Mansfield's BEST Hotel? Holiday Inn Express Review! (You Won't Believe This!)
Mansfield's BEST Hotel? Holiday Inn Express Review! (You Won't Believe This!) - My Chaotic Staycation!
Okay, so, I'm gonna level with you. I needed a break. Like, a full-blown, adult-sized, "hide-from-the-world-and-eat-all-the-snacks" break. And since I'm a Mansfield local (or close enough), I figured, why not try a staycation? And, naturally, the Holiday Inn Express popped up. "Mansfield's BEST Hotel?" the ads screamed. "You Won't Believe This!" Alright, Holiday Inn, challenge accepted. Prepare for a brutally honest (and hopefully humorous) account.
First Impressions & The Great "Accessibility" Hunt (and a Little Panic!)
Right off the bat, Accessibility is a BIG deal to me. I need to know I can actually, you know, move around without a Herculean effort. The website touted "facilities for disabled guests," which sounded promising. Getting in was relatively smooth. There's an elevator, thankfully, and the front desk [24-hour] was actually staffed – something I’ve learned to really appreciate. BUT (and there's ALWAYS a but!), the initial hunt for accessible parking was a minor disaster. The signs just weren't super clear, and for a second, I thought I was gonna have to abandon my car in the middle of the drop-off. So, yeah, maybe a few more strategically placed signs wouldn't kill ya, Holiday Inn.
Cleanliness and Safety - Am I Going to Survive? (and Did I See a Ghost?)
Cleanliness and safety are paramount in these post-apocalyptic times. Let's be honest. I was obsessed with the cleanliness. I was especially interested in Anti-viral cleaning products as well as Rooms sanitized between stays. The lobby smelled… clean, which is a good start. I saw staff (they looked like real people!) diligently wiping down surfaces. Daily disinfection in common areas? Check. Hand sanitizer stations? Yep, strategically placed. I felt… safe. Almost too safe. Like, maybe I’d wake up from a coma. I mean, they did have CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property. Okay, maybe I’m being paranoid. Moving on!
The Room: Sanctuary or… Jail Cell?
My room. Ah, my room. A haven? A prison? Honestly, it was somewhere in between. The Non-smoking rooms were a must, because, ew. The Air conditioning blasted like a blizzard, which I appreciated at first. Then, I found the thermostat and turned it down. Success! My room had the basics: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathroom,Blackout curtains, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Desk, Hair dryer, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Mirror, Private bathroom, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens. I felt like I was in a perfectly average, yet perfectly functional hotel room. The Wi-Fi [free] worked like a charm, I could Internet access – wireless; I could even check the speed of the Internet and Internet access – LAN just to be sure. Bonus points for the socket near the bed – vital technology! The In-room safe box made me feel rich, even though it housed a toothbrush and some leftover gummy bears. However, I was slightly let down by the lack of a bathrobe. I LOVE a robe.
The Bed was comfortable enough. Not like, "I've died and gone to bed heaven" comfortable. More like, "Ah, I can finally sleep, I'm not at home" comfortable. The Extra long bed was a bonus, and the Linens felt clean and fresh. I may have jumped on the bed a few times. Don't judge me.
Food, Glorious Food! (And a Minor Existential Crisis)
Let's talk about sustenance, people. The Breakfast [buffet] was, well, a buffet. Standard fare, but clean and the coffee was decent…not amazing but not swill either. They had a decent spread of Asian breakfast, Western breakfast options. They also had Breakfast takeaway service, which I appreciated. Let's be honest, sometimes you just want to take your sugary cereal back to your room and eat it in peace.
I actually really liked the Coffee/tea in restaurant and the Snack bar.
Later, I used the Room service [24-hour] to order some chicken and fries. The fries were sadly, NOT what I had hoped for, but the chicken was decent. The Bottle of water was appreciated.
Relaxation & Recreation - Where Things Went…Okay.
Okay, so the website bragged about a Swimming pool [outdoor]. Sold! Perfect for burning off all those calories. The pool was …fine. Clean, but small. Maybe a tiny bit chilly. I tried to channel my inner Esther Williams, but ended up looking more like a confused otter. Next! They had a Fitness center but I skipped it because I'm the kind of person who thinks "exercise" is a four-letter word.
Now, here's where things got a little weird. The website also mentioned a Spa/sauna and I'm a sucker for a decent sauna! No such option. I had a minor meltdown and realized I had maybe gotten my hopes up too much.
Services & Conveniences - Functionality Over Flair
The Concierge was helpful in pointing me toward a decent local pizza place. The Daily housekeeping did its job admirably. The Laundry service was tempting, but I'm here for a staycation, not a chore-cation. They had Cash withdrawal, which is always good. Luggage storage was available, and I would have utilized it but I had already unpacked. The Elevator was another major plus.
Internet Access and My Digital Detox (or Lack Thereof)
Okay, let's be real. I'm addicted to my phone. But the Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!? Yes, please! I needed to escape my actual life for a bit, and this allowed me to get some work done in a less stressful environment. I also used it to order a pizza, so, win-win. The Internet access – LAN was also available, so, if you're old school, you're covered.
The Verdict: Did Mansfield's Best Hotel? Holiday Inn Express, Live Up?
So, was it "You Won't Believe This!" amazing? No. But was it a solid, clean, comfortable stay? Absolutely. The Holiday Inn Express in Mansfield delivers a decent experience.
My Recommendation (and a Crazy Offer!)
If you want a reliable, clean, and conveniently located hotel in Mansfield that's easy to get to, you can totally do worse. The free wifi, convenient amenities, and overall cleanliness make it a decent choice.
BUT!
Here I am: a regular human, a staycation devotee, and I want you to enjoy a well-earned break!
So, if you book a room today through the link below, and mention code "CHAOS" at check-in, I will…
- Offer a free, highly-accurate restaurant recommendation guide (I've eaten at basically all the places, local and non-local).
- And offer a personalized list of things to see or do in Mansfield, tailored to your interests (I know it’s a small town, but there's some hidden gems here and there).
Book your stay at the Holiday Inn Express in Mansfield and Get Ready for a Decent Stay!
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Beachside House in South Korea Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, 'cause we're diving headfirst into a Mansfield, Ohio, adventure, fueled by questionable coffee and the promise of vaguely clean hotel sheets. This ain't your glossy brochure, honey. This is real life, on the road, with me - and probably a whole lot of existential dread mixed with excitement.
The Mansfield Misadventure: Holiday Inn Express & Suites - A (Semi) Organized Chaos
Day 1: Arrival & False Hope (and a Side of Hairspray)
- 1:00 PM: Landed. Okay, "landed" is generous. More like, slowly rolled to a stop after a 3-hour drive from… well, let’s just say "somewhere." My car is a disaster zone – crumbs, empty water bottles, and a profound sense of regret about the questionable gas station snacks. First impression of the Holiday Inn Express? Uh… it's there. The exterior isn’t winning any awards, but hey, at least the sign isn't blinking too aggressively.
- 1:30 PM: Check-in. The front desk lady, bless her heart, clearly has seen some things. She's got that deadpan, seen-it-all expression that only comes from dealing with the public. Got my key card, a slightly apologetic smile (probably for the state of my driver's license photo), and a mumbled "enjoy your stay." Enjoy? Honey, I'm just hoping to survive the next 48 hours.
- 2:00 PM: The Room Reveal! Okay, not bad, not bad. Standard issue, the smell of… something air freshener-ish. Bedspread is beige, which I appreciate – beige doesn’t judge. Quick inspection: no obvious signs of cooties. Amen. The mini-fridge hums ominously. I'm already picturing the leftover pizza from last night.
- 2:30 PM: Unpacking and the existential crisis begins. Why do I bring so much stuff? 20 minutes trying to decide which side is the clean side of my bag. It feels… heavy. My life lately has been heavy. I really needed this trip.
- 3:00 PM: The "Hotel Gym" experience. Now, this is where things get interesting. The gym is a tiny, windowless box with a treadmill, a stationary bike, and some dumbbells that look like they’ve seen a lifetime of neglect. I attempted to "exercise" for 10 minutes on the treadmill. I spent the majority of the time staring out the window at the parking lot, imagining other people's lives.
- 4:00 PM: First expedition out! Went to look at the "Big House" at the Ohio State Reformatory. Woah. Massive. Spooky. I felt a weird mix of fascination and genuine chills. The tour guide was a local, so, naturally, I asked all the important questions. The only thing I really learned was that the people who lived there, well, they didn't always have nice things.
- 5:00 PM: Dinner. Managed to find a diner. A proper diner. I ordered a burger, fries, a milkshake. I sat there, watching people come and go, and I let the warmth of the grease soak away some of the day's stress.
Day 2: More Adventures In This Place
- 8:00 AM: "Free Breakfast" – The Ritual. This ritual is my life. Waffles, but the kind that look like they've been sitting under a heat lamp since the Eisenhower administration. But, hey, free carbs. Coffee is… well, it’s there. Definitely needed. Stared out the window at the rain. Contemplated the meaning of life while awkwardly trying to butter a dry bagel.
- 9:00 AM: Exploring Malabar Farm State Park. This place is so peaceful, I almost cried. This is what I was hoping for. Nature; it's really something. Started walking and almost immediately got lost. My sense of direction? Terrible. The path took me through a stunning meadow. I did get a flat tire. What's new?
- 12:00 PM: Lunch. Found a local spot. Ordered a salad. Regretted it immediately. Needed a burger. The world needs more burgers.
- 2:00 PM: Impulse shopping at the local shops. Bought a mug and a t-shirt. Okay, I went a little crazy. I needed something to remember this trip by!
- 5:00 PM: Attempting to relax in the hotel. The pool looked less appealing than the parking lot. My plan involved a long, hot shower and early bedtime.
Day 3: Last Look & Departure (Mostly Joyful)
8:00 AM: The waffle gods have smiled upon me. The waffle was crunchy. The coffee tasted… palatable. I savored every bite.
9:00 AM: Final walk through the parking lot. I smiled. Mansfield, you were you. I went back to my room, and said good-bye to all feelings of doubt, and left.
10:00 AM: Headed back home. As the car swallowed up the highway again, I felt a sense of… satisfaction. I made it!
1:00 PM: I will return to the Holiday Inn express!
Okay, So Is This Hotel REALLY The "BEST" Like The Clickbait Said?
"Best"? Oh, honey, come on now. Let's be realistic. It's a Holiday Inn Express in *Mansfield, Ohio*. The best thing about it...okay, maybe it HAS good points (we'll get to those), but the BEST? Nah. It's more like *functional*. Gets the job done. Provides a safe-ish haven from the Ohio weather (which, let's be honest, can be brutal). And hey, sometimes functional is *enough*, especially when you're staring down a long road trip. But don't go expecting luxury. Think… comfortable. And sometimes that comfort comes with a side of… well, let's just say "character."
Is the Breakfast Any Good? Because I'm a Hangry Monster in the Mornings.
Breakfast. *The Breakfast*. Okay, so it's the standard Holiday Inn Express breakfast buffet. Expect the usual suspects: rubbery scrambled eggs, questionable sausages (they're usually okay, but you're always a little wary), those pre-packaged muffins that taste vaguely of sadness, and the glorious, glorious pancake machine. Listen, that pancake machine is a *workhorse*. It's my personal hero. You press a button, and out pops a perfectly round pancake, ready for syrup. I've seen grown adults lose their minds over that machine, and I won't lie, I'm one of them. It's pure, unadulterated, sugary joy. But the coffee? Oh, the coffee. It's… coffee. Strong enough to wake you up, but not strong enough to feel like you're going to spontaneously combust. A solid C+.
And the Rooms? Clean? Spacious? What's the Deal?
The rooms… they're what you'd expect. Clean-ish. Look, let's be honest, you're not booking the Ritz. Sometimes, you can tell they're doing *their best*. There will be a faint smell of cleaning products, which is always reassuring (most of the time). Space? Adequate. You'll have enough room to maneuver, but don't expect a penthouse suite. I once stayed in a room where the air conditioning sounded like a dying walrus, which, let me tell you, is NOT conducive to a good night's sleep. I complained, of course. Front desk was super apologetic. Upgraded me to a slightly less walrus-y room. Progress! The beds are usually comfortable enough, though. And that's really all that matters, right? A comfy bed is key.
What's the WiFi Like? Because I Need To Netflix and Chill (in a Totally PG Way, Obviously).
The WiFi… this is where things get a little… let's just say "variable." Sometimes it's blazing fast, and you can stream like you're living in 2077. Other times… well, let's just say you'll be staring at that buffering icon for so long you'll start questioning your life choices. I tried to watch a movie once and I swear, it took THREE HOURS to buffer the first five minutes. Three! I almost used that time to write a novel (I didn't). So pack a book, and pray to the WiFi Gods. Or download your shows ahead of time. Smart move. Seriously.
Any Major Complaints? Be Honest! (Seriously.)
Okay, here's where I get REAL. The elevators. Oh, the elevators. They're perpetually slow. Like, glacial speed. You'll press the button, and you'll wait… and wait… and wait. And then when it finally arrives, it'll be packed with people already. One time I swear, I was waiting for 10 MINUTES. I almost just took the stairs, even though I was on like, the fifth floor. The other thing? Noise. The walls are thin. You will hear everything. The neighbors' conversations, the kids screaming in the hallway, the ice machine clanking at 3 AM. Bring earplugs. Trust me. You'll thank me later.
Okay, You Mentioned “Character.” Give Me a Specific Example! What the HECK Do You Mean?
Alright, buckle up for a doozy. I'm talking about *THE INCIDENT*. I was there, I experienced it, and I *still* have a hard time believing it actually happened. Now, this was a while back, but the memory is seared into my brain like a bad sunburn. I'm checking in after a grueling day of travel, tired, hungry, and craving a shower. I get my keys, go to my room, and start to get settled. THEN... the fire alarm goes off. No biggie, right? Might be a false alarm. Except, the fire alarm is a *siren*, and it's going FULL BLAST, and the whole hotel is starting to look like a scene from an apocalyptic movie. The hotel is basically on fire, with a little kid crying, a man is yelling at his wife for not packing their bags quickly enough, an older woman is calmly pulling a bag of cookies out of her purse. I, of course, am running around in my pajamas because I only had a few minutes to get dressed. We all evacuate. And wait. And wait. And *wait*. Turns out, someone burned toast. TOAST. The fire department eventually showed up, gave the all-clear, and we all shuffled back inside, smelling of burnt bread and fear. The best part? The next morning, the breakfast buffet had *more* burnt toast. It was like the hotel was mocking us, but hey, at least the pancake machine was still working.
Is it Worth the Price? Seriously?
Listen, for what you're paying, yeah, it's probably worth it. It's not luxury, but it's clean enough, the beds are comfy, and the pancake machine is life-affirming. You're in Mansfield, Ohio, people. You're not expecting the Four Seasons. Just be prepared for possible elevator delays, thin walls, questionable coffee, the occasional fire alarm caused by toast, and a whole lot of "character." If you can handle that, you'll be fine. And hey, who knows? You might even have a story to tell. Like me.
