happy hour drinks were nice, though, and cheap.
- Poolside bar: No poolside bar. A HUGE disappointment.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax (Or, “How to Fight Off Boredom”)
- Fitness center: Tiny. But functional.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: Looked inviting, but I'm a germaphobe.
- Sauna/Spa: Nope.
Services and Conveniences – Because Travel Is Hard
- Concierge: Pretty good.
- Food delivery: Thank God for food delivery.
- Daily housekeeping: Yes.
- Dry cleaning/laundry service: Definitely appreciated.
- Cash withdrawal: Useful!
- Elevator: Essential.
- Luggage storage: Handy.
- This also has facilities for disabled guests.
For the Kids (Or, How to Entertain Them While You Sleep)
I don't have kids, but I appreciated the Family/child friendly atmosphere. They also had some kind of Kids meal.
The Real Deal – My Takeaway
Alright, here's the messy, unfiltered truth: Lincoln's BEST Holiday Inn Express? (You Won't Believe #3!) isn't going to blow your mind. It's not the Ritz. But it's good. It's clean. It's safe. The staff are friendly. It offers everything you need for a decent stay, especially in these current times.
The Improvments:
- Honestly, the pool bar. It's a must!
- The breakfast buffet is a hard no for me.
- Make the gym a little bit bigger.
The Verdict?
I'd stay here again. Absolutely. It's a solid choice for Lincoln, and a place I could actually find myself returning to.
My Offer & Persuasion (Because, Sales!)
Okay, listen up! Are you planning a trip to Lincoln? Do you value comfort, cleanliness, and a solid night's sleep? Then you need to book the Lincoln's BEST Holiday Inn Express? (You Won't Believe #3!).
- Get pampered for a great price with our complimentary amenities that cater to all your needs.
- Don't worry about getting sick! We are highly-rated in cleanliness, safety, and hygiene.
- Enjoy the best of Lincoln's sights, then take a relaxing dip in our indoor swimming pool.
Book now, before the rooms fill up! This is your chance to experience a worry-free stay in Lincoln, at a price that won’t break the bank. And hey, maybe you'll even hit up the local dive bar.
Click the "Book Now" button and treat yourself! You deserve it!
Arun Riverside Bangkok: Thailand's Hidden Gem? (You Won't Believe This!)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because you're about to get a peek inside the wonderfully inefficient, gloriously flawed, and occasionally disastrous mind of a solo traveler at the Holiday Inn Express Lincoln, Nebraska. Let's just say, my itinerary is less "precision-timed Swiss watch" and more "drunken sloth making its way uphill in a blizzard."
Day 1: Arrival and the Quest for the Elusive Microwave
(1:00 PM): Land in Lincoln. Okay, "land" is a strong word. More like, "stumbled off the plane looking like a crumpled napkin that'd seen better days." Immediately hit the shuttle. It's… functional. More importantly, the driver, bless his cotton socks, has a serious collection of trucker hats. Considering writing a novella about them on the ride.
(2:00 PM): Arrive at the Holiday Inn Express. Check-in is… surprisingly smooth. No crying children, no malfunctioning key cards. Victory! Now, the real battle begins: finding the microwave. This is crucial. My breakfast from home (a questionable but beloved concoction of oatmeal and desperation) needs reheating. Commence the frantic room search.
(2:15 PM): Room discovered. No microwave. Panic sets in. This is going to be a long stay. I'm a person who's used to the instant gratification of a microwave. I call the front desk. They can't get me one right away. I have to wait. The horror. I spend the next half hour wandering aimlessly, plotting the demise of the person who decided microwaves were optional in modern rooms.
(2:45 PM): Defeated, I decide to try the oatmeal cold. It's… an experience. I briefly consider my life choices, including the impulsive purchase of these oatmeal packets.
(3:00 PM): Okay, I get a text from the front desk saying they have a microwave. I feel like a winner. I rush to the front desk, the breakfast of champions in tow. Yes, I'm that person.
(3:15 PM - 5:00 PM): Oatmeal consumption and unpacking. I decide to unpack. It's a mistake. Turns out I overpacked. Again. Why do I always think I need five pairs of jeans for a three-day trip? The struggle is real, and my suitcase is screaming. I'm currently contemplating throwing out the socks and bringing the extra jeans anyway.
(5:00 PM - 7:00 PM): Attempt to visit the Nebraska State Capitol Building. It's beautiful, honestly. But, here's the thing. I’m not a ‘statues and architecture’ kind of person. Got a bit lost. Also really disappointed that there aren't any secret passageways or ghosts. My fault, I guess. I spend most of my time people-watching. The guy in the cowboy boots and the "I Love Nebraska" t-shirt provides ample entertainment.
(7:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Dinner at a local diner. Honestly, it was pure, unadulterated comfort food. The waitress, bless her heart, called me "honey." The mashed potatoes were divine. I maybe shed a single tear of pure, unadulterated joy. It's really good. This is the part of traveling I signed up for.
(9:00 PM - 10:00 PM): Back at the hotel. Watch some mindless television. Realize I forgot to pack my book. Sigh. Curse my absentmindedness. Browse the hotel vending machine. Discover a bag of gummy bears. Pure, unadulterated bliss.
(10:00 PM): Sleep. Attempt sleep. My internal monologue is still humming with the sound of mashed potatoes.
Day 2: The Great Zoo Debacle and the Search for Something… More
(8:00 AM): Wake up. The sun is shining. This is promising. Breakfast at the hotel. The usual suspects: stale pastries, lukewarm coffee, and the existential dread that comes from a hotel breakfast buffet.
(9:00 AM – 12:00 PM): The Lincoln Children's Zoo. This was a mistake. A beautiful mistake, but a mistake nonetheless. I figured, "Hey, I like animals! This will be a calm, relaxing morning." Ha. HA. It was a whirlwind of screaming children, over-enthusiastic parents, and a sudden, overwhelming desire to escape into the nearest cocktail bar. I got caught in a stampede of toddlers vying for a ride on a miniature train. I swear I'm still finding stray animal crackers in my pockets. The monkeys are particularly judgy. I spend way too long staring at the flamingos. They're judging me too.
(12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Escape the zoo. Need food and silence. Stat.
(1:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Lunch at a recommended burger joint. It's good, but I'm still emotionally scarred from the zoo. The burger is my therapy.
(2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Attempt to find some "culture." Wander around downtown Lincoln, stumble upon a street art fair. I mostly just people-watch more. This is my niche. Purchase a slightly bizarre painting of a cat wearing a monocle. It's a purchase I will probably regret later.
(4:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Back at the hotel. Contemplate the meaning of life, the questionable choices of my life, and the sheer lack of good coffee in this city.
(5:00 PM - 7:00 PM): The thing about being alone is that I didn't have to do any of the things that I did. I spent the hour at a local brewery. It was fine. The beer was good. But, the feeling of being alone in a place filled with couples on dates was… weird. I want a partner. I want a dog. I want anything but the feeling of being adrift.
(7:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Dinner. I ordered way too much food, because, you know, comfort.
(9:00 PM): More television and an early bedtime.
Day 3: Departure and the Bitter-Sweet Taste of Freedom
(7:00 AM): Wake up. The oatmeal packets stare accusingly at me.
(8:00 AM): Pack. This time, I manage to close my suitcase with (relative) ease. I did it. I am packing pro.
(9:00 AM): Breakfast. Make a final, desperate attempt to enjoy the subpar coffee. Fail.
(10:00 AM): Check out. The front desk guy is wearing a different trucker hat. The saga continues.
(11:00 AM): Head to the airport. Reflect on my adventure. I'm not sure what I expected to find in Lincoln, Nebraska, but I found… something. I found a little bit of myself. I found the value in a good burger, the absurdity of a children's zoo, and the pure comfort of a bag of gummy bears. I also, sadly, found out that I really, really, really would like a partner.
(12:00 PM): Take off. Lincoln, you were… interesting. I guess. I'll probably forget most of this in a week, but the memory will be there. And if someone asks me, I'm going to tell them it was the trip of a lifetime. And I'll be telling the truth.
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