Wichita's BEST Holiday Inn Express? (South IHG Review!)
The Grand Hotel: A Whirlwind of Promises and a Dash of Reality (A Review!)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because I've just emerged from a stay at The Grand Hotel, and let me tell you, it was…an experience. Let's just say, it wasn't all champagne and caviar, even if those were on the menu. Buckle Up.
Metadata & SEO Fun (Because Google Demands It!)
- Keywords: Grand Hotel Review, Accessibility, Wheelchair Accessible, Spa, Pool with View, Free Wi-Fi, On-site Restaurants, Fitness Center, Cleanliness, Safety, Hotel Review, [City Name] Hotel, Luxury Hotel, Family-Friendly, Non-Smoking Rooms, Airport Transfer, Conference Facilities, etc. (basically, everything listed above, plus some juicy long-tail keywords like "hotel that feels like a fever dream.")
- Meta Description: A brutally honest (and slightly messy) review of The Grand Hotel. We dive into EVERYTHING: accessibility, the spa, the food (oh, the food!), the cleanliness (or lack thereof sometimes), and whether it's actually grand or just… big. Prepare for a mixed bag of emotions, real-life anecdotes, and my unfiltered opinion!
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, My Friends.
Right off the bat, let's talk access. The Grand says it's accessible, and to be fair, Wheelchair accessible features are present - ramps are there, and the elevator is spacious. However, navigating the hallways with a wheelchair felt a bit like being in a maze designed by someone who'd never actually used a wheelchair. The facilities for disabled guests are available, but you really gotta hunt them down. The website promised accessible rooms… the reality? Well, I didn't actually get to see one. But, the hotel is very helpful and will provide what you need.
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges: Not enough to make an impact.
Internet, Glorious Internet (Mostly) & Other Tech Shenanigans
Okay, so Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! - a huge selling point for a digital nomad like myself - it mostly works. It's like, 80% reliable. The other 20%? Let's just say I had a few very panicked moments trying to upload a crucial file while staring at a loading spinner. Internet [LAN] is supposedly available, but I didn't test that one out. Internet services were… well, they existed. The Wi-Fi in public areas was better, thankfully, which saved my bacon (or, more accurately, my freelance career) a few times at the coffee shop, which was actually pretty decent. Having Internet is an amazing benefit.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax, and The Pursuit of Bliss… Or Maybe Just a Nap.
The Spa promised the world. And you know what? The Pool with view? Stunning. Absolutely, breathtakingly, Instagrammable. I spent ages in there, just staring at the vista. The Sauna and Steamroom were heavenly, particularly after a brutal day of trying to understand the a la carte menu.
The Fitness center existed, but it felt slightly neglected. The equipment looked a little tired, and the music was straight out of the 80s. And the massage – oh, the massage. It was… okay. Not mind-blowing, not terrible, just… fine. I didn't try the Body scrub or Body wrap (too much commitment, frankly!), but the Foot bath was a welcome relief after all the walking. The Gym/fitness was a major benefit.
Cleanliness and Safety: A Modern-Day Tightrope Walk
Here's where things get interesting, folks. In the age of… everything, Cleanliness and safety is paramount, right? The Grand tried. They really did. They boasted about Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Rooms sanitized between stays, and Sterilizing equipment. They had Hand sanitizer readily available, and the Staff trained in safety protocol was obvious. But, and here's the but, the devil is in the details. I saw one poor staff member trying to disinfect a table, the same table, with the same cloth… for about five minutes. I didn't see Safe dining setup often, and I questioned many of the things I saw. Hygiene certification wasn't clear. The Food Delivery service was an added bonus.
Having the CCTV in common areas and outside the property was another advantage. However, many of the amenities, like the fire extinguisher, smoke alarms, and security [24-hour] were there to keep everyone safe.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Adventure (With a Few Hiccups)
Oh boy, the food. Let's start with the good: the Asian breakfast was fantastic. Delicious, fragrant, and a welcome change. The Breakfast [buffet], Coffee/tea in the restaurant was convenient, and the Coffee shop offered a nice variety of coffee. I can't say enough good things about the Bottle of water constantly being provided.
The Restaurants were a mixed bag. The International cuisine in restaurant was… adventurous. Some dishes were brilliant; others, let's just say they tested the limits of my adventurous palate. The Asian cuisine in restaurant was mostly good, and delicious. The Western cuisine in restaurant was also very good. The Poolside bar was a lifesaver. The Room service [24-hour] was a godsend at 3 a.m. However, the Vegetarian restaurant left a lot to be desired (sad face).
The Snack bar was… well, it existed. The Happy hour was popular, if a little chaotic. The Desserts in restaurant were a delicious treat. Breakfast in the room and Breakfast takeaway service were available.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things (and the Not-So-Little Ones)
The Air conditioning in public area? Godsend. The Air conditioning in my room? Also a godsend. The Concierge was helpful. The Doorman greeted me with a smile. Daily housekeeping was efficient, but sometimes a little too… enthusiastic.
I did find the Cash withdrawal facility useful. The Elevator was fine. The Dry cleaning and Laundry service were great. Facilities for disabled guests were there. The Gift/souvenir shop had some interesting trinkets. The Lockers were available. The Luggage storage was available.
For the Kids (and the Kid in You)
The Grand hotel included Family/child friendly, offering Babysitting service, Kids facilities, Kids meal and the Kids meal was a big plus! Having the right access was important, and I saw tons of families with kids.
Available in All Rooms: The Nitty-Gritty (and the Surprisingly Comfy)
Okay, let's peek inside the kingdom! My room was… comfortable. The Bed was super-comfortable, and the Blackout curtains were a life-saver. The Air conditioning worked great. The Additional toilet was amazing. The Alarm clock was right there. The Alarm clock also had the visual alarm. The Bathrobes were fluffy and luxurious. The Bathroom phone was weird, but maybe useful? The Bathtub was big. The Closet was spacious. The Coffee/tea maker was essential. The Complimentary tea was a nice touch. The Daily housekeeping were efficient. The Desk was usable if I needed to work. The Extra long bed was a bonus The Free bottled water was a must. The Hair dryer was good, The High floor was nice with views. The In-room safe box was there. The Interconnecting room(s) available was probably a perk. The Internet access – LAN wasn't tested. The Internet access – wireless was alright. The Ironing facilities were helpful. The Laptop workspace was functional. The Linens were clean. The Mini bar was stocked. The Mirror was big enough. The Non-smoking was a must The On-demand movies were fun. The Private bathroom was clean. The Reading light was nice. The Refrigerator was cold. The Safety/security feature made me feel safe. The Satellite/cable channels was nice to have. The Scale was a good. The Seating area was comfortable. The Separate shower/bathtub was nice. The Shower was warm. The Slippers were great. The Smoke detector was helpful. The Socket near the bed was necessary. The Sofa was big. The **Sound
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Okay, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your perfectly-planned, Pinterest-worthy itinerary. This is the REAL DEAL, the messy, glorious train wreck that is MY trip to the Holiday Inn Express Wichita South. Let's be honest, the South part might be the only exciting thing around.
Day 1: Arrival and the Undeniable Smell of Chlorine (Plus a Tiny Triumph)
4:00 PM (Give or take): Arrive at Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT). "National Airport" sounds a little grand for the size of the airport, doesn't it? But hey, I'm not complaining. I'm just… arriving. Immediately, the air changes. It’s the distinct scent of… well, Kansas. Hot asphalt and a faint whiff of… farming? I'm not sure. I've been cooped up in a plane for what felt like an eternity.
4:45 PM: Get the rental car – a beat-up sedan. It was the cheapest. Always the cheapest. Praying it doesn't fall apart before I get to the hotel. The drive is about 15 minutes, and I'm praying I don't somehow get lost. I have a terrible sense of direction.
5:00 PM: Check into the Holiday Inn Express. And BAM! Hit with a wave of… CHLORINE. Like, Olympic-sized swimming pool chlorine. Apparently, their pool is a thing. The front desk guy, bless his heart, looks exhausted. "Welcome to Wichita!" he chirps, and I'm pretty sure he's said it a thousand times today. He gives me the key, a small victory in itself. Not losing it is a win.
5:30 PM: Room exploration. It's… clean. Blessedly, squeaky-clean. It's a standard hotel room, beige, with two queen beds (for me? I love it!), and a surprisingly functional TV. And, praise be, no sign of any chlorine in here! (knock on wood). Okay, now where's the coffee? I've been meaning to start using my travel-sized coffee maker. Still haven't unpacked my bags.
6:00 PM: Decided to be healthy tonight and use the hotel gym. I'm a fitness enthusiast, and it's necessary. The gym is… small. Very small. A treadmill, an elliptical, a bench press, and a set of dumbbells. And the mirror is suspiciously placed… I think I'm going to have to get creative with my workouts to avoid looking at myself. My muscles are aching so I decide to take a quick break. I'm a bit embarrassed and hungry.
7:00 PM: FOOD! Ordering in pizza because I’m too lazy to go anywhere. And I'm exhausted. Pepperoni, because, well, pizza and pepperoni.
8:00 PM: Pizza is a solid choice. Movie time on the comfy hotel bed. What am I watching? Who knows? Probably something mindless. I'm already starting to decompress, which is exactly what I needed.
9:00 PM: Shower. A good, long, hot shower is essential.
10:00 PM: Bed. Lights Out. Zzzzzzz - Maybe I forgot to mention that I'm also a snorer? Sorry to the person in the next room.
Day 2: The Sedgwick County Zoo and the Perils of Public Transportation (and an Existential Crisis in a Gift Shop)
7:00 AM: Wake up. Actually, the alarm clock did! I'm surprisingly awake. Maybe I should have a coffee.
7:30 AM: Coffee from the hotel's breakfast area – dry, but usable. The breakfast area is… very breakfast. Waffles, eggs, sausage. Standard. I make a waffle. Success! I’m still not entirely sure how the machine works, but I don’t want to question the magic.
8:30 AM: Decide to tackle the Sedgwick County Zoo (aka the biggest thing to do in Wichita according to my guide). Public transport. I'm usually a car person, but I'm trying to be an experience.
9:00 AM: Waiting at the bus stop. Waiting. And waiting. And… well, the bus is late. Welcome to "living in the moment."
9:30 AM: The bus finally arrives, thankfully. It's… a ride. A slow, meandering ride. I see parts of Wichita I wouldn’t have, that's for sure.
10:30 AM: Finally, the zoo! (after a very long bus ride). It's… sprawling. I love zoos! I'm amazed by the lions and tigers. Maybe the sloth is a bit like me.
12:00 PM: Lunch. Hot dogs because. I’m getting hungry for the afternoon. The children are screaming. I love it.
1:00 PM: The Gift Shop Experience. It's an exercise in consumerism and existential dread. I wander around, seeing all the stuffed animals: penguins, sloths, and all the animals I just saw.
3:00 PM: Back to the hotel. Tired but satisfied.
4:00 PM: Nap! Maybe.
6:00 PM: Dinner. There’s a steakhouse near my hotel. Expensive. But I earned it.
8:00 PM: The evening is the same. Sleep.
Day 3: Unexpected Delights and a Premature Farewell
7:00 AM: Same routine. Coffee, waffle, hotel gym for the last time.
9:00 AM: Check out! I did it. It was great! I'm ready to go home. I'm content with my decision.
10:00 AM: Head back to the Airport.
11:00 AM: Final thoughts.
This trip was good, and the Holiday Inn Express was fine. I’m glad I went. Maybe I’ll come back.
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So, like, what EVEN IS this thing you're calling a 'FAQ'?
Alright, real talk: a Frequently Asked Questions page? It *sounds* so organized, so… helpful. Like, the internet’s librarian, holding your hand and whispering sweet nothings like, “Don’t worry, I have the answers.” But let me tell you, it's more like the internet's chaotic cousin who *thinks* they have the answers but is frequently distracted by shiny objects (like a particularly compelling cat meme). We're essentially supposed to answer the questions people *actually* ask, not the ones you think they *should* be asking. And honestly? Sometimes, the questions are better than the answers. Or, at least, more entertaining.
Why are you writing this? Shouldn't you be, like, *doing* something productive?
Oh, you wound me! Okay, maybe technically I *should* be folding laundry or finally cleaning out the bottom drawer of the fridge. But sometimes, the urge to unleash my inner word-vomit monster is just… overwhelming. Plus, I figure, if I can answer a few questions and maybe, *maybe*, entertain someone in the process, that's a win, right? Honestly, it's more interesting than staring at a pile of socks. Unless those socks are particularly colorful. Then, it's a tough call.
Are you *sure* you know what you're talking about?
Do *I* know what I'm talking about? That, my friend, is the million-dollar question. The short answer? Probably not. The longer, more honest answer? Sometimes I feel like I'm faking it 'til I make it, which, let’s be honest, is pretty much my life motto. But hey, at least I'm honest about potentially being a glorious imposter. Maybe that counts for something? Look, I'm winging it here. Just like everyone else. Embrace the glorious uncertainty!
What exactly will I get out of this... experience?
Well, that's entirely up to you, isn't it? You might get a chuckle. You might get a new perspective. You might get annoyed and click away. Maybe you'll get inspired to finally organize your sock drawer (still a good use of your time). What I *can* guarantee is you'll get… well, me. And that's a mixed bag, really. Consider yourself warned. But seriously, maybe a laugh. Or at least, some mild amusement.
Okay, fine. But what if I have a *real* question? Like, a serious one?
Ugh, serious questions. Those are… complicated. Okay, fine. If you have a question that’s *actually* important, like, life-or-death important, I'll try my best. Probably. Maybe. Depends on how much coffee I've had. But be warned: I reserve the right to veer off into tangents about the philosophical implications of leftover pizza. It's just how I operate.
Are you *always* like this?
Sadly, yes. This is basically my default setting. I mean, I *can* turn it down a notch if necessary. For, like, important meetings or job interviews. But honestly? It's exhausting. So, yeah, consider yourself lucky you're getting the unfiltered version. It's a rare, and some would say, terrifying, treat. Think you can handle it?
Ok, you’re starting to freak me out a little, so let’s change the subject. What's your favorite color?
Ah, now we're talking! Favorite color… hmm. That's a tough one. It changes, you know? Like, based on the weather, the mood of the cat, or whether I've finally managed to find my favorite pair of socks. But if I *had* to commit… I'd say a deep, moody teal. It's the kind of color that feels both calming and slightly mysterious. Like a hidden ocean. It's a much better answer than the bright orange "don't stare directly into the sun" kind of orange. Seriously, who likes that?
What's the biggest mistake you've *ever* made?
Oh man, where do I even *start*? I could tell you about the time I tried to bake a cake and accidentally set off the smoke alarm. That's a classic. Or the time I accidentally wore mismatched shoes to an important meeting. Also a classic. But the BIGGEST mistake? Okay, here it goes. It was a Tuesday. A Tuesday just like any other, full of the promise of coffee and, hopefully, not too much existential dread. But. That Tuesday, I decided to try and DIY a home perm. I looked at the box. I read the instructions. I *thought* I understood. I mean, how hard could it *really* be? Famous. Last. Words. The smell that permeated my apartment that morning was… something else. My hair? Oh, it was magnificent. If you consider 'magnificent' to mean "looked like a brillo pad had an unfortunate encounter with a garden hose." It was a disaster. A glorious, frizzy, chemical-burned disaster. I spent the next six months hiding under hats and avoiding anyone who might have seen the initial… result. I’m still recovering, if I'm being honest. The moral of the story? Maybe leave the perms to the professionals. And possibly, avoid Tuesdays altogether.
What are you *really* good at?
Hmm, good question! I'd like to think I'm *really* good at making a decent cup of coffee, or at least, passable. And I'm pretty darn good at the art of procrastination; I've basically turned it into an olympic sport. I could probably win gold in the "Avoiding Direct Eye Contact with the Laundry Basket" event. But, If I'm brutally honest... I'm good at asking questions. Questions, you know, that sometimes actually make people think, or at least, make them laugh. And let's be honest, world needs more of both!
What's the bestMountain Stay
