Little Rock's BEST Downtown Hotel? (Holiday Inn Express Review!)
Little Rock's Downtown Delight? A Deep Dive into the Holiday Inn Express – Or Was It a Nightmare? (Brace Yourself!)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I’m about to unleash a review of the Holiday Inn Express in downtown Little Rock that’s less "polished travel blogger" and more "slightly caffeinated person who stayed there and has OPINIONS." My aim is to spill the tea, the secrets, the… well, everything.
Metadata & SEO (Gotta Catch 'Em All!):
- Keywords: Little Rock Hotel, Downtown Little Rock, Holiday Inn Express Review, Accessible Hotel, Free Wi-Fi, Pool, Breakfast, Reviews, Trip Planning, Arkansas Hotels, Little Rock Lodging, Business Travel, Family Friendly, Spa, Fitness Center
- Meta Description: A brutally honest review of the Holiday Inn Express in downtown Little Rock! From accessible rooms and free Wi-Fi to questionable breakfast buffets and potential hidden fees, get the real deal on this hotel before you book.
Let's Get This Show on the Road, Shall We?
First impressions? Well, the exterior is… well, it exists. You know, the quintessential Holiday Inn Express look. Nothing mind-blowing, nothing horrific. It's there, it’s brick… and it probably has a few pigeons calling it home. (I didn’t see any, but I wouldn’t be surprised.)
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag!
Okay, crucial for my fellow travelers with mobility concerns:
- Wheelchair Accessible? YES, praise the heavens! I specifically requested and got a wheelchair-accessible room (more on the room later). The ramps, elevators, and general layout were well-considered. Honestly, this was a huge relief.
- Facilities for Disabled Guests: Absolutely. The whole setup seemed designed with this in mind. Big thumbs up.
- Elevator: Yep, it ain't a hill! But it did work.
- Important note: Make sure to confirm your accessibility needs before you arrive. Mistakes happen. Murphy's law, it would, you know, happen.
The Room: My Personal Fortress (Mostly)
I opted for a room with, naturally, all the accessible needs I require.
- The Good: The room was spacious. Plenty of room to maneuver. The bed was comfy. The shower was a dream. And the grab bars were actual grab bars, not flimsy decorative pieces.
- The Slightly Less Good: The "free" Wi-Fi was a bit… twitchy. Not terrible, but definitely didn’t handle streaming. And the air conditioning sounded like a dying walrus at 3 AM. Seriously, I thought I’d have to call someone!
- The "Hold on a Sec…" Moment: The "complimentary" bottled water? One measly bottle. And… okay, this is minor, but the bathroom door barely closed. Like, you had to lean into it and give it a firm shove.
Internet Access, Baby! (Or, the Age of the Digital Nomad)
- Free Wi-Fi in All Rooms?: Technically, yes, but see the above notes. It's a work in progress. Or maybe a play in progress.
- Internet [LAN]: Don't recall seeing a LAN port, which isn't a huge deal these days.
- Internet Services: Basic. Nothing fancy.
- Wi-Fi in Public Areas: Seemed better than the room Wi-Fi, to be honest.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Where Did the Spa Go?
- Fitness Center: Uh, yeah, there was one. A small one. I peeked in. (I’m on vacation!) It had basic equipment, the usual suspects.
- Swimming Pool [Outdoor]: Yes! And it looked inviting. I did not partake. (See: vacation.)
- Spa/Sauna?: Nope. Nada. Zilch. Not even a whisper of a massage.
Cleanliness and Safety: The COVID Factor
- Anti-viral cleaning products; Daily disinfection in common areas; Hygienic certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocols, Sterilizing equipment; Hand sanitizer: I saw them. Seriously. They were doing all the things. I appreciated it, even if it felt a little… sterile.
- Safe dining setup: Certainly, everything was in order.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Breakfast… The Great Divide
- Breakfast [buffet]: The infamous breakfast. Here’s the deal: It was… okay. Standard Holiday Inn Express stuff. Waffles, eggs, some sad-looking fruit. The coffee was drinkable, which, let's be honest, is a victory in itself.
- Room service [24-hour]: Nope. Not that I saw.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant/Coffee shop: Yes.
- Snack bar: Nah, but there was the convenience store.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things
- Concierge: I didn't need one.
- Convenience store: Yes, for emergency snacks and overpriced Advil.
- Dry cleaning/Laundry service: Yes, on request, I believe.
- Elevator: Yes.
- Cash withdrawal: Yes.
- Front desk [24-hour]: Yup.
- Luggage storage: Yes.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly?
- Family/child-friendly: Seemed to be. There was a family, and the kids seemed happy.
- Babysitting service: I didn't see it.
- Kids meal: Not that I noticed.
Getting Around: Getting to/from the Hotel
- Car park [free of charge]: Yes, but not Valet.
- Airport transfer: I didn't see it but the front desk can certainly help get a taxi.
- Taxi service: I did get a taxi
My Final Verdict: The Good, the Bad, and the Slightly Bizarre
This is where I abandon all pretense of objectivity.
The Ugly: Air conditioner, the breakfast.
The Good: Accessibility, the staff was friendly.
Would I Stay Here Again? Probably. If I needed a reliable, accessible hotel in downtown Little Rock and wasn't expecting a five-star experience, it gets the job done. But bring your own pillow, and maybe some extra snacks. And cross your fingers for the AC!
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Okay, buckle up buttercup, because you're about to get real with my Little Rock, Arkansas, escapade. This ain't your sanitized brochure itinerary. This is the raw, unfiltered journal of my time at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Downtown, complete with grumbles, triumphs, and the inevitable existential questions that surface when you're staring at a waffle maker at 7 AM.
Little Rock Rhapsody: A Slightly Unhinged Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & Déjà Vu… or Is It Just the Carpet?
3:00 PM: Arrive at the Holiday Inn Express. Okay, let's be honest, it smells like a Holiday Inn. That vaguely artificial cleaning product scent. It's not bad, it's just… familiar. Like a comforting, low-budget hug. The check-in was smooth enough. The guy at the front desk seemed a bit burdened, I get it. We've all been there. My room? Surprisingly decent. Clean, at least. The view? Uh… a parking lot. Artistic freedom, I guess.
3:30 PM: Okay, unpacking. The tiny shampoos always bring me back to my early college days. The sheer optimism of those little bottles… like they're expecting me to become a shampooing virtuoso. Anyway, I dump my stuff, discover the surprisingly fast Wi-Fi. Score.
4:00 PM: A wander into the downtown area. I'm going to eat in the city, I'm starving. There is plenty of restaurants that are walkable distances. I get a little lost, of course. I always do. Ended up staring at the Clinton Presidential Library, which is HUGE, and then get distracted by a park bench shaped like a giant pair of eyeglasses. WTF? Little Rock is weird, I like it.
6:00 PM: Dinner at a restaurant I'd heard good things about, but it was busy. Like, packed. Waited 45 minutes. The food? Okay. Not a revelation. I'm just sayin', my expectations were higher. Also, the water glasses were refilled too fast. I was feeling judged for the amount of water I was drinking, okay? I'm a thirsty woman.
8:00 PM: Back at the hotel. Exhausted. Watched mindless TV. Then I suddenly think, "I need to go to bed early" and that made me laugh. I have to admit, that's life.
Day 2: Waffles, Woes, and a River of Regret (and Coffee)
7:00 AM: Breakfast. The moment of truth. The waffle maker. Now, I have issues with waffle makers. I always think I'm going to be a waffle artist, this fluffy masterpiece. Nope. Always a burnt, lopsided, tragic mess. But those little pre-made waffles? The ones that are like, soft and tasteless, are just the right thing. They're basically glorified sponges, but hey, with syrup… it's all good, right? Coffee was surprisingly decent. Score again.
8:00 AM: Attempted work in the room. My computer suddenly decided it hated me. Software updates, lost files, the whole shebang. The kind of tech meltdown that makes you want to throw your laptop out the window. I nearly did. Really.
10:00 AM: Okay, walk into town and I find a computer repair store. The guy there? Pure, Arkansas gold. He fixed my computer problems and made me laugh. Then I had to eat a hot-dog because he recommended the food trucks around the block.
12:00 PM: Lunch at a local diner. Soul food. I wasn't expecting to love it this much. I mean, really. The fried chicken… oh god, the fried chicken! It was like a choir of angels was singing on my taste buds. Also, a side of mac and cheese? Don't judge me.
2:00 PM: Back at the hotel. Post-lunch food coma. Decided to take a nap, but was interrupted by a loud guest who seemed to be having a very enthusiastic phone conversation outside my door. "Is that a goat?" "No, it's just a really loud person, I think."
4:00 PM: Went to a museum. Historical. Okay, it was boring. The exhibits and the docent were nice. I got really into the details. And I got a headache. I think I'm a terrible person.
6:00 PM: Dinner. A local brewery. Nice atmosphere, good beer. I was feeling good. Had a burger and fries. Perfect.
8:00 PM Back at the hotel. TV. Existential ponderings about my life choices. Was that burger really worth it? Probably.
Day 3: The Final Breakfast & Departure
7:00 AM: Breakfast. The waffle maker is calling. I'm like, "here we go again." But this time it was actually a bit successful. I think I'm getting the hang of it. Triumph!
8:00 AM: Checked out of the hotel. Sadness. I kind of, sort of, maybe liked this place. The staff was actually friendly, the room was fine and it was in a good location, even if the view was less than breathtaking.
8:30 AM: Back to the airport. I see a sign on the road that says "Don't be a stranger, Little Rock!" I chuckle. Maybe I won't.
Final Thoughts (and Ramblings):
The Holiday Inn Express? It was a solid base camp. Nothing fancy, but clean, comfortable, and the Wi-Fi was a lifesaver. And the waffle maker, despite our rocky relationship, was ultimately a small victory. I have no illusions about being one of the great travelers, this little trip was okay. I also remember the kindness of the computer repair guy. Little Rock, you're a weird and wonderful place. I'm already planning the next one.
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Little Rock Holiday Inn Express - The *REAL* Deal (Probably) - FAQs!
Is this place, like, REALLY the *BEST* Downtown Hotel? Or is it just marketing mumbo jumbo?
Okay, okay, let's be real. "BEST" is subjective, right? And depends on what your *priorities* are. If your priorities are 'avoid bankruptcy' and 'somewhere to crash after hitting up the Flying Saucer,' then yeah, it's a solid contender. Is it the Ritz? Absolutely not. Think...reliable Toyota Corolla of lodging. Does the job without too much fuss. I've stayed at swankier places. Places where you can smell the money...and the pretension. This Holiday Inn Express? It smells faintly of chlorine and breakfast sausage, and that's perfectly fine with me sometimes. It's the BEST if you're after a good value, a decent location, and don't mind the occasional, uh, "character" noise in the hallways. (More on that later...*shudders*).
What's the deal with the location? Is it actually *downtown* downtown?
Yep, it's downtown! Like, *actually* downtown. You can *walk* to a bunch of stuff. The River Market? Easy peasy. The Clinton Presidential Center? Doable, though maybe grab an Uber if it's scorching hot. You're close enough to the action, but far enough away from the...ah...*less desirable* elements of downtown sometimes. (Look, some nights can be rough. You know how it is). I once stumbled back from a karaoke night (don't judge) and felt perfectly safe. That’s a big win in my book! Plus, there are some decent restaurants nearby so that's a plus. I'm a sucker for convenience.
The free breakfast... is it worth it, or just a sad, soggy affair?
Alright, let's get into the *real* heart of the matter: the free breakfast. It's... *adequate*. Don't go expecting a gourmet experience. They usually have your standard fare: scrambled eggs (sometimes a bit rubbery, let's be honest), sausage (often processed and probably containing ingredients I can't pronounce), waffles (made on those awesome, yet slightly terrifying, waffle irons). There's always fruit (usually the same sad, underripe melon), cereal, and bagels. Coffee is...coffee. It'll get you going. *Once*, during a particularly rough conference trip, I loaded up on the scrambled eggs and sausage and felt briefly invincible. So, yeah, it has its moments. Just don't expect to win any culinary awards.
What about the rooms? Are they clean?
Mostly. I mean, they're not *immaculate* in the way you'd find at a Four Seasons, but they're generally clean. I once found a stray sock under the bed (not mine, thankfully). And let's just say I've seen some interesting stains on the carpet in my time. But, the bed is comfortable the bathroom is usable. Honestly, the housekeeping staff works *hard*, and I appreciate that. I'd still probably recommend wearing slippers (just in case). Really, they are trying their best, and I can't fault them for that. Maybe I'm being too easy on them. I once found an empty bottle of shampoo the size of my pinky, and was like, "Oh well."
Any hidden fees or surprises I need to know about?
The usual suspects, maybe. Parking, of course. It's not ALWAYS free. Check the fine print. And if you're like me and accidentally run the mini-fridge *all night*...well, prepare for a small charge. But mostly, what you see is what you get. I do love the fact that they are normally honest. It's a refreshing change, I am sure you would agree.
The gym. Tell me about the gym. Is it worthy of the name "gym"?
Don't get your hopes up. It's...a *room*. In that room, there’s usually some treadmills (that might work...sometimes...), a couple of weights (usually a selection that rivals my own, less than impressive, collection), and maybe a single elliptical machine that’s seen better days. I once saw a guy using a resistance band in there to work out, and I thought, "This is the level we're at." I mean, it'll do if you're feeling *really* guilty about that extra waffle. But if you're a gym rat, probably best to find a proper gym nearby.
What's the noise situation? Are the walls paper-thin?
Okay, here's where things get *interesting*. The walls? Let's just say they offer *suggestive* sound dampening. You can hear...things. Everything from late-night hallway conversations to the *ahem* activities of your neighbors. I once spent a sleepless night listening to someone attempt to play the trombone at 3 AM (I'm fairly certain it was the elevator operator). Pro Tip: Pack earplugs. Seriously. You will thank me. Especially on a weekend. Or if you're staying near a particularly... enthusiastic couple. Or even if the AC unit decides to sound like a jet engine. Earplugs. They're your friend.
Would you stay here again? Be honest!
Probably. As long as the price is right and I need a place to crash downtown, I wouldn't rule it out. It's not perfect, but it's *okay*. Comfortable. Convenient. Relatively affordable. And let's be honest, sometimes I just want to sit in a room alone with the air conditioning blasting, read a book, and eat a whole pizza. This place *allows* that. Plus, there's something comforting about the familiar, slightly-dingy charm. It's like a reliable old friend, even with its quirks and imperfections. So, yes, I'd stay again. But I'm definitely packing those earplugs.
What about the staff? Are they cool?
The staff is generally pretty great. They're friendly, helpful, and they seem to be trying their best, which is a huge plus considering the revolving door of guests and the pressure they're probably under. I've had some really pleasant interactions, and they've always been willing to help with whatever I've needed. There was this *one* time, thoughBook Hotels Now
