Escape to El Paso: Your Perfect Stay Awaits at Holiday Inn Express!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, 'cause we're about to dive headfirst into a review of the Holiday Inn Express in El Paso. Forget the stiff, corporate mumbo jumbo; I'm talkin' real stay, the good, the bad, and the slightly-too-warm-Texas-sun-on-your-face ugly.
The Hook: Escape to El Paso? Absolutely! Let's See What We Find.
Okay, so you're thinking El Paso. I get it. Maybe you're looking for something… different. Maybe you're escaping the city. Or maybe, like me, you just NEED a break from the noise. And Holiday Inn Express? Look, it's not the Four Seasons, alright? But it promises a "perfect stay." Let's see if this promise holds water, shall we?
First Impressions & Accessibility: Wheelchairs and Warm Welcomes (Mostly)
Right off the bat, the accessibility is a plus. Elevator? Check. Wheelchair accessible rooms? They claim so, but I didn’t have a chance to check one out. The exterior looks clean enough, though, and the 24-hour front desk is ALWAYS a good sign, especially after a long drive. And the staff? Mostly friendly. There was this one dude who looked like he'd just swallowed a cactus, but hey, everyone's got their off day, right?
Internet: Free Wi-Fi! Praise Be! (And Occasional Dropping Out)
Free Wi-Fi in every room! Music to my ears, especially when I'm trying to work remotely. Also available in the public areas. I mean, come on, what's a holiday without constant streaming, haha! Okay, I'm not entirely honest. It did occasionally poop out on me, but hey, it's FREE. And let's be honest, even the fanciest hotel Wi-Fi can be a pain.
The Room: Basic Comfort, With A Few Quirks.
Okay, the rooms. Standard Holiday Inn Express stuff: clean, functional, and… well, not exactly "Pinterest-worthy." Air conditioning? Check. Comfortable bed? Check. Mini-bar? Nope. Boo. Free bottled water? Score! And, yes, coffee/tea maker - essential for my morning crankiness. Blackout curtains: Bless their hearts, they worked. I'm not sure if it worked with no sun coming in, but they did the job.
One thing I loved? The desk with a good desk lamp and a laptop workspace. Seriously underrated. The TV with satellite/cable channels worked perfectly!
The Imperfections: A few things to mention, such as the fact my view wasn't exciting, but hey, it didn't ruin the experience.
Cleanliness and Safety: Sanitized and Safe (Mostly)
This is where things get interesting, especially in today's world. They were definitely taking precautions. Hand sanitizer everywhere. Daily disinfection in common areas. Staff trained in safety protocol - I saw them cleaning like crazy. Rooms sanitized between stays. Even individually-wrapped food options at breakfast, which I appreciated. There was hand sanitizer at the front desk, too. Anti-viral cleaning products? Let's hope so. Safe dining setup? Yes. They seemed to be trying, and that matters. Not that I'm a germaphobe or anything, but I'm glad they're trying to keep you safe.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Breakfast Buffet Basics (and a Poolside Bar Fantasy)
Breakfast. Ah, yes. The make-or-break of any hotel stay. They're promising a Breakfast [buffet] and even a breakfast takeaway service! Well, they did have a buffet, and, look, it's Holiday Inn Express, so let's set expectations accordingly. Western breakfast was the main vibe. Coffee/tea in restaurant was always there. The usual suspects: scrambled eggs that are… eggs, sausage of some questionable origin, and some toast (bless). There’s not much to say.
I dreamed of a poolside margarita (there wasn't one…but the pool was there, and I thought about it).
Things to Do / Ways to Relax: Swimming Pool and A Fitness Center – More Than Enough
Swimming pool [outdoor]? Check! Gym/fitness? Check. The pool was nice enough for a quick dip (and definitely needed on a hot El Paso day). I'm not the world's biggest gym bunny, but the fitness center looked clean and had enough equipment to get a decent workout in. They had a sign advertising Spa, but it’s a lie.
Services and Conveniences: Everything (Almost) You Could Need
They've got the usual suspects: Daily housekeeping, laundry service, concierge (though I didn't really need them). Cash withdrawal? Check. Elevator? Check. Dry cleaning? Check. A Convenience store? Nope. They definitely have the essentials covered.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly Vibe
I didn't travel with the kids, but they do have Family/child friendly atmosphere. They'll take care of you.
Getting Around: Easy Peasy
Car park [free of charge]. Perfect. They have a car park [on-site]. I had no problem finding a spot.
The Verdict: Escape to El Paso: Worth It? Maybe… YES!
Look, the Holiday Inn Express in El Paso isn't going to blow your mind. What are you going to say? It's a solid choice for a comfortable, convenient base. It's got the basic covered at a reasonable price.
**My Emotional Reaction: ** I'm happy with it. If I had to be in El Paso, this is where I would stay again.
The Offer: Your El Paso Adventure Awaits!
Book your stay at the Holiday Inn Express in El Paso today and experience the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and affordability! Enjoy:
- Free Wi-Fi to stay connected.
- A Clean and Safe environment.
- A Free Breakfast to set you up for the day.
- The Outdoor Swimming Pool and Fitness Center.
- Comfortable Rooms.
Don't wait! Click the link below to book your El Paso escape now!
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Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because you’re about to embark on a virtual trip through El Paso, TX, from the comfy confines of… well, the Holiday Inn Express and Suites El Paso North by IHG. Honestly, it’s a pretty standard Holiday Inn, but hey, it’s a roof over my head, and that’s half the battle won, right? Here's the (mostly) honest, messy, and probably slightly caffeinated itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival and Mild Panic (aka, "Where's the Pool?")
- 1:00 PM: Arrived in El Paso. The drive was long. So. Long. The desert just keeps going. The sky is HUGE, which is cool until you realize how vulnerable you feel under its vastness. First impressions of the hotel: Clean, efficient. The lobby smells faintly of chlorine and ambition. That’s a weird combo. Check-in was smooth, almost too smooth. Suspicious.
- 1:30 PM: Lugged my suitcase up to the third floor. Found the room – it's pretty standard. Clean, bed looks comfy. First order of business: HUNT DOWN THE POOL. You see, I'm a sucker for a hotel pool, even if I barely use 'em. It's a vibe, you know? Wandered around. No pool. Turns out, it's temporarily closed. Cue minor existential crisis. My travel mojo is already feeling a bit deflated. Fine. We’ll roll with it.
- 2:00 PM: Unpacked, settled in. Found the free wifi. Praise be. Started strategizing my attack on El Paso. Looked up "best tacos in El Paso." The internet is a beautiful, dangerous beast.
- 3:00 PM: Headed out for lunch. Found a place called "L&J Cafe." A local institution. The parking lot was PACKED, always a good sign. I got the enchiladas with green chile. Oh. My. Goodness. Seriously, I've had a lot of enchiladas in my life but these… these were revelatory. The green chile sauce was smoky, spicy, completely addictive, and after finishing a plate of them, I got emotional. I got teary eyed. Was I really so deprived of simple flavor?
- 5:00 PM: Attempted a walk. The sun is brutal. Like, "melting your eyeballs" brutal. Decided on a short stroll along the hotel’s immediate vicinity instead, just to get my bearings. Saw a Taco Bell. Contemplated. Resisted. (For now.)
- 7:00 PM: Headed back to L&J's to try their tacos. The meat was perfectly seasoned, the tortillas were hot and fresh, and the salsa… the salsa had a kick that made me slightly regret my life choices. But in the best way. Sat at the bar, eavesdropped on some local conversations. Learned that the best way to beat the heat is to drink a lot of water, and that the guy next to me was really into his Harley Davidson.
- 8:30 PM: Back at the hotel. Sat on the bed with the intention of writing, but I ended up watching trashy TV instead. It's called "vacation brain," I think.
- 10:00 PM: Bed. The comforter is delightfully fluffy. Sleep is calling.
Day 2: Mission: Culture and Confession (and Coffee Fail)
- 8:00 AM: Woke up before the alarm. Progress! Dragged myself to the breakfast buffet. The usual: Scrambled eggs that could be made of anything, lukewarm coffee, and strangely appealing miniature muffins. Coffee fail. The machine was clearly malfunctioning.
- 9:00 AM: Headed towards the El Paso Museum of Art. I made it! The museum’s actually really cool. I ended up spending a couple of hours there. They had a good collection, the staff was friendly, and it was blissfully air-conditioned.
- 11:30AM: Back at the hotel to recharge and rethink my life. The museum was a good choice, and I needed a breather. I can’t handle relentless activity. I went to use a vending machine, and it ate my dollar. I am officially done with this hotel. (Just kidding, maybe.)
- 12:30 PM: Lunch: Decided to wing it. Drove around, got a bit lost, which is when the real fun begins. Just when I was on the verge of a meltdown, I stumbled upon a tiny, unpretentious place. Hole-in-the-wall kind of place. I had the best chiles rellenos I have ever tasted. Maybe it was the lack of expectations, or maybe it was just pure, unadulterated deliciousness. It doesn't matter. It was amazing. I felt like a local.
- 2:30 PM: Explored the mission trail. Some of the old missions are unbelievably beautiful, rich with history and art. They're a reminder of a time that's both simpler and far more complicated. The juxtaposition between the serene architecture and the relentless sun left me in awe.
- 5:00 PM: Went back to the hotel to write. I started, and then got completely sidetracked by my phone. Social media is the devil.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. Found a highly recommended Mexican restaurant. The margaritas: strong. The food: good, if a little overpriced. The atmosphere: loud. A live mariachi band started playing. It was cheesy, and I loved it, and I cried again, because I am really, really emotional.
- 9:00 PM: Back at the hotel. Trying to decide if I should try that Taco Bell. The siren song of the Doritos Locos Tacos is strong. Resisted. For now.
- 9:30 PM: Packing.
- 10:00 PM: Bed
Day 3: Departure and Reflecting… and Regret?
- 7:00 AM: Another breakfast buffet. The eggs were somehow worse. Coffee still a disaster.
- 8:00 AM: Checked out. Found out they were working on the pool. Too late!
- 8:30 AM: Reflecting as I drove away from the hotel. El Paso was… surprisingly awesome. Yes, I got sunburnt. Yes, the hotel had its flaws. But the food, the culture, the whole vibe… it truly got under my skin.
- 9:00 AM: Almost to the airport when that Taco Bell siren song hits hard.
- 9:15 AM: Pulled over. Got two Doritos Locos Tacos. No regrets. The perfect ending to my trip.
- 10:00 AM: Heading to the airport. The memories of flavor and culture. Already planning my return.
Is this place REALLY as good as it sounds? "Your Perfect Stay Awaits"... that's a big claim, right?
Okay, let's be real. "Perfect"? Nah. Nothing's perfect, unless you're counting that slice of pizza I had last Tuesday (it was *legendary*). But, the Holiday Inn Express in El Paso? It's pretty darn good. Look, I've stayed in places where the "continental breakfast" consisted of a stale bagel and the vague promise of coffee that never materialized. Here? Breakfast is… well, we’ll get to that. But the point is, it’s a solid, reliable choice. Think dependable, like your favorite pair of jeans. Not a designer catwalk piece, but comfortable and always ready to go.
I went in expecting the worst, you know? After a grueling drive down I-10, after that Texas heat. I was grumpy. Irritable. Ready to unleash my inner Karen. But the lobby was clean, the staff was pleasant – and that, my friends, is a HUGE win in my book. So, perfect? No. Pleasant surprise and really a very welcome stop on a long trip? Absolutely. And after driving hours in the Texas heat, a pleasant surprise is basically nirvana, I swear.
What's the deal with this "free breakfast"? Because I've heard some *horror* stories...
Alright, the breakfast. This is where things get… interesting. It's free. And bless their hearts, they *try*. Expect the usual suspects: scrambled eggs (usually, you know, *eggs*), sausage (sometimes tasty, sometimes… questionable), those little pre-packaged pastries that are always a gamble (is it stale? Is it delicious? The suspense is killing me!), and the holy grail: a pancake machine. Yes, a *machine* that makes pancakes.
Now listen. This isn’t a gourmet brunch. It's the kind of breakfast you eat while scrolling Twitter in your pajamas. The coffee? Let's just say it'll wake you up. Maybe not in the most *pleasant* way, but it'll get the job done. But… there's something about the whole experience, the low hum of the pancake machine, the kids running around, the slightly-too-loud music playing... It's kind of charming, in a weird, slightly-chaotic, perfectly-imperfect way. Plus, hey, it's FREE! And who can resist a little tiny pancake created by a machine? Not me, that's for sure.
Are the rooms clean? Because that's kind of a big deal, especially in a post-pandemic world, am I right?
Okay, this is where I can breathe a sigh of relief. Yes. The rooms were clean. Like, actually clean. No suspicious stains on the carpet, no lingering smell of… well, you know. The bathroom was spotless (always a priority!), the bed was comfy, and the air conditioning worked. And believe me, in El Paso, working AC is a matter of survival. Seriously. I practically lived in that AC, especially after a day exploring the city. After a long day exploring El Paso? A clean room is the equivalent of a cold beer to the soul. And I needed it.
I'm a bit of a germaphobe, so I always give a room a once-over when I arrive. And yeah, I spotted a few dust bunnies under the bed (we all have imperfections!!), but nothing that made me want to turn around and run screaming back to my car. So, yeah, clean. A huge thumbs up from this cleanliness-conscious traveler.
How's the location? Is it convenient for, you know, actually *seeing* El Paso?
The location is… generally pretty good. It’s not right in the heart of downtown, but it’s a manageable drive to most of the attractions. Think about it like this: You're not crammed in the middle of the hustle, you're on the outskirts of it, close enough to the excitement but with sufficient space to breathe. And parking, thank the heavens, wasn't a nightmare. I've stayed in hotels where finding parking felt like a competitive sport. Here, it was… easy! A small luxury, maybe, but a big win in my book.
I was there for a couple of days, I hit up the Franklin Mountains State Park (absolutely gorgeous, by the way!), and I was able to explore downtown and the museums. I'd planned to check out the El Paso Museum of Art but ended up being late and the people at the front desk were so friendly that I didn't even feel embarrassed to explain my tardiness. Really, it's a decent jumping-off point for everything El Paso has to offer. I'm pretty sure almost anywhere in El Paso, you'll need a car, though, so keep that in mind.
Okay, okay, but what about the Wi-Fi? Because I *need* to stay connected. Don't judge.
The Wi-Fi? Solid. I mean, it wasn't lightning-fast, but it was reliable. I was able to stream Netflix without constant buffering (a HUGE win!), check emails, and, you know, do the important things, like scroll mindlessly through social media for far too long. There were a few moments when it hiccuped (the internet, not me), but it always recovered. It's the kind of Wi-Fi that just... works. No drama, no fuss. Exactly what you need when you're on the road.
Is there a pool? Because a pool can make or break a hotel stay, especially in the desert heat!
YES! There is a pool. And it's a decent size. And, most importantly, it was *clean*. I'm not a huge pool person, but even I appreciated it after a long day of sightseeing. The pool was the perfect antidote to that Texas heat, and there's nothing like a cold plunge after a long day exploring El Paso. I spent an hour just sort of floating, staring up at the sky. Pure bliss.
The pool area (like the rest of the hotel) wasn't anything fancy. It was just… functional. There were plenty of lounge chairs, and people seemed to be generally well-behaved. No crazy pool parties (thank goodness! I'm too old for that noise!), just people trying to relax and cool off. A welcome relief from the world outside.
Would you go back? Seriously, would you?
Honestly? Yeah. If I were heading back to El Paso, I'd consider it. It's not perfect, like I said. But for the price, the location, the cleanliness, and the friendly staff, it's a solid choice. I'm not going to lie thoughBest Hotels Blog
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