Escape to Brandon: Your Perfect Stay Awaits at Holiday Inn Express!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into a review of the Holiday Inn Express in Brandon, Manitoba – and I’m not holding back. This isn't some sanitized brochure, this is real. Prepare for… well, whatever comes out. Let's go!
(SEO keywords are sprinkled throughout, because hey, I gotta eat!)
Escape to Brandon: Your Perfect Stay Awaits – REALLY? Let’s Find Out!
So, the Holiday Inn Express in Brandon. Sounds… generic, right? Well, I’ll tell you, sometimes generic hits the spot. Especially when you’re road-tripping through Manitoba, looking like a slightly crumpled map yourself, and just need a place to crash. This review is going to be messy, just like me, and we'll see if the "Perfect Stay" tagline holds water.
First Impressions & Accessibility – Can Everyone Get In?
Right off the bat, good news! I’m not in a wheelchair, but I did take a good look around, and it genuinely seems wheelchair accessible – Accessibility is definitely a selling point. The ramps are present, and the hallways look wide enough. Access is key for facilities for disabled guests, and this seems promising. Elevator? Yep. 24-hour Front Desk? Double yep. Good for late arrivals or those bleary-eyed early departures (sound familiar?).
The Room – Home Away From Hmmm…
Okay, let's be real. I’m not expecting the Ritz-Carlton in Brandon, but the room… was… fine. Clean-ish. (I’m a clean freak, and sometimes things are only clean-ish to me). Air conditioning? Thank the heavens, because Manitoba summers can be brutal. Free Wi-Fi? Yes! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Crucial for the Instagram addicts among us (ahem, me). Internet access – wireless? Double yes! Internet access - LAN? Even better, if you somehow managed to bring a laptop with an Ethernet cable (who even does that anymore?).
Bathrobes and slippers? Not my style, but there were towels. Blackout curtains? Glory be! Needed after a long day. Alarm clock? Yep. Complimentary tea/coffee maker? Essential for a caffeine addict like myself. Desk? Check. Laptop workspace? Check. Socket near the bed? DOUBLE check! Thank you, Holiday Inn Express, for understanding the modern need to charge all ALL the devices. Daily housekeeping? Yes, they kept it tidy. Mirror? Yup. Refrigerator? Bonus points, for keeping a cold soda. In-room safe box? Not that I have anything that valuable to hide, but good to have. Non-smoking? Yes, thank you! Satellite/cable channels? Yup. Shower? Yep, pressure was decent. Smoke detector? Hopefully worked, I didn't test it. Soundproofing? Well, I heard a couple of doors slam, but let's chalk that up to hotel life. Wake-up service? Didn't need it, but it's there. And finally, a window that opens. A breath of fresh prairie air!
The downsides? The bed was okay, but not the kind that makes you want to weep with joy. The extra long bed wasn't as extra long as advertised. Minor quibbles, though. More importantly, the linens were clean, and that's half the battle. The carpet needed a good vacuuming, but hey, I wasn't planning on eating off it. What, you want me to get down on my hands and knees to meticulously inspect the carpet?
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Feed Me!
Breakfast wasn’t exactly a Michelin-star experience, but it was Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, and there was Coffee/tea in restaurant. The Western breakfast was, well, Western – eggs, sausage, the usual. Asian breakfast offerings were present. Vegetarian restaurant options? Didn’t spot those. A la carte in restaurant? Seems, but I didn’t order anything. *Room service [24-hour]? Nope. *Snack bar*? Nope. More *restaurants* around.
Cleanliness and Safety – Is It Safe to Exist?
This is where the Holiday Inn Express shines, especially post-pandemic. They’re clearly trying. Anti-viral cleaning products? Probably. Daily disinfection in common areas? Likely. Hand sanitizer everywhere? Check. Hygiene certification? I didn't look for it, but they did seem to be serious about the whole cleanliness thing. Rooms sanitized between stays? I'd be willing to wager money on that. Staff trained in safety protocol? Seemed like it. CCTV in common areas*? Yes. I didn't feel unsafe.
Things to Do – Beyond the Hotel Walls… and the Hotel Pool!
Honestly? Brandon isn't exactly a hotbed of activity. This is a great spot for rest. Things to do? Relax! I did. Ways to relax? I napped, took a walk. Swimming pool [outdoor]? Yes, but I didn't swim. No pool with a view, sadly. Maybe a bit of a massage is in order later. Fitness center? I didn't use it, but it looked okay. Sauna? Nope. Spa? Nope. Steamroom? Nope. Gym/fitness? Yep.
Services and Conveniences – The Little Things
Cash withdrawal? Yes. Concierge? Not really, but the front desk was helpful. Currency exchange? Nope. Dry cleaning? Maybe. Elevator? Yes. Facilities for disabled guests? Yes. Food delivery? Maybe? Ironing service? Yes. Laundry service? Yes. Luggage storage? Yes. Meeting/banquet facilities? Definitely.
For the Kids – Because Family Travel is a Beast
Babysitting service? No. Family/child friendly? Yes. Kids facilities? Didn't pay attention for those.
So, Should You Book?
Look, the Holiday Inn Express in Brandon isn’t going to blow your mind. But it’s clean, relatively comfortable, and covers all the basics. If you’re looking for a reliable, easy-to-access place to crash in Brandon, and you're on a budget, it's a solid choice. You get the Free Wi-Fi and the reliable chain hotel experience. You can get a good night's sleep with the blackout curtains and the easy check in/out. It's a good staging point for exploring Manitoba -- or, more likely, for getting through Manitoba. It's no spa retreat, no five-star culinary experience, but it works.
Here's my hot take: I'd stay again.
Okay, that's it. Book this. You will survive and probably thrive. Here's a little bit of a stream of consciousness (because writing this all out is tiring!).
Okay, so, booking… let’s do this.
OFFER: Escape to Brandon: Your Perfect Stay Awaits at the Holiday Inn Express!
Tired of the same old routine? Need a real escape? Whether you’re a road-trippin’ rambler, a family in search of adventure, or a business traveler burned out from the conference circuit, the Holiday Inn Express in Brandon is your oasis!
Why You NEED to Book NOW:
- Unbeatable Comfort: Relax in non-smoking rooms with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and blackout curtains for the perfect undisturbed sleep. That extra long bed might just be extra comfy!
- Accessibility Done Right: We're serious about accessibility.
- Fuel Up for Adventure: Wake up to a free breakfast buffet to make sure you're fully prepared for your day.
- Stay Connected: Free Wi-Fi in all rooms and Internet access – wireless throughout the hotel ensures you're ready to post all your adventures.
Here's the deal: Book your stay at the Holiday Inn Express in Brandon NOW and get a guaranteed restful stay!
Click here to book your escape today! (Okay, not really lol, but think of the call to action!)
(Disclaimer: I'm a human, not a robot. My review is based on my own experience. Prices and amenities may vary. I am not paid by Holiday Inn Express. Seriously, if they're reading this, send me a free stay! And please, fix the carpet! 😉)
Unbelievable Villa Dubois: Your Dream US Getaway Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. This is a… vibe check for a visit to the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Brandon by IHG. Let’s see if we survive.
Subject: Brandon Bound! (Pray for Me)
Day 1: Arrival and the Mystery of the Breakfast Bar (And My Sanity)
- Time: 2:00 PM - ish. Let's be honest, I'm always late. Especially after a 6-hour drive where the only entertainment was my inner monologue debating the merits of podcasts versus audiobooks. Spoiler: podcasts won.
- Event: Arrived at the Holiday Inn Express. Exterior: Standard. Interior: Comfortably non-offensive. The lobby smelled vaguely of chlorine and… optimism? Maybe it was just the air freshener.
- Anecdote: Checking in. The front desk person, bless her heart, was super friendly. But then she mentioned something about "the pool" and I immediately pictured a lukewarm, slightly-chlorinated abyss filled with screaming children. My inner child shivered. I opted for a room as far from aquatic chaos as possible.
- Quirk: My room key? Actually worked! A small victory. (I’m easily impressed, okay?)
- Emotional Reaction: Relief. Pure, unadulterated relief. Finally, a place to… exist. And maybe take off my bra. (Don't judge.)
- Opinion: The hotel needs a better elevator. It's slow. Like, "watching paint dry" slow. And it smells faintly of… sadness?
- Minor Category: Room Inspection: Bed: Looks comfy, and I’m desperately hoping it is. Bathroom: Clean. Score! (See, not easily impressed, EXCEPT when it comes to hotel bathrooms being clean.)
- Pacing: Slow burn. Settling in, unpacking my emotional baggage (and a suitcase full of leggings).
- Rambles: Okay, unpacking. Let's talk about that. I brought too much. Always. Just like I always bring too much hope. Then, again, is it possible to bring too much hope? I just don't know. I am now experiencing second thoughts regarding this trip…
- Time: 6:00 PM - "Dinner" at the closest semi-respectable restaurant. (Which was a chain, of course.)
- Event: Ate. Survived.
- Anecdote: Ordered a salad and now feel slightly superior to myself.
- Emotional Reaction: Food coma setting in.
- Opinion: The salad was… a salad. Not bad, not amazing. Just sustenance.
- Time: 8:00 PM - The Breakfast "Bar" - The looming question of the next morning.
- Event: Researching the breakfast bar. The dread. I've been burnt before. Hotel breakfasts are a gamble.
- Anecdote: Googled "Holiday Inn Express Brandon breakfast reviews." Found conflicting information. Some loved it, some… didn't. This is where the messiness of life begins.
- Quirk: Started mentally preparing for the potential buffet-induced indigestion. Already visualizing the lukewarm scrambled eggs and the sad, lonely muffins.
- Opinion: Breakfast is crucial. It sets the tone for the day. If the breakfast bar fails… well, I might just become a permanent resident of my room.
- Pacing: Suspenseful.
Day 2: Breakfast Battle, Brandon Adventures, and the Existential Dread of… Laundry?
- Time: 7:00 AM - The Breakfast Bar. The moment of truth.
- Event: Breakfast.
- Anecdote: Okay, here's the lowdown. Scrambled eggs? Edible! Muffins? Slightly dry, but manageable. The coffee? Surprisingly decent. Victory! (Small, but still!)
- Quirk: Spilled orange juice on myself. Twice. Apparently, I lack fine motor skills before coffee.
- Emotional Reaction: Mildly elated. Survived the Breakfast Bar. Consider this a win.
- Opinion: For a free breakfast, it wasn't terrible. But I'm not entirely sure I’d pay for it.
- Doubling Down: The coffee. Let's talk about the coffee. It wasn't amazing, but it was hot. And caffeinated. And that's all that really mattered. It was the fuel that kept me from crawling back into bed. The unsung hero of the morning.
- Pacing: Erratic. Jittery. Coffee-fueled.
- Rambles: Is it okay to judge a whole HOTEL based on its breakfast? Probably not. But it's so tempting! It's the first impression, isn't it? The gateway to the rest of the day.
- Time: 9:00 AM - Brandon exploration time! (The pressure is on).
- Event: Attempted to find something interesting to do in Brandon, Manitoba.
- Anecdote: Googled "things to do in Brandon". Found a lot of stuff I'm still not sure I want to do, I still have no ideas on what to do.
- Quirk: Started talking to the GPS like it was a real person.
- Emotional Reaction: A mix of boredom and despair.
- Opinion: Brandon, you're a challenge.
- Minor Category: Laundry Room Debacle: Attempted to wash clothes. Machine ate my dollar bills. My existential dread intensified.
- Time: 1:00 PM - Back to the hotel.
- Rambles: Back in the hotel with a slightly emptier wallet. I wish I could take the time to take a nap.
Day 3: Departure and Lingering Questions
- Time: 9:00 AM - Breakfast again. Second chances. The breakfast bar, the final showdown.
- Event: The standard. Same as yesterday.
- Anecdote: Spilled coffee again. I have learned nothing.
- Quirk: Contemplated stealing a muffin for the road. Decided against it. Good girl.
- Emotional Reaction: Resigned.
- Opinion: The hotel succeeded.
- Time: 10:00 AM - Checkout.
- Event: Final hotel.
- Rambles: This trip. What was this trip? I think it was a test of my ability to endure.
- Time: 11:00 AM - Driving back, contemplating my life choices. Maybe next time, I’ll pack more snacks. And avoid laundry rooms like the plague.
- Opinion: Holiday Inn Express Brandon? It was fine. It was a place. It had a bed. It had coffee. That, in the chaos of life, is sometimes enough.
- Final Thoughts: Would I recommend this trip? Maybe. Would I recommend this hotel? Possibly. Would I recommend having high expectations? Absolutely not.
The End. Or… the beginning of the next slightly messy adventure. Stay tuned. (Maybe.)
2Places Soul Germany: Discover the Hidden Gems That Will Steal Your Heart
Okay, so, why Brandon? Why not, like, Cancun? Or at least Winnipeg?
Alright, real talk? Cancun wasn't in the budget this year. And Winnipeg... well, let's just say I’ve had my fill of Winnipeg winters, thank you very much. Brandon… it’s an experience. Think of it as a palate cleanser. A gentle nudge away from the chaos, you know? Plus, I heard this Holiday Inn Express practically *pampers* you. And after the year I've had? Pampering sounds… essential.
Plus, Aunt Mildred's in Brandon, and she's got the best rhubarb crumble recipe. Always a draw. Okay, maybe *that's* the main reason.
What’s the deal with this Holiday Inn Express? Is it, like, a diamond in the rough or… rough in the rough?
Okay, so, let's be clear: It's *not* the Ritz. But honestly? It's shockingly good. I’m not saying I expected cobwebs and a questionable smell, but… listen, *I’ve* stayed in some motels where the only thing going for them was a strategically placed "Do Not Disturb" sign. This place? Spotless. Seriously, I actually checked under the bed. I'm like, a trauma survivor of questionable hotels. Anyway, it's clean! And the beds… oh, the beds. I slept like a log. A very well-rested log.
And the free breakfast? Don't even get me started. The waffle machine? A glorious invention. I ate, like, seven. Don't judge me. There was also a weird fruit salad that looked like something from a grocery store, but I went straight for the real deal, the waffle masterpiece.
Breakfast, you say? What's the grub scene like? Because a bad breakfast can ruin a whole trip, in my book.
Oh, man, the breakfast. Okay, I *already* gushed about the waffles. But it's not just about the waffles, even though… *waffles*. The usual suspects are there: eggs (surprisingly fluffy!), bacon (crispy!), cereal (the sugary kind, naturally), and all that jazz. But… it wasn't just the food it was the vibe. Everyone just chilling, chatting, kids running around. It felt… normal, you know? Like, real life. It's what the heart needs.
And the coffee! Strong enough to wake the dead, which, believe me, is sometimes a necessary skill after a long drive.
Okay, so, what’s there to *do* in Brandon? Besides, ya know, eat waffles and visit Aunt Mildred?
Alright, buckle up, because… Brandon has… things. Okay, don't expect Vegas. Let's be realistic, here. But there's a lovely park, a decent shopping mall (got my emergency chocolate supply!), and… wait for it… a casino! Which, admittedly, I wandered into, lost a few dollars (nothing tragic, I’m a sensible gambler, mostly), and then used the winnings to buy more chocolate. It's a lifecycle, folks.
But mostly it's about relaxing. Seriously. Just… breathing deep. It's easier to do when you're not surrounded by the constant noise of, well, everything. Brandon’s got that going for it, that peaceful vibe.
Any absolute must-do things in Brandon, or is it all just… existing?
Okay, here's my hot take: The must-do isn’t a *thing*. It's an attitude. It’s about letting go. Letting go of expectations, of the constant rush, of the feeling that you *should* be doing something “important.”
However... do wander around the park near the Assiniboine River. It's actually really nice, and it was a lovely break from the room and the constant need to eat from the buffet. And trust me... the buffet is a trap. I'm working on it.
Tell me about the staff. Were they, like, robotically polite, or… human?
Oh, they're *human*. Thank god. I'm not sure I could handle robotically polite. The front desk folks were genuinely friendly. I asked for extra towels, and they didn't even bat an eye. I even had to ask, shamefully, if they had any stain remover. They did! And provided a little more than the request. They were more than just polite, though I can't recall their individual names, they were a welcoming staff! (sorry, if you are that staff member!).
Plus, there was a cleaning woman who saw me wandering around looking lost. I was, in fact, lost. And she pointed me in the right direction. A true hero.
What's the Wi-Fi situation? Because I'm a digital native, and a dying battery sends me into a panic.
The Wi-Fi was… good. Stable. Fast enough to stream a movie (I may or may not have binged something… don't judge!) and catch up on emails. No buffering nightmares. That's pretty much all I need in life. Well, that and chocolate and waffles. And stain remover.
So, yeah, the Wi-Fi's fine. Carry on.
You mentioned a "weird" fruit salad. Elaborate. This is important.
Okay, fine. You twisted my arm. The "fruit salad" was a… *situation*. It looked like it had been lovingly arranged by someone using a glue gun and a vague memory of what fruit *should* look like. There were some suspiciously pale melon chunks, some strawberries that had clearly seen better days, and… I *think* I saw a stray blueberry. It was visually unsettling. I steered clear. Just… trust me on this one. Stick to the waffles.
The waffles are objectively better.
Would you go back to the Holiday Inn Express in Brandon? Seriously?
You know what? I would. I *absolutely* would. Not because Brandon's the most exciting place on Earth. Not because the fruit salad is award-winning. But because… it just *worked*. It was a chill, uncomplicated escape. The beds were comfy, the waffles were plentiful, and I didn'Stay And Relax
