Durham's BEST Hotel Near UNH: Holiday Inn Express Review!

Holiday Inn Express Durham-UNH By IHG United States

Durham's BEST Hotel Near UNH: Holiday Inn Express Review!

Durham's BEST Hotel Near UNH: Holiday Inn Express Review! (The Uncensored Version)

Okay, buckle up, folks. This isn't your usual glossy hotel brochure. We're diving DEEP into the Holiday Inn Express near UNH in Durham, New Hampshire. And trust me, after a recent, slightly-chaotic, and ultimately enjoyable stay, I've got opinions. Let's just say, my notepad is overflowing, my caffeine levels are high, and my room key? Lost it already. (Thankfully, they were super cool about it.)

The Basics (and the Surprisingly Good Stuff):

First things first: it's the Holiday Inn Express. You know the drill, right? Generally clean, reliable, and designed to be functional. But honestly? This one's got some spark.

• Location, Location, Location: Smack-dab near UNH. Perfect if you're visiting the college, attending a conference, or, you know, just want to gorge on college town pizza (more on that later). Car park [free of charge] is a major win. Parking in Durham can be a nightmare. Taxi service is available, but honestly, you could walk to most things.
• Accessibility: Okay, this is where they truly shine. Wheelchair accessible is a big check. They've thought about the details – ramps, accessible rooms, the whole shebang. Seriously, kudos. This isn't just a box ticked; it's a commitment.
• Cleanliness and Safety (the Pandemic Edition): Look, we're all still a little freaked out about germs, right? They're doing a solid job. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Rooms sanitized between stays… it felt reassuring. They even offer Room sanitization opt-out available. I appreciated the option! Hand sanitizer everywhere. Staff were masked. It just felt safe. Bonus points for Cashless payment service and Contactless check-in/out. In this day and age, it's a must.

Rooms & Creature Comforts (Where it Gets Fun):

My room? Standard Holiday Inn Express fare, but… clean. And that's HUGE. Air conditioning in all rooms. Blackout curtains? Bless them. I'm a light sleeper, and those things are essential. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (And it actually worked!) That's a game-changer. Internet access – wireless, Internet access – LAN. They cater to all your connectivity needs. The desk area was adequate for working on my laptop, and the laptop workspace option was great.

• The Bed (and my near-death experience): Let's be honest, a comfy bed is what matters. Their beds are decent, not the best I've ever slept in, but they were good enough. Extra-long bed? Nice touch for those like me, who tend to sprawl.
• Bathroom Basics: Decently sized. Hot water linen and laundry washing. Towels were fluffy. Additional toilet, nah, but it did have a hairdryer.
• The Fridge: I was able to keep my drink cool in the refrigerator.
• Entertainment: Standard Satellite/cable channels. On-demand movies.

Food, Glorious Food (and the occasional disappointment):

• Breakfast [buffet]: Standard issue. Eggs, sausage, bagels, fruit, the works. Breakfast takeaway service is available. It's free. It's convenient. It's… well, it's breakfast. Don't go in expecting a Michelin-star experience, and you'll be fine. Coffee/tea in restaurant was also available, but I prefer the coffee shop down the street.
• Dining, drinking, and snacking: I didn't get a chance to try the bar.
• Restaurants: There is no restaurant but the town has many restaurants, which is great.

Services and Conveniences (the stuff that makes life easier):

• Laundry service was available, which I always appreciate.
• Daily housekeeping – thank heavens. My room always seemed to get messier the more I stayed.
• Concierge was not available but it’s not really a fancy hotel.
• Elevator: Of course.
• Meeting/banquet facilities were available.
• Gift/souvenir shop was available, which, hey, maybe you forgot something.
• Luggage storage: Yes.
• Cash withdrawal: Also, yes.
• Doorman: Nope, but the folks at reception were super helpful and friendly.
• Security [24-hour]: Yes for peace of mind and CCTV in common areas.
• Front desk [24-hour]: Absolutely.

Things to Do & Ways to Relax (or, how to survive the college town experience):

• Fitness center: Present, and I actually used it! Basic equipment, but enough to work off some pizza calories.
• Swimming pool [outdoor]: Nice.

For the Kids/Family:

• Family/child friendly.

The Quirks & The Imperfections:

• The elevators: Occasionally slow. Prepare to wait.
• That darned lost room key: See, they’re human. Mistakes can happen. And they fix them!
• The noise level: Sometimes you can hear things, it’s a hotel room.
• The proximity to college kids: This is both a pro and a con, depending on your tolerance for late-night revelry. You're in a college town. Embrace it.
• No spa: This isn't a luxury resort. Manage your expectations accordingly.

The REALLY Big Thing: The Staff!

Honestly? The staff made this place. They were friendly, genuinely helpful, and seemed to actually enjoy working there. From the front desk to the breakfast crew, everyone was professional, patient, and always willing to go the extra mile. They are absolutely the key to the whole thing. They are excellent.

So, Should You Stay Here?

Absolutely. For a practical, clean, well-equipped hotel near UNH, the Holiday Inn Express ticks all the boxes. It's safe, accessible, and the staff are fantastic. The price point is reasonable. It's not the Ritz, but it's a really solid choice for travelers, families, or conference attendees who need a reliable home base.

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My Final Verdict: 4 out of 5 Stars (and a hearty recommendation).

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SEO-Friendly Keywords (because, you know, I'm trying to help you FIND this place):

• Holiday Inn Express, Durham, UNH, University of New Hampshire, hotel near UNH, Durham hotels, accessible hotel, free Wi-Fi, free breakfast, New Hampshire hotels, conference hotel, family-friendly hotel, clean hotel, safe hotel, car park near UNH.

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The "Book Now" Pitch (The Unedited, Slightly Over-the-Top Version):

Listen Up, You Future Durham Explorers!

Are you heading to UNH? Do you need a clean, convenient, and well-located hotel that won't leave you broke? Then quit messing around and book your stay at the Holiday Inn Express near UNH! Seriously. I've done the legwork. I've navigated the (occasional) elevator issues. I've tasted the (perfectly acceptable) breakfast. And I'm telling you: this is a great bet.

Here's the deal:

• Prime Location: Walk to campus, score easy parking, and dive into Durham's best eats (pizza, pizza, pizza!).
• Accessibility Done Right: They get it. Seriously, they get it.
• Cleanliness that Matters: Reassuring in these times. Peace of mind included!
• Wi-Fi that Actually Works: Stream your shows, check your email, and stay connected without losing your mind.
• The Super-Friendly Staff: They'll make you feel welcome, even if you lose your room key (ahem). And that's PRICELESS.

But wait, there's more (because I'm feeling generous):

• Use code "DURHAMROCKS" at checkout for a (totally imaginary) discount! (Hey, it's worth a shot!)
• Prepare to be impressed by the quality of the bed.
• You will love the location!

Don't wait! Rooms are filling up fast, especially during peak season! Click that "Book Now" button and get ready for a hassle-free stay near UNH. I'm already fantasizing about my next visit. It's a safe bet you will love it!

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Disclaimer: This review is based on my own personal experience and is somewhat exaggerated for dramatic effect. (

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Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to plan a trip to the Holiday Inn Express Durham-UNH… well, okay, near Durham, New Hampshire. It's not exactly the Amalfi Coast, but hey, we're not here to judge, okay? We're here to live, and that includes battling a continental breakfast and pretending to be enthused about the complimentary coffee. Here we go, my chaotic travel plan:

My "Get Me Away From This Desk" Itinerary: Durham, NH Edition

Day 1: The Arrival & The Questionable Bed

• Morning (8:00 AM - Give or take… I'm not a morning person): The Great Exodus. This depends. Maybe I'm flying, maybe I'm driving. If driving, the initial "Whew, finally packed!" feeling will quickly morph into "Did I remember the charger? Do I need to pee again?" If flying, there’s the glorious drama of the airport. The tiny luggage wheel of death.

• Late Morning/Early Afternoon (1:00 PM - Let's be honest, more like 2:30 PM): Arrival at the Holy Grail (aka, the Holiday Inn Express). Check-in. Finding the hotel is always an adventure. Did I plug the address in correctly? Am I being judged by the front desk person because I look like I haven't slept in 3 days (probably)? The key card shuffle of shame. Praying the elevator isn't a death trap.

  • Anecdote: Once, I stayed in a hotel where the elevator sounded like it was about to launch me into space. Every. Single. Time. I spent a good chunk of the trip weighing the risks of the stairs versus the elevator of doom. Spoiler alert: I took the stairs. A lot.

• Afternoon (3:00 PM): The Room Inspection. This is crucial. First, the sniff test. Does it smell vaguely of cleaning products and desperation, or something else entirely? Then, the bed. OH THE BED. Is it a brick wrapped in fabric, or a cloud of marshmallow fluff? I'm hoping for the latter because I've earned this dang bed. I'm sure I'll immediately want to take a nap, and that's fine. Then, I will likely inspect every surface for questionable stains. The bathroom? Let's hope it’s clean.

• Late Afternoon (5:00 PM): Quick Reconnaissance mission. Locate the vending machine. Is it stocked with anything beyond lukewarm water and stale peanuts? Scope out the lobby. Is there free coffee? Is there good free coffee? These are pivotal questions. I will probably walk around the exterior of the building looking for restaurants and landmarks.

• Evening (7:00 PM): Dinner, somewhere near the hotel. I'll need to find something that's not too expensive. A quick Google Maps search for "restaurants near me." This always leads to a mental battle between "I deserve a good meal" and "I'm traveling alone, I'm too tired to be fancy." Often, I go with the "comfort food is key" option. I will likely order way too much food and end up with leftovers.

• Evening (9:00 PM): The Great Unwind. Watch TV (probably a crime drama), maybe read a book if I brought one and my phone battery is low. Maybe scroll endlessly through social media, hating myself a little. Maybe go down a rabbit hole of conspiracy theories on YouTube. You know, the usual vacation stuff.

Day 2: Exploring Durham (or, You Know, Trying To)

• Morning (7:00 AM): The Breakfast Battleground. The complimentary continental breakfast. This is where dreams die, folks. The eggs – rubbery. The fruit – slightly bruised. The coffee – lukewarm, yet still manages to stain everything. I will TRY to find something edible, and after my first bite, I'll probably be a little bit disappointed but, hey, it's free.
• Morning (9:00 AM): Attempt to be cultured. Decide I should do something. Maybe visit the historic campuses of the university. Take a scenic walk. Maybe I'll get a fancy coffee to go and feel like a true tourist. Try not to get lost.
• Mid-day (12:00 PM): Lunchtime! Find a cute cafe. Pretend I'm a local. Order a thing I've never tried before. Hopefully it's good. If not, oh well.
• Afternoon (2:00 PM - Let's be honest, more like 3:00 PM): The Great Indoors. If the rain starts (which is a distinct possibility), I may resort to some serious retail therapy. I can always buy things I don't need, right?
• Late Afternoon (5:00 PM): Chillax Time. Head back to the hotel. Maybe swim in the pool if it has one. Or just watch TV again. Or stare out the window and be melancholy. Options, options.
• Evening (7:00 PM): Dinner, round two. Maybe return to the restaurant from the first night. Or try a new one. Or order delivery and eat in my room, because, you know, comfort.
• Evening (9:00 PM): The Final Countdown of Chill. Pack my bags! Yay!

Day 3: The Departure & The Bitter Farewell to "Peace"

• Morning (7:00 AM): The Terrible Breakfast Revenge. Same as day 2, except I'm already running late. I may just grab a banana to go because I am not going to miss my flight.
• Morning (8:00 AM): Quick Hotel Check out. Did I leave anything? Did I remember to tip the cleaning staff? Pray the key card works to unlock the door, and then hope the elevator doesn't eat me.
• Morning (9:00 AM): The Journey Home. Depending on how I got here, it could be a long drive, or a stressful flight. Either way, I'm going to feel a mixture of exhaustion and the faint, creeping dread of returning to reality.
• Early Afternoon (12:00 to 2:00 PM): Return home. A quick debrief with myself. Did I have fun? Did I see and do all the things? Probably not. But did I have a nice time? Hopefully.
• Emotional Reaction: Probably a mix of "That was great!" and "I need a nap, and a week of doing absolutely nothing." And "When's my next trip?"

Important Notes:

• Flexibility is key: This is a suggestion. Things will go wrong. Traffic. Closed attractions. My own laziness. Embrace the chaos.
• Emotions: Expect a roller coaster. Joy, frustration, boredom, mild panic, and the unshakeable longing for a really good cup of coffee.
• Perfection is overrated: This trip isn't designed to be Instagram-worthy. It's designed to be lived. So go forth, and embrace the mess. Good luck, you magnificent traveler! You’ll need it!

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Holiday Inn Express Durham, NH: The Definitive (and Slightly Unhinged) FAQ

Is this REALLY the best hotel near UNH? Like, *really* really?

Okay, buckle up. "Best" is subjective, right? Depends what you need. If you need proximity to UNH – say, for parents' weekend, graduation, or a last-minute visit (which is how *I* ended up there, frantically refreshing booking sites at 2 AM) – then yeah, it's *up there*. It’s practically spitting distance! You can practically taste the *freshers* walking around. Other hotels, well, they're further out, adding precious minutes (and potentially, disastrous parking situations) to your life. Now, if you're expecting the Ritz? Sweetheart, no. It's a Holiday Inn Express. But for location, pure, unadulterated location…it's hard to beat. I'd give them a solid B+ for that alone. Or maybe an A- for the sheer convenience of it all, the knowledge you’re not a two-hour drive away from a screaming toddler in the back. (Been there, done that. Never again.)

What's the breakfast like? I heard whispers...

Ah, the breakfast. The make-or-break moment of any Holiday Inn Express experience. Let's be honest, it's not Michelin-star material. Picture this: that familiar, slightly artificial smell of processed everything. The glorious, glistening (maybe a little too glistening?) scrambled eggs. The pre-wrapped pastries that… well, they *exist*. But you know what? It usually does the trick! They had those little fluffy pancakes that came out of a waffle maker one morning, and they were *surprisingly* good! Like, I may have eaten three. No regrets. Sometimes they have those little breakfast sandwiches, which I think are okay because they're so easy to grab and go if you have a hungry student to drive to campus. Did I find a crumb on my tie? Probably. Do I care? Not one tiny bit. If you're easily disgusted by the thought of pre-made food, I'd bring your own bagels. However, the coffee is actually decent, and you can usually get a decent cup, so you can at least get a dose of caffeine. Breakfast is what you make of it, right?

Are the rooms comfortable? Did they use the latest memory foam mattresses?

Comfortable is a fair assessment. Think a solid, dependable hug. It's not going to knock your socks off, but it's certainly adequate. The beds are… well, they're beds. I slept! And that's the main thing, isn't it? I didn't wake up with any serious back pain, which is a win in my book. The pillows were a little…fluffy? A bit too much fluff for my liking. But that's easily fixable, toss one on the floor and the problem is solved. The decor is a little bland, beige on beige on beige, but hey, you're not there for the interior design competition, are you? You're there for proximity and maybe some sleep. It does the job, basically.

What amenities are there? A pool? A gym? A portal to another dimension?

Okay, let's temper expectations. Portal to another dimension? Sadly, no. (Though that would be *amazing* during a stressful UNH visit). The pool is…well, I think there is one. I didn't actually see it, to be honest. The gym is a tiny little room with a treadmill and a couple of weights. It's there if you're feeling ambitious. But let's be real, most people are there for the proximity and the *sleep* after dealing with your college student and their insane, cluttered dorm room. The real amenity is the *location*, pure and simple. But there’s free wifi, which is a must when you need to check your email a hundred times a day. I have used it to catch up on my streaming shows late at night, but don't get too much sleep because you'll need it to survive the actual hotel stay.

Is it noisy? I'm a light sleeper.

This is the big one, isn't it? NOISE. The bane of every light sleeper's existence. Honestly, it's a coin flip. Since it's so close to campus, you're going to hear some late-night revelry, especially on weekends. I've definitely heard some loud conversations in the hallway, and one night, some very enthusiastic singing that bordered on opera... it may have been a drunken frat boy. The walls aren't exactly soundproof. But the worst noise I encountered? The incessant *thump-thump-thump* of the upstairs neighbor's (probably) enormous feet. I nearly lost it. My inner monologue went something like this: "Is that a herd of elephants? No, it's probably just Chad. Or maybe he's just practicing his tap dancing? I'm going to call the front desk." (I didn't). I recommend earplugs. Seriously. Always pack earplugs. And maybe a bottle of calming wine. You know, just in case.

What about parking? (Always a nightmare near UNH!)

Parking. Ah, yes. The perpetual anxiety of any UNH visitor. This is where the Holiday Inn Express redeems itself slightly. They have parking, and it's *relatively* convenient compared to navigating the campus itself. However, during peak times (graduation, parents' weekend, etc.), expect a bit of a scramble. You *might* find yourself circling for a bit. I'd arrive early if possible. I once witnessed a near-brawl over a parking spot during Move-In Day. Seriously. It was a sight to behold. My advice? Be patient. Be polite (mostly). And maybe have a backup plan (parking a few blocks away and walking) just in case. Bring your walking shoes and some good-natured tolerance for stressed-out parents. You'll need it.

The staff! Are they nice? Helpful? Or just completely over it?

The staff are generally pretty good! Most of them are friendly and helpful. They're dealing with a LOT of people, especially during those busy periods. I recall one time, needing to check in super late, and the person at the front desk (who looked like they'd been there since the dawn of time) was still cheerful and actually gave me a solid tip for a local restaurant. The check-in was quick and easy, and they even offered a complimentary cookie. It's the little things, you know? I have found them to be helpful and patient, especially when dealing with tired, stressed-out parents (like myself, on occasion!). They are a good bunch!

Would you stay here again? Tell me the truth!

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