Escape to Okemos: Your Perfect Lansing Getaway at Holiday Inn Express!
Escape to Okemos: Or, How I Survived a Lansing Weekend at the Holiday Inn Express (and Maybe Actually Enjoyed It!) – A Not-So-Perfect Review
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to lay the truth about the Holiday Inn Express in Okemos, Michigan on ya. Forget the generic, sanitized reviews; this is real life, people. I'm talking the good, the bad, the slightly-stained-but-surprisingly-comfy-bed kind of experience. And let's be honest, that's probably what you're after, right? You wanna know if this place is actually worth your precious escape funds. Well, let's dive in, shall we?
Accessibility and the Initial "Gimme" Grumbles:
Right off the bat, let's talk about the basics. Accessibility is a big one, because let's face it, nobody wants to wrestle a ramp after a long drive. They say "Wheelchair accessible" which is a HUGE thumbs up. The doors seemed wide enough, and I'm pretty sure the elevators weren't a death trap (always a win!). Now, I didn’t personally need any of these features, but I did take a peek and it seemed pretty decent, no glaring issues.
Rooms: My Temporary Fortress of Solitude (and Free Wi-Fi!)
Oh, the glorious rooms! After a harrowing drive (because, Michigan weather, am I right?), collapsing into a bed is what dreams are made of. Thankfully, they have "Non-smoking rooms," because honestly, I’d probably spontaneously combust if I smelled stale cigarette smoke after that drive. Inside, they were pretty standard but perfectly functional. They boast "Air conditioning" which I absolutely needed. "Blackout curtains"? YES! (Because sleeping in until noon is a core principle of any good getaway.) They even had "Complimentary tea" which is essential for a proper morning routine. And yes, praise be, "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" (My lifeline!) My laptop practically vibrated with joy.
Now, for the bit I really appreciated in this section: the Additional toilet. (Yes, I'm going straight for the bathroom details. It's fine.) I don’t remember if I needed it but it was there. Bless every hotel that offers this.
Cleanliness and Safety: The Sanitized Shield (And My Inner Germaphobe Calming Down)
This place takes Cleanliness and safety seriously. They really put the effort into cleaning. I'm talking "Daily disinfection in common areas" and "Rooms sanitized between stays". They've got "Hand sanitizer" everywhere, and all their staff seem to be well-trained in safety protocol. They use "Anti-viral cleaning products" which is reassuring, and I even spied some "Professional-grade sanitizing services". I’m not going to lie, this made me feel a lot better, especially after reading about all the ways the world is trying to kill you. You can even opt not to have your room cleaned - "Room sanitization opt-out available" and I liked that option.
They go above and beyond to show that they give a damn. The other safety things were just expected, like "Fire extinguisher," "Smoke alarms", and "Security [24-hour]". So, yeah, I felt pretty safe.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Okemos Adventure (with Mixed Results)
Right, let's talk food. The Breakfast [buffet]… it was a mixed bag, to be honest. The "Breakfast [buffet]" was a free for all. I’m not saying it was Michelin-star material, but it got the job done. I got into the "Coffee/tea in restaurant" – and it was decent enough. The Breakfast takeaway service wasn't bad and I had a coffee-to-go (because, again, early mornings are NOT my friend). They did have "Vegetarian restaurant" items in buffet, which was great for my traveling vegetarian friend.
The hotel also had "Poolside bar", but I never got around to using it. My guess is, it was just like every other poolside bar on the planet – overpriced cocktails and dubious sunscreen smells.
Things to Do: The Okemos Entertainment Extravaganza (Or, Lack Thereof)
Okay, let's be honest, Okemos isn't exactly the epicenter of thrilling entertainment. But, hey, that’s part of the charm, right? The Swimming pool [outdoor] was actually quite nice – and CLEAN! I even considered venturing in, but the thought of wet hair in November stopped me. They also have a Fitness center, because some people actually enjoy working out on vacation. (Not me, I’m a professional relaxer). They also had a Sauna and a Steamroom.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter (Like Laundry!)
The Services and conveniences are pretty standard, but useful. "Daily housekeeping" is a godsend. I especially appreciated the "Laundry service" and "Dry cleaning". The business traveler in me actually had to use the "Business facilities" a couple of times. They had "Meeting/banquet facilities," which I didn't experience, but judging by other guests I saw, they seemed to be popular. I also noticed "Air conditioning in public area" and an "Elevator", which is essential. Other items included "Luggage storage, "Convenience store," and "Doorman" services.
For the Kids: Because Family Vacations Are a Thing
Although I was traveling solo, I noticed they were pretty Family/child friendly. Although they didn’t have everything, they did have "Babysitting service".
Getting Around: Okemos and Beyond (Without Getting Lost)
The Getting around section is pretty straightforward. I saw "Car park [free of charge]" which is a massive plus. If you're flying in, they offer "Airport transfer."
The Real Verdict: Is the Okemos Holiday Inn Express Worth It?
So, the million-dollar question: would I stay at the Holiday Inn Express in Okemos again? Honestly? Probably. It's a solid, reliable choice. It's clean, the staff is friendly, and the price is right. It's not a five-star luxury resort; you're not going to be blown away by the gourmet cuisine, but it's comfortable, convenient, and gets the job done. Sometimes, that's all you really need for a relaxing getaway. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go take a nap and dream about that surprisingly decent breakfast buffet.
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Okay, buckle up, buttercup. We're not just planning a trip to the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Okemos – University Area by IHG in Lansing, Michigan. We're surviving it. This is less itinerary, more…emotional rollercoaster with Wi-Fi.
The Subject: The Okemos Escape (or, "How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Continental Breakfast")
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Toilet Paper Debacle (and Maybe a Touch of Optimism)
1:00 PM: Arrival/Check-In: Touchdown at the HIE. Okay, first impressions: the lobby is clean-ish? The receptionist is… trying? (Let's be honest, the first receptionists I check in with aren't necessarily the most cheerful, but I get it, it's a job.) My room: Level 500. At least, it’s high up. Gives me a sense of…something. Possibly impending doom if the elevator breaks.
- Anecdote: Walking into my room was a moment. The air conditioning howled like a banshee trying to make up for lost time. I wrestled with the thermostat, finally managing to coax it into a lukewarm truce. This is my first real challenge. It's a metaphor, I'm sure, for something grander about my life. The bathroom? Standard hotel bathroom. Except…
1:30 PM: The Toilet Paper Crisis: Oh dear god. One. Single. Roll. And it looked like it was already halfway through being used. I briefly considered rationing. Then I panicked. Then I marched, determined, to the front desk, armed with my best "concerned but not completely terrified" face. This is where it all begins.
2:30 PM: Unpacking and Procrastination Assessment: I'm trying to unpack, but the suitcase is overflowing with the detritus of my chaotic life. And now the Wi-Fi is being…temperamental. Clearly, the universe is conspiring against me. Maybe I'll just stare at the vaguely-artistic print on the wall instead.
4:00 PM: Forced Productivity (Attempted): I'm supposed to be working, but all I can think about is the dearth of toilet paper. Decided I wouldn't be able to focus on my task, and it was time for a snack break.
5:00 PM: Food run. To the store. I picked up a bag of chips, a gallon of water, and a huge package of toilet paper. Security is now questionable. I feel so much better now.
7:00 PM: Dinner at a "Local" Diner (and Existential Angst): Found a diner. It's…okay. The waitress is nice, which is a win. I’m people-watching, trying to figure out how to navigate this strange, new land (Michigan). I try not to think about how utterly lost I am. I think I'll drink my soda water with a twist of lemon, and focus entirely on the fact that I don't have to think about the toilet paper supply for at least a day.
9:00 PM: "Relaxation" and Netflix (and a Mild Panic About the Bed Bugs): I collapse on the (hopefully bed-bug-free) bed and binge-watch something trashy. Maybe a true crime documentary instead. Gotta keep those adrenaline levels up, right? I check for bugs once more for good measure.
Day 2: Breakfast, The University, and the Search for Meaning (and Coffee)
- 7:00 AM: The Continental Confrontation: The moment of truth. The continental breakfast. I’m not a breakfast person, but I'm starving. Let's see…waffles? Processed eggs? The coffee actually smells decent. Take a deep breath. I fill a plate (a little too enthusiastically, I realize) and try to channel some semblance of "morning person." I make a note to grab a few pastries for a mid-morning snack.
- 8:00 AM: Waffle Perfection (and Self-Delusion): Okay, the waffle is pretty good. I get a little ambitious and attempt a waffle masterpiece involving syrup, whipped cream, and a strategically placed strawberry. This, I think, is the peak of my day.
- 9:00 AM: University Exploration: Okay, time for my real reason to be here. Now this might be interesting. The campus is vast. I wander around, getting lost in a maze of buildings and trying to soak up some intellectual energy.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch (Another Diner!): Found another diner. This one…meh. The food is slightly better, the service is a little worse. I contemplate the meaning of life while shoveling chili fries into my face. The existential dread is real today.
- 2:00 PM: Work (Again, Attempted): Back to the hotel. Battling the Wi-Fi. I realize I'm easily distracted. Maybe I should try to find some motivation, but all I really want to do is nap.
- 4:00 PM: Pool, or not Pool: Ok, so I am debating the pool, it isn't as glamorous as the pictures.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner and…Contemplation: I decide to treat myself and go for dinner. This might be a great idea. I pick a restaurant and eat the food. I think about life.
Day 3: Departure (and a Lingering Sense of "Huh.")
- 7:00 AM: Breakfast Redux: The buffet – a familiar friend (or foe?). I grab another waffle and a cup of coffee.
- 8:00 AM: Check-Out and the Final Verdict: Check out is easy. The elevator is (thankfully) still working. I leave the hotel, blinking in the sunlight.
- 9:00 AM: Reflections in the Rearview Mirror: Okay, so, the Holiday Inn Express in Okemos wasn't exactly a luxury experience. But I survived. I ate waffles. I contemplated life (and the lack of toilet paper). And I learned something… about myself? Maybe. Probably not. But hey, I'm one step closer to the airport, so, you know… that's something.
Final Thoughts:
This wasn’t a perfect trip. Far from it. However, the Holiday Inn Express was a decent place to crash for a few days. The staff was nice. The waffles were good. And, you know what? I'm okay with that. Maybe "good enough" is enough sometimes. Now, on to the next adventure. And next time? I pack extra toilet paper. I'm not messing around.
Escape to Paradise: Luxury Sunset Residences in Croatia (Okrug Gornji)
So, You Wanna Know About... Well, ANYTHING? Ask Away! (I’m Totally Ready...Maybe)
Okay, Okay, Let's Start Simple: What *IS* this "Thing" We're Supposed to Ask About?
Right, Okay, Let's... How Do You Actually *Answer* These Things? Are You, Like, an Expert?
Okay, Fine. But What About The *Big* Questions? Like... What's the Meaning of... Well, Everything?
Let's Get a Little More Practical: How Do You Deal With Stress? (Because, You Know, Life.)
- Deep Breaths: Seriously, it helps! In through the nose, out through the mouth. Like I'm defusing a bomb...or just trying to get through the day.
- Exercise (When I Can Be Bothered): A walk, a run, even just stretching usually makes me feel at least *slightly* less like a tightly wound rubber band.
- Talking to Someone: A friend, a family member, a therapist (if you can swing it – it's a life saver!), even just ranting to my dog (he's a great listener...mostly because he’s asleep).
- Accepting Imperfection: I mess up. A LOT. And that’s okay. Forgiving myself is a huge part of staying sane.
- Avoiding the News: Sometimes, it's just *too much*. A little break from the constant barrage of information can do wonders.
Okay, Let's Switch Gears... What's the Most Embarrassing Thing That's Ever Happened to You? Spill the Tea!
What Makes You Happy? Like, Genuinely, No-Holds-Barred Happy?
- My dog, Winston: He's a total goofball. Walks in the park with him. The way he wags his whole body when I get home. Pure, unadulterated joy. (He's currently snoring next to me. Adorable, right?)
- A really good cup of coffee (when I make it): A perfect cup is a rare and beautiful beast. I’ll keep working on it.
- Laughing until I cry: With friends, family... it's the best medicine.
- **Discovering a new song:** That feeling when you discover a song that you just *know* you'll obsessed with.
- A cozy blanket and a good book: Bliss. Pure, unadulterated bliss. And maybe some chocolate. Just sayin'.
What's the Worst Advice You've Ever Received?
