Escape to Campus: Holiday Inn's Chic College Getaway!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the chaotic, caffeine-fueled wonderland that is the Escape to Campus: Holiday Inn's Chic College Getaway! (Don't judge, I’m literally running on caffeine and the sheer audacity of this whole shebang.) This ain't your grandma's Holiday Inn review. This is the raw, the real, the slightly-too-honest-about-the-bathroom-situation lowdown.
The Big Picture: Campus Life, But with Fewer Ramen Noodles (Probably)
So, the idea behind "Escape to Campus" is solid. Take a Holiday Inn (presumably, they're everywhere, right?) and make it feel like a… well, a better college experience. One with actual comfy beds, people who clean up after themselves, and definitely not a roommate who snorts at 3 AM. The target audience? Let's be real, it's everyone who remembers college fondly but also remembers the hell of it. Families with college-bound kids testing the waters, nostalgic alumni, or just folks who need a break from reality. (Spoiler alert: me.)
Accessibility: Trying to be Good, I Hope!
Alright, let's get the serious stuff out of the way. Accessibility. The website claims to be on the level, and that's crucial. We're talking wheelchair accessibility: elevators, ramps, all that jazz. They should have facilities for disabled guests, which is good. It's a must! I'd be asking really pointed questions about the bathroom situations, just to make sure. Then there's a doctor/nurse on call… always good to know, even if you're not planning on needing them. (I'm picturing a particularly enthusiastic karaoke night gone wrong. Maybe.)
Cleanliness and Safety: Because We're Not Trying to Catch Anything Besides a Nap
This is where things get… critical. In this day and age, cleanliness and safety are EVERYTHING. I’m hyper-sensitive to this, probably because I spent half of last year sanitizing everything I touched. So, what's the deal? Anti-viral cleaning products? YES. Daily disinfection in common areas? DOUBLE YES. Professional-grade sanitizing services? GOOD. Rooms sanitized between stays? Okay, Holiday Inn, you’re getting there. But hold up… Room sanitization opt-out available? WHY? WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT? I'm calling shenanigans on that one. The staff trained in safety protocol is also a big deal, but actual results are what matter.
Side note: Hand sanitizer should be EVERYWHERE. Like, fountains of the stuff. And the hot water linen and laundry washing is a must.
Dining, Drinking, And Snacking: Fueling the All-Nighter (Or, You Know, Just Lunch)
Okay, let's talk about the goodies. Because, honestly, a hotel is only as good as its food situation. The restaurants are the key here. Do they have a freaking bar? (Important.) Room service [24-hour]? Even more important. You need that late-night burger when you're staring at the ceiling at 2 AM, wondering what life choices led you to this point. Breakfast [buffet]? A classic, but honestly, I’m skeptical. Buffets are a gamble, people. You can’t trust them! They're the roulette wheel of food. I'm hoping for a Coffee shop and Coffee/tea in restaurant too, because… well, see above regarding caffeine and potentially questionable life choices. Poolside Bar, Happy Hour, all good. And the essential: Bottle of water in the room. Always.
Here's where I get specific (and probably embarrassing). I once spent a week at a Holiday Inn, and let me tell you, the saving grace was the slightly underwhelming buffet. I ate so many sad little blueberry muffins and lukewarm scrambled eggs, but they were… present. It fueled my terrible decision to stay up all night "working." Don't judge, I was on vacation, I think, I don't remember, the muffins were probably that good. At least they had coffee/tea in the restaurant, so I guess I could get my caffeine fix.
I'm looking for those subtle touches! The availability of additional toilet would be a huge plus, as would essential condiments. A good salad in restaurant is key to avoiding the dreaded “hotel food slump.”
Services and Conveniences: Because Life is Easier With Help (Seriously)
Alright, let's get into the "makes life easier" stuff. 24-hour front desk? Bless them. Concierge? Okay, I'm not that fancy, but hey, it's nice to have backup. Doorman? Now we're talking! Daily housekeeping? Sweet, sweet relief from my own personal chaos. Laundry service?! YES, YES, YES. Especially after that pool bar experience, am I right?
The Internet Situation: Let's be real, in 2024, Internet [free] and Wi-Fi [free] are essential. If you can't get connected, what even is the point of existing? You need to update your Insta feed! You need to watch Netflix! You need to complain about the lack of WiFi in your review! And the Internet access – [LAN] is a throwback.
Things To Do/Ways to Relax: (Please let there be a Jacuzzi)
Okay, here's where the actual "escape" part comes in. And, honestly, it better freaking deliver. Swimming pool [outdoor]? Always appreciated. Sauna? YES, please. Spa/sauna/steamroom? Now we're talking. I’m a HUGE fan of the spa. And I'd kill for a massage. Especially after the aforementioned all-nighter! Fitness center, fine. Gym/fitness, okay. Pool with view? Sign me up. Body scrub and/or body wrap? Oh, HELL YES. I want to emerge feeling like a new human. (A slightly pruney, but refreshed, new human.) Then there's kids facilities -- good to have, even if I won't be using them.
What About the Rooms, Tho? The most important, since you actually have to live in them!
First, I always look for non-smoking rooms. Air conditioning is a must, especially if I'm staying somewhere tropical – or even if it just feels warm.
The little things? Coffee/tea maker – ESSENTIAL. I require coffee (and tea) to be made at any time. I require Complimentary tea. I definitely need blackout curtains. I NEED a Desk and a Desk for getting actual work done. Need a Mini bar too. The hairdryer is also important. And, of course, the Wi-FI [free]!
For the Kids: (If You Have Them, I Don't)
I'm not a parent, but I know kids exist. So, babysitting service is a plus, as are family/child friendly policies and, of course, kids meal. I’m assuming these aren’t aimed at me, but hey, never know.
Quirks and Other Random Bits I'm always looking for the extra things! Proposal spot?! Ambitious. Shrine? Oddly specific, but okay. Smoking area? I’m not a smoker, but fine. Then there's the gift/souvenir shop, and convenience store. (These are good for impulse buys.)
The Offer - Escape to Campus: Your (Slightly) Less Messy College Experience Awaits!
Okay, here's the deal, folks. If you're tired of the same old grind, if you're craving a getaway that promises relaxation and a little slice of nostalgia (without the all-nighters and questionable cafeteria food), then run, don't walk, to book the Escape to Campus: Holiday Inn’s Chic College Getaway!
Why Book Now?
- Unbeatable Value: Get access to all the amenities you've always wanted. You'll work smarter not harder.
- Unparalleled Relaxation: Spa, pool, sauna – it’s your all-access pass to chill!
- A Touch of Nostalgia, Without All the Trauma: Relive the college experience (a better version!)
- Safety and Cleanliness Guaranteed: We've got you covered with the highest sanitation standards.
Don't Miss Out! Head to the website or call now to book your Escape to Campus adventure! Limited spaces are available, so reserve your spot and prepare for a getaway that’s both fun and a refreshing mental break!
Abilene's BEST Hotel? Holiday Inn Express Abilene Mall South Review!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because you're about to get a real tour of my whirlwind… adventure? …stay? …at the Holiday Inn at the Campus by IHG. Warning: May contain excessive coffee consumption and the questionable sanity of yours truly.
Day 1: Arrival and "Oh God, What Have I Done?"
- 1:00 PM: Arrived at the hotel. Let's be honest, I’d pictured a sprawling campus with cute brick buildings and a charming little bookstore. Instead, reality slammed me in the face with a beige wall and a parking lot that could swallow a small car. First impression? Meh. Okay, slightly more than meh. The lobby smelled of stale pretzels and vague ambition. You know, that scent of a thousand forgotten college dreams?
- 1:15 PM: Checked in. The front desk person, bless her heart, looked like she’d seen some things. "Welcome to the Holiday Inn!" she chirped, with a smile that seemed to say, "You'll survive." She wasn’t wrong. My room key almost worked the first time, a small victory.
- 1:30 PM: Room inspection. Alright, here we go… the room is… functional. The bedspread looks like it's been through a few wars, and the wallpaper vaguely reminds me of my grandma's living room circa 1978. There's a strange stain on the carpet that I'm choosing to ignore. Overall, it's a solid "meh plus".
- 2:00 PM: Unpacked. Or, more accurately, attempted to unpack. I swear, I packed for a week, but I’m only staying two nights. Anyway, my suitcase exploded in a glorious display of questionable fashion choices. This is where I realized I’d forgotten my toothbrush (classic me).
- 2:30 PM: Snack time! Found a vending machine with a single bag of stale chips. I bought them. Regrets, I've had a few…
- 3:00 PM: Wandered. Decided to get a feel for the hotel campus, which turned out to be a small courtyard with a sad-looking fountain. I was instantly hit with a wave of pure, unadulterated loneliness. Time for some serious distraction.
- 4:00 PM: Discovered the indoor pool! The water looked unnervingly clear, like something out of a sci-fi movie. I was on the edge of going for a swim, but then I spotted a lone, bored-looking lifeguard and thought better of it. You know, sometimes you just don’t want to make eye contact with a stranger in a Speedo.
- 5:00 PM: Attempted to work. Opened up my laptop, and then promptly spent an hour staring blankly at the screen, contemplating the existential dread of email. Gave up and decided to watch TV. The remote was sticky. Shudders
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at the hotel restaurant. It was… fine. The server, a college kid with a half-hearted smile and a nametag that was slightly askew, was an absolute angel. I ordered the chicken sandwich. It was exactly what you would expect from a hotel restaurant.
- 7:00 PM: Back to the room to unwind. Realized there was a faint, but persistent, noise that sounded like a tiny hamster on a treadmill. Nope, it was the air conditioning. It was a battle! Me vs. the hamster of humidity, or something like that.
- 8:00 PM: Watched a movie on TV. The signal kept freezing every now and then. I took it as a sign to go to sleep earlier.
- 9:00 PM: Bedtime. Tried to sleep, but the mysterious noise wouldn't go away. Still, gave up and drifted off into a sleep that was barely a sleep.
Day 2: The Grand Caffeine Quest and the Bathroom Situation
- 7:00 AM: Wake up! The morning light revealed the true horrors of that carpet stain. I needed coffee. Desperately.
- 7:30 AM: Breakfast buffet. The breakfast buffet lived up to its reputation. You know, the one where you have to decide between the rubbery scrambled eggs and the suspiciously orange "fruit salad". I took the fruit salad (regrets).
- 8:00 AM: The coffee quest! Found the hotel coffee shop (a tiny, sad corner of the lobby). The coffee was… potent. Let's just say, I'm not sure I've ever felt so awake. I think the caffeine may have induced mild hallucinations.
- 8:30 AM: Back to the room. This is where things take a turn for the… well, let's just say the "interesting". My glorious coffee had the unfortunate effect of making me need to use the bathroom. And that, my friends, is when I discovered the bathroom situation, a saga for the ages!
- 8:31 AM: Attempted to use the toilet. Clang. The toilet lid was stuck. After a few unsuccessful tries, it had officially locked, and I was stuck.
- 8:37 AM: Okay, deep breaths, I got this.
- 8:42 AM: After a bit of prying and tugging, the lid flew off. I felt triumphant. But as soon as I sat down…
- 8:42 AM: Plunk! The toilet paper holder detached from the wall. I burst out laughing.
- 8:45 AM: Managed to finally take care of business. Then, I reached for the soap.
- 8:46 AM: Squeak! The soap dish fell off the wall. I looked around, laughing hysterically.
- 9:00 AM: Defeated, I went to the front desk. The poor desk clerk, saw me coming and gave me a look that said, "Not a good look." After explaining my bathroom ordeal, she looked at me with a mixture of amusement and weariness. I may also have asked her for a new room at this point.
- 9:30 AM: Got a new room and immediately inspected the bathroom. The relief was palpable when everything was still attached.
- 10:00 AM: Okay, the caffeine was really kicking in. Decided to hit up the gym. Found a tiny, windowless room with a treadmill that looked like it was from the 80s. Gave it a go for a minute. I was sweating! (I don't exercise, alright?).
- 11:00 AM: Spent the next few hours catching up on some work. Then, had lunch at a local cafe. Found a charming little place and had a sandwich there. Much better.
- 1:00 PM: Wandered some more. There was nothing to see!
- 4:00 PM: Realized I forgot to go shopping. So I went to the local market to get some souvenirs.
- 6:00 PM: Decided to have dinner in the new room. The thought of going back downstairs was exhausting. Brought back a pizza and watched a movie.
- 8:00 PM: Wound down with a hot bath. The water was hot, which I loved.
- 9:00 PM: Actually went to bed at this time.
Day 3: Departure and the Ghost of the Holiday Inn
- 7:00 AM: Checked out. Honestly, I was strangely sad to leave. It was probably Stockholm Syndrome.
- 7:15 AM: Had a quick breakfast and thanked the staff for taking care of me. They smiled back, which I will take as an indication that I was a good guest.
- 8:00 AM: Driving back. Said goodbye to the Holiday Inn. It was…an experience. I wouldn't go back! But, if I had to, I may.
This itinerary is a messy, imperfect, and often hilarious look at what it's like to travel. And you know what? That's okay. Travel is supposed to be an adventure, and this, my friends, was definitely an adventure.
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Escape to Campus: Holiday Inn's "Chic" College Getaway... or is it? The Unfiltered FAQ!
So, what *exactly* is this "Escape to Campus" thing? Does it involve actual college… stuff?
Okay, buckle up, because this is where it gets… complicated. Basically, Holiday Inn partners with colleges (I think? It’s fuzzy) and tries to recreate the "college experience" in their hotels. Think: themed rooms, maybe some activities. The marketing is all sunshine and rainbow-frosted donuts, promising a nostalgic trip back to your glory days. (Or, you know, a *dream* of your glory days if you're like, me, and never actually *had* glory days in college. More like, "survive and hopefully get a degree" days.)
The reality? It's… hit or miss. I booked the "Football Fanatic" package at the Holiday Inn near State U. (names have been changed to protect the… well, the Holiday Inn's reputation). The room was supposedly decked out like a locker room. More like a *cleaned* locker room. There was a deflated football, a poster of a generic quarterback flexing (who, I suspect, never actually played a snap in a real game), and a bedspread with a suspiciously clean grass stain pattern. Honestly, my dorm room in the 90s was dirtier, and that's saying something.
Are the rooms actually… themed? Like, legit themed?
See above. "Themed" is a generous term. They *try*. My experience said "half-hearted attempt." I've heard rumors of decent rooms, like a "Film Club" themed room with old movie posters (that's tempting, actually, might be worth the price of admission), but I've also heard horrors. Apparently, some are just the regular Holiday Inn room with a single framed photo of a building on the college campus. Talk about a letdown! Remember, the grass stain bedding of the football room! I am still traumatized.
Think of it this way: They're aiming for themed, but often land somewhere between a slightly better-than-average hotel room and a community theater's attempt at set design. So temper your expectations. Seriously.
What kind of "activities" are we talking about? Tailgating? Keg stands?
Keg stands? Haha! (Deep breath). No. Definitely no keg stands. They're thinking… more family-friendly. Think… "trivia night," maybe a "meet and greet" with the school's mascot (which, let's be honest, is half the time some poor intern in a sweaty costume), and perhaps, a "craft beer tasting" (which, based on the Holiday Inn's beer selection, might be a *stretch*).
The whole vibe is… sanitized college. They are trying to avoid any actual college traditions, so, you're not going to see any parties, or beer pong, or anything fun. It is like, "college-lite." I would say it is "college-mild." It's like the opposite of a frat party. Imagine… a library, but at a hotel. Yawn.
Is it worth the price? Because, let's be real, Holiday Inns aren't exactly known for their… luxury (no offense, Holiday Inn, I have stayed at some pretty good ones).
Okay, the price. Ah, the brutal truth. This is where things get… complex. The "Escape to Campus" packages are usually… *slightly* more expensive than a standard Holiday Inn room. A small price to pay for the… memories, right?
Here’s my opinion: If you're craving a specific, nostalgic experience and aren't afraid to embrace the potential for disappointment, maybe. If you're looking for a genuinely immersive college experience? Absolutely, positively not. Go to a real college town. Hang out at a real dive bar. Eat some actual greasy pizza.
But hey, if you like themed rooms, and a questionable amount of excitement, then that is up to you! I spent the price of a decent dinner at the hotel bar. The waitstaff was nice, but the beer was still… Holiday Inn-y. And the whole thing felt kinda… sad.
Any horror stories? Spill the tea!
Oh, I can talk about the "horror stories". My neighbor in the football room, a guy named Bob, wanted to watch the game in the "Fan Zone" which was a meeting-room with a projector. They had a technical problem with a projector. People were getting antsy. Bob started getting mad. I swear, the Holiday Inn staff were running around like headless chickens. I think someone accidentally locked themselves in the supply closet. The whole thing was… a mess. Bob, the poor soul, just wanted to watch the game! He kept shouting at the staff, who looked even more miserable than I felt! Eventually, they gave up and streamed the game on a tiny TV hidden behind a plant. Bob looked so defeated.
Then there was the buffet breakfast. Greasy, sad, and the 'scrambled eggs' (quotation marks VERY necessary there) tasted vaguely… chemically. It was a low point, I tell you. A low point. I wound up eating some stale cereal and feeling vaguely disappointed in the world.
Okay, so, should I avoid this "Escape to Campus" thing entirely?
Look, I'm not saying it's a total disaster. (Although, the "Football Fanatic" experience tested my optimism). If you go in with *incredibly* lowered expectations, a sense of humor, and maybe a healthy supply of your own snacks and beverages, it *might* be… mildly amusing.
But honestly? If you're anything like me – someone who actually *lived* through college and has fond (or at least, *vivid*) memories of the experience – you'll probably be disappointed. Go to a real campus. Seriously. Or, you know, just stay home and watch old college movies. It’s probably cheaper, and you can wear your pajamas.
What's the *best* thing about the "Escape to Campus" experience?
Honestly? The bed. The Holiday Inn beds are usually pretty comfy. And the fact that, at the end of the day, you get to leave. Escape from Campus... and then escape from the Holiday Inn. The escape is the best part.
One last piece of advice?
Pack some snacks. And lower your expectations. Seriously. And maybe bring a good book. You'll have plenty of time to read while waiting for the… "activities" to start.
