Escape to Dayton: Your Perfect Stay Awaits at Holiday Inn Express & Suites!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving HEAD FIRST into a review of the Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Dayton, Ohio. And by "diving," I mean I'm channeling my inner internet troll, mixed with a dash of genuine, real-life travel experience. Forget the fluffy marketing speak – this is real.
Escape to Dayton: Your Perfect Stay Awaits… (Maybe?) at Holiday Inn Express & Suites! A Review That's Probably Too Long.
Let's be honest, Dayton isn't exactly Paris. But hey, sometimes you need a place to crash, right? This Holiday Inn Express? It's fine. But is it "perfect"? We'll find out…
Accessibility: Not Always Smooth Sailing
Okay, let's get the important stuff out of the way first. Wheelchair accessible? Yes, mostly. They say they've got the goods, but I didn’t, like, actually test it with a wheelchair (sorry, couldn’t find a ramp to bring). More likely a matter for some accessibility-focused reviewers to check, if this is specifically a necessity. The elevator, though, is a godsend for the weary traveler lugging luggage. Speaking of luggage, the facilities for disabled guests are listed as being available - I'm hoping they're useful.
Internet: The Modern Traveler's Obsession
Here's the deal: Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! YES! It's basically a necessity these days. Seriously, I'd probably stage a revolution if they didn't have it. Internet [LAN] is available but who uses it anymore? We’re firmly in Wi-Fi land. Internet services? Standard stuff – expect decent speeds, but don't plan on streaming 4K movies all night. Wi-Fi in public areas? Yup, you can update your Instagram feed from the lobby, as you should.
Cleanliness and Safety: Trying to Breathe Easy
This is where things get… interesting. They're trying. Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, staff trained in safety protocol – it's what you want to hear, right? I'm a bit of a germaphobe (don’t judge), and I saw people cleaning, but I can’t vouch for the efficacy of the anti-viral chemicals. The rooms sanitized between stays thing gives me a little peace of mind. Room sanitization opt-out available? Okay, that's a weird option. I wouldn't be choosing that. Hand sanitizer everywhere? Check. First aid kit? Hopefully. Hygiene certification? Probably. They're doing something, which is better than nothing.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Machine
Okay, let's talk food. The Breakfast [buffet] is… well, I’ve seen worse. Let's just say it's a fuel-up rather than a culinary adventure. The Asian breakfast thing? Didn't spot it, didn’t ask, didn't miss. A la carte in restaurant? Nope. Restaurants? Inside? (I think there's a restaurant associated but it's not actually in the Holiday Inn) Coffee/tea in restaurant? Present, but don't expect barista art. Breakfast service? Yup, good, since the bar is pretty bare-bones. Buffet in restaurant? Yes, as mentioned, but don't get excited. Snack bar? Not that I noticed. Poolside bar? Uh… no. Room service [24-hour]? Nope. But a convenience store is available, thank heavens.
They do the bare minimum, which is a good thing, if you like simple.
Services and Conveniences: The Good, the Bad, and the "Meh"
Okay, prepare for a rapid-fire round:
- Air conditioning in public area: Yep, blessedly.
- Audio-visual equipment for special events: Not sure.
- Business facilities: There's a Business center, which means you can probably print something (the Xerox/fax in business center is there).
- Cash withdrawal: Probably nearby.
- Concierge: Don't remember seeing one.
- Contactless check-in/out: Yes, thankfully! Because, germs.
- Currency exchange: Don't think so.
- Daily housekeeping: Yes, my bed was always made.
- Doorman: Hahahaha, no.
- Dry cleaning: Probably.
- Elevator: Yes, hallelujah.
- Essential condiments: Probably.
- Food delivery: Possibly, via apps.
- Gift/souvenir shop: Nope.
- Invoice provided: Sure, I assume.
- Ironing service: Likely.
- Laundry service: Probably.
- Luggage storage: Yes, standard.
- Meeting/banquet facilities: They have them. Not that I used them.
- Meetings: Probably.
- Meeting stationery: Don't think they'd provide any.
- On-site event hosting: Possibly. Not sure what you'd host.
- Outdoor venue for special events: Nope.
- Projector/LED display: Maybe.
- Safety deposit boxes: Probably.
- Seminars: Probably.
- Shrine: No.
- Smoking area: Yes.
- Terrace: Possibly.
- Wi-Fi for special events: Yep.
- Xerox/fax in business center: Yes.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly?
This is the part that always stumps me (don't have kids, sorry!). Family/child friendly? Sure, why not. Kids facilities? I sincerely doubt it. Babysitting service? Don't think so. Kids meal? Zero chance.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax (Sort Of)
Here's where things get… spartan. They have a Fitness center. Which is good. Swimming pool [outdoor]. And that’s it. No spa, no sauna, no steamroom, no massage, no blissful body scrub or body wrap. Don't come here expecting to be pampered. Maybe explore Dayton!
Available in All Rooms: What to Expect in Your Fortress
- Air conditioning: Yes, a must.
- Alarm clock: Probably.
- Bathrobes: Nope.
- Bathroom phone: Nope, I think.
- Bathtub: Likely.
- Blackout curtains: Yes - blessedly - these are good.
- Carpeting: Probably.
- Closet: Yup.
- Coffee/tea maker: Yes, always a win.
- Complimentary tea: Maybe.
- Daily housekeeping: Yes.
- Desk: Yes.
- Extra long bed: Probably.
- Free bottled water: Maybe.
- Hair dryer: Yes.
- High floor: Possibly (depending on my luck).
- In-room safe box: Probably.
- Interconnecting room(s) available: Don't know.
- Internet access – LAN: Doubt it.
- Internet access – wireless: Yes, thank God!
- Ironing facilities: Yes, you can smooth those travelling wrinkles.
- Laptop workspace: Yes.
- Linens: Yes.
- Mini bar: Possibly. (Probably not.)
- Mirror: Yes, vanity.
- Non-smoking: Yes.
- On-demand movies: Pretty sure?
- Private bathroom: Yes.
- Reading light: Yes.
- Refrigerator: Probably.
- Safety/security feature: Yes.
- Satellite/cable channels: Yes.
- Scale: Doubt it.
- Seating area: Probably.
- Separate shower/bathtub: Maybe.
- Shower: Yes.
- Slippers: Doubtful.
- Smoke detector: Yes, thank goodness.
- Socket near the bed: Possibly.
- Sofa: Possibly.
- Soundproofing: Meh.
- Telephone: Probably.
- Toiletries: Yes.
- Towels: Yes.
- Umbrella: Unlikely.
- Visual alarm: Don't know.
- Wake-up service: Yes.
- Wi-Fi [free]: Yes, praise the internet gods.
- Window that opens: Probably.
Getting Around: Driving is Your Friend
Airport transfer: Likely. Bicycle parking: Don't think so. Car park [free of charge] Yes
Oceanfront Paradise: Your Dream Vinhomes Smart City Home Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this itinerary for the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Dayton Southwest? It's gonna be less "Step 1: Check-in, Step 2: Enjoy complimentary breakfast" and more, "Okay, where the hell am I again?"
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Bed Conundrum
1:00 PM - Arrival & Initial Panic: Landed at Dayton International (DAY). Smooth enough, though the baggage carousel looked like a confused metal spider attempting to digest a suitcase. Uber to Holiday Inn Express & Suites. Arrived, checked in (relatively painless), and the lobby… well, it’s a Holiday Inn, you know? Clean-ish, beige, the air smells faintly of chlorine and… is that a hint of burnt waffle from the breakfast buffet?
1:30 PM - The Room Reveal: Okay, let's be honest, I booked the cheapest room. So, yeah… it’s cozy. A queen bed that looks slightly smaller than advertised. I'm a big dude, and my first thought was, "I hope I don't roll off this thing in the night and become a pancake." Seriously considering doubling-up on the pillows, just to create a barricade. There's a window… overlooking the parking lot. At least I have a view of something.
2:00 PM - The Great Bed Conundrum (Part I): Here’s the thing. I need a good bed. Travel wrecks havoc on my sleep schedule. Decided to actually test the bed and do a bounce test. Verdict: It's… a bed. Not terrible. Not amazing. Somewhere in the beige middle ground.
2:30 PM - Snack Break & Room Exploration: Found the mini-fridge and a surprising amount of space in the closet. This is where I attempt to unpack, a process that always devolves into, "Where the heck did I put my…" The usual travel supplies— a half-eaten bag of chips from the airport (hangry me), a book I'll probably only read the first chapter of, and a slightly questionable banana.
3:00 PM - The Pool Gamble: The hotel has a pool! Time to throw caution to the wind and see if it is indeed chlorine-scented bliss or the local Petri dish… Well, it looks clean, and no one seems to be screaming in agony after taking a dip. Okay, I'm in.
4:00 PM - Quick Break: Back to my room to dry off and reflect on my life choices. Not much to say, it was a pool and I had a great time.
6:00 PM - Dinner Quest: "Dinner in Dayton!" Google maps is my friend. Wandered down the street and discovered a family-owned restaurant called "The Burger Barn." Smelled divine, and I was NOT disappointed. A juicy burger, perfectly cooked fries, and a sugary soda. Heaven.
8:00 PM - TV Torture and Sleep Preparation: Back in the room. The TV is… well, it exists. Flipping through channels. "Forensic Files" seems like a good choice for a pre-sleep routine. The bed beckons, time to tackle the snooze.
9:00 PM - Lights Out (or at Least Attempted Lights Out): Let the real fight begin! The actual act of attempting to sleep in an unfamiliar bed. I'm gonna need those pillows. This could be a long night.
Day 2: Dayton Delights (and the Breakfast Buffet Debacle)
7:00 AM - The Breakfast Buffet Debacle: Wake up. Hunger. The smell of stale coffee drifting in from the hallway. Time for the free breakfast, which is always a gamble. Expected minimal enthusiasm, and the reality was… the reality. Waffles. Scrambled eggs that may or may not be of this Earth. The fruit looked vibrant and lovely. The coffee, sadly tasted like warm water. And the entire thing was a weird comedy, people reaching for the same things at the same time, etc.
8:00 AM - Local Exploration: I forced down a waffle and some coffee. My body and soul are now fueled. My brain is now active and it's time to explore Dayton.
9:00 AM - First Stop: The National Museum of the US Air Force. If you're into planes, this place is EPIC. I was just completely blown away. The scale! The history! The sheer number of things in the air! My jaw hit the floor at least three times. It's a must-see.
1:00 PM - Lunch: Decided to be responsible and have lunch at a deli. I felt like a real person.
2:00 PM - Second Stop: I have to admit, I was tired of museums, or I was tired of being alone in a crowd. So I decided to take a walk, it was nice.
4:00 PM - Naptime: The heat got me! Back to my room. Nap time.
6:00 PM - Dinner: Thai food! I saw one of the best thai restaurants in town.
8:00 PM - Evening Chill/Room Drama: Back to the room to chill. The TV is still there. The bed? Still there. Everything's normal. Or is it? The air conditioning unit started making a noise.
Day 3: Departure and, Maybe, Return?
7:00 AM - Breakfast (The Sequel): Back to the breakfast buffet. Familiar discomfort. Is this routine or is it the same plate of food?
8:00 AM - Final Pack and Check-Out: Packing. More like cramming. Did I even use half of this stuff? Nope. Check-out, relatively painless.
9:00 AM - Airport Bound: Uber ride to the airport. The driver was a friendly chap who filled me in on all the Dayton gossip.
12:00 PM - Flight Departure: Okay, I'm out. Until next time, Dayton.
Final Thoughts (and a Random Rambling):
So, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Dayton Southwest? It's a Holiday Inn. It's not the Ritz-Carlton, but it's a place to rest your head and the breakfast is free (which is always a win). The staff were nice. The bed… well, it exists. The pool was great. The Burger Barn was a hidden gem. Dayton itself? Surprisingly cool, and that Air Force Museum is a must-see. Would I go back? Maybe. I've seen worse, and I've definitely slept in a worse bed.
Escape to Paradise: Your Private Pool Villa in Sun-Kissed Rabac, Croatia
Escape to Dayton: Holiday Inn Express & Suites - FAQ's (Because, Let's Be Real, You're Probably Confused)
Okay, So... Why Dayton? And Why *this* Holiday Inn?
Alright, spill the tea. Why Dayton? Look, maybe you're visiting family (bless your heart), maybe you're catching a show at the Schuster (solid choice), or, let's be honest, you're just... there. Dayton's got its charms. And this Holiday Inn? Well, it’s not the Ritz, okay? I’ll be upfront. But after sifting through the hotel options, finding one that fits the bill gets difficult. I've been burned (literally, by some sketchy-looking bedbugs in a motel once - shudder). The good here is the reliable, clean, and the free breakfast. Plus, the free breakfast is a *very* important detail. It's a solid basecamp.
The Breakfast. TELL ME ABOUT THE FREAKING BREAKFAST! It's the most important meal of the day!
Okay, okay, deep breaths. The breakfast. Yes. The holy grail of any hotel stay, and frankly, the *only* reason I sometimes choose a Holiday Inn. Let's be honest, sometimes the waffles are questionable. I remember one time I went down, and the waffle batter machine was out of service so someone grabbed me some toast. You know, stuff happens. BUT, there are consistent staples: the usual scrambled eggs (always a little rubbery, but hey, protein!), the pre-cooked sausage (you know the kind), the cereal bar (avoid the sugary stuff unless you're prepping for a sugar crash), the actual *coffee* (often a hit or miss, but sometimes surprisingly good, and I need that caffeine!) And sometimes, the mystical, magical appearance of a pancake or two. The breakfast situation at the Holiday Inn helps make you feel like you're human.
Is the Pool... Actually Swimmable? Don't want another chlorine-induced disaster.
The pool. Ah, yes. The siren song of every weary traveler. Well, it *is* there. Clean? Usually. Is it a pristine, Olympic-sized oasis? Absolutely not. Remember when I was there, it was a bit smaller. The jets were a bit questionable and the water temperature was like a lukewarm bath. One time, I jumped in. There was *one* little kid making cannonballs like he was training for the Olympics, and then there was me, a tired, middle-aged person, just trying to do some laps. I'm not a big swimmer, but It all depends on what you are looking for. But it’s a decent place to unwind.
Rooms: Are they Clean? (Seriously, I'm a Germaphobe.)
Okay, germaphobes, you’re speaking my language! The rooms *usually* lean towards the clean side. You know the drill: fresh sheets, towels that haven’t seen a whole lot of action (hopefully!), and a sense of… neutral cleanliness, if that makes sense. You're not going to find dust bunnies doing the cha-cha, but you are *always* going to make sure that the bed is clean. One time, though, the bathroom sink was really, really slow to drain. But that's life, right? Mention it to the front desk, they'll probably fix it. Just bring your own sanitizing wipes. Better to be safe than sorry.
Parking: Free? Because hotel parking fees are daylight robbery.
FREEEEEEEEEE! Yes, the holy grail of parking. Free parking! You can breathe a sigh of relief. There's a decent-sized lot, so you (probably) won't have to fight for a spot at 2 AM. That being said, I am not sure how busy it is, so you might want to check the location.
What about the Staff? Are they nice?
The staff is generally pleasant, in that “we’re-here-to-help-you” kind of way. I've had mixed experiences. Some are wonderfully friendly, ready with local recommendations (try the Oregon District, if you're feeling adventurous!). Some are… well, they're doing their job. Which is fine! My expectations are grounded in reality. One time, though, the front desk staff really went above and beyond when I needed an iron at 7 AM. Saved me from a wrinkled disaster of a shirt. So, overall, the staff is a solid plus.
Is there a gym?! (Don't judge my New Year's resolution!)
Yes, there is a gym. It's not going to be a state-of-the-art fitness center, but there's usually a treadmill (or two), a few weights, and some equipment. The last time I was there. I did find that one of the treadmills was out of order. On the bright side, there's usually enough room to avoid feeling packed in.
Location, Location, Location! Is it close to anything *worth* seeing?
Okay. The location is… decent. It's not right in the heart of the action, but it’s not a desolate wasteland either. You are near the airport but you can travel around within 2 hours. The hotel provides easy access to highways. Don't get too excited about immediate stuff to see near the hotel, it's more of a base for exploring. It will be close to many of the main attractions like Air Force Museum.
And finally... Would you *actually* recommend this place?
Look, it depends on what you're looking for. If you're expecting luxury, five-star pampering? Keep looking. But if you need a clean, reliable place to crash, with free breakfast, a pool, and a decent location, then yeah, I would. It's a solid choice. It's not glamorous, it's not life-changing, but it'll do the job. And sometimes, that's all you need. Just manage your expectations. And bring your own waffle toppings.
