Blythe's BEST Hotel? Holiday Inn Express Review & Hidden Perks!
Blythe's BEST Hotel? Holiday Inn Express Review & Hidden Perks!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because you’re about to get the real, unfiltered lowdown on what it’s like to stay at that ol’ Holiday Inn Express in Blythe. Forget those sterile, corporate-approved reviews – this is the truth, warts and all! And, hey, I'm not a bot, I've been there and done that and I'm still thinking about it (in a good way mostly).
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- Meta Description: Honest and detailed review of the Holiday Inn Express in Blythe, CA. Discover the hidden perks, accessibility features, dining options, and potential downsides. Real experiences, quirky observations, and a sprinkle of humor – everything you need to know before you book!
The Grand Entrance (and the First Impression):
So, driving into Blythe… let’s just say it’s not exactly the Vegas Strip. It's a whole lotta desert, and well, the Holiday Inn Express is like an oasis in the dust. It's not winning any architectural awards, but it's clean, and after hours on the road, clean is gold.
Accessibility: (Because Life Shouldn't Be a Climb)
Okay, Accessibility! I'm not in a wheelchair, but I've travelled with people who are, so I have a keen eye for this stuff. The good news? Mostly thumbs up. It's got the basics covered: ramps, elevators, and the front desk guys were super helpful, pointing out accessible rooms. Room size is crucial. I can tell you that there are rooms that seem to have a lot more space in them. What else? Well, it has some good accessibility and that's a lot more than some other hotels.
Rooms: Comfort and Convenience (and the Curse of the Blackout Curtains)
The rooms themselves? Pretty standard HIE fare. Comfy beds (important!), decent-sized TV, and the blessings of free Wi-Fi. God bless that free Wi-Fi . It's just that extra perk I need to relax. The bathrooms were clean, though some of the toiletries were… well, let's just say I brought my own. One minor gripe (and I'm talking minor): the blackout curtains. They work so well, I almost slept through my alarm! Not exactly a complaint, except when you're aiming for a specific time to get out.
- Room Details: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Coffee/tea maker, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, Ironing facilities, Mini bar, Private bathroom, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free].
Internet Access: Praise the Wi-Fi Gods! (and the Occasional Drop)
- Internet: Free Wi-Fi in all rooms. The holy grail.
- Internet [LAN]: Available, but let's be real, who uses LAN anymore?
- Internet Services: Pretty darn good. Streaming, browsing, and even video calls with barely a hiccup. But of course, you can't always rely on it. Sometimes it flickers, or drops, and everyone is thinking "I need it!"
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Breakfast Bonanza and Beyond
- Breakfast [buffet]: The standard HIE breakfast is available and it's good. The usual suspects: eggs, bacon, cereal, the waffle maker of champions. It's fine, it fills a gap, it’s what you expect. I’m always a fan of the waffle maker.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Unlimited, essential for mornings.
- Restaurants, Coffee shop, Snack bar: The hotel had no onsite restaurant (a little bit sad), but has a Coffee shop and snack bar to get you through late night cravings.
- Alternative meal arrangement: They were accommodating with special requests for breakfast, which was a nice touch.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Poolside Dreams and Limited Spa-ing
There’s an outdoor pool. And that’s about it. The pool was clean. The view was… of more desert. But hey, it does the job! It's sunny, clean and a good way to chill.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: Yes. Essential.
- Fitness center: You can exercise! And it's open… which is more than some places!
Cleanliness and Safety: Sanitized Sanctuaries?
- Cleanliness and safety: Well, I was pretty impressed. The place feels clean. They were disinfecting the heck out of things. No way you were touching anything without it being wiped down!
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: They really seem to be.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: I didn't use it, but it's cool that they offered that option.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: I can't verify the brand, but everything smelled clean.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Make a Difference
- Daily housekeeping: Yep, good!
- Laundry service: Available.
- Elevator: Essential.
- Concierge: Not really, but the front desk staff were helpful.
- Cash withdrawal: Available, which is useful because Blythe isn’t exactly awash in ATMs.
- Convenience store: A bit bare-bones, but it has snacks and drinks.
For the Kids:
Not a family place but the kids can come.
Getting Around:
- Car park [free of charge]: Yes! That's the best kind.
The Verdict (and the Rambling Conclusion):
So, is the Holiday Inn Express in Blythe the best hotel? Well, that depends on your definition of "best". It's not luxury, it's not a spa resort. It's a really decent place to rest your weary head after a long day of driving. It's clean, comfortable, has free Wi-Fi (praise be!), and the breakfast is… edible.
The staff were generally friendly and helpful. The accessibility was good, which is always a huge plus. The pool does the job. And honestly, in a town like Blythe? That's all you really need. I'd happily stay there again.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Just don't expect a five-star experience. Go with realistic expectations, and you won’t be disappointed. And bring your own fancy toiletries. And maybe a good book and a pair of sunglasses for that pool time. You'll be golden.
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Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this ain't your grandma's itinerary. This is a Blythe, CA, survival guide… with a dash of existential dread and a whole lotta Holiday Inn Express. Let's do this.
The Blythe Blitz: A Whirlwind of Desert Delight (and Possible Boredom):
Day 1: Arrival & Desert Disappointment (aka "Why Am I Here Again?"):
- 1:00 PM (ish): Arrive at the Blythe Municipal Airport. (Let's be honest, it's practically a landing strip. I swear I saw tumbleweeds). Taxi? Ha! Walk to the Holiday Inn Express & Suites (kidding, that would be cruel and unusual punishment in this heat, rent a car). Check-in. Pray for a room not overlooking the… well, nothing. Anything but the pool area, which looks suspiciously like a giant green puddle even in the best light.
- 1:30 PM: Room check and mental breakdown. Realized that the "suite" is more of a glorified, slightly upgraded, standard room. Fine. We will survive. The AC better be the best, no matter what.
- 2:00 PM: Pool Time! This is a complete lie, the sun seems to be having fun and blasting me.
- 3:00 PM: Unpack a little, fight to avoid the urge to lay down and wallow in the utter vastness of the desert.
- 4:00 PM: Drive to the Colorado River. It will be beautiful, I bet, let's hope that the river has some fun in it.
- 5:00 PM: Find a restaurant. Good luck. (Seriously, Yelp is your friend. Or maybe your only friend in Blythe). Hope food does not kill me.
- 6:30 PM: Dinner! (At the previously found restaurant.) Try not to judge the locals too harshly. After all, we're the outsiders. I will try the local delicacy.
- 8:00 PM: Back to the hotel. Watch TV. Stare at the ceiling. Contemplate life. Which may also mean watching TV.
Day 2: Desert Delirium & The Mystery of the Missing Coffee:
- 6:00 AM: Wake up, or try to. The promised continental breakfast better be worth the price of admission. And where's the coffee? WHERE'S THE FREAKING COFFEE?!
- 7:00 AM: The Great Breakfast Debacle. Scramble (heh, pun) to the breakfast area. Scramble. Eggs. Waffles that are somehow both overcooked and undercooked simultaneously. That coffee better appear now or there will be trouble.
- 8:00 AM: Time for a desert hike (or a brisk walk. Let's be realistic). A drive. Something outdoorsy. Get out in that vast scenery and enjoy the view. Wear sunscreen. Seriously.
- 9:00 AM: Hike. I wish to see some wildlife.
- 12:00 PM: Hit the local store. Do some shopping.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at a diner. Experience the local culture. Eat some local foods.
- 2:00 PM: Time to relax.
- 3:00 PM: Pool time… again. Enjoy the sun!
- 4:00 PM: Another drive to the Colorado River. This time, bring a beer to enjoy with the views.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner in another location.
- 8:00 PM: Rest.
Day 3: The Great Escape (and the lingering taste of… Blythe):
- 7:00 AM: The breakfast… again. Sigh. This time, at least the coffee is on time. Thank. God.
- 8:00 AM: Pack. Check out. Try not to leave anything important behind.
- 9:00 AM: Head out of Blythe!
- 10:00 AM: Feel the freedom. The desert seems less… daunting. Maybe it wasn't so bad after all.
- 11:00 AM: Make a mental note to actually read the travel reviews next time before booking a trip.
- 12:00 PM: Realize, with a jolt, that the lingering taste of Blythe is not entirely unpleasant. In some weird, ironic way. Maybe. Probably.
And there you have it. My brutally honest, completely unprofessional (and hopefully entertaining) guide to surviving Blythe, CA. May the odds be ever in your favor. And, for the love of all that is holy, bring extra sunscreen. Seriously.
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Blythe's BEST Hotel? Let's Talk Holiday Inn Express (and All Its Quirks!)
Okay, spill it. Is the Holiday Inn Express in Blythe, CA really worth the hype? Is it, you know...good?
Ugh, the hype. Listen, "hype" is a strong word. It's Blythe. *Everything* is relative. I've stayed in places that smelled vaguely of mildew and despair, so... yeah, the Holiday Inn Express is *good*. It's good in the way that a lukewarm cup of coffee on a freezing morning is good. It *works*. It’s not going to set your world on fire, but it'll keep you from spontaneously combusting while you're stuck in the middle of nowhere California. Honestly? I was expecting the hotel to be kinda *meh.* But it did the job. And, hey, it’s clean-ish!
The breakfast. Don't leave me hanging! Is the breakfast… edible? Because let’s be honest, hotel breakfasts can be a gamble.
Okay, breakfast. This is *crucial*. I'm a breakfast person. I need sustenance, or I'll turn into a grumpy, hangry gremlin. The Holiday Inn Express breakfast? It’s... serviceable. Let me paint you a picture. There's the usual suspects: rubbery scrambled eggs (that still have a faint, comforting hint of artificial cheese flavor!), pre-packaged pastries, lukewarm sausage links that may or may not be entirely meat. But! There’s always *something*. And the best part? The pancake machine! This thing is a marvel of engineering. Fresh, hot pancakes on demand. Listen, when I was there, I over-did it. Like, I think I ate at least a dozen tiny pancakes. I was ashamed and pleased at the same time. Just… go for the pancakes. They’re your salvation.
So, let's get down to brass tacks. What about the rooms? Clean? Comfy? Or are we talking Motel 6 circa 1987?
Okay, honestly, the rooms are… fine. Think: beige. Like, a *lot* of beige. But hey, the bed was comfortable enough. I actually slept pretty well, which is a win. The bathroom was clean (thank heavens!), though the showerhead was a little… anemic. Like, it dribbled water instead of blasting it. But hey, you're in Blythe, not a five-star resort. The air conditioning worked, and thank GOD for that! Because, and I cannot stress this enough, Blythe is HOT. I peeked in the window of another room, and I swear I caught a glimpse of someone's luggage, and a few of the decorative pillows. The whole experience really screamed "generic corporate lodging that's just trying to not fail". But again! It did the trick. And I really liked the view of the parking lot over those other two hotels. Ha!
Hidden perks? Were there any secret, amazing amenities that made you think, "Wow, that's surprisingly awesome!"?
Okay, "hidden perks" is pushing it. But here's what I found… the pool. It's a bit small, but it's clean and refreshing, and totally perfect for a dip after a long drive. Also, the staff! They were actually really friendly and helpful, which is definitely a bonus, especially after a long day on the road. There's a vending machine, too! I'm a sucker for a hotel vending machine. Is that a perk? Not really. But it’s good, cheap snacks, and sometimes, that's all you need. The big thing was that I actually, truly, appreciated the space and the facilities. They were well maintained, the AC worked, and it was very clean and comfortable. I am NOT a fan of super fancy hotels!
I'm on a budget. Is this place going to break the bank?
Look, Blythe isn't exactly a tourist mecca, so… no, it didn't break the bank. The pricing was very reasonable, especially considering the quality of the stay I had. I found myself comparing prices to a local diner, and found this hotel was actually cheaper. Be warned, though: prices fluctuate depending on the season and how busy they are (or how desperate the other motels are!). Check online for deals and book in advance if you can. Seriously, compare prices. You'll likely find it's one of the better options in the area, price-wise.
Any downsides? Any dealbreakers? What are you avoiding saying?
Oh, where to begin... First, the location isn’t exactly *scenic*. You're right off the highway, surrounded by other hotels and fast-food restaurants. Don’t expect rolling hills and breathtaking vistas. Also, and this is purely anecdotal, but I heard a dog barking at 3:00 in the morning. So, bring earplugs. And maybe a good book. Or a bottle of wine. And, and, and! This is important, the Wifi! The Wifi was a little… flaky. It went in and out. If you need to work or stream anything, you might encounter some issues. And don't forget the standard stuff: the occasional noisy neighbor, the slightly thin walls, the fact that it's just… a hotel. But, and this is the important thing, I'd stay there again. It’s Blythe! It’s clean, it's safe, it's got pancakes. What more do you want?
Okay, quick summary. Should I stay here?
Look, if you're passing through Blythe, or if you NEED a place to crash, then YES. Absolutely, yes. It's a solid, reliable choice. It's not going to be the most glamorous hotel experience of your life, but it's clean, comfortable, and reasonably priced. You'll get a good night's sleep, eat some pancakes (please, go for the pancakes), and be ready to hit the road again. Just… lower your expectations a *tad*. It's Blythe, remember?
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