IHG's Holiday Inn Express Mobile (AL): I-65's BEST Hotel? (You NEED to See This!)
Holiday Inn Express Mobile (AL): I-65's BEST Hotel? (You NEED to See This!) - A Rambling Review
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I just survived… I mean, experienced the Holiday Inn Express Mobile (AL) on I-65. And let me tell you, after a whirlwind of interstate travel and questionable gas station coffee, I have opinions. And a minor caffeine headache.
Accessibility & Convenience: Pretty Solid, Actually.
First, the basics. The accessibility seemed… pretty good! (Though I'm not in a wheelchair, just a weary traveler, so take that with a grain of salt). There was an elevator (thank GOD), and I think the hallways were wide enough. Definitely no "maze of despair" vibes. The exterior corridor felt… well, interstate-y. But hey, that's the price you pay for convenient parking. Speaking of which, free car park on-site? YES. HUGE win. Especially after the highway robbery I experienced at that last rest stop. And they did have a car power charging station, which is a HUGE plus these days. Kudos, HIE.
Cleanliness & Safety: Covid-era Approved-ish
Listen, I’m hyper-aware of germs. Always have been, thanks to my mom’s constant hand-sanitizing rituals. So, I was watching. They had all the Covid-era trappings: hand sanitizer everywhere, staff wearing masks (mostly), and signs about distancing. They also listed that they used anti-viral cleaning products and offered room sanitization opt-out (nice touch, for those of us who are extra). I saw what looked like a professional-grade sanitizing service at work. Still, a little voice in the back of my head was whispering, "Are they SURE they got that remote?!" I mean, seriously, how many germs can live on a tiny remote?
My Biggest Take-Away: The Breakfast Buffet.
Oh, the breakfast buffet. Now, this is where things get… interesting. Let me preface this by saying I'm fundamentally a breakfast person. I need my morning fuel. And the HIE’s offering? It was… a mixed bag.
The Good: The usual suspects were there. Cereal. Yogurt. Fruit (some looked suspiciously ripe, others… not so much). The breakfast buffet itself was well-laid out, although it was, of course, super busy. They had breakfast takeaway service which was a huge help for grabbing a quick bite to go, before you hit the road. They also had breakfast [buffet] and Western breakfast. The Not-So-Good: The eggs. Oh, the eggs. They were… rubbery. Like, tire-tread rubbery. And the sausage? Slightly anemic. I did see someone eyeing the Asian breakfast selection, but I couldn't quite bring myself to take the plunge. I'm not sure I'm ready for an Asian breakfast on the road. The Truly Memorable: This is where things get messy - and I love it. I went hunting for a perfect piece of toast, and stumbled across the waffle station… and the waffles? They were not quite perfect. I took the first waffle; it looked okay. But it was oddly dense. The second waffle, though? It was a disaster - burned in the middle, raw on the outside - a testament to hurried mornings and slightly wonky appliances. And I laughing about it now. I mean, it reminded me of my own cooking, but even the burnt waffles weren't the worst thing. (My takeaway: take some waffles, go for some coffee, and hope for the best.) Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Mostly Convenient, Nothing Spectacular
The coffee/tea in restaurant was a lifesaver. Seriously, that coffee kept me from falling asleep at the wheel later. There's no lounge or bar (which is a bummer), but there are restaurants nearby in the general vicinity and the convenience store (that's not really on-site, but close enough). But let's be honest, you're not coming to Mobile, Alabama, for the gourmet dining experience when you're on a road trip.
Rooms & Amenities: Your Basic, But Mostly Fine, Hotel Room
The room itself? Standard Holiday Inn Express fare. The Wi-Fi was free and actually worked (hallelujah!). The air conditioning blasted cold air, which was necessary after the long drive. The desk was functional. I've seen fancier rooms, of course, but the desk was perfect. They had a coffee/tea maker for those of us who are perpetually in need of caffeine. A refrigerator was a bonus. I appreciated the blackout curtains – crucial for avoiding the dreaded hotel room sunrise. The bed was comfortable enough, but not the cloud-like experience some hotels boast.
The Bathrooms: A Mixed Bag.
The bathroom was clean but basic. The shower was fine, but the water pressure could have been better. The toiletries? Standard hotel-issue, nothing fancy. I was glad to see a hair dryer – a necessity, seriously. No bathtub here, though. Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Not Much, Unless You Have a Pool-View Mindset
Listen, this is a highway hotel. You're not here for a luxurious spa day. But they do have an outdoor swimming pool (didn't try it). I didn't see a sauna, spa, or anything like that, you will need to ways to relax. I mean, there's not really even a view unless you want to go for a swim in the pool. Services and Conveniences: Mostly Functional (Unless You Need a Good Book)
Daily housekeeping did a good job. The concierge was friendly, but didn't have time to hang out. I didn't need dry cleaning or the laundry service, but those are essential, and convenient for travelers. And the cash withdrawal saved me from a credit card charge. The elevator was a lifesaver. I did not use the business facilities (there was a Xerox/fax in business center), but hey, they were there. And, of course, the front desk [24-hour] was ALWAYS there to help.
For the Kids: Basic Friendly, Babysitting Unavailable
I didn't travel with kids, but I noticed they had a few family-friendly elements. The Family/child friendly nature was there; and the Kids meals could be a good thing, but I didn't see a babysitting service.
Getting Around: The Highway is Your Backyard.
You are very much attached to the highway here. The airport transfer is an option, and you could always hop in a taxi service, the car park [free of charge], is a bonus.
Final Verdict: Is It I-65's BEST? Probably Not, But It's Solid.
So, is the Holiday Inn Express Mobile (AL) THE BEST hotel on I-65? Nah. But it’s a perfectly acceptable, reasonably priced place to crash for the night. The cleanliness and safety measures were reassuring. The free Wi-Fi was a godsend. The breakfast buffet? Well, it's a gamble. But the sheer… memorable-ness of that waffle experience? That's worth something.
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Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this ain't your grandma's itinerary. We're talking Mobile, Alabama, baby! Specifically, the gloriously… average Holiday Inn Express on I-65. Let's get this show on the road, even if the road smells faintly of stale coffee and lingering sadness.
Mobile Misadventures: A Messy Itinerary
(Disclaimer: This is my experience. Your mileage may vary. And by vary, I mean vastly improve – I hope.)
Day 1: Arrival and the Unspoken Promise of Breakfast
- 1:00 PM: Hallelujah! Landed in Mobile. Checked into the Holiday Inn Express. The lobby is… clean. Which is a win, I guess? The lady at the front desk, Brenda, bless her heart, had a nametag from like, 1998. Gives you a real feeling of stability! I asked for a high-up room – I have this weird fear of being too close to the parking lot drama. Got it. Score.
- 1:30 PM: Room check. Okay, the bed looks…okay. Pillows look fluffy. The TV is, miraculously, not a tiny, ancient box. Bathroom? Standard hotel bathroom. The kind where you kinda hope you don't drop anything. But hey, it is clean-ish. That's all I really need right now.
- 2:30 PM: I'm STARVING. Quick Google search: "Food near me." Landed at a place called "Wintzell's Oyster House." The internet raved. Fine. Let's go!
- 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Wintzell’s. Oh. My. God. The oysters. I ordered a dozen raw, and honestly, I think I could've eaten three dozen. They were that good. Briny, fresh, utterly divine. The sheer joy on my face must've been a spectacle. Okay, I’m officially in love with Mobile. Also, a guy at the bar tried to chat me up. Ended up being pretty funny – his pick-up line was about the history of the bay. Bless his heart. Ended up chatting with him for about an hour and a half. We talked about everything. That was amazing.
- 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Back at the hotel. Let’s be honest, the energy is starting to dip. Maybe a quick TV session before bed? I’m kinda fried, both from the sun and the oysters.
- 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Realized I forgot to pack my earbuds. Damn. So, TV it is. Channel surfing led me to a terrible reality show about house flippers. Why do I do this to myself?
- 9:00 PM - Sleep: Sleep. Praying for sweet, oyster-fueled dreams. Also, hoping the complimentary breakfast isn't a total disaster.
Day 2: History, Horseshoes, and Hotel Hijinks
- 7:00 AM: Woke up early with the promise of breakfast. The free breakfast. Prayed. It was… breakfast. Basic. The scrambled eggs looked a little sad. Took one bite and then decided to go for the waffle. That was fine. Coffee: lukewarm. Oh well.
- 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Exploring Historic Mobile. Took a walking tour. OMG. The architecture is stunning. So many beautiful old homes. The ironwork is incredible. The tour guide, bless her heart, had a voice that could soothe a rabid badger. Found a great place to do some shopping. Bought a few quirky gifts.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch. Ended up at a diner called "The Dew Drop Inn." Classic. The food was heavy and greasy, precisely what I needed. Ordered a burger that definitely could've fed a small child. Washed it down with a milkshake.
- 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: The USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park. Massive. HUGE. Absolutely jaw-dropping. Walking around that ship was like stepping back in time. Felt a profound sense of respect for the people who served. Got a little choked up, not gonna lie.
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Back to the Hotel. Napped. Pure, unadulterated hotel nap bliss.
- 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Pre-Dinner drinks at the hotel bar. Didn't want to venture too far. Ordered a cocktail. It was… fine. The bartender was friendly though. Made good conversation.
- 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: The Riverwalk. The day got great and I wanted to make the most of it. Ended up at a place called "The Noble South." It was a bit fancier than I'd anticipated. The food was excellent, absolutely amazing. But, I was a little underdressed and felt a bit out of place. But hey, I don't care, the night was amazing. I will not forget it.
- 9:00 PM - Sleep: Crash. Another day of adventure. This time, the pillow was extra fluffy.
Day 3: Departure and Disappointment (Maybe?)
- 7:00 AM: Breakfast. The breakfast was the same. Ate less.
- 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM: A minor mishap. The hotel key card decided to not work. Had to trek back to the front desk. Brenda, still there! The whole thing was amusing.
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Final shopping at a local antique store. Found a really cool antique map.
- 12:00 PM: Okay. Time to leave. Mobile, Alabama. You surprised me. You were quirky. You were imperfect. But you were also… pretty darn great. I’ll miss those oysters. And maybe even Brenda.
- The Verdict: The Holiday Inn Express was… a Holiday Inn Express. Fine. Would I recommend it to a friend? Maybe. I'd really recommend Wintzell's, though. And Mobile. It’s a city with a soul. And that’s something you don’t find in every hotel room.
So there you have it. My messy, honest, and oh-so-human Mobile adventure. Prepare for the unexpected, embrace the imperfections, and never, ever, underestimate the power of oysters.
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Holiday Inn Express Mobile (AL): I-65's BEST Hotel?! Let's Dive In... Shall We?
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dissect the Holiday Inn Express on I-65 in Mobile, Alabama. "Best Hotel" is a bold claim, so we're throwing down the gauntlet and asking the real questions. Prepare for some truth, some meanderings, and hopefully, a decent hotel review. Because I need a clean bed and a decent free breakfast, you know?
The Big Question: Is It REALLY the BEST Hotel on I-65 in Mobile? (Spoiler: Maybe... Kinda...)
Alright, let's get the hype train running off the tracks IMMEDIATELY. "BEST" is subjective, right? It depends on what you're after. Are you looking for a Ritz-Carlton experience? LOL. This ain't it. But a solid, clean, and *convenient* stopover on a long trek? Yeah, possibly. See, I rolled in here after *that* drive... the one where you swear the car is conspiring against you. And honestly? It was a welcome sight.
Okay, so BEST? Ehh, I'm hedging. But, it's definitely in the running. It's got its strengths... and its quirks. Let's talk about those quirks, shall we?
The Room: Cleanliness, Comfort, and That All-Important Bed. DID IT HOLD UP?
Okay, the room. The *room.* This is where things got REAL. My biggest fear after a long drive is a room that looks like a biohazard experiment. So, CLEANLINESS. The holy grail! And... it was... surprisingly decent. No mystery stains on the carpet, which is a *huge* win in my book. The bathroom? Sparkling (mostly). I did find ONE stray hair that wasn't mine... but hey, nobody's perfect, right?
Comfort? The bed. That's the *make or break* situation. And it was... pretty darn good. They know their target audience - exhausted travelers! The pillows were fluffy, the sheets were crisp. I slept like a log, which is exactly what I needed. *Maybe* a little too good. Almost missed the alarm. Almost.
**Anecdote Time:** I swear, sometimes the hotel room gods DO NOT give you what you need. Once, I checked into a hotel after a 12-hour drive. The room smelled vaguely of wet dog and sadness. The bed springs were trying to escape. I’m still recovering, you know. This Holiday Inn Express? Saved me. Saved my sanity.
That Free Breakfast: The Good, The Bad, and the Surprisingly Okay
The free breakfast. That's a gamble, isn't it? It’s either lukewarm scrambled eggs and rubbery sausage, or... well, it's usually lukewarm scrambled eggs and rubbery sausage. But the Holiday Inn Express? It was... above average. Okay, the scrambled eggs WERE maybe *slightly* lukewarm, I can't lie, but they had things! Like, actual sausage links! And sometimes (bless their hearts) they had waffles. Waffles are always a win even if kinda cardboard-y!
The coffee, crucial, came hot and ready, and refills were easy. It wasn't gourmet, but it was enough to get me rolling. It fulfilled its purpose, you know? Fueled the next leg of the journey.
Oh! And the breakfast area, while slightly cramped, was clean. I saw the breakfast lady wiping down tables with a look which clearly meant: “Don’t you *dare* leave a mess.” Appreciated.
Location, Location, Location! Convenience is King (or Queen!)
The location. It's. Right. Off. The. Interstate. That's the main appeal, isn't it? Easy on, easy off. Perfect for crashing after a long drive through the Alabama heat. There are also some restaurants nearby - a Golden Corral (if you're feeling brave), and some fast food options. Convenience is king, remember? If you're looking for a secluded romantic getaway? Keep driving. But for an overnight stop? Bingo.
The Staff: Friendly Faces or Soulless Robots? (We all want hospitality, don't we?)
The staff. This is always the wild card. The front desk person I met was friendly, efficient, and seemed genuinely interested in making my stay pleasant. Little things matter! Like a smile. Or a quick check-in. And a "Have a good night!" as I walked away. Makes all the difference. And the breakfast lady? I mentioned her already. A true champion.
However, it is an IHG, but really, expectations have to be set. I stayed at one hotel, a few years ago, there the desk clerk was... well, let’'s just say she seemed to hate her life and everyone in it. It was a vibe. Awful vibe.
Any Downsides or Quirks? Because Perfection Doesn't Exist!
Okay, alright. No hotel is perfect. Here's where the cracks start to show! First the elevator: it’s… a standard hotel elevator. It does the job, but it's a bit slow. Patience is a virtue. Or take the stairs, if you are feeling especially adventurous.
Then there’s (and this is a minor one), the gym... Well, it was small. Really small. With the bare minimum of equipment, and I’m pretty sure the treadmill was from the 90s. Not ideal. The pool also looked... small. Didn't use it, but I saw it.
And finally? The noise. Being right off the interstate means there's traffic. Not ear-splitting, but you can hear it. Keep that in mind if you're a light sleeper. Bring earplugs. Or a hefty dose of exhaustion.
Final Verdict: Should you stay? (And what's the bottom line!?!)
So, the ultimate question: Should you stay at the Holiday Inn Express Mobile (AL) on I-65? Honestly? Probably! If you’re the weary traveler, it’s a solid choice. It's clean, relatively comfortable, conveniently located, and has a decent breakfast. Is it the *best* hotel in the world? No. Is it one of the *best* options for a stopover on I-65 in Mobile? Yeah, quite possibly. It's certainly better than some of the other options along this stretch of interstate (trust me, I've seen them!).
Is it worth the price? That obviously will depend on your budget. But it's a safe bet. You'll be rested. You'll be fed. You'll be ready to get back on the road. And sometimes,Comfort Inn
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