Chester's BEST Hotel? Holiday Inn Express Review!
Chester's BEST Hotel? Holiday Inn Express Review!
Holiday Inn Express Chester: A Review That's Been Through the Mill (and Survived)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into my stay at the Holiday Inn Express in Chester. Forget the glossy brochures; this is the real, slightly-scuffed, sometimes-chaotic experience. I'm talking unfiltered thoughts, because honestly, after a week of travel, who has time for perfect reviews? Let's get messy.
First Impressions (and a bit of a panic):
Finding the hotel was surprisingly painless. Great! Then… the parking situation. Car park [free of charge], they promised. And honestly, it was free. But let’s just say, maneuvering my slightly-too-large rental car through the narrow, medieval-esque streets of Chester to get to it? That was an adventure in itself. I felt like I was auditioning for a Mad Max sequel, but in a sensible hatchback. Getting around: The hotel is pretty well-placed, though, a short walk from most of the ancient Roman walls.
The lobby? Clean, bright, standard. Check-in/out [express]? They were certainly trying to be efficient. Contactless and all that. I appreciate the effort, but I'm pretty sure I still managed to hold up the line while trying to fumble with my phone. #FirstWorldProblems.
The Room: Survival of the Fittest (and the Comfiest Bed)
My room, thankfully, was a refuge. Clean, yes. Modern, yes. Non-smoking rooms: Hallelujah! I can't stand the smell of stale cigarettes, so this was a huge win. The air conditioning was a godsend after a day of sightseeing. And the extra long bed? Oh, the relief! Finally, a bed that actually FIT me! Seriously, after a week of cramped European beds, I wanted to weep with joy. The blackout curtains were another MVP – essential for those jet-lagged mornings where you desperately want the sun to stay away.
Now, the niggles: The window that opens was a bit sticky, and the shower pressure was… variable. But hey, I’m not expecting a five-star resort. I got clean, and I got sleep. Complimentary tea and coffee/tea maker were a lifesaver for the late-night caffeine cravings, thank heavens. Free Wi-Fi worked, no complaints there. Internet access – wireless was solid too. Daily housekeeping was pretty good, but once I found a suspicious stain on the carpet, which was a bit ick. Towels were plentiful. The mini bar was… empty. Which, honestly, is probably a good thing for my wallet! Interconnecting room(s) available I didn’t have one, but I liked knowing it was a possibility for the adventurous.
Eating and Drinking: Buffets, Bars, and Breakfast Blues
Breakfast [buffet]. This is where the experience got… interesting. Let's face it, hotel buffets are a gamble. Some are great, some are… not. This one? Hit or miss. The Western breakfast options were decent. The hot food was… warm-ish. The pastries were a little stale. The coffee wasn't great. But, and this is a big BUT, there was plenty of it. Breakfast takeaway service was a good idea, especially when you were running late. Asian breakfast wasn't an option.
I did have a drink at the bar one evening - the bartender was friendly, if a bit rushed. The Poolside bar looked nice, but it wasn't open, which was a bit of a bummer, and there’s no pool with a view. A bit disappointing.
Dining, drinking, and snacking - Overall satisfactory, I think.
Things to Do (or, How I Lost My Mind in Chester)
Chester is amazing. Seriously, go. Things to do: Walking the city walls, exploring the Roman ruins, the shops… You could spend weeks there. The hotel’s location made it easy to get around. I didn't get to use the Fitness center or the Gym/fitness. I'm a holiday sloth, what can I say? Spa, sorry!
Cleanliness and Safety: The Pandemic Factor (and My Anxiety)
Okay, real talk. I’m a bit of a germaphobe anyway, and travelling during… gestures vaguely at the world … has amplified that. Cleanliness and safety: The hotel was trying. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere. They had Sanitized kitchen and tableware items. Good signs. The Safe dining setup was appreciated, even if it slightly felt like eating lunch in a biohazard suit. My room felt clean. Rooms sanitized between stays I hope. The staff wore masks, and I noticed a lot of cleaning in action. Staff trained in safety protocol. They seemed to take things seriously. Cashless payment service - yep, they had it. The fact that I didn’t see anyone coughing and spluttering, eased a bit of my anxiety. Sterilizing equipment – I didn't see it, but I trust they had it! Room sanitization opt-out available? I didn't need it.
Services and Conveniences: The Basics (and a Few Surprises)
The front desk was always manned, and the people were friendly. The Concierge was helpful with restaurant recommendations and directions. The Laundry service was much needed, and I was very grateful for the Ironing facilities. Luggage storage was available, should you need it. Elevator was a definite plus.
And a bit more on the Internet: Internet [LAN] and Internet services worked fine. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! – Yes, and worked well! Wi-Fi in public areas – also good.
For the Kids:
I didn't have any kids with me, so I can't vouch for these.
Accessibility:
I didn't personally need this, but I did notice Facilities for disabled guests. Wheelchair accessible looked like a priority.
In Conclusion (and a Deep Breath):
The Holiday Inn Express Chester? It's not perfect. It’s not the fanciest hotel I’ve ever stayed in. But it’s clean, convenient, and generally does the job. I’d stay there again. Especially if somebody did my washing for me. The location is great, the beds are comfy, and the staff, despite the occasional rush, was friendly. It’s a solid choice for exploring Chester. And hey, if you're like me, and all you want is a comfortable bed and a decent shower after a long day of wandering through ancient Roman streets, this place will do the trick. Just maybe bring your own coffee… or just buy some in town.
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Basque Country Retreat Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandmother's meticulously planned travel itinerary. This is a stream-of-consciousness, real-life disaster-in-the-making disguised as a trip to the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Chester, NY. And trust me, I'm not thrilled. It's Chester, NY, not the French Riviera. But hey, free breakfast, right?
The "Get Me Out Of Here (Eventually)" Holiday Inn Express Chester Adventure!
Day 1: Arrival and the Eternal Struggle with the Coffee Machine
3:00 PM - Arrival & Check-In (Expectations: Smooth. Reality: Turbulent.)
Okay, so GPS led me right past the entrance twice. I'm pretty sure this is a conspiracy, an early sign that this trip is going to be… well, something. Finally, I wrestled the rental car (which I'm pretty sure has a vendetta against me) into a parking spot. The front desk guy, bless his heart, seemed to have the same "just-trying-to-survive" vibe I was sporting. Key card acquired. Room – hopefully clean. Wish me luck.
3:30 PM - The Room: A Symphony of Beige & Mystery
Alright, the room is…beige. More beige than a beige factory during a beige convention. The bed looks comfy enough, though I'm already battling the urge to just lie down and give in to the gravitational pull of the pillows. Bathroom is…well, a bathroom. The showerhead looks like it fought in the war, though. I give it points for character, but the water pressure…we'll see.
4:00 PM - Coffee Apocalypse.
This is the moment. The moment I rely on to jumpstart the journey. The coffee machine in this hotel is a nemesis. It's a black, plastic, possibly sentient being that actively refuses to cooperate. I follow the (mostly) useless instructions, dump in the grounds, pour the water…and wait. And wait. And then it sputters, groans, and delivers a lukewarm dribble of brown liquid. DEFEAT. I swear, I'm going to write a strongly worded letter to IHG about this. This sets the tone, people. THIS SETS THE TONE!!
4:30 – 5:30 PM - "Actually, I'll just nap."
Okay, so after the coffee debacle and the beige assault, I'm heading for the bed. I am going to pass out. I am going to let my brain recover and begin the process of self-repair.
6:00 PM - Pizza and TV's Lonely Embrace
Dinner: Pizza from the nearest place that delivered. It was…pizza. The pepperoni was strangely…square. And the cheese? Well, it was there. The TV, meanwhile, is playing… well, I haven't a clue. Some show about people in a relationship. I can relate. I have a relationship with my couch.
8:00 PM - Pre-Sleep Anxiety and Phone Scrolling
Okay, this is where the real emotional breakdown begins. I start checking my phone. I'm starting to miss people, and feeling a little lost. I'm probably going to overthink everything. The wifi is a decent, too good for this kind of hotel.
And the bed is starting to call my name…
9:00 PM - Sleep… maybe.
I think I might actually be falling asleep.
Day 2: The Glorious Pursuit of Caffeine and The Great Outdoors (Maybe)
7:00 AM - The Breakfast Bar of Dreams & Disappointment.
Oh, the breakfast bar. The promise of free food. The reality? A buffet of lukewarm scrambled eggs, suspiciously rubbery sausage, and an array of sugary cereals that would make a dentist weep. But hey, the coffee machine is working today! (Mostly.) I am choosing to be optimistic, maybe the staff is going to get around to the eggs.
8:00 AM - Chester Adventure? Nah.
The initial plan was to go hiking, explore the great outdoors, and embrace nature. But… the thought of putting on actual pants and leaving the hotel room? Nah. It's a beautiful day, sure, but I have the bed. And streaming. And a backlog of doom-scrolling to catch up on.
10:00 AM - Pool Time!
Okay, so I ventured to the pool. It was… chlorinated. But I swam laps. The water was nice. I did like the view.
1:00 PM - The Great Escape - or, Trying to Find Something Open
Driving around Chester, NY, it seems like everything is closed. I was searching for a place that offered sandwiches, but there are none. I went past a diner or two, but they were almost all boarded up.
1:30 PM - The Parking Lot Existential Crisis
I end up in the parking lot of a shopping plaza that had a gas station, and I end up spending about 15 minutes, in my car, staring out the window. I just looked at everything, and the nothingness suddenly felt like an immense weight. (Okay. I know. Dramatic. Sue me.)
2:00 PM - The "Fine, I'll Just Get Snacks" Solution
I ended up buying a bag of chips.
6:30 PM - Dinner, Part 2: The Re-Emergence of Pizza.
Another pizza. Square pepperoni again.
8:00 PM - Another Night of Netflix & Dread
More Netflix. Now I'm watching a show about a family. I miss my family. I miss the people I like. Sigh…
10:00 PM - Sleep.
I'm probably going to sleep.
Day 3: Departure and the Aftermath of Beige.
7:00 AM - Another Breakfast: The Cycle Continues.
The cycle of breakfast continues. The coffee continues. The eggs are less rubbery. I'm choosing to see this as a victory.
9:00 AM - Checkout & The Getaway.
I'm out. I'm free! Never again will I see the inside of this Hotel.
Chester's "Best" Hotel? Holiday Inn Express – My Chaotic Breakdown
Right, spill the beans! Is the Holiday Inn Express in Chester truly *the* best?
Okay, deep breath. "Best"? Nah. "Decent, and sometimes surprisingly good, especially after a few pints of bitter?" Yeah, probably. Look, Chester is lovely, right? Cobblestone streets, Roman walls... so you're *expecting* some kind of grand, historic experience. This isn't it. This is the Holiday Inn Express. Think clean lines, functional, and about as exciting as a beige sock. But... (and there’s always a but, isn't there?)… sometimes, that’s exactly what you *need*.
The breakfast – is it the usual HIE fare, aka lukewarm misery?
Alright, breakfast. Let's dissect this. Generally, HIE breakfasts are a gamble. One day, you get a sausage that tastes suspiciously like cardboard, the next, a surprisingly edible (dare I say, *pleasant*?) scrambled egg. The Chester one? Well, I've had both extremes. The automatic pancake machine thing is a source of endless fascination (and mild disappointment). You watch these weird little discs emerge, and you *hope*, you desperately *hope* for something fluffy and delicious. Sometimes you get it. Sometimes, you get a hockey puck. The coffee? Acceptable. The beans are sometimes burnt though. And the orange juice… well, it’s orange-ish. Let's just say I packed a few emergency tangerines on my last trip.
What about the location? Is it actually *in* Chester?
Mostly. It's kind of… *near* the city center. It’s a short walk, manageable even after a particularly enthusiastic pub crawl. That being said, the "short walk" might feel a little longer after you’ve been nursing a pint of the local ale, and you might be slightly zig-zagging. The bonus is that it's slightly away from the immediate hustle and bustle. Also, there's a decent supermarket nearby for emergency snack acquisition. (Which is crucial. Always pack snacks.)
The rooms! Are they clean? And are they… *quiet*?
Clean, yes. Generally. I’ve always found them to be perfectly adequate in the cleanliness department. (I mean, I haven't found any lurking horrors, though I’m not *obsessively* looking.) As for quiet... ah, that varies. Some rooms face the road, which can be a bit noisy. Ask for one at the back, if you can. My last stay? I swear, someone was holding a rave in the room next door. Or maybe they were just passionately re-enacting a scene from "The Apprentice." Either way, earplugs are your friend. Seriously. Pack earplugs. And maybe a good book, so you can at least *pretend* to sleep. I once brought a meditation tape so I could focus on silence. The silence was *extremely* minimal.
Okay, so the internet… how bad is it *really*?
Oh, the Wi-Fi. Prepare yourself. It’s... it’s a journey. Sometimes, it’s perfectly fine and you can stream your favourite shows. Other times, it’s about as reliable as my ex's promises. I'm convinced the signal reaches full strength just as you're about to check out. Be prepared for the occasional dropped connection, the slow loading… the sheer, agonizing *wait*. I've considered investing in a dedicated satellite just for hotel Wi-Fi, but my bank balance and my tech skills both say "no." Just accept that it is what it is. It's a good opportunity to unplug and read a book… or stare moodily out the window.
Is there parking? And is it affordable?
Yes, there's parking. And yes, it's (usually) relatively affordable, especially compared to some of the city center car parks. It’s a bit tight, though. The spaces are… let's say, "cozy." If you drive a particularly large vehicle, you might want to brace yourself. I have watched a person try to squeeze a Range Rover into a space that was clearly designed for a Mini. It was both stressful and strangely entertaining. I recommend arriving early to grab a decent spot, and maybe packing a calming tea if you're a nervous parker.
Tell me about *one* bad experience, the very worst of it all. Make me feel it.
Right, the worst. Okay, it was a few years back. It was the Christmas Market… and the hotel was rammed. Like, absolutely heaving. And the heating? Well, I'm convinced the thermostat was broken because it was either a sweltering sauna or a chilly tundra. I’d asked for a quiet room, and I'd got... well, let's say the room was in the "noisy" zone. A snoring symphony from the room next door that sounded like a rusty chainsaw. The Wi-Fi was, of course, a complete joke. I spent most of the night trying to load a simple email, my frustration levels rising with every glacial second. The breakfast… oh, the breakfast. The sausage was particularly revolting that day, possibly the worst processed meat I'd ever encountered. The orange juice was barely coloured water, and I was convinced they’d run out of coffee beans. The morning I was leaving, the lifts decided to stage a protest. I was on the fourth floor. Packing a suitcase. Let's just say, by the time I finally staggered into the lobby with my luggage, I was ready to scream. It wasn’t just the hotel, though… it was the combination of everything. The crowds, the bad food, the exhaustion, the persistent, niggling feeling that I’d paid good money to be mildly miserable. It was a low point. A holiday inn low point.
So, would you recommend it? Be brutally honest!
Look, is it the Ritz? Absolutely not. Is it going to blow your mind with luxury? Not a chance. But… *if* you are looking for a clean, convenient, and relatively affordable place to crash while you explore Chester, then yeah. Yeah, I would. Just… temper your expectations. Pack snacks. Bring earplugs. And be prepared to laugh at the absurdity of it all. It's a Holiday Inn Express. It's not perfect. But it mostly works. And sometimes, that's absolutely good enough.
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