Lincoln's BEST Hotel? Holiday Inn Express South Unveiled!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the… well, let's just say it, the Holiday Inn Express South in Lincoln, Nebraska. Is it truly Lincoln's BEST? That's a bold claim, but after my stay, I’ve got some… thoughts. And trust me, you’re gonna want to hear them.
First things first, this ain’t your grandma’s Holiday Inn Express. Or maybe it is? Who am I to judge?
Accessibility & The Wheelchair Whisperer (and What Happened When the Elevator Got… Difficult)
Right off the bat, HUGE props. This place is Wheelchair Accessible. Seriously, Accessibility is a win! The website lists tons of Facilities for Disabled Guests, and from what I saw, they’re actually delivering. Good job, HIE. However, one rainy afternoon, the elevator decided to throw a tantrum. I swear, it sounded like a disgruntled robot. Thankfully, the staff was on it, but it did add a little… drama to the day. More on that later. Access is not perfect.
The Internet Abyss (and My Love-Hate Relationship with Free Wi-Fi)
Okay, let's talk Internet. The Holy Grail of modern travel, right? Free Wi-Fi in All Rooms? Yes, please! And they deliver. I mean, I could stream my Netflix without buffering every 3 seconds. Bless. They also offer Internet Access – LAN, which, honestly, I barely know what that means, but it’s there, and it probably makes some tech wizards very happy. There's also Wi-Fi in Public Areas, which is clutch for sneaking in some work while pretending to relax in the lobby. Okay, the lobby's fine. But the Wi-fi isn't the fastest. Sometimes, I'd be in the middle of a crucial email, and… poof. Gone. Back to the drawing board. But hey, it's free. Can't complain too much.
Cleanliness & Safety – Because We're All Slightly Paranoiac Now
In the age of… gestures vaguely at the world, Cleanliness and Safety are paramount. I'm a germaphobe at heart, and I'm not afraid to admit it! This is where the Holiday Inn Express REALLY shines. They've got the whole shebang: Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Rooms sanitized between stays, Professionally-grade sanitizing services… you name it. I felt… safe. Maybe even a little too safe. Like, I could practically taste the Lysol. The staff obviously gets Staff trained in safety protocol. They also have Hand Sanitizer everywhere. I saw staff disinfecting a whole elevator just for me and one other person, and as I said before, the elevator did act up once, so maybe the staff were taking it even more seriously. I might have been able to eat off the floor. Almost. Just kidding… mostly. They also offer Sanitized kitchen and tableware items and have Safe dining setup. They could probably do even more, but this is really good so far.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Fueling the Exploration Beast
Alright, the food. Let's be frank: Holiday Inn Express breakfasts used to kind of… well, they were a thing, but usually not a good thing. But this one? Surprisingly decent. The Breakfast [buffet] was… well-stocked. They offer Breakfast takeaway service which is awesome if you are running late. I saw Asian breakfast items and also Western breakfast options. They also offer Coffee/tea in restaurant and Coffee shop which is great. I’m a coffee addict, so that gets a HUGE gold star from me. There’s a Restaurant (though I didn't try the whole meal), plus a Snack bar… let's be real, I hit up the snack bar more than I'd like to admit.
Things to Do (and How to Relax) – More Than Just a Bed (Maybe)
Okay, this is where the HIE gets… interesting. They have a Fitness center, though I didn't quite get around to torturing myself but its there. A Swimming pool [outdoor] I didn't have time to use, but it looked very refreshing. As for the Spa, or other options like the Sauna, Steamroom and Massage , I didn't manage to get there. So, I'm making some assumptions based on my research about the hotel. They also have a Pool with view which also looks neat! They also had a few other surprises which I'll mention.
Services and Conveniences – The Little Things That Make a Difference
They've got the usual suspects: Air conditioning in public area, Daily housekeeping, Elevator, Laundry service, Luggage storage, etc. The Concierge deserves a medal (I'm not kidding, the guy was a saint). Cash withdrawal is available, and they offer Currency exchange. Plus, the Indoor venue for special events is great. They also offered Doorman which is pretty cool!
For the Kids – Keeping the Mini-Humans Happy
I didn't have kids with me, but I noticed they have a Babysitting service and they are Family/child friendly, which is a huge plus for those traveling with littles. I didn't see any Kids facilities, but still, its good that they provide all this.
Getting Around – Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy
Parking is Car park [free of charge]. They also offer Taxi service.
Available in All Rooms – The Nitty Gritty (and Did I Mention the Blackout Curtains?)
Okay, prepare yourself for a rapid-fire list: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Blackout curtains (YES! Thank you, hotel gods!), Coffee/tea maker (essential!), Free bottled water, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Ironing facilities, Minibar, Non-smoking, Private bathroom, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Shower, Smoke detector, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Wake-up service, and Wi-Fi [free]. I loved the Slippers. A nice touch. They also have Additional toilet. I also got a room with Soundproofing, which was good for a light sleeper like me.
The "I Wish They Had…" List
I'm always gonna be a little nit picky. I wish they had more USB chargers by the bed. I did wish they had a fridge that actually froze things in the room, but those are small beans.
My Crazy-Ass Anecdote: The Elevator Incident and the Kindness of Strangers
Okay, remember that elevator drama? Here's the lowdown: I was hauling a mountain of luggage (because, obviously), and the elevator decided to take a nap. It was a slow, agonizing descent. The staff rushed over, apologetic as hell. And then… a fellow guest, an elderly gentleman with a cane, offered to help me. He actually helped me carry my suitcase. It was such a lovely, unexpected moment of human connection. This hotel, despite its quirks, manages to cultivate a sense of community.
The Verdict: Is the Holiday Inn Express South Lincoln REALLY Lincoln's Best?
Okay, the million-dollar question. Is it the best? Look, it's not the Ritz-Carlton. It's a Holiday Inn Express. But it's a damn good Holiday Inn Express. Clean, safe, comfortable, with a surprisingly decent breakfast, and a staff that gives a damn. The accessibility is a massive win, and the location is ideal for exploring Lincoln. I could rant about my personal experience all day, but it's great overall.
The Offer: Stop Reading, START BOOKING!
Tired of the same old boring hotel routine? Holiday Inn Express South in Lincoln wants you!
Here's the deal: Right now, book your stay and receive:
- Guaranteed high-floor rooms with blackout curtains (because sleep is a sacred thing).
- Free breakfast, and maybe, just maybe, a coffee shop upgrade!
- Bonus: Mention the "Elevator Incident" (yeah, you heard it here first) and get 15% off your next massage! Get ready to relax.
Why wait? Book your escape to Lincoln today! You deserve it.
(Note: Massage discount not actually guaranteed. But hey, it’s worth a shot!)
Escape to Paradise: Stunning SAILING POINT Waterfront Apartment in South Africa!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. This is… my itinerary. And we’re heading to the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lincoln South by IHG in Lincoln, Nebraska. God help us all.
Day 1: Arrival and Immediate Disappointment (But Maybe Food?)
- 1:00 PM: Touchdown in Lincoln. Let me just say, Nebraska? Not exactly the Eiffel Tower. The airport felt…efficient. Like a well-oiled machine designed to get you out of there ASAP. I blame the wind.
- 1:45 PM: Pick up the rental car. (Praying it's not a clunker. Last time I rented a “compact,” I ended up smelling of exhaust fumes and existential dread for the entire trip.) Fingers crossed!
- 2:30 PM: Arrive at the promised land: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lincoln South. Cue dramatic music. I’m expecting sunshine, rainbows, and maybe a complimentary mimosa. (Okay, I know, expectations are the enemy of joy, but a girl can dream!)
- 2:45 PM: Check-in. This is where the real drama begins. Will my room be clean? Will the air conditioning work? Will the staff be…functional? (I once checked into a hotel where the front desk clerk looked like he’d just wrestled a bear and lost. Let's hope the staff at the IHG hotel will be in a better mood)
- 3:00 PM -3:45 PM: Settle in, unpack (or attempt to), and assess the damage. Okay, okay, the room…it's fine. Standard hotel room fare. Nothing to write home about, unless home is a particularly bland travel magazine. The view? A parking lot. My spirit animal right now.
- 4:00 PM: The Hunger Games begin. I start googling "best food Lincoln Nebraska" because, honestly, if I don't eat soon, I might eat my own arm.
- 4:30 PM: Decision Paralysis. There are so many options! BBQ? Sushi? Tex-Mex? Why can't I be one of those people who just knows what they want? I settle on… a taco place, based on an online review that sounded suspiciously positive. Hope it isn't some lame chain.
- 5:30 PM-7:30 PM: Tacos! The taco place turned out to be… amazing. Seriously. This is a win. (I may or may not have eaten four tacos. No regrets.) Stuffed full of happiness and the feeling of actually accomplishing something.
- 8:00 PM: Back to the hotel. The siren song of the hotel bed beckons. I'm fighting the urge to just collapse.
- 9:00 PM: Do I hit the hotel pool!?! Nah, that probably requires more effort than I can muster. Scrolling on my phone for an hour and then crashing.
Day 2: The Great Plains Adventure and a Deep Dive into… Corn
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel! Free breakfast is a godsend. I will get my fill of carbs and pretend I'm a healthy, functioning adult. (The waffles better be on point.)
- 9:00 AM: Okay, time to embrace the Nebraska experience. Today's mission: Explore. Considering visiting the state capitol, and maybe venturing out to the countryside--the promise of a vast, open landscape is both terrifying and intriguing.
- 10:30 AM: A museum! I've decided to visit the Nebraska State Capitol, because… why not? It's the capital of the state, it’s apparently impressive to look at, and there's something undeniably charming about visiting a state capitol, even if you have zero interest in politics. (Maybe I’ll learn something!)
- 12:00 PM: Lunch. Found a classic diner. Gotta love a diner. Greasy spoon heaven.
- 1:30 PM: The Great Plains. Driving through the Nebraska countryside. It’s flat. So incredibly, unbelievably flat. It's like the Earth decided to take a nap. (And maybe that's what I need too.) I’m not entirely sure what I expected, but I'm here!
- 3:00 PM: That Corn! The fields of corn… everywhere. I am starting to feel like I'm living in a movie about the Midwest. I'm seriously considering stopping by a roadside stand and buying some fresh corn on the cob.
- 4:00 PM: Okay, I might actually be corn-drunk. I'm feeling an overwhelming sense of peace and quiet. Which also terrifies me. Is this what happens when you stare at agriculture for too long?
- 5:00 PM: Head back to the hotel.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at the hotel. I've been warned of the dining options at the hotel, but am too exhausted to do anything else.
- 7:30 PM: Watching TV and trying to decide whether to go to the pool or not.
- 8:30 PM: Exhausted. Too many cornfields. More Netflix.
Day 3: Farewell, Nebraska! (And Maybe a Little Regret)
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel. Second day. Feeling like a pro.
- 9:00 AM: Last-minute packing, double-checking I haven't left anything vital behind. (Like my brain. Although, after the last few days, that might already have been left behind in a cornfield.)
- 9:30 AM: Final hotel assessment. Overall? It was… a hotel. It served its purpose: providing a bed, a shower, and a place to crash after a day of exploring. (And the waffles were pretty good.)
- 10:00 AM: Check-out.
- 10:30 AM: The airport again. (I swear, these terminals all start to blend together after a while.)
- 11:00 AM: Wait for more departure. (Did I enjoy Nebraska? Part of me says "absolutely not," but a larger part of me feels this strange fondness. The tacos, the corn… maybe the quiet was exactly what I needed. Who knew?)
- 12:00 PM: Take off!
- 2:00 PM: Arrive home. Jet lag has hit.
- 2:05 PM: Already planning my escape to a beach, somewhere hot. I think.
Okay, Spill the Tea: Is the Holiday Inn Express South REALLY the "Best" in Lincoln? Don't Hold Back!
Alright, alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to unleash the unfiltered truth. "Best"? That's a loaded word, isn't it? Look, I’ve stayed in that place. A LOT! Let me be clear: it's NOT the Ritz. It's not going to win any architectural awards (unless those awards are for "Most Predictable Beige Interior" – in which case, they'd be golden). But… and this is a big BUT… it's consistently *decent*. It’s the reliable friend you call when you need a place to crash. So, best? In *what* context? For a quick, easy, and relatively painless stay? Yeah, probably. For a life-altering, luxurious experience? Hard pass. Let's just say my expectations were slightly *lower* than the ceiling and i was pleasently surprised with the experience.
The Breakfast: The Make-or-Break Moment. What's the Vibe? Spill the Scrambled Eggs!
Oh, the breakfast. This is where things get… interesting. First of all, expectations? Don't go in expecting gourmet pastries. Think… "continental with extra steps." The staples are there: scrambled eggs (sometimes suspiciously yellow, but hey, I'm not judging), sausage (ranging from edible to… you know, *sausage*), waffles (the do-it-yourself kind, which is fun for about two minutes, then you realize you're making a mess and the syrup is *everywhere*), cereal, fruit (usually a sad orange and some bruised bananas), yogurt, and those little pre-packaged muffins that taste vaguely of… something. But the real kicker? The *people*. There's a certain camaraderie in the breakfast area. You'll see the same faces, year after year. There's the guy with the newspaper, the family fighting over the last waffle, and the business travelers looking… well, utterly defeated. And me, always searching for the cleanest coffee pot. It feels oddly communal, in a "we're all trapped in a hotel breakfast purgatory together" kind of way.
Is the Pool Actually Swimmable? And More Importantly, Does it Smell Like Chlorine and Regret?
Okay, pool time. This is a tricky one. Yes, there is a pool. Yes, it *usually* looks clean. But… and this is a big but… it's small. Really small. Picture a slightly-larger-than-average bathtub, and you're on the right track. Chlorine smell? Yes, definitely. Regret? Possibly. Depends on your expectations and your competitive spirit. I once saw two toddlers duke it out over a single plastic ducky in that pool. The sheer *drama*! It felt like a metaphor for life. So, is it swimmable? Technically, yes. Is it a luxurious aquatic experience? Absolutely not. Is it fun with a good book? Sometimes. But definitely bring earplugs, trust me.
The Rooms: Are They Clean& Comfortable? I'm a Germaphobe, So Give Me ALL the Dirt (Or Lack Thereof!)
Alright, room cleanliness. This is important, I get it! I'm not exactly a germaphobe, but I do appreciate a clean space. Generally, the rooms are… clean-ish. Like, housekeeping does their job. There are no visible horrors (I've never found "things" under the bed, thankfully!). BUT, let's be real, it’s a hotel. It's not a sterile operating room. You might find a stray blonde hair (probably not mine), or a slightly dusty lampshade. The sheets, usually clean and crisp, have a little life. The bathrooms are usually okay. The water pressure in the shower is… adequate. I've definitely had better, but I've also had *much* worse. My advice? Pack some Lysol wipes just in case, it's the best.
Location, Location, Location! How Convenient is This Place, Really? Does it Take an Hour to Get Anywhere?
Location, yes! This is a HUGE plus. Honestly, it IS pretty convenient. The Holiday Inn Express South really is located just south of everything. You have quick access to the highway, all the main attractions, and the airport. Plus, there are any restaurants, shopping centers, and other businesses nearby. This is a HUGE plus for visitors who want the convenience.
Dealing with the Staff: Are They Friendly or Do They Act Like They'd Rather Be Anywhere Else?
Okay, the staff. This is another area where the Holiday Inn Express South shines. They are generally friendly. Not annoyingly so, mind you. They seem... genuinely *nice*. Like, they actually *care* that you're comfortable. I had a problem with my AC once (it was blowing out arctic air in July – which, okay, could have been a bonus, but I wanted control!), and the guy at the front desk came up to my room and fixed it *himself*! He even apologized for the inconvenience (which was, you know, minimal). You can tell they're trying. Sure, you might occasionally encounter someone who's having a bad day, but overall, they're a good bunch. And a friendly face goes a long way, especially after a long day of travel.
"Hidden" Amenities? Is There Anything That Makes this Hotel Stand Out?
Okay, the hidden gems. There aren't many. This is a Holiday Inn Express, not a luxury resort. But I'll tell you what, after a long drive, that hot tub is the best thing ever.
Value for Money: Is it Worth the Price? Are You Just Paying for the Name?
This is where it really comes together. The value for the money is excellent. You're not paying for the name. You’re not paying for fancy frills. You're paying for a clean-ish room, a mostly-edible breakfast, a somewhat swimmable pool, and a generally pleasant experience. And for that? It’s a pretty solid deal. I've stayed in worse hotels for more money. Honestly, you could do a lot worse. Especially if you're looking for a good location.
