Bozeman's BEST Hotel? Holiday Inn Express Review SHOCK!
Bozeman's BEST Hotel? Holiday Inn Express Review SHOCK! (Prepare for the Unexpected!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to drop some truth bombs on the Holiday Inn Express in Bozeman. Forget those glossy brochures – this is REAL. I'm talking dirt, diamonds, and everything in between. Is it Bozeman's BEST? Well, let’s find out, shall we? Prepare for a rambling, opinionated, and hopefully hilarious dive into this hotel experience.
First Impressions: (Or, "Where Did I Park My Sanity?")
Okay, first off, the drive up. Bozeman is stunning! Seriously, Montana is a visual feast. Getting to the HIE, though? Not so much a feast, more a…well, a perfectly adequate experience. The car park [free of charge] is a massive relief after a long day of driving. Car park [on-site] availability is a definite bonus, because honestly, who wants to lug their luggage a mile? It's a Hotel chain, so you know the drill – clean, predictable, and… well, a bit soul-less at first glance. The exterior corridor feels functional, not fancy. But hey, at least I didn't have to wander through a maze to find my room (thank you, Elevator!). CCTV outside property is reassuring, giving a sense of safety.
Accessibility: (Navigating the Labyrinth of Life, One Ramp at a Time)
Listen, Facilities for disabled guests are a big deal, and I'm always looking for them. They've got Wheelchair accessible rooms – excellent. This isn't just lip service. I saw ramps, accessible entrances, and stuff. Made me feel, you know, a little bit more… included. Elevator is essential. I didn’t specifically test the accessibility of On-site accessible restaurants / lounges, but the initial impression was promising. No major hurdles for those with mobility challenges.
Rooms: (Sanitized Bliss or Germ-Ridden Horror?)
Okay, let's get to the Rooms. Mine? Pretty standard. The Air conditioning worked like a champ. Non-smoking rooms, thank the heavens. The Blackout curtains were a lifesaver for sleeping in – crucial when you're trying to conquer the world (or at least Bozeman). Free Wi-Fi (!!!) a necessity these days! The Internet access – wireless was reliable – gotta get those emails! The Desk was functional. I appreciated the Laptop workspace. Internet access – LAN was present! Okay, so not everything was perfect. The Carpeting looked a little…worn. The Bathroom had a Shower, Toiletries (which smelled okay), and Towels (clean!). I appreciated the Mirror, but I had to look twice to ensure it was actually there, and it almost wasn't. Daily housekeeping was a plus. I had Air conditioning and a Refrigerator. The Coffee/tea maker was essential for my sanity. Complimentary tea was nice. And the Window that opens? A rare and beautiful thing. Wake-up service available? Yes, please! I didn't use the Alarm clock, because I'm old-school. The Additional toilet and Separate shower/bathtub were probably a great feature for those who utilize those amenities. Seating area was decent. Extra long bed a great touch. Slippers are a plus. The Socket near the bed – crucial for keeping your phone charged. Smoke detector and Fire extinguisher – always reassuring. In-room safe box a plus.
Cleanliness and Safety: (The Great Sanitization Sweepstakes)
Alright, this is where things get REALLY interesting. Because, pandemic, right? The Rooms sanitized between stays? YES! I mean, I had to Room sanitization opt-out available because I am an environmentalist and it felt… wasteful, but the option was there. Anti-viral cleaning products were used – good for my allergies! Daily disinfection in common areas? CHECK. I saw staff constantly wiping things down. Hand sanitizer stations EVERYWHERE. Staff trained in safety protocol – seemed like it. Professional-grade sanitizing services clearly in use. Safe dining setup? I’ll get to that. The Cashless payment service was smooth. Individually-wrapped food options – appreciated! I felt…safe-ish. The Check-in/out [express] was very simple. Front desk [24-hour] – also a good sign. Security [24-hour] – another plus. The CCTV in common areas instilled a sense of security.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: (Fueling the Bozeman Adventure)
Ugh, the bane of my existence: hotel breakfast. The Breakfast [buffet] (sadly) was a total letdown, but it was also surprisingly effective at getting me fed. It's the usual HIE fare – scrambled eggs that might be plastic, Buffet in restaurant style. Asian breakfast wasn't exactly on the menu, and I didn't see any Asian cuisine in restaurant, so this point is pretty much moot. I did grab a Bottle of water from the Convenience store, and it was a lifesaver. Coffee/tea in restaurant was available. Desserts in restaurant? I saw some sad-looking pastries. Restaurants are present, but I didn't see any Happy hour deals. The Poolside bar looked lonely and neglected. Soup in restaurant, though? Seemed like a good option, and that Salad in restaurant looked tempting. The Breakfast service was good, and I appreciated the Breakfast takeaway service. The Snack bar proved critical for my sugar needs. I didn't seek out the Vegetarian restaurant. Western breakfast felt like the only choice.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: (Spa Day? No. Coffee. Coffee, it is.)
Okay, this is where the HIE falters a little. Swimming pool [outdoor]? Yes! But the view…not exactly breathtaking. Swimming pool and Gym/fitness? Yep! I did not see the Pool with view. No Spa, Massage, Sauna, or Steamroom. Don’t even think about Body scrub or Body wrap! I'm pretty sure no Spa/sauna is present. This isn't a spa retreat. This is a base camp. A functional, clean base camp. Consider the Fitness center, though. It’s got the basics and may be useful, but I can't tell you, since I didn't brave it.
Services and Conveniences: (The Little Things That Make a Big Difference)
Concierge? Nope. Daily housekeeping? Absolutely! Dry cleaning? Ironing service? Yes. Laundry service? Yes. Luggage storage? Yep. Cash withdrawal? Not sure. Elevator – essential. Gift/souvenir shop? I didn't see one. The Air conditioning in public area was delightful. Facilities for disabled guests – great. Invoice provided – appreciated! Meetings, Meeting/banquet facilities, and Meeting stationery? Available. On-site event hosting? Debatable. Safety deposit boxes – good. The Terrace was…there. The Air conditioning in public area was quite nice.
For the Kids: (Sorry, Little Ones, This Isn’t Disney World)
Babysitting service? Doubtful. Family/child friendly? Sure, in a practical way. Kids meal? Not that I saw. Kids facilities? Nope.
Getting Around: (Navigating Bozeman – The Easy Way)
Airport transfer? Nope. Bicycle parking? Probably. Car park [free of charge] and Car park [on-site] are HUGE positives. Car power charging station? Unsure. Taxi service? Available. Valet parking? Nope.
Internet Access: (The Digital Lifeline!)
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Praise be! The Internet and Internet [LAN] worked well. Internet services were functional. Wi-Fi in public areas? Yep. The internet was great, it connected!
Now, for the SHOCKING Conclusion…
So, is the Holiday Inn Express in Bozeman the BEST hotel? Honestly? Probably not. It’s not luxurious. It’s not overflowing with personality. But, you know what? It's CLEAN. It's WELL-LOCATED. It's FUNCTIONAL. It does EVERYTHING it promises. And, in a town like Bozeman, where you're probably spending most of your time exploring the AMAZING outdoors, do you NEED more than functional, clean, and accessible?
The Verdict? A Solid 7/10. It’s not a destination. But it’s a damn good place to crash.
**Bozeman's BEST Hotel? Holiday Inn Express Review SHOCK! – The Offer (Because You Know You Want
Indonesian Paradise: Your Dream 1BR Deluxe Awaits (AN95A)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's perfectly-polished travel itinerary. This is the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Bozeman West By IHG, warts and all, baby. And trust me, after a week of chasing the sun in Montana, I've got plenty of warts to share.
Day 1: Arrival & Existential Dread in a King Bed
- 14:00 - Arrival & Check-In (Maybe). Okay, here's the first snag. Google Maps said "West," but the universe apparently had other plans. After a truly epic circling of the block (Bozeman, you sneaky devil!), finally found the hotel. The lobby? Spotless, which, let's be honest, filled me with immediate suspicion. Where's the grime? The lived-in-ness? Apparently, the IHG chain is all about shiny surfaces and pristine air, so, fine. My room? Yeah, the king bed was glorious. Glorious and…lonely. (Don't judge, it’s travel, and I’m single!)
- 14:30 - Room Reconnaissance & Internal Monologue. The room was perfectly… adequate. Think beige. Think generic art that feels like it was picked out by a committee. But the bed! The bed was a cloud. I threw myself on it and stared at the ceiling, questioning all my life choices that had led me to this specific beige box, in this specific town, on this specific afternoon. "Am I happy?" I asked the ceiling. The ceiling, in its beige neutrality, offered no answers.
- 15:00 - Pool Panic & Pre-Dinner Snack Failure: I'd seen the pool! A shimmering oasis of chlorine-tinged possibilities! But the thought of putting on a swimsuit after a ten-hour drive filled me with unadulterated dread. Instead, I pulled on the complimentary robe (nice touch, IHG!) and wandered down to the "marketplace" for a snack. Found a sad, pre-packaged granola bar. “My kingdom for a decent cookie," I muttered to myself and went back to the room.
- 18:00 - Dinner & the Illusion of Choice. The front desk recommended a brewery. Fine. But after battling traffic (which, I'll admit, was a shock in Bozeman), the place was packed. I found a table near the bathroom, which had a distinct "fragrant" quality. The burger was… well, it was a burger. I ate it, wondering if I was capable of truly appreciating the craft beer. I decided I wasn't. Headed back to the hotel.
- 20:00 - Bedtime. The bed was still calling my name.
Day 2: Wildlife (Sort Of) and the Quest for Coffee
- 07:00 - Breakfast Buffet Battle. Praise The Lord, the breakfast buffet! The highlight so far! (Sad, I know.) Waffles. Scrambled eggs that, while not winning any culinary awards, were edible. And endless, endless coffee. That’s a win.
- 08:00 - The "Wild" West. Okay, the planned excursion to the "Museum of the Rockies". I figured I'd "connect with nature" and all that.
- 10:30 - The Museum, The Rocks, and a Tiny Dinosaur's Gaze. Okay, the museum was actually pretty cool and the dinosaurs were awesome, especially the T-Rex. I mean, who doesn't love a good T-Rex? But I spent a surprising amount of time staring at the exhibits on the history of the area. It was actually fascinating. I felt a tiny flicker of something - maybe it was appreciation.
- 12:00 - Lunch & Lamentations. Another brewery was recommended. Turns out the lunch options at the brewery were just as sad as my morning granola bar. Sigh.
- 13:00 - Pool Time (Success!). Okay, after a major internal pep talk (mostly involving promises of ice cream), I got in the pool. And it was… surprisingly relaxing! I even did a few laps. It was the closest thing to a spiritual experience I'd had all week.
- 16:00 - Quest for the Perfect Coffee: The hotel coffee just wasn't cutting it, and I was feeling the caffeine withdrawal setting in. The search for good coffee in Bozeman was a mission. After three failed attempts, I found a tiny independent coffee shop that looked like something out of a hipster movie. The coffee? Glorious. The hipster vibe? A bit much, but I'll take it.
- 18:00 - Dinner, Take Two. Found a decent pizza place. Ate half a pizza. Fell asleep on the couch.
Day 3: Into the Mountains! (Sort Of)
- 07:00 - Same routine, breakfast, waffles, caffeine.
- 09:00 - Hiking! The grand, planned hike. I, the urban dweller, was going to conquer nature! Found a trail that looked moderately easy (my definition of "easy" is probably very different from a mountain goat's).
- 10:00 - The Hike, The Burn, The Judgement. The hike was… steep. Very steep. I huffed and puffed and sweat and made the most unflattering faces I've made in years. I was passed by a 80-year-old woman with a walking stick AND a kid in a stroller, and I'm pretty sure she gave me a withering look. The view from the top was, admittedly, breathtaking (once my lungs recovered).
- 12:00 - Lunch near the trail My reward. A sandwich that tasted like victory, and a water bottle.
- 13:00 - Relaxing day I've never been more in need of a massage. Went back to the hotel.
- 18:00 - Dinner and Reflection. Again, another brewery as I was struggling to find a place to eat. I had a burger and beer and ordered another one.
- Bedtime. Back to the bed.
Day 4, 5, 6: Repeat, Adjust, Reflect (and a touch of chaos)
- Days 4-6 were a blur of small changes and observations.
- Day 4: Slept in. Hit up a park. Enjoyed the sunset.
- Day 5: Tried to go to the ice cream shop. Closed. Searched for other options. Came back to the hotel.
- Day 6: Spent a few hours in. Wrote. Tried to write. Had a burger. Walked around the city.
- Notes: There was some good, the bad, and the ugly, but it taught me to value myself.
Day 7: Departure & The Farewell to Beige
- 07:00 - The Waffle Farewell & Check Out. The final waffle. A bittersweet moment. Packing. Checking out. Thinking about the drive.
- 09:00 - One last look. I took the last stroll of the hotel. Saw familiar faces.
- 10:00 - Goodbye, Bozeman, Maybe? Driving out of Bozeman, I felt a strange mix of relief and… well, affection. The mountains, the coffee, the slightly-too-beige hotel – it all grew on me. Maybe I'd come back. Maybe not. But for now, it was time to go.
So that’s it. The messy, imperfect truth of a trip to the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Bozeman West. It had its moments of brilliance, its moments of utter misery, and a whole lot of beige in between. Would I recommend it? Well, I'm not a travel agent. But if you like clean rooms, decent coffee, and a bed that's basically a giant hug? Then maybe, just maybe, you’ll love it. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go find a good book and contemplate the meaning of life. Or maybe just take a nap.
Guilin's BEST Hotel Near the Railway Station & MixC? Echarm Hotel!
Alright, spill the tea! Is this Holiday Inn Express REALLY Bozeman's "BEST" hotel? Don't hold back!
Let's talk location. Is it convenient? Because getting around Bozeman can be a nightmare sometimes.
The breakfast. The dreaded FREE breakfast. Give it to me straight. Is it edible?
The Room. What was it like? Clean? Spacious? Cozy?
Staff! Were they friendly? Helpful? Or did they make you want to run screaming into the mountains?
Let's talk about the Pool and Fitness Center. Any fun?
The Waffle Situation. Deep Dive. I NEED details.
Overall: Would you stay here again?
