Augusta Getaway: Book Your Stay at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Now!
Augusta Getaway: Holiday Inn Express & Suites - Or, My Chaotic Weekend of "Relaxation" (and a Near-Disaster with the Iron)
Okay, so "Getaway" sounds glamorous, right? Like, sipping cocktails by the pool, being pampered. My vision? A solo mission to Augusta, GA, fueled by the promise of a relaxing weekend at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites. Did it live up to the dream? Well, let's just say… it was an experience. Buckle up, because this review is gonna be less "polished travel blog" and more "therapy session with a keyboard."
First Impressions & The Great Accessibility Question:
Finding the place was easy enough (bonus points for actually finding it!), and immediately I was doing a mental checklist for Accessibility. They tout "Facilities for disabled guests," which is always a good start. Seeing the elevator eased my mind - stairs and luggage are not a fun combo. The exterior corridor wasn't ideal, but considering the price point, it felt acceptable. I didn't specifically assess the rooms for full wheelchair access (truth be told, I forgot!), but I did see signage. So, cautiously optimistic on that front.
The Room: My Temporary Fortress
Alright, so I booked a non-smoking room, which is practically a religious requirement for me. Yay for that! The room itself was your standard Holiday Inn Express fare: air conditioning that blasted a bit too enthusiastically (I cranked it down, obvs), a desk perfect for pretending to work (which I did, briefly), and the obligatory coffee/tea maker. I’m obsessed with the reading light next to the bed – a small detail, but it made the world of difference for late-night book worming.
The bed was comfy enough, but the extra long bed was a life saver, because I’m tall. Bonus points for blackout curtains (amazing for sleeping in until noon, a major goal) and a safe box, though I’m not sure what I was protecting from. My dignity? Maybe.
The Near-Death Experience with the Iron:
Okay, real talk. I almost set my curtains on fire. I'm talking, singed smell, frantic waving of a towel, dramatic yelling… the whole shebang. It's a miracle I survived, and the ironing facilities, which I desperately needed after unpacking my clothes, were the ultimate antagonist in this particular story. Okay, I will admit, I should have checked the settings first. Lesson learned: ironing service or bust next time. (Or, you know, just not iron anything?!).
Breakfast: Beyond the Buffet? (I wish)
Breakfast was included, a massive plus. The dreaded breakfast buffet was present and accounted for (blessing and a curse), there was at least the availability of a Asian breakfast, which intrigued me. The usual suspects were there: scrambled eggs (meh), sausage (double meh), and those strangely delicious, yet utterly addictive, little cinnamon rolls. I grabbed a bottle of water because, hydration. The coffee shop was in the lobby, and the coffee/tea in restaurant filled my cup, even if it was a bit weak. I'm not going to call it "gourmet," but it did the job.
Amenities: Promises, Promises…and a Lack of Body Wraps
The website made some grand promises. A Fitness center – check. I peeked in; it looked adequate. A swimming pool – check (but it was raining, so didn’t swim). A spa? The website led me to dream of a body wrap and a whole host of other delights. Turns out, the hotel didn't have on-site spa services. Major disappointment. I mean, I could have sulked and found an independent spa, but I'm very lazy on weekends. I’m blaming myself for not researching in advance, but also slightly blaming the marketing team.
Cleanliness & Safety: Feeling (Mostly) Safe
This section gets a big, "Good job, Holiday Inn!" The hotel had a noticeable commitment to cleanliness. Hand sanitizer stations everywhere, and the obvious signs of anti-viral cleaning products being used. I liked that they had individually-wrapped food options at breakfast. The hotel’s focus on safety/security feature felt reassuring.
Dining, Drinking, & Snacking: Limited Options, But…
There wasn't a ton of on-site dining. They do have a bar, which is a lifesaver, especially when you're feeling a bit stressed after the iron incident. The lack of a dedicated restaurant was a bummer, although it was implied there was a limited version of one. Limited. I ended up ordering takeout a few times – food delivery to the rescue!
Services & Conveniences: They Try!
The concierge was friendly, and even though I didn't need their services, it was comforting to know they were there. Daily housekeeping kept the room tidy (thank goodness). Cash withdrawal was available, which came in handy because, hello, I actually left the house with the wrong credit card. The convenience store, although small, had my emergency snacks. I appreciated the doorman (especially when dealing with luggage) and the fact they provided essential condiments
Getting Around: Parking Paradise
Car park [free of charge] is a huge win! Driving is my only option, so that was fantastic.
For the Kids:
I didn't bring any kids, but I saw a few families. This hotel seemed like it offered basic Family/child friendly options.
The Verdict: Definitely Room for Improvement, but Still, a Respite
Okay, so my "Augusta Getaway" wasn't the flawlessly relaxing spa weekend I'd envisioned. Between the iron nearly turning into a weapon of mass destruction and the lack of on-site pampering, it was pretty messy, but not boring.
The Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Augusta is a solid, reasonably priced option. It's clean, the staff is friendly, and it offers enough basic amenities to make your stay comfortable. If you're looking for luxury, look elsewhere. But if you're just after a place to crash, recharge, and maybe avoid setting things on fire, it's a perfectly decent choice. And hey, even with the iron incident, I survived. That’s a win in my book!
Meta Data & SEO Stuff:
- Keywords: Augusta Hotel, Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Augusta GA, hotel review, accessible hotels, free wifi, swimming pool, fitness center, breakfast included, travel review, Georgia travel, budget hotel, family friendly hotel, non-smoking rooms, things to do in Augusta.
- Title: Augusta Getaway Review: Holiday Inn Express & Suites - The Good, the Bad, and the Almost-Burnt-Curtains
- Description: A brutally honest review of my recent stay at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Augusta, GA. Find out about accessibility, amenities, cleanliness, and the near-disaster involving an iron. Discover whether this hotel is right for your next trip!
- Target Audience: Budget travelers, families, people looking for accessible hotels, those visiting Augusta, GA.
- Focus: Value, comfort, cleanliness, accessibility, and a realistic view of a typical hotel stay.
- Accessibility Considerations: Mentioned and evaluated the hotel's accessibility features.
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! This ain't your boring, perfectly-structured travel itinerary. This is a living document of my (slightly chaotic) adventure at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Augusta West – Fort Eisenhower by IHG. Consider this less "schedule" and more "diary of a slightly sleep-deprived civilian."
Day 1: Arrival, Agony, and Air Conditioning (The Holy Trinity)
- 1:00 PM - ARRIVAL (ish): Okay, so I said I'd be there by 1, but let's be honest, "on time" and "me" are, at best, acquaintances. Traffic was a beast. Turns out, Augusta has more stoplights than it has decent coffee shops. Finally, finally, I waddled into the lobby, dragging my suitcase like a reluctant puppy. First impression? Spotlessly clean. Actually, too clean. Like, I almost felt bad for smudging the pristine carpet with the aforementioned suitcase.
- 1:15 PM - CHECK-IN Shenanigans: The lovely lady at the desk was named… hmm, I think I blocked her name. She was super efficient, bless her heart. I think I almost short-circuited the process by trying to be too friendly. You know, over-explaining why I needed a room on the ground floor because gestures wildly at old knees. Apparently, I'm a chatty catastrophe before my second cup of coffee.
- 1:30 PM - ROOM REVELATIONS: Ground floor! Score! And the air conditioning! Sweet baby Jesus, the air conditioning! Georgia in summer is a special kind of hell, and I swear, the moment that icy blast hit my face, I felt my soul breathe a sigh of relief. The room itself? Standard hotel room fare. Comfortable enough. The bed? Definitely a contender for nap-time champion. (More on that later. Much later).
- 2:00 PM - THE GREAT SNACK HUNT: Okay, so I'm a terrible planner. Forgot snacks. Panic. Found the vending machine. Behold, a sad selection of pretzels, chips, and a lone, forlorn granola bar. Crisis averted. Sort of. This is where the first wave of minor disappointment came, I wanted more.
- 2:30 PM - NAPTIME CHAMPION: This, my friends, deserves its own paragraph. That bed called to me. It whispered sweet nothings about fluffy pillows and the blissful absence of responsibility. Ten minutes in, and I was out like a light switch. Woke up two hours later, drool on the pillow, and feeling… oddly refreshed. Victory.
- 5:00 PM - Swimming Pool Dip: Another disappointment here, the pool was temporarily closed.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner at nearby restaurant The hotel staff recommended a local barbeque place. I give it a B+.
Day 2: Fort Eisenhower, Fatigue, and Questionable Decisions
- 8:00 AM - BREAKFAST (THE BATTLE): Let's just say the complimentary breakfast at the Holiday Inn Express is… an experience. The usual suspects: scrambled eggs (questionable texture), undercooked bacon (slightly chewy), and a waffle maker that demanded a PhD in engineering. I managed to construct a passable breakfast sandwich, fueled by sheer caffeine-induced willpower. Plus, the small talk at the buffet was atrocious, I thought I'd never escape.
- 9:00 AM - The Fort Eisenhower Experience (or, "Why DID I Come Here?"): Okay, so I have a legitimate reason to be in Augusta. Fort Eisenhower stuff. This is where the official itinerary ends and my personal, slightly rambling commentary begins. It's… a lot. Think sprawling complexes, imposing buildings, and a pervasive sense of military efficiency (except, somehow, at the breakfast buffet). I went to get things done, and do them I did, but in a very tired state.
- 1:00 PM - LUNCH (or, "The Desperation Burger"): Lunch was a burger, sadly.
- 3:00 PM - The Second Nap!: The pillow was too soft, which led to bad posture, but I passed out nonetheless. Woke up 3 hours later, feeling confused.
- 6:00 PM - Another dinner: I could not bring myself to leave the hotel, so I had a very bad microwave dinner.
Day 3: Departure (Blessedly) and Reflection (Maybe)
- 8:00 AM - Repeat Breakfast Debacle: Same as yesterday, except this time, I brought a granola bar I stashed from the day before. Smart.
- 9:00 AM - Check-out and Goodbye, Sweet A/C: The check-out lady was just as efficient as her predecessor. I paid my bill, waved goodbye to the air conditioning, and vowed to learn how to pack snacks for future trips.
- 10:00 AM - The Drive Out: The drive back? Uneventful. Exhausting, but uneventful.
- 11:00 AM - (Back at Home): I'm home now, and honestly, I need another nap. Augusta, you were… an experience. The Holiday Inn Express? Clean, comfy, and with a kickass air conditioning system. My advice? Pack snacks, embrace the chaos, and remember that sometimes, the best part of a trip is the story of how you survived it.
Okay, so... Augusta? Like, the Masters? Can I actually *see* the golf?
Alright, let's be real. Unless you've got *serious* connections (and/or are willing to part with your firstborn), getting Masters tickets is like winning the lottery. The Holiday Inn Express & Suites is *not* on the course. (Trust me, I asked. Repeatedly. And may have shed a single tear.)
BUT! Augusta has *way* more to offer than just golf, *even* if you're not a golf fanatic like, say, my Uncle Barry. (He *lives* for it. He probably knows the greens better than I know my own kitchen... which, let's be honest, isn't saying much.) Think charming downtown areas, some pretty solid food spots (more on that later!), and just a generally pleasant vibe. Plus, the buzz of the Masters is palpable, even if you're just within a 50-mile radius. You can always watch the highlights, okay?
Holiday Inn Express & Suites... is it just another generic hotel? Because, you know, I've seen 'em. They're… functional.
Okay, fair point. I get your hesitation. I’m a sucker for a place that's got character, y'know? But for a Holiday Inn Express, this one actually exceeded my low expectations! The beds were surprisingly comfy (and after a long drive, *that* matters). The breakfast… ah, the breakfast. It’s free, and while it might not be Michelin-star worthy, it hits the spot. Think waffles (you *have* to make a waffle, it’s practically the law), scrambled eggs that *vaguely* resemble eggs, and enough coffee to keep you going until lunchtime. Which is all a traveling soul really needs, isn't it? Plus, the staff were actually really nice. Like, *genuinely* nice. Which is rare these days, you know? People are just… over it. But not these folks. Made the stay feel less… sterile, I guess?
What's the parking situation like? Because I HATE parking. It's the bane of my existence. Seriously.
Bless you. Me too. Parking is the worst. But at the Holiday Inn Express, it's… decent. Free parking, which is a victory in itself. And *relatively* easy to find a spot. I won’t lie; during peak Masters time, it might be a bit more of a scramble. I’d suggest arriving early in the day if you can, or maybe embracing your inner parking ninja. (Just kidding… mostly.) But generally, it's not a massive headache. Which is a HUGE win for any hotel parking situation.
Is there a pool? Because a pool is essential for me. I need to de-stress. I'm a delicate flower.
Yes! There is a pool. It’s not the Olympic-sized kind, but it's a perfectly serviceable pool. I splashed around for, like, an hour and a half. It was pure bliss. They also have a small fitness center, but... I may have skipped that part. Priorities, people! Pool time is prime time.
Let's talk about location, location, location! Is the hotel near… stuff? You know, restaurants, bars, maybe a decent coffee shop or two?
Okay, the location. Okay, okay. Depends, *really*. The Holiday Inn Express *is* a bit outside of the absolute thick of downtown Augusta. If you're after a place that's *walking* distance from a ton of bars and restaurants, you *might* be slightly disappointed. It wasn't an all-night, constant-party kind of vibe, which, actually, I liked. I needed a bit of peace and quiet. But, a quick drive will put you at plenty of cool places. There's a really good Mexican place *just* down the road (the margaritas are killer!), and there were a few other spots within a 5-10 minute drive. I'm drawing a blank on the names, but the front desk can give you better directions than *I* can. (My sense of direction is… questionable.) Just... do a bit of research, and it's all good. It's not *isolated*, just... strategically placed.
What about the WiFi? Because, you know, gotta stay connected. Can't survive without my Instagram. (Just kidding… mostly.)
The WiFi was… acceptable. It wasn't blazing fast, but it got the job done. I could stream Netflix, check emails, and, yes, occasionally feed my Instagram addiction. So, yeah, it was fine. No dropped calls, no internet meltdowns. Which, in my book, is a win. I’ve stayed places with WiFi that resembles dial-up. This was… light years ahead of that.
Okay, and the best part, the one my wife always wants to know: Is it CLEAN? Because "clean" is a high bar nowadays. And maybe... is the breakfast truly as good as you say?
I’m a bit of a clean freak myself, so this is a big one. The room *was* clean. And I mean *actually* clean. Not just surface clean, you know? The kind of clean that makes you think someone actually cares. The sheets didn’t have suspicious stains, the bathroom didn’t smell like a truck stop, and there wasn't a rogue spider lurking in the corner. So, yeah, thumbs up on the cleanliness front.
And the breakfast? Okay, so it’s not a *culinary* experience, but it was good enough. I built a waffle masterpiece (mostly because I could), and the coffee was drinkable. Let's just say it got the job done, and that's basically what I needed. And the woman at the waffle machine? God bless her, because she kept the waffles coming. She was a saint.
Okay, so you said "food spots." Spill the beans! What's the food scene like in Augusta? Give me the *real* lowdown.
Alright, the food. This is where things, kinda, got real for me. I'm a total foodie at heart. And I had some AMAZING meals, and some… well, let's just say I had some *experiences*. The Mexican place down the street? Stellar. MargHotel Price Compare
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