Omaha's BEST Hotel? Holiday Inn Express Bellevue Review!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the swirling vortex of hotel reviews, with a focus on the Holiday Inn Express Bellevue (Omaha) – Is it REALLY Omaha's BEST?! Let's find out, shall we? This isn't your grandma's Travelocity review. Get ready for the unvarnished truth, the questionable choices, and a whole lotta me spilling the beans.
First Impressions: Bellevue, Baby!
Okay, so Bellevue itself… well, it's not exactly the French Riviera. But listen, we're here because we need a place to crash, and the Holiday Inn Express is ideally situated for… (checks notes) … whatever brings folks to Bellevue. Proximity to Offutt Air Force Base? Sure. Visiting the SAC museum? Probably. Random road trip pit stop? Absolutely. The location is convenient, that's the first thing you notice. Easy access off the highway. No brainer.
Accessibility: Making Sure Everyone Can Get Comfy
Alright, accessibility is a huge deal, and I'm happy to report that the Holiday Inn Express Bellevue seems to take it seriously. They've got it covered, seemingly.
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yep, ramps practically jump out at you. I didn't personally need them, but I saw them, and they looked functional, which is a good start.
- Elevator? Check. Essential for getting around, especially if you're on a high floor.
- Facilities for Disabled Guests: The website shouts about it, and I'm hoping it's more than just lip service. I didn't specifically inspect a room, mind you, but the initial vibe was promising.
Internet: The Bedrock of Modern Existence (Mostly Reliable, Thank Goodness!)
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Hallelujah! In this day and age, charging for Wi-Fi is a crime against humanity. And it was pretty decent!
- Internet Access [LAN]: Hey, for the old-schoolers.
- Wi-Fi in public areas?: Yep. Because sometimes you just gotta stalk your ex at the breakfast buffet. Not that I do that. Moving on…
Cleanliness and Safety: COVID-era Concerns
This is where things get really important. The world is a germ-filled buffet, and we all want to return home un-sickened.
Anti-viral cleaning products: Promising!
Daily disinfection in common areas: Good. Reassuring.
Hand sanitizer: Provided. Essential.
Staff trained in safety protocol: I'd like to believe this and the constant cleaning, etc.
Rooms sanitized between stays: A must-have now!
Cashless payment service: Convenient… but be careful of overspending.
Room sanitization opt-out available?: Yes! (That's me!)
I was so tired. But this is important
Okay, I will admit, I saw a slightly questionable stain on the carpet. I'm not going to panic, but it's the first thing I noticed when I walked into my room after checking in. I had to take a moment and breathe. I mean, it's not like I'm running a white glove inspection, or even expecting perfection. But the idea of a slightly dirty room during a pandemic feels… off. Like, am I just being paranoid? Maybe.
Getting Down to Brass Tacks: The Room, My Room!
Right, my room. Ah, my temporary kingdom of pillows and questionable carpet stains. Here's the rundown:
- Air conditioning: Thank GOD. Omaha summers are no joke.
- Blackout Curtains: Absolutely clutch for sleeping in. Essential.
- Coffee/tea maker: Yes! Instant access to caffeine is a must.
- Desk: Actually, a decent workspace. I managed to get some work done.
- Free bottled water: Always appreciated. Hydration is key, people.
- Ironing facilities: Standard. I didn’t use it, but it was there.
- Mini-bar: Nope. Which is fine. Saves money, I guess.
- Non-smoking: Thank heavens.
- Private bathroom: (duh) Adequate.
- Refrigerator: Good for leftovers, if you’re into that.
- Satellite/cable channels: The good news.
- Seating area: Functional.
- Shower: Worked.
- Smoke detector: Present. (Phew!)
- Telephone: I’m not sure what that’s for, but it's there.
- Wi-Fi [free]: See above.
- Window that opens: Important to air out the slightly suspect smell.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Adventure
Alright, so the most important part: food! Let's be honest, the quality of the breakfast buffet is a make-or-break for a hotel experience.
- Breakfast [buffet]: The meat and potatoes of the morning. Surprisingly on point. Waffles! Scrambled eggs! Fruit loops! Yes, the usual suspects. I enjoyed the standard.
- Breakfast service: Well, it's a service, that's for certain.
- Asian breakfast: Nope.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: The coffee was…fine. (I'm a coffee snob, sorry).
- Coffee shop: There wasn't a shop that seemed to be open.
- Restaurants: No real restaurants here, just the breakfast area.
- Snack bar: None.
- Vegetarian restaurant: Not really.
And the breakfast, honestly?!
Breakfast was "included". I am not going to lie, I kind of love the Holiday Inn Express breakfast, because it's pretty much the same at every location. (I know, I know, it's not exactly gourmet.) I think people get far too snooty about free hotel breakfast. I get the "free" aspect of the breakfast, and I appreciate it. It's all about the convenience factor. I thought the food was okay. I had a waffle and some scrambled eggs. The "sausage" they serve there is questionable, but it's free, and it's there, so I ate it.
The Pool, Baby! (Or Lack Thereof)
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: Yes! A small, but functional pool, and it appeared to be clean. I did not test the waters, but it sure looked inviting. Which is important to know, and I will reevaluate this in my next stay.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly Vibes?
- Family/child friendly: I'd say so.
- Kids meal: Nope.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
- Daily housekeeping: Yep. They made my bed.
- Elevator: Very good.
- Cash withdrawal: Can't get money out of the hotel.
- Fitness center: Small, but the equipment looked to be functional. I did not use it.
- Laundry service: Very helpful!
- Luggage storage: Didn't need it.
The Verdict: Is the Holiday Inn Express Bellevue Omaha's BEST?
Listen, let's be real. The Holiday Inn Express Bellevue is not the Ritz-Carlton. But it's a solid, reliable choice. It's clean, well-located, the staff is friendly, the breakfast wasn't half bad, and the Wi-Fi works. It hits all the basic requirements. My experience was overall a good one. So is it Omaha's BEST? I don't know. But for a comfortable, convenient stay in Bellevue… Yeah, I'd recommend it.
The Quirk: A Moment of (Slight) Panic
Okay, so at one point, I thought I lost my credit card in the room. Because that's how these things go!. I tore the room apart, frantic. Under the bed! Behind the TV! Finally, I found it wedged in between the blackout curtain and the wall. That's a mini-thriller right there.
Final Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. Solid. Reliable. And they have waffles.
SEO Optimized Offer for the Holiday Inn Express Bellevue!
Tired of Generic Hotel Stays? Discover the Holiday Inn Express Bellevue!
Looking for a comfortable and convenient hotel experience in Bellevue, Nebraska? Look no further than the Holiday Inn Express Bellevue! Whether you're visiting Offutt Air Force Base, the SAC Museum, or just passing through this charming city, our hotel offers everything you need for a relaxing and productive stay.
Why Choose the Holiday Inn Express Bellevue?
- Comfort & Convenience: Enjoy spacious, non-smoking rooms, equipped with everything you need, including free high-speed Wi-Fi, comfortable beds, and blackout curtains for a restful night's sleep.
- Accessibility: We're committed to providing a
Alright, buckle up buttercups! This isn't your grandma's perfectly-formatted travel itinerary. We're hitting the Holiday Inn Express in Bellevue, Nebraska, (that's near Omaha, for those of you who think Nebraska is just…corn), and honestly, it's gonna be a ride. Prepare for some serious stream-of-consciousness brain-dump. And yes, I will be complaining about the continental breakfast.
Welcome to the Chaos: My Bellevue, Nebraska Odyssey
Day 1: Arrival and the Existential Dread of a Hotel Room
- 1:00 PM - Arrival at Eppley Airfield, Omaha (OMA): Ugh, airports. The land of stale air and overpriced snacks. I hate flying. Seriously. My ears always plug, my legs cramp, and I’m convinced every cough around me harbors the plague. But hey, at least I’m in the Midwest. That’s a win, right? Right?
- 1:45 PM - Rental Car Pickup: Praying the GPS works this time. Last time I got lost in a cornfield…well, let's just say I now have a deep appreciation for farm animals. My current choice is a Ford Focus. She will be called Bessie.
- 2:30 PM - Check-In at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Bellevue-Omaha Area: Okay, here's the moment of truth. After a harrowing drive, I arrive at the hotel. The exterior looks…fine. Typical chain hotel fine. Entering, the lobby is clean, maybe a little too clean. That sterile, slightly-over-perfumed air is always a dead giveaway for a long stay ahead. I'm handed the key card, that plastic rectangle of potential disappointment. The room is small but functional. Two things make me immediately happy: 1. The bed looks fluffy 2. I can see the parking lot and the pool from my window. Okay, so far, so good.
- 3:00 PM - The Room Ritual: First order of business: unpack and claim the territory. Gotta get the laptop set up, the phone charging, and the snacks strategically placed for maximum accessibility. My favorite mug comes out, and with that, it’s official: I live here.
- 4:00 PM - Exploring the Hotel: I'm a sucker for a decent pool. The pool at this hotel is smaller than I thought it would be. But the water is warm, and the chlorine smell doesn't make me want to hurl. I even managed to get to the bottom to find a penny!
- 6:00 PM - Dinner Adventure (or, the Search for Edible Food): Okay, time for reality to hit like a ton of bricks. The hotel isn't exactly in the culinary heart of Omaha. I’m looking for something that doesn't involve a drive-thru or a frozen meal. Found a local place, a little bit off the beaten path. Fingers crossed. (Spoiler alert: it was passable. Nothing to write home about, but it kept me from starving. Yay.)
- 8:00 PM - Unwind & Evaluate: Back in the room, I kick back, watch some mindless TV. Is it perfect? No. But, honestly, it’s fine. That's my reaction so far. The bed is indeed fluffy, just like I'd hoped. The hotel chain promised a breakfast that would rock my world. Let's see how that shakes out tomorrow.
Day 2: Continental Breakfast Blues and the Pursuit of Nebraska Culture
- 7:00 AM - The Morning of Disappointment (AKA, Continental Breakfast): Ah, the moment we've all been waiting for. The dreaded complimentary breakfast. Let's just say it was a masterclass in beige. Cold scrambled eggs with a suspicious yellow hue, rubbery sausage, and…instant oatmeal. My stomach is rumbling, and my spirit is dwindling. I manage to find a half-decent waffle (thank god for those) and a cup of surprisingly strong coffee. I have a sneaking suspicion this breakfast will feature in nightmares.
- 8:00 AM - Attempting to be a Tourist: Okay, must do something culturally enriching or I'll go stir-crazy. My mission? To actually experience this city beyond a hotel room and the parking lot.
- 9:00 AM - Driving around the area Bessie and I are off on the highway, headed to downtown Omaha. The drive is long, and there is nothing to see in the outskirts of the city. The buildings are drab, the streets are quiet. I'm starting to get the impression that Omaha is really a lot like the movie Fargo.
- 10:00 AM - The Omaha Zoo: Who am I kidding? The zoo in Omaha is a big deal. People rave about it. I will go on a safari of the animals and try to like them.
- 12:00 PM - Lunch: There's a place to grab a bite to eat near the zoo. It's busy but I don't want to go looking for another place.
- 1:00 PM - More Zoo: I could spend the entire day here. The zoo is amazing.
- 5:00 PM - The Evening: Back at the hotel. I collapse. I love the zoo. I hate the room. I hate everything and I love everything. I order a local pizza and eat it in bed. Life is pretty good, actually.
Day 3: Departing with a Heart Full of Beige
- 7:00 AM - The Breakfast of Champions (Again): Ugh. Don't even get me started. I went back to the waffle maker. The best part? The coffee.
- 8:00 AM - Last-Minute Hotel Scavenger Hunt: Before I leave, I must find something to take home, besides the horrible breakfast taste in my mouth. This may be the most important part of the trip.
- 9:30 AM - Farewell to Bessie: It's been real. The car makes it back to the rental place without mishap. I am pleased.
- 10:00 AM - The Airport, The End: Ah, airports. I am excited to go home. It's been real, Omaha. I'm glad I came, but I'm also very glad to be leaving. I hope I don't have to come back.
Final Ramblings:
So, there you have it. My hilariously imperfect, strangely enjoyable trip to Bellevue, Nebraska. Was it perfect? Nope. Did I find world-class cuisine? Haha. Did I experience genuine Nebraska culture? Well, I tried. But, I'll tell you what, I'm now a connoisseur of hotel breakfasts, and the Omaha Zoo is a must-see. The hotel? It was a roof over my head. It had a bed. And that, my friends, is sometimes all you can ask for. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go find some real food, and maybe a therapist to help me process the breakfast situation.
Escape to Reading: Unbeatable Deals at Holiday Inn West!
Okay, Real Talk: Holiday Inn Express Bellevue - Actually Omaha's BEST Hotel?? (Maybe...?) Let's Dive In...
So, is this place REALLY "the BEST" in Omaha? Don't give me a canned answer! Spill the beans!
- Location, Location, Location (ish): Bellevue's not exactly known for its vibrant nightlife. But if you're there for Offutt, or a quick stopover, or… well, honestly, any *reason* that involves being near Bellevue, it’s aces. Easy access to the highway, decent enough restaurants nearby (shoutout to the taco place, you beautiful, greasy angels!), and you're not *too* far from the "action" of Omaha proper.
- The Breakfast Bar: Alright, let’s talk about the most important thing: The Breakfast. Is it gourmet? Heck no. Is it sad? Sometimes. Is it reliable? YES. Always. Always. There's usually a waffle maker, and it works. That's a win, people. I appreciate a waffle. Especially after a night of travel. It's a small victory in an otherwise stressful existence.
- The Staff: The staff are generally friendly enough. Not overly bubbly, not overly grumpy. They seem to… get the job done. Which is what I want in a hotel staff. Just enough interaction to make you feel like a human being, not a nuisance.
Okay, okay, breakfast… but WHAT KIND of breakfast? Be specific, you waffle-fiend!
- The Waffle Station: A beacon of hope. *Always* there. Often with a long line. But worth it. I once saw a small child achieve pure joy at the waffle station. This is a sign of quality.
- The Cereal Selection: Standard. Frosted Flakes, Cheerios, Raisin Bran. The classics. They’re there to provide a foundational base to your breakfast, not to excite you.
- The Eggs & Meat: Hit or miss. Sometimes fluffy scrambled eggs, sometimes… strangely watery scrambled eggs. The sausage links? Perfectly adequate. Bacon? Sometimes crispy, sometimes… slightly undercooked. It’s a gamble, folks. A breakfast gamble! I once got bacon so crispy it shattered when I bit into it. I swear it was a metaphor for the fragility of life.
- The Coffee: Undeniably coffee. Drinkable. Helps you wake up. Don't go in expecting Starbucks-level perfection. Expect coffee.
Rooms? Are they clean? Comfy? The basics, people!
Now, I'm a HUGE fan of a good shower. And the showers here... they're the right temperature, the water pressure is decent. It's a shower, that is meant to cleanse and prep you for the day. It's… adequate.
One time, in room 304, the TV remote had a mind of its own. Kept changing channels, like it was powered by the ghost of Bob Barker or something. Annoying? Yes. Deal-breaker? Nah. I like a good paranormal story to go along with my stay.
Any downsides? Be honest!
- Noise: Depending on your room, the highway noise can be a factor. Light sleepers, bring earplugs. I once stayed in a room facing the pool and got serenaded all night long by children that were beyond tired.
- The Pool: The pool is… a pool. Small. Potentially crowded. Don't expect an Olympic-sized swimming experience. More like a "dip your toes in and then get out" experience.
- Fitness Center? I've peered in there once… It’s small. Treadmill, elliptical, weight machine. Probably enough to get a basic workout in. I tend to avoid hotel gyms. Too many mirrors, and I'm not in the mood to be reminded of my bad choices.
- Pet Policy: Double-check the pet policy if you’re rolling in with your furry companions.
So, would you stay there again?
Any tips for making the most of the Bellevue Holiday Inn Express experience?
- Book in advance: Especially during events at Offutt. Those rooms fill up. Fast.
- Request a room away from the highway: Sleep is key.
- Embrace the waffle maker: You are here. You must use it.
- Bring your own snacks: Because, let's be honest, hotel vending machines are the devil.
- Lower your expectations, just a smidge: and you will be pleasantly surprised.
