Unbelievable Decatur Getaway: Holiday Inn & Suites Forsyth Awaits!
Unbelievable Decatur Getaway: Holiday Inn & Suites Forsyth - My Slightly Chaotic, Mostly Awesome Adventure (with Wi-Fi!)
Alright, folks, buckle up. Because "Unbelievable Decatur Getaway" – or, as it’s actually named, the Holiday Inn & Suites Forsyth – well, it wasn't quite the perfectly polished travel brochure promised. But hey, that’s life, and honestly? That’s what made this trip memorable. This is me, spilling the tea (or, you know, the free coffee from the lobby) on my recent escapade.
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First things first: Accessibility. This is HUGE for me, and a major reason I chose this place. The Holiday Inn & Suites Forsyth gets a solid thumbs up. They really try. The wheelchair accessible rooms are genuinely accessible (I peeked!), and the elevator is a lifesaver. I didn't personally use the wheelchair access, but it was evident that they'd put some thought into it. There was definitely a welcoming vibe, even before I got inside.
Now, let's talk about the stuff that REALLY matters: Wi-Fi! Oh, sweet, glorious, free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (And internet access – wireless, and the whole shebang). This is the lifeblood of a blogger, a remote worker, a person who needs to avoid actual conversation. The signal was strong, reliable, and let me tell you, that’s half the battle won. They even advertise Free Wi-Fi in the public areas – perfect for eavesdropping on other people’s phone calls, a guilty pleasure of mine. Also, I noticed there was a Internet [LAN] as well, though I didn't use it.
Okay, deep breath. Let's delve into the Rooms. The one I stayed in had a desk with a good amount of light – critical for writing my magnum opus (or, you know, this review). It had air conditioning, which was a godsend because it was, like, a billion degrees outside. The blackout curtains? Genius. Slept like a (relatively) well-rested baby. There was a refrigerator – important for storing my emergency chocolate stash. And, bonus, a coffee/tea maker! (Complimentary tea too! Score!) The bed was comfy, and the linens were clean. The towels, fluffy. Small victories, people, small victories. The room wasn't exactly decorated, but functional. It was more about the function than the frill, which I was fine with. It had a mirror, a hair dryer, and even a scale. Let's just say the scale was… informative.
Cleanliness and safety: Right now, this is what we ALL care about. The Holiday Inn, despite seeming like an older place, appeared to be making a solid effort. They had anti-viral cleaning products (thank goodness!), and talked about daily disinfection in common areas. My room had been sanitized between stays. Hand sanitizer was plentiful. They have Staff trained in safety protocol. I even noticed the advertised room sanitization opt-out available, which I appreciated if people wanted to feel the effect of the cleaning product.
Now, let's talk Dining, drinking, and snacking. This is where things got…interesting. They have a restaurant. Standard hotel fare. They offer breakfast [buffet] – which was decent. They also offered breakfast takeaway service, ideal for those of us who operate on a five-minute morning schedule. There was a bar, and a poolside bar (more on that later). I saw juice in restaurant, but frankly, I was more focused on the coffee. The restaurant had several options for international diners, including Asian cuisine and Western cuisine, which was nice. There were also a few desserts in the restaurant. I may have sampled a few of them.
Pool Panic Okay, so the swimming pool [outdoor]. This part? Slightly less "unbelievable," more "mildly chaotic but in a charming way". It was a good size, and the water was clean. There were plenty of chairs. The view, as advertised, wasn't exactly a breathtaking vista, more like a slightly less interesting view than the parking lot. There were also what looked like a very happy family and bunch of screaming kids, but frankly, that just added to the ambiance. The Poolside Bar saved the day. I grabbed a margarita, sat back, and pretended I was on a tropical island. Perfect.
Spa/Sauna: Now, the spa! I was REALLY looking forward to this. They have a sauna and a steamroom. I was ready to unwind and soak up all the zen. Unfortunately, because of my schedule, I didn't have time. Next time, I'll definitely take advantage of that. However, the spa area looked clean and inviting and I noticed a few staff members walking around, preparing the areas.
Things To Do/Ways to Relax: Let's face it: Most of the time, I'm exhausted on these trips. I saw they advertised a fitness center. They had other options like a Body scrub, Body wrap, and Foot bath. I'm not sure if people book these things on business trips. I imagine I'll be sitting in the chairs poolside.
Services and Conveniences: Okay, they had a LOT of these. A concierge, which, honestly, I didn't need (I’m fiercely independent, or maybe just too lazy to ask for help). Cash withdrawal? Sweet! Daily housekeeping? YES. There was an elevator, thank goodness. Laundry service? Crucial when you spill coffee on your only clean shirt. They had Meeting/banquet facilities, and even indoor and outdoor venue for special events. More importantly, the staff was genuinely friendly and helpful.
For the Kids: They are Family/child friendly, and offered a Babysitting service, which is, again, awesome for the parents. There were definitely some very happy children, from what I could see.
Getting Around: The car park [free of charge] was a definite plus. There's even car power charging station available. They also offered an airport transfer if you needed it.
The Imperfections (Because Let's Be Real)
Okay, here’s the messy truth. The building itself feels a bit dated. The hallways could use a fresh coat of paint. And one morning, the buffet ran out of my favorite type of cereal. (Devastating, I know). The walls of the rooms were a bit thin. I could hear my neighbors' conversations in the morning. However, if you're planning a trip to Decatur, and price is a concern, it is definitely worth it.
Overall:
Despite the minor hiccups, I’d say this Holiday Inn & Suites Forsyth delivered. The free Wi-Fi was a lifesaver, the staff was super friendly, and the pool (with the poolside bar) was the perfect antidote to a stressful day. It was a solid, comfortable stay. It wasn’t flawless, but it was authentic, and that, for me, makes all the difference. I would definitely recommend it, especially if you're looking for a place that makes a genuine effort to be accessible and offers decent value. Plus, the coffee never ran out, which, let's be honest, is a major win in my book.
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Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't just a travel itinerary, it's a vibe. We're hitting Decatur, Illinois, and the Holiday Inn & Suites Decatur-Forsyth By IHG is our temporary prison… I mean, home base. Get ready for a rollercoaster of feelings, mishaps, and questionable food choices.
The Decatur Debacle - A Messy, Honest, and Probably Hilarious Take on the Holiday Inn Experience
Day 1: Arrival & Realization
1:00 PM: Land in Peoria. Ugh. Peoria. I should've sprung for the Chicago flight. The drive is…well, let's just say my GPS spent more time looking for cell service than actually guiding me. Apparently, Illinois is a land of cornfields and… more cornfields.
3:00 PM: Arrive at the Holiday Inn. Okay, first impressions… the lobby is…beige. Beige with a hint of outdated. The check-in process is smooth, though. The kind of smooth that makes you question if you're being subtly upsold to a timeshare. Dodged that bullet, I think.
3:30 PM: Room. It's… spacious. Okay, too spacious. Like, I could probably host a small dance party in here. The bedspread is aggressively geometric, and there's a distinct lack of personality. But the air conditioning blasts, which is a win in this humid Midwestern climate.
4:00 PM: Unpack. This is a monumental task. I overpacked, as usual. Half my suitcase is filled with "what if" outfits that I'll probably never wear. My inner monologue: "Do I really need that sequined jumpsuit for a trip to Decatur? YES."
5:00 PM: Venture out. Must. Find. Food. The hotel restaurant looks a little… deserted. I'm thinking of just finding a pizza and watching some television.
6:00 PM: Dinner! I ended up at… the hotel restaurant. It turns out the restaurant doubles as a bar. The bartender/server is a lovely woman with a name tag that says "Brenda" and a smile that could light up the entire town. Food? Okay, I ordered the burger. It's… a burger. Hits the spot? Yeah.
7:00 PM: Back to the room. Exhausted. I'm already judging the TV channel selection. Seriously, who decided to make every single one of these shows? And why are there so many infomercials?
8:00 PM: Attempt to work. Can't do it. The WiFi is… spotty, to say the least. My productivity level is at an all-time low. Decide to give up and just scroll through TikTok.
9:00 PM: Bedtime. I'm actually surprisingly tired. The comfy bed calls to me.
Day 2: The Great Decatur Quest (and Pizza)
8:00 AM: Wake up. Breakfast. The complimentary breakfast. This is where things get dicey. The "scrambled eggs" are a questionable shade of yellow. The bacon is… well, it's there. The coffee is strong, which is a plus. I eat anyway, because I'm starving.
9:00 AM: Decatur exploration! Armed with a list of "must-see" attractions courtesy of TripAdvisor (that may or may not be accurate). First stop: Scovill Zoo. I was prepared to not be impressed, after all, it is Decatur.
9:30 AM - 12:00 PM: Scovill Zoo. I could genuinely spend hours wandering around a zoo, and this one does not disappoint. The monkeys are a riot, the lion looks incredibly majestic, and the "petting zoo" is just adorable. A true highlight of the day!
12:00 PM: Lunch… pizza time again! I went for it. I'm here and I'm going to enjoy it.
1:00 PM-3:00 PM: Millikin University. I'm not even really a college campus type of person, but the architecture and the overall vibe are really interesting. I can't help thinking about how people get to work here, it seems a bit small.
3:30 PM: Free time. More television. More TikTok. Feel guilty. Decide to take a swim. The pool is small and a few kids running around, but the water is cool and refreshing.
6:00 PM: Dinner. The restaurant is slightly more populated. Brenda sees me and gives me a knowing look. Tonight's options: a steak.
7:30 PM: Back to the room. Actually, I'm kind of enjoying this place - the lack of a view feels cozy, the quiet… I get more than I expected.
8:00 PM: Bedtime. Another day and another sleep, ready for a busy last day.
Day 3: Departure & Reflections
8:00 AM: Breakfast. Same questionable eggs. Same strong coffee. Feeling a bit more rested than yesterday, if I'm honest.
9:00 AM: Pack. The sequined jumpsuit remains unworn. Sigh.
10:00 AM: Check-out. Easy peasy.
10:30 AM: Depart. Heading back to Peoria, ready and excited for home.
1:00 PM: The drive. Contemplating that jumpsuit, wondering where to wear it.
3:00 PM: Home.
Final Thoughts (and Probably More Rambling)
Decatur? It's… not what I expected. It's a little bit quirky, a little bit sleepy, and a whole lot of charming. The Holiday Inn? Perfectly functional, with a dose of "classic hotel" charm. Would I come back? Probably.
Rating:
- Holiday Inn & Suites Decatur-Forsyth: Three stars (for Brenda, the bed, the A/C, and the sheer convenience). Needs a few more plants, though.
- Decatur itself: A pleasantly surprising four stars. Go for the zoo and low expectations.
- My overall mood: Two stars. (I'll be sure to update that when I get some more sleep.)
Unbelievable Decatur Getaway: Holiday Inn & Suites Forsyth Awaits! (Err, Maybe?) - Your HONEST Guide
Okay, spill the tea. Is this place *actually* unbelievable?
Unbelievable? Oof. Let's just say the brochure might be laying it on a *little* thick. "Unbelievable" is a strong word. I'd call it... a decent option. Look, I've stayed in places that make you question the very fabric of reality (think leaky ceilings and cockroaches named Kevin), and I've stayed in places that cost more than my car payment. This Holiday Inn? It's smack-dab in the middle. It's like... a reliable old friend you know you can trust even if they sometimes spill their coffee on you.
Let's talk about the rooms. Are they... cleanish?
Alright, so here's the deal on the rooms. They *appear* clean. The bedsheets didn't have suspicious stains, which is a HUGE win in my book. I always do the "bedsheet sniff test," you know? Just a quick, discreet inhale. If it smells vaguely of bleach and not... *other* things, you're usually golden. The bathroom? Functioning. The showerhead? Actually worked, which is a miracle in itself sometimes. My only minor gripe – and this is a picky one – the grout wasn't *sparkling*. But hey, I'm not paying for a spa day, am I? I'd give it a solid 7/10 for cleanliness. Definitely better than that budget motel I stayed in last summer, which smelled faintly of desperation.
The pool... is it worth braving the chlorine?
The pool! Okay, the pool. *Deep breath*. It's... there. It's a standard indoor pool. The water temperature was... lukewarm. I'm a wimp when it comes to cold water. You know, the kind that makes you gasp and regret every life choice that led you to that moment. This pool was warm enough that I didn't immediately shrivel, and it was clean enough I didn't visibly acquire algae. The kids seemed to be having a blast, which is always refreshing (pun possibly intended). I spent about 20 minutes there. I think I was mostly just there to soak my feet... because, blisters from those awful hiking boots I decided to wear. The pool? Not the highlight of my life, but perfectly adequate for a quick dip. It beat my bathtub at home, that’s for sure.
Breakfast – what horrors await? Or, dare I dream, delectable delights?
Breakfast. Oh, breakfast. This is where things get... interesting. Free breakfast. "Free" is a dangerous word, my friends. It often translates to beige food. And at the Holiday Inn? Yeah, lots of beige food. They had the usual suspects: scrambled eggs (questionably yellow), rubbery sausage, sad-looking fruit, and the glorious waffle machine. The waffle machine is the saving grace. It's like the hotel is saying, "Look, the rest is a culinary wasteland, but *you* get to make your own waffle! Embrace the batter!" I made two waffles. One with syrup to hide the taste of the eggs, and the other covered in butter. I ate them in a slightly desperate manner, realizing that I hadn't had a real breakfast in, like, six months. The coffee was... coffee. Not great. Not atrocious. Just coffee. The yogurt looked suspiciously thin, so I gave it a pass. If you're a breakfast snob, pack your own granola bars, seriously. But if you're just hungry, the waffle machine is your friend, and the bacon (usually) is fine. I think.
Is there anything *fun* to do in the area? Besides eating beige food and wading in lukewarm pools?
Okay, you ask the right questions. Listen, Decatur isn't exactly Paris. It's not Vegas. It's ... Decatur. But, it has its charms! During my stay, I was there for a conference, so I was chained to the hotel. But, when I peeked through the window (I am a very curious individual), I saw some nice landscapes and what looked like a promising diner. I did venture out *once*, and I'd highly recommend checking out Forsythe Park. It's a nice spot for a walk or even just to sit and stare at the leaves. Maybe pack a picnic. Or maybe go to that diner! I'm pretty sure it's the one with ALL the chrome and the promise of really cheap coffee. Depending on what you like, there's bound to be something interesting, which is why I suggest doing research before you book the Holiday Inn. Don't go in blind like I did!
Okay, let's get real: Would you stay there again?
Honestly? Probably. The price was right (especially if you snag a deal), it was clean enough, and the waffle machine... the waffle machine sealed the deal. If I'm in Decatur again, and need a place to crash that won't break the bank, I'd give it another go. Don't go expecting the Ritz-Carlton, and you won't be disappointed. It's perfectly functional. It's the reliable friend who might spill coffee on you, but will always be there when you need them... and in a pinch, the waffle machine can serve well as comfort food.
Did you have any weird experiences? Any quirks to report?
Ohhh, the quirks! Absolutely. One of the elevators was... temperamental. It would randomly stop between floors. No big deal if you're not claustrophobic. I'm a *little* claustrophobic. The first time it happened, I panicked for a hot minute. Then I collected myself and assumed it was a sign. The other elevator operated fine. Also, the vending machines had a strange fixation with expired snacks. I tried to buy a bag of chips, but the machine decided to take my money and promptly spit it out. This wasn't a problem, it was funny. The staff were friendly and helpful, which is always a plus. And, I swear, I saw a tiny chihuahua in the lobby one morning. I couldn't figure out who it belonged to. It was wearing a little sweater. Life's strange, right?
Is this a good place for families?
Families, huh? Well, the pool is a plus. Kids always love a pool, even if it's lukewarm. The free breakfast is also a winner when you're trying to feed a gaggle of hungry youngsters. And, there is plenty of space for the kids to run around the hotel. Whether that's a good idea is another question. The rooms are decent in size to allow for those travelling in big groups. I saw plenty of families during my stay, and they all seemed content-ish. So, yeah, I'd say it's family-friendly, within reason. Just be prepared for potential elevator shenanigans. And maybe bring your own snacks in case the vending machines decide to stage a rebellion.Hotel Haven Now
