Dubuque's BEST Hotel? Holiday Inn Express West Review SHOCK!
Holiday Inn Express West, Dubuque: The Honest Truth (and Why You Should Book…Maybe?!) - A Review SHOCK!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your average, airbrushed hotel review. This is the real deal, warts and all, on Dubuque's supposedly "BEST" Holiday Inn Express West. Let's dive in, shall we? And yes, I’ve used every single SEO term you threw at me. Don't say I don't deliver!
First Impressions (and a Little Panic About the Stairs?)
Right away, I gotta say – accessibility is important to me, even though I don't need a wheelchair (yet!). The wheelchair accessible features are present, thank goodness! But I was relieved to see the elevator, because a long trek up the exterior corridor with my luggage would have been a nightmare. Car park [on-site] is a definite plus, and it's car park [free of charge], which always sweetens the deal. Bonus points for the car power charging station, which is a lifesaver for us EV folks. The CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property gave me a feeling of, well, some security.
The Room: My Personal Sanctuary (or Mostly)
Alright, let's talk room specifics. I snagged a non-smoking room, because, well, come on. Thank heavens it was clean because the Anti-viral cleaning products make me feel a little better. The smoke detector and fire extinguisher are, of course, present. The air conditioning was a godsend – those Dubuque summers are no joke.
But here's where the real story begins. My room was…fine. Let's not kid ourselves. It had a desk, which I appreciated for, let’s say, my ‘extensive’ work, and a laptop workspace. The interconnecting room(s) available (good for families). And I am a sucker for a window that opens. Felt a bit claustrophobic at that moment to be fair.
They had the basics: Air conditioning, alarm clock, complimentary tea and Wi-Fi [free] – which is essential, especially since they made it clear there was Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!. And the Internet access – wireless worked flawlessly, although, I did use Internet access – LAN a bit out of habit at first. The shower was fine; the toiletries were… well, they were there. Safety/security feature, check.
And the extra long bed? Okay, that got points. I'm a big guy. I need space. The blackout curtains were great, too.
Where things got rough
So, I got into the Bathtub. The bathroom was small. I got a bit claustrophobic and nearly had a panic attack. I am not sure if being in a Couple's room would have made it worse. I am not a big fan of Bathrobes, but I figured I might as well. But the mirror was tiny! I couldn't see myself.
Eat, Drink, and Be Slightly Disappointed (or Pleasantly Surprised, Depends on How You Roll)
Alright, let's get to the good stuff: food. Breakfast is the thing at a Holiday Inn Express, right? They had the usual offerings. The Breakfast [buffet] was… predictable. Your mileage may vary. Breakfast service was efficient, but the breakfast takeaway service felt a bit haphazard. If I'm being honest, The Asian breakfast option was a bit of a surprise, though (not in a good way).
The coffee/tea in restaurant was solid. The Restaurants are available. I didn't try the Desserts in restaurant. I did find out there was a Snack bar. They did not really have any great options. There was a Poolside bar, which was nice.
Services and Conveniences: The Small Things That Matter (Or Don’t)
Here’s where things got interesting. They do offer room service [24-hour], which I didn’t use. Daily housekeeping was on point. They offer Dry cleaning, and Laundry service. The Concierge was helpful, although I didn't need anything too complex. The Cash withdrawal option is a plus.
The Really Good Stuff, the REALLY Good Stuff! (or, Things I Really Didn't Use)
Now, let's talk about the fun stuff: the Fitness center. I totally planned on using it. But… I didn't. I'm a human who likes to relax. They have a Swimming pool [outdoor] – though it looked suspiciously empty. Oh, and the Spa! I didn't try the Body scrub or Body wrap, and the Foot bath did not appeal to me much. I found myself wishing I had brought my Slippers.
Cleanliness and COVID-19: Did They Actually Clean?
Okay, the important stuff. Daily disinfection in common areas, Rooms sanitized between stays, and Staff trained in safety protocol. The Hand sanitizer dispensers were everywhere. Plus, they had Individually-wrapped food options, which is a MUST nowadays. I felt safe-ish, maybe.
The Verdict (Finally!)
So, would I recommend the Holiday Inn Express West in Dubuque? It depends. If you are looking for a basic, clean, and functional hotel with free breakfast and Wi-Fi, it's a solid choice. It's not the Ritz, but it gets the job done. It's convenient, accessible, and safe.
The Offer You Can't Refuse (Maybe):
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Escape to Chicagoland Comfort: Hampton Inn & Suites Matteson Awaits!
Okay, buckle up Buttercup, because this ain't gonna be your pristine, color-coded itinerary. This is the real-life, pants-on-fire, late-for-everything Dubuque adventure, starring me and the questionable life choices that brought me here. And the Holiday Inn Express, bless its heart, is just the accidental base camp.
Dubuque Debacle: A Semi-Organized Chaos (and Mostly My Fault)
Day 1: Arrival & the Questionable Charm of Dubuque
- (Afternoon - Around 3:00 PM): Arrive at the Dubuque Regional Airport (DBQ). Okay, so first up, the airport. Honestly, it's cute. Like, a really, really small, almost embarrassed-to-be-an-airport kind of cute. You see more cows than gates. My flight was delayed (surprise!) and I arrived already grumpy and dehydrated. My luggage (of course) took an eternity to show up. And then I get a rental car and it smells faintly of…well, I don't even want to know. Let's just say it's a "character building" experience.
- (Late Afternoon - 4:00 PM-ish): Check into the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Dubuque West. Alright, the hotel. Clean enough, I guess. The bed looks comfy, and that's really all I care about right now. The front desk lady was super friendly, though, which helps. They have this weird "free breakfast" situation. I'm skeptical, but I'm also starving.
- (Late Afternoon/Early Evening - 5:00 PM): First thought: Why is everything so… quiet? I swear, I hear grass growing. I’ll try to head downtown to get a feel of the place.
- (Early Evening - 6:00 PM): Downtown Adventure (Attempt One). I’m already regretting not packing a warmer jacket. Walking around is rough. The brick streets are pretty though. I end up trying to eat at a place called “Paul’s pizza.” And I did. It was fine. Maybe a little too… bland. I feel like I'm missing some authentic Dubuque vibes. I also realize there are a LOT of hills. Like, really a lot. I need to get my glutes in shape.
- (Evening - 8:00ish PM): Back at the hotel. Exhausted. That free breakfast better live up to the hype. I'm considering ordering a pizza to the room, but honestly I'm too lazy to do it.
- (Evening - 9:00 PM): Bed. Exhaustion takes over, I manage to watch a single show and I drift off.
Day 2: Mississippi Meanderings & Unexpected Joy
- (Morning - 7:00 AM): Breakfast! This is the critical moment. The free breakfast. The tension is palpable. Okay, the scrambled eggs are… edible. The little sausage patties have a certain, bland charm. The coffee, bless its heart, is lukewarm. Overall, a solid "meh." But hey, it's free. I'm not complaining. Too much.
- (Morning - 8:30 AM): Drive to the Mississippi River and walk the riverwalk. Okay now this is nice. Finally I start seeing what everyone’s talking about. River’s beautiful, you can see the old buildings, the breeze is refreshing. I feel like I was ready to hate this entire trip and now, well now I like this place a little. I find a bench, and just sit and watch the water. I love it.
- (Morning - 10:30 AM): Travel to the Mississippi River Museum. I’m getting nervous about the crowds but I really want to see this place. The museum is great, I get lost in it for hours and I had no complaints.
- (Afternoon - 1:00 PM): After the museum and the riverwalk, It’s time to find some food. I have a craving for something I can sink my teeth into. After a little searching and a few wrong turns I find a local restaurant.
- (Afternoon - 1:30 PM): Restaurant time. It was busy, I’m tired, starving. I order the special, which is some kind of sandwich. The sandwich arrives. It’s HUGE. Like, I think they built the sandwich IN a building. The first bite? Pure bliss.
- (Afternoon - 3:00 PM): Drive up to the top of the bluffs. Again the views are just beautiful. I take some time to just look and enjoy the view. Life is good.
- (Evening - 6:00 PM): The evening came around like clockwork. I head back to the hotel, exhausted again. And I think that’s ok.
- (Evening - 8:00 PM): I did absolutely nothing. I just ordered a pizza and stayed in my hotel room. I watched some old television and went to bed early. And that’s alright.
Day 3: Caves, Casinos, and The Road Home (Hopefully)
- (Morning - 7:00 AM): More of the free breakfast. Same general experience as yesterday. I'm starting to feel like a seasoned breakfast veteran.
- (Morning - 8:00 AM): I hit the road for some nearby caves. They're supposed to open at 9:00. After arriving I get to the cave and…. Well, it was closed. This is the problem I have, and I don’t know what I’m doing. I manage the time. I figure out what else Dubuque has to offer.
- (Morning - 10:00 AM): I drive to a casino! It was nice. I didn’t win money, however, it was a fun time.
- (Early Afternoon - 12:00 PM): Lunch Time, I end up at a diner. The waitress gives me the feeling that she’s seen it all. I like it, I feel comfortable.
- (Afternoon - 1:00 PM): I drive back to the hotel. It’s time to get some things done.
- (Afternoon - 2:00 PM): I’m sitting in the hotel room. I feel a bit lost. I don’t know what I want to do.
- (Afternoon - 3:00 PM): I decide to take a walk. I walk into the area around the hotel.
- (Afternoon - 4:00 PM): Check out the hotel and head back to the airport. I’m sad to leave.
Final Thoughts:
Dubuque, you surprised me. You were quieter, a little odd, and the hills nearly killed me. But there was a certain charm, a history, and an overall peace I wasn’t expecting. Would I come back? Maybe. Will this itinerary be used again? Probably not. But it was mine, and that's what counts. Now I just hope my flight isn't delayed. Wish me luck.
Sherbrooke's Grand Hotel: Unforgettable Luxury Awaits (QC, Canada)
Dubuque's "BEST" Hotel? (Holiday Inn Express West - The REALLY Honest Review)
Okay, buckle up buttercups. Because I'm about to lay down the unvarnished truth about the Dubuque Holiday Inn Express West. They call it "best," right? Well, *best* at what? We're about to find out. This isn't your sanitized travel blog review; this is real-life, folks. Bring on the coffee... I'm gonna need it.
Q: So, is it ACTUALLY the "best" in Dubuque? Seriously?
Hmph. Alright, let's start with the pretense. "Best?" That's a bold claim. Look, it's... *fine*. It's not the Taj Mahal. It's not the Bates Motel (thankfully!). Let's just say, the "best" title is up for a fierce debate. I've stayed in worse, absolutely. But I've also stayed in places where the towels weren't... well, let's just say they'd seen better days. More on *that* later.
Q: What about the *room*? Tell me about the ROOM!
The room... Ah, the room. Okay, so the room. It's the usual Holiday Inn Express template. Clean-ish. The beds were... okay. Not the cloud-like experience promised in the glossy brochures. More like a perfectly serviceable, could-be-worse experience. I'm a light sleeper, and the highway noise? Yeah, it's there. Bring earplugs. Trust me.
And the lighting! Fluorescent, people. That sterile, hospital-room-esque lighting. It's just... depressing. Why they haven't upgraded the lighting is beyond me. I felt the need to hide in the bathroom, where, oddly enough, the lighting was a little warmer. Go figure! I have heard the suites were better but I didn't splash out.
Q: Let's talk about the breakfast. The holy grail of hotel experiences!
Ah, the breakfast. The moment of truth. This is where things got... interesting. The "hot buffet"... well, the eggs were definitely *eggs*. I think. A little rubbery, maybe? The sausage? Palpable. The coffee, thankfully, was plentiful. A desperate need on my part. My first attempt at the buffet, a lone rubbery egg bounced off my plate. And... the waffle maker. Oh, the waffle maker.
They had the automatic waffle iron. The kind that promises fluffy, golden-brown deliciousness. The reality? Let's just say I'm pretty sure my waffle could have doubled as a hockey puck. My waffle was so thick and dense I could barely cut into it. I managed to salvage some syrup. The whole experience reminded me of my ex-wife's cooking. I'm not a fan of the breakfast.
Q: What about the STAFF? Are they actually friendly?
Okay, the staff... the staff were generally pleasant. They were... coping. You could tell. They're doing their best, and I give them credit for that. The front desk was helpful enough, but I did have one interaction that I'll never forget. Coming down for my "breakfast", I got off the elevator and heard someone yell, "Oh no, not you again!" from the kitchen. Well, it was a joke... sort of. I might be a little over dramatic... but I'm not gonna lie, I wasn't thrilled.
Q: Any other amenities? The pool situation? Fitness center?
They *have* a pool, yes. I didn't... go in it. I have a phobia of chlorine, which is probably a bad thing, since I'm guessing the pool is drenched in it. And the fitness center? I peeped inside. One treadmill, a bike, and some weights. It looked about as enticing as a root canal. I'm not a gym rat to begin with but it looked a little sad.
Q: The Location: Any good, or is it a total highway death trap?
Location, location, location! It's on the west side, which is fine, I suppose. It's close to... things. Restaurants, mostly chain restaurants. You're not going to fall directly into the most exciting part of Dubuque, no. It's convenient for getting on the highway, which is a plus and a minus. Traffic can be a beast.
Q: Would you stay there again? Be honest!
Ugh. That's the million-dollar question. Honestly? Probably. Dubuque isn't exactly overflowing with luxury options. It's a functional hotel. It's not terrible. But "best?" No. Not by a long shot. My advice? Go in with low expectations, bring your own pillow (and earplugs!) and maybe, just maybe, you'll be pleasantly surprised. Or not. That's the gamble, isn't it? Oh, and definitely skip the waffles.
Q: One final question... what about the towels? You mentioned something about the towels...
*Sigh*. Okay, the towels. The towels were... thin. Like, seriously thin. Like they'd been through World War II. One of them had a suspicious stain that looked like it *could* have been... well, let's just say I avoided drying myself with *that* particular towel. It was the *one* majorly unacceptable thing. It's a *hotel*, people! Clean towels are a *non-negotiable*. I went down to the front desk and asked for a replacement. The staff person apologized, offered a new towel, and then actually *blushed*. I laughed so hard on my way back to my room.
