Gillette's BEST Hotel? Holiday Inn Express Review & Secret Deals!
Gillette's Hidden Gem? My Honest(ish) Take on the Holiday Inn Express (With Secret Deals!)
Okay, folks, let's be real. Gillette, Wyoming isn't exactly known for luxury resorts. It's the heart of the coal industry, folks. But after a recent… ahem… "business trip" (let's call it that), I found myself bunking down at the Holiday Inn Express. And you know what? It wasn’t half bad. In fact, it was… surprisingly decent. Let's dive in, shall we? Buckle up, because this is going to be a messy, opinionated, and hopefully, helpful review.
First Impressions & Accessibility - Stairway to… Well, Somewhere
Stepping into the Holiday Inn Express, you're immediately greeted by that familiar chain-hotel smell. You know the one: a subtle blend of air freshener, cleaning products, and a faint whiff of chlorine from the pool. It's oddly comforting, like a hug from a slightly overzealous aunt.
Accessibility: Now, I wouldn’t say it’s perfect. But for the most part, it's decent. The lobby and common areas seem pretty wheelchair accessible. I observed a gentleman using a wheelchair navigating the lobby quite easily. (Important Note: I am not in a wheelchair, so I can only observe. Double-check specific needs with the hotel directly.) The elevator is a lifesaver, especially if you've got a room on a higher floor and you're hauling luggage. I saw a couple of wheelchairs near the front desk so it is very considerate of physical challenges.
Check-in/out [express]: Smooth sailing. Check-in was quick, efficient, and they had my reservation ready. Zero complaints.
Rooms & Amenities: Comfort, Convenience, and the Quest for the Perfect Pillow
My room… well, it was a room. Clean, functional, and thankfully, non-smoking. (Bless you, Holiday Inn Express, for understanding the sanctity of a smoke-free environment!)
- Available in all rooms: Air conditioning (essential in Wyoming, trust me), an alarm clock, hair dryer, ironing facilities (because, you know, you gotta look somewhat presentable), coffee/tea maker, and the holy grail of hotel room amenities: free Wi-Fi! Let's be honest, that's a huge deal these days.
- Internet Access: Speaking of which, the Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! was pretty darn reliable. I could stream, video chat (don't judge my work ethic!), and generally stay connected without too much buffering.
- Other Room Goodies: The bed was comfy enough. I'm a sucker for a good hotel pillow, and this one had a decent level of plumpness (I requested extra ones, and they delivered!). Blackout curtains were appreciated, especially after a long day (or night, depending on your definition of "work"). The desk was sufficient for getting some work done. The refrigerator came in handy for storing those leftover slices of pizza (don't judge my eating habits either!).
- Bathroom: The separate shower/bathtub was a bonus. You know, for those rare moments when you feel like luxuriating in a hot bath. Standard toiletries were provided, nothing fancy, but they got the job done.
The "Secret Deals" (or How I Saved Some Money)
Ah, yes, the elusive deals. Okay, it's not exactly a secret society or anything. But I did manage to snag a decent rate.
- Booking Strategies: I would never tell you I stayed here for a specific deal…but I'd suggest checking the Holiday Inn Express website directly and compare prices, as they often offer discounts for IHG Rewards members.
- Free Breakfast: Breakfast is included with the room, and honestly, it’s pretty good. They have the usual suspects: scrambled eggs, sausage, waffles, cereal, bagels, fruit, and coffee. It's not gourmet, but it's a reliable way to start your day and keeps the hunger at bay.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Engine
Let's talk food. While the Holiday Inn Express doesn’t have a full-blown restaurant (they don't call it the BEST hotel, folks), they offer some decent options.
- Breakfast [buffet]: As mentioned above, the free breakfast buffet is a lifesaver.
- Snack Bar: They have quick snacks, a microwave for the adventurous, and a vending machine (always a gamble, but sometimes you just need that bag of chips at 2 AM).
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: The self-serve coffee station is a godsend.
Things to Do & Relax: Relax? In Gillette?
Okay, let’s be honest here. Gillette isn’t exactly a hotbed of leisure activities. But there are options within or near the hotel.
- Fitness center: They have a small fitness center containing some treadmills, weights, and other machines. Not a full-blown gym, but it's enough to get a sweat in. The equipment isn't brand new, but it's clean and functional.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: The outdoor pool is open and (relatively) clean.
Cleanliness & Safety: Peace of Mind (Mostly)
In these post-pandemic times, cleanliness is paramount, right?
- Cleanliness and safety: The room was clean, and the staff seemed to be taking precautions.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: This one is a hard one to tell, but the place smelled clean.
- Hand sanitizer: Available in the lobby.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: They claim to do it, and everything felt tidy.
Staff & Service: The Human Touch
The staff at the Holiday Inn Express Gillette were friendly, helpful, and generally on point.
- Concierge: Though not a full-blown concierge, the staff was happy to assist with requests and offer recommendations.
- Front desk [24-hour]: Always a plus.
The Verdict: Would I Stay Again?
Look, it’s not the Ritz-Carlton. But for a comfortable, convenient, and relatively affordable stay in Gillette, the Holiday Inn Express gets a thumbs-up from me. It's clean, the staff is friendly, and the free breakfast is a major win.
My Final Thoughts (and a few Rambles):
- The Good: Clean rooms, free Wi-Fi (a must!), friendly staff, reliable breakfast, decent gym…
- The Okay: The location is fine, but again, it’s Gillette.
- The Meh: The lack of a full restaurant or more extensive amenities.
- Anecdote: Okay, so I accidentally spilled coffee on the carpet in my room. I felt terrible! But the housekeeping staff, they were beyond sweet and understanding. They cleaned it up quickly and efficiently (with a smile!). Good job, team!
- Quirky observation: There were definitely a few characters staying, and you could feel the life in Gillette.
- Final emotional reaction (letting go of the pretense of being objective): Look, I wouldn’t recommend this for a romantic getaway or a luxury escape. But if you're looking for a clean, comfortable, and affordable place to stay in Gillette, the Holiday Inn Express is a solid choice. I'd absolutely stay here again. It's not perfect, but it's honest, and sometimes, that's all you need.
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- Title: Gillette's BEST Hotel? Holiday Inn Express Review & Secret Deals! Honest Take.
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- Meta Description: A candid review of the Holiday Inn Express in Gillette, Wyoming. Find out about the amenities, accessibility, cleanliness, and how to snag the best deals! Honest opinions, funny anecdotes, and the real deal on this often-overlooked hotel.
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Okay, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your grandma's itinerary. This is the raw, unfiltered, probably-slightly-caffeinated account of trying to survive a stay at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Gillette, Wyoming. Let's see if we can make this a thing.
Day 1: Gillette – Where the Wind Whispers (and Maybe Steals Your Hat)
1:00 PM - Arrival (and the Existential Dread of the Midwest): Okay, so I finally made it. Gillette. Wyoming. Population? Apparently, somewhere between "a lot" and "more than you'd think." The drive out here was…well, it was driving. Mile after mile of…mostly nothing. Which, let's be honest, is perfect for a moment or two of deep, philosophical thinking… then it got boring. So, I turn on some podcasts (true crime and a bit of comedy). Pull up to this big, beige building. Holiday Inn Express. Looks…exactly like every other Holiday Inn Express. Still, a warm welcome is a warm welcome. We'll see.
- Impression: The front desk? Delightfully bland. The lobby? Smells vaguely of chlorine and stale coffee. My room? Let’s just hope it's cleaner than the bathroom I just used at the gas station.
1:30 PM - Check-in & Room Reconnaissance: Alright, let's get this show on the road. First things first: the keys. Then, the room. The elevator moves slower than a snail in molasses. Finally, I get my room.
- Room Revelations: The air conditioning is a roaring beast. The bed looks…okay. The carpet, however, appears to have seen some things. And the view? Overlooking the parking lot. Glamorous. (Note to self: pack earplugs and a blindfold for future stays).
2:00 PM - The Great Taco John's Debacle: Okay, so I'm hungry, and the map says… Taco John's. This is it. The most exciting eatery in a 50-mile radius. Armed with a coupon, I venture out.
- Taco John's Trauma: The line for the drive-thru is insane. Apparently, I'm not the only one who thinks Wyoming cuisine is an adventure. The audio system is also a bit crackling, but the ladies are really nice. I finally get my order (crispy tacos, of course). Then, the ultimate tragedy. I drop a taco. Right on the asphalt. I stare at the broken shell, the spilled meat, and the crumbled hope. I think I had an emotional breakdown, just on the inside of my soul. I just keep it moving and get back to the hotel quietly.
3:30 PM - Poolside Peril (or, the Questionable Hygiene of Shared Waters): Okay, time to be brave. Think I'll hit the pool for a bit. I'm not a champion swimmer. I do a backstroke, and it's not as romantic as I remember.
- Poolside Panic: The water is…cloudy? I see one kid doing a cannonball into the pool, as if he were attempting to cleanse all the bacteria. I see someone with a rash. I decide to leave. And I don't think I'm ever going back to the pool again.
7:00 PM - Dinner at the "Local Favorite" (Read: Only Option): Okay, so the helpful folks at the front desk directed me towards "the best place in town." I am pretty certain that this means, the only place in town. I head to some burger joint.
- Burger Blues: The burger is edible. The fries are…fries. The atmosphere? Generic American diner. The waitress is super friendly, though. I'm left with the crushing realization that, hey, this is Gillette.
- Emotional Rollercoaster: Okay, you know what? It's fine. It's fine fine. I'm here. It's clean(ish). No one is trying to sell me timeshares. It's a solid place. Solid. Yeah, solid. I'm good.
- Final Thoughts: I'm going to watch something on the TV. I'll have a shower and I'll go to bed. And, in the morning… I'll see what the day brings.
Day 2: Gillette - The Dawn of Discovery (and hopefully, Better Breakfast)
7:00 AM - The Dreaded Breakfast Bar: Oh, joy. The free breakfast. It's the moment of truth. Will it be a culinary triumph? Or a sugar-soaked tragedy?
- Breakfast Bar Breakdown: The waffle maker is a war zone. The scrambled eggs look suspiciously yellow. The only thing that looks appealing is the coffee. I eat a waffle that's half-burnt, and try to enjoy the day.
8:00 AM - Local exploration (a bit tentative): Okay, let's see what this town can offer.
- Local Delights and Disappointments: I get lost. I see some cows. The town is…quiet. I have to drive down to the gas station for a coffee refill.
- Emotional Rollercoaster Continued: I'm still alive. I'm not sick. The car is still working. I see a few shops, but they're not really for me. I'll survive.
12:00 PM - Departure (and a Prayer of Escape): Well, it's over. I pack my bags, feeling a mix of relief and…well, not exactly longing to return. Gillette, you were…an experience.
- Final Judgement: The Holiday Inn Express was…a Holiday Inn Express. Cleanish, safeish, and the complimentary breakfast was a gamble. Gillette? Well, it's got that "small town with big sky" thing going on, but with a whole lot of nothing in between. Would I return? Probably not. But that doesn't mean it wasn't worth it.
- Post-Trip Epiphany: Sometimes, the best trips are the ones that remind you how much you appreciate your own bed, your own kitchen, and the utter, blissful predictability of your everyday life. And the next time I see a Taco John's, I am getting two tacos!
Okay, so, like, where do I even START with this whole thing? (Seriously, I'm overwhelmed.)
What supplies/gear do I *really* need? (And can I cheap out?)
Is this HARD? Because I'm not exactly known for my patience...
Okay, but what's the biggest mistake people make when they're starting out?
What do you wish you'd known BEFORE you started?
What are the biggest challenges once you're *actually* doing it? (The gritty reality, the tough stuff!)
**But…** and this is a big but… the feeling you get when you *finally* nail a chord, when you cross the finish line, when Peanut finally, FINALLY understands that "leave it" means LEAVE IT? That feeling is gold. Pure, unadulterated, well-earned GOLD.
What does success look like, *really*?
