Dallas Stadium Stays: Unbeatable Holiday Inn Express Deals!
Dallas Stadium Stays: Unbeatable Holiday Inn Express Deals? A Hot Mess Express (and I kinda loved it)
Okay, folks, buckle up. This isn't your sanitized, bland hotel review. This is… well, it’s what happened when I stayed at a Holiday Inn Express near the Dallas Stadium. And let me tell you, it was a journey. The deals were supposedly "unbeatable," and I'm here to unpack that bag of contradictions, glitter, and questionable instant coffee.
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- Keywords: Dallas Stadium, Holiday Inn Express, Hotel Review, Accessibility, Wheelchair Accessible, Wi-Fi, Free Breakfast, Pool, Fitness Center, Cleanliness, Safety, Dining, Services, Rooms, Deals, Dallas Hotels
- Meta Description: Honest & hilarious review of a Dallas Stadium Holiday Inn Express! We dive into accessibility, cleanliness, amenities, and that all-important "unbeatable" deal. Was it a touchdown or a fumble? Find out!
Let's Get Real: The Arrival & First Impressions (Mostly Good, Surprisingly)
First off, the drive. Dallas traffic? God help you. But once I actually arrived, things got… better. The signage was clear, which is always a plus after battling gridlock. Accessibility? Yep, seemed pretty darn good. Wheelchair accessible? Definitely. Ramps were plentiful, and I swear I saw a guy (a real person, not a stock photo) navigating the lobby with a wheelchair, no sweat. That's a HUGE win in my book.
…Then there were the little things:
Exterior corridor: I kinda dig these. They give you a sense of space. Also, I like that fresh air, makes a building feel less suffocating and more interesting.
Check-in/out [express]: Yep, pretty quick. Needed it after that Dallas traffic.
Concierge? Nope, but the front desk staff were actually pretty friendly and helpful… surprisingly.
The Rooms: Comfort & Quirks (and a near-disaster with the coffee machine)
Right, the room. Now, here's where things get… real. I snagged a "non-smoking" room (thank GOD). And, let me tell you, it was remarkably clean. Like, I was actually impressed.
- Available in all rooms: This is a list, so, here we go:
- Air Conditioning: Yup, essential in Dallas.
- Alarm clock: Got it. Woke me up to the sound of my own snoring, perfect.
- Bathrobes: Nope, or I would have already been using it.
- Bathroom Phone: Seriously? Who uses these anymore?
- Bathtub: Yes! Bonus points, actually big enough for a six-foot-something person, and not all tiny.
- Blackout Curtains: HEAVEN. Slept like a baby, even with the stadium lights glowing in the distance.
- Closet: Standard. Did its job.
- Coffee/tea maker: Ah, yes. This is where the near-disaster happened. The coffee maker. Let’s just say, I almost caused a fire with that thing. Managed to spill the entire contents of a coffee cup onto the floor! Thankfully, the daily housekeeping was on point.
- Complimentary tea: I used it to recover from the coffee maker situation.
- Daily housekeeping: Excellent. My room was spotless every day. Amazing!
- Desk: Functional. I worked in it!
- Extra long bed: Needed it, used it.
- Free bottled water: A lifesaver, honestly. Dallas heat is no joke.
- Hair dryer: Yep. It worked!
- High floor: Didn't get stuck on a high floor, but definitely got a good view.
- In-room safe box: Didn't use it. I live on the edge.
- Interconnecting room(s) available: Excellent for larger family groups.
- Internet access – LAN/ Internet access – wireless/ Wi-Fi [free]: YES. Crucial. Worked like a charm.
- Ironing facilities: Thank you.
- Laptop workspace: The desk? Sure!
- Linens: Clean, comfortable, and crisp.
- Mini bar: Nope.
- Mirror: Plenty of them.
- Non-smoking: BLESS.
- On-demand movies: Didn't use them.
- Private bathroom: Yep. Functional.
- Reading light: Perfect for late-night bookworms.
- Refrigerator: Kept my snacks cold, which is all that matters.
- Safety/security feature: Felt very safe.
- Satellite/cable channels: Plenty of channels.
- Scale: Nope, but probably for the best.
- Seating area: Comfortable place to eat.
- Separate shower/bathtub: Excellent.
- Shower: Powerful shower.
- Slippers: Wish I had had them.
- Smoke detector: Good.
- Socket near the bed: Essential for charging phones!
- Sofa: Functional.
- Soundproofing: Pretty good.
- Telephone: For emergencies.
- Toiletries: Standard, but worked.
- Towels: Plentiful and fluffy.
- Umbrella: Nope, but did it rain? Not when I was there.
- Visual alarm: Yep. Good.
- Wake-up service: Needed but didn't use.
- Window that opens: YES! Fresh air is crucial.
Cleanliness & Safety: Feeling Secure (for the most part)
Listen, I’m a germaphobe, even if I don't always act like it. And honestly? I felt pretty safe here.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: They claimed to use them.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere.
- Hygiene certification: Not sure, but the rooms were spotless.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: Nice touch.
- Shared stationery removed: Good.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Seemed like it.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Appreciated.
- CCTV in common areas & CCTV outside property:: Check & check.
- Fire extinguisher & Smoke alarms: Present, thank God.
- Security [24-hour]: Yep.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Well-Trained, even.
- Additional toilet: Nope, but the one was good.
The Amenities: Poolside Dreams (and maybe not-so-dreamy Gyms)
Okay, let's talk fun.
Swimming pool [outdoor]: Small, but it was there. The view wasn't amazing, let's be honest, but it was refreshing after the heat.
Fitness center / Gym/fitness: Tiny, but usable. Don't expect a full-blown gym experience, but it got the job done.
Internet: Internet [LAN], Internet services; Wi-Fi in public areas: Yep. Great wifi speeds.
Things to do: Nothing much, but within a stones throw of the stadium.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: The Breakfast Buffet Saga (and a surprisingly decent snack bar)
Breakfast [buffet]: The infamous included breakfast. Alright, here's the truth. The "hot" options – scrambled eggs and sausage – were… fine. Edible. The coffee? See the coffee maker incident. The fruit was fresh, and the pastries were standard hotel-buffet fare. Honestly, it wasn't Michelin-star worthy, but it was free, and it kept me going.
Snack bar: Surprisingly good. Good prices.
Restaurants; No dedicated restaurant.
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things that Matter
- Air conditioning in public area: Needed.
- Business facilities: I think. Didn't need it!
- Cash withdrawal: Nope.
- Daily housekeeping: Excellent.
- Elevator: Yup, working.
- Facilities for disabled guests: Really good.
- Luggage storage: Yes, I used it!
- Wi-Fi for special events: Nope.
For the Kids: (I didn't have any, but…)
- Family/child friendly: Seemed it.
- Kids meal: Nope.
- Babysitting service: Nope.
Getting Around: Location, Location, Location
- Airport transfer: Nope.
- Car park [free of charge]: Excellent.
The Verdict: Unbeatable? Maybe, Maybe Not. But Worth It? Absolutely.
Murfreesboro Getaway: Unbeatable Deals at Super 8!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into a… well, let's just call it planned chaos in Arlington, Texas. My "itinerary" is more of a suggestion box with a healthy dose of 'wing it' and a side of "oh dear God, what have I gotten myself into?" And it all starts, of course, at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Arlington North Stadium Area By IHG (say that five times fast!), nestled in the heart of… well, you get the picture.
The "Itinerary" (More Like a General Direction):
Day 1: Arrival and the Existential Dread of a Hotel Bed
- 4:00 PM: Arrive at the Holiday Inn. Okay, let's be honest, the best part of arriving anywhere is knowing you're done traveling. The sweet, sweet promise of air conditioning and the potential for a decent shower. Check-in. Pray the room isn't next to the ice machine. Seriously, the ice machine is my arch-nemesis in any hotel. I swear, last time… nevermind, PTSD.
- 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM: Room Reconnaissance. Unpack. Assess bed situation. Is it… bed-shaped? Test the pillows. Judge the TV situation. And then the moment of truth: bathroom inspection. Clean? Check. Enough towels? Double Check. Good water pressure? Dear Lord, let this be the case. There's nothing worse than a weak shower after a long travel day. Shudders.
- 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Food Quest. Wandering aimlessly in search of nourishment, aka "Where's the closest place that doesn't involve deep-fried everything?" Yelp becomes my new best friend. The possibilities are endless. Endless and possibly terrible. Maybe I'll just settle on a greasy burger? It's a classic, right?
- 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM: Attempt to watch TV. Battle hotel Wi-Fi. Fail miserably. Curse the tech gods. Give up and stare blankly at the ceiling, pondering the meaning of life. Or, you know, just the meaning of this trip. Is there a meaning? I'm suddenly questioning everything!
- 9:00 PM: Bedtime. Or at least, attempt bedtime. Hotel beds are weirdly… different than your own bed. It’s like they’re designed to make you feel slightly off-kilter. Maybe that's why I can never seem to get fully comfortable.
- 9:30 PM: Snack. The hotel always has snacks so this is essential.
Day 2: The Cowboys, the Thrills, and the Questionable Souvenirs
- 9:00 AM: Wake up. (Ideally. Maybe.) Breakfast at the hotel, if it's not a disaster. The continental breakfast is a gamble. I'm mentally preparing myself for lukewarm scrambled eggs and the existential dread of the "waffle maker."
- 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM: AT&T Stadium. THE COWBOYS! Even if you aren't the biggest football fan, gotta do it, right? A stadium tour is a must, if possible. I’ll probably get lost. I'm already envisioning myself wandering into a restricted area, being chased by security. Worth it for the story, though. And the photo opportunities, because, duh.
- (Lunch will be eaten at the stadium. Probably greasy.)
- 1:30 PM - 4:00 PM: Six Flags Over Texas. Roller coasters! I'm excited! I'm also slightly terrified. I’m a sucker for a good thrill, but my stomach says "no more." I will probably spend a good chunk of this time questioning my life choices while strapped into a metal death machine.
- 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM: Souvenir Shopping. The part where I inevitably buy a novelty t-shirt, a ridiculously oversized foam finger, and a hat I'll never wear. And probably regret. Immediately. But hey, memories, right?
- 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner. Finding somewhere that isn't in the stadium, Six Flags, or, um, the hotel. I'm thinking… something Texan? BBQ? I'm also prepared for disappointment.
- 8:30 PM: Hotel Room. The existential dread comes back.
Day 3: Departure and the Lingering Smell of Waffle
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast. Maybe try the waffle maker. Maybe. Or maybe just stick to the fruit. Safe bet.
- 9:00 AM: Check out. Do a final sweep for forgotten items. This is crucial. I am notoriously forgetful. I once left my entire makeup bag in a hotel in… well, let’s just say it was a different state of Texas.
- 9:30 AM: Drive back to the airport.
- 10:00 AM: Sit the gate.
- 1:00 PM: Boarding the plane. Thinking about the memories.
The Imperfections & Introspective Ramblings:
- The Hotel Room: I'm already anticipating the tiny, overpriced shampoos and the questionable cleanliness of the remote control. Can someone please invent a remote control that doesn't feel like it's been handled by a hundred germ-infested hands? Also, how do those pillows always go flat after like, 5 minutes?
- The Food: I’m going to eat approximately 80% of my meals alone. This is fine. I am fine with this. But the constant internal monologue of “should I eat this? Is this okay? Is this healthy?” is exhausting. Maybe I should have brought a notebook. To judge myself, because that is what humans do.
- The Cowboys: I’m not a die-hard football fan. But the sheer scale of the stadium is… overwhelming. Also, the potential for parking tickets. Always terrified of those.
- Six Flags: I LOVE roller coasters. I also get motion sickness. It’s a battle. A stomach-churning, screaming-into-the-wind battle. And, I'm already imagining myself losing my phone.
- The Meaning of it all: This trip is a little spontaneous. A little last-minute. And I'm not entirely sure why I booked it. Maybe just a little escape. A dose of… something that isn't my daily grind. Or maybe I'm just trying to run away from my problems, but it's a long drive to run away.
This, friends, is not a meticulously crafted schedule. This is a loose framework, a hopeful suggestion. It's a travel plan filled with the potential for joy, misadventure, questionable food choices, and, of course, the sweet, sweet aroma of hotel air conditioning. Wish me luck, I'm gonna need it.
Dallas's Hidden Gem: Magnolia Hotel Downtown - Unbelievable Stay!
Dallas Stadium Stays: Holiday Inn Express - Your Guide to Actually Enjoying Dallas (Finally!)
Okay, so you're thinking about Dallas, and the stadium's calling your name? Smart choice! But let's be honest, navigating a new city can be a total circus. That's where I come in (cue dramatic music). I've spent more time in Dallas hotels than I care to admit, and believe me, finding a good one near the action is KEY. We're talking about Holiday Inn Express, because, well, *they get it.* This isn't a perfectly curated travel blog; this is the REAL deal, warts and all. Buckle up, buttercups, because here's the lowdown on surviving and THRIVING in Big D.
1. Are these Holiday Inn Expresses REALLY near the Stadium? (And, more importantly... are they *safe*?)
Alright, real talk. "Near the stadium" can mean anything from a five-minute walk to a 30-minute Uber ride in Texas traffic, which feels like eternity. The Holiday Inn Expresses I've stayed at? Generally, yes! They're *reasonably* close. By which I mean, close enough you can avoid the post-game parking madness (which, trust me, is a genuine circle of Dante's Inferno). Safety? Look, I'm not gonna sugarcoat it. Like any city, Dallas has its rough patches. But the ones I've encountered near the stadiums felt perfectly fine. Cliched, I know. But my wife and I actually felt pretty darn safe at night. If you're paranoid, do what I do: Stick to well-lit areas, don't flash your cash, and for the love of all that is holy, don't wander alone at 3 AM after a few margaritas. (Experience speaking, right here.)
2. What's the deal with the free breakfast? Is it actually edible?
Oh, the free breakfast. The unsung hero of the budget traveler. This is where things *get real*. Look, it's not gourmet cuisine. It's not gonna win any Michelin stars. But, and this is a big BUT, it's free, it's convenient, and it'll soak up the previous night's questionable decisions. I’ve eaten my weight in those sad little omelets at 6 a.m. because I had to and because the alternative was… well, more questionable choices. They usually have the standard fare: cereal (the kind that turns to mush in milk after 3 seconds), bagels (with that weird, slightly stale texture), the aforementioned omelets, and, bless their hearts, those tiny, rubbery sausages. The coffee? Let's just say it's not Stumptown, but it'll get your blood pumping. And that, my friends, is sometimes all a weary traveler needs. Honestly, I'm always secretly thrilled to see those waffle irons – they're a beacon of hope. You can make a waffle, no matter what. And sometimes, that's all you *can* do.
3. I need a decent room! Will it be clean? Do they have good beds? (I'm a princess!)
Look, I am *not* a princess. I'm more of a "throw your bags and crash" kind of traveler. But even *I* appreciate a clean room and a comfy bed. So, the Holiday Inn Expresses I've stayed in? Generally, yes. They're clean *enough*. Look, these aren't some swanky luxury joints. There might be a stray hair or two in the bathroom (apologies to the housekeepers!), but overall, I've been pleasantly surprised. The beds? Okay, this is important. They are usually pretty darn good. Think: not-too-firm, not-too-squishy, perfectly adequate for collapsing into after a day of stadium shenanigans. I will say, if you're a light sleeper, bring earplugs. You know how things are, even with good insulation. And, if you're a princess? Maybe bring your own pillow. Just in case.
4. Parking! Oh GOD, parking! What's the deal???
Parking in Dallas, especially near the stadiums, is a freakin' nightmare. Let me tell you a story. It was a Cowboys game. My wife and I, giddy with excitement, showed up early. We found *one* parking spot. One. I mean, we fought for it. We wrestled a minivan for it. We won! And it cost us about the same as a small car payment. The Holiday Inn Expresses often have parking, but DO YOUR RESEARCH! Seriously! Some have free parking. Some charge. Some are so close to the stadium that you can walk (bliss!). Some are a short Uber ride away (still bliss, avoiding the parking apocalypse). Call the specific hotel *before* you book, and ask about the cost and availability of parking. Don't assume! I did that once. Big mistake. HUGE (in Julia Roberts voice).
5. What about the pool and gym? Do they exist? Are they usable?
Okay, let's be real. I am not a pool person. I'm also not a gym rat. But, from my observations, the Holiday Inn Expresses *often* have a pool and a tiny little "fitness center." The pool is usually fine. Cleanish. Nothing to write home about. The gym? Well, let's be diplomatic. It's probably got a treadmill, a few weights, and maybe a stationary bike that looks like it's seen better days. Think of it as a place to work off those rubbery sausages from breakfast, or to justify ordering a pizza at 11 pm. I've used them. They work. That's all I'll say. Honestly, by the time I’m done with a stadium day, I’m less interested in a workout and more interested in collapsing. But if you're into that stuff, check the hotel's website for pictures. Just don't expect the Four Seasons.
6. Are there good restaurants nearby? I need sustenance beyond the free breakfast!
Dallas is a food mecca! And yes, thankfully, even the Holiday Inn Expresses near the stadiums have good restaurants nearby. I'm talking everything from fast food (because sometimes, you crave that greasy goodness after a game) to proper steak houses (Texas, baby!). Do your research. Yelp is your friend. Google Maps is your best friend. I’ve had some killer BBQ a few blocks from a Holiday Inn Express once, which helped to save my sanity after a particularly bad Cowboys game. Look for local joints. Ask the front desk. They usually have insider tips. Don't be afraid to venture out! Just remember, Uber/Lyft is a lifesaver, especially if you've had a few... refreshments. Don't drink and drive, people! Safety first (and second, and third, and…)
7. Okay, I'm sold. Any tips for booking?
Yes! Book early, especially if there's a big event. Prices fluctuate like crazy, so check different websites. Don't, ever, take the published price as the gospel. Call the hotel directly! Sometimes, you can haggle a bit. Be prepared to provideStay Collective
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