Tag: Holiday Inn

Exploring Doylestown: A Family Adventure in Pennsylvania

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If you have been following my travels over the past few years, it is no secret that I love going to Pennsylvania for short overnight trips or small vacations. There is just something about Pennsylvania I love and it always seems to just help me recharge the batteries. Lately, life has been very crazy and I decided it was time to do another short vacation to recharge. Join me as I take you along on my recent trip to Doylestown, PA for some fun explorations, sites and of course a hotel review!

Day 1 – Peddler’s Village:

Peddler’s Village 100 Peddlers Village, New Hope, PA 18938

The first stop on our trip was Peddlers Village in the small town of Lahaska, PA. Peddler’s Village is a 42-acre countryside property that features 60+ retail shops and boutiques, full and quick-service restaurants, a 66-room hotel and an indoor family entertainment center.

Peddlers Village is so large, I actually ended up spending the entire day there with my family and got to visit most of the stores in the village. I loved the amount of variety and different types of stores there was. While visiting, we also got to do a few of the antique stores across the street from the village. 

One of my favorite stores I visited here was Fehrenbach Black Forest Cuckoo Clocks and German Gifts. I was so excited to visit this store and couldn’t wait all morning during the drive out. This split 3 level store features German food specialties, handcrafted gifts from wood carvings, cuckoo clocks, nutcrackers and smokers. This was honestly such a cool store and it really felt like you were in Germany. I was honestly amazed at the cuckoo clocks with how intricate and detailed they were. From little birds popping out to entire groups of people dancing, it was amazing to see how much effort went into that and the end result. Of course I could not leave here without buying a cuckoo clock for myself. Best purchase this entire trip!

Overall, this was a great stop on the way out to Doylestown and was so much fun. I highly recommend this as a day trip or stop next time you are in Pennsylvania. If I ever got the chance, I definitely would stop here again.

Days 2 & 3 – Fonthill Castle & Mercer Museum:

Up next, our trip took us to two of the coolest places I have ever been to in Pennsylvania: The Mercer Museum and Fonthill Castle. Both of these places have some really cool history to them with rich histories tied to their creator, Henry Chapman Mercer, an early 20th-century antiquarian, archaeologist, and philanthropist. Mr. Mercer was very interested in preserving local history for generations to come and sought to do with his museum and Fonthill castle which was built as his residence. Up first, let’s explore the history of Fonthill Castle and showcase the stunning architecture and design of the home.

Fonthill Castle

Fonthill Castle was built between 1908 and 1912 using reinforced concrete which at the time was a new building technique. The castle was modeled after European castles with influences from medieval, Gothic, and other architectural styles. 

The castle contains 44 rooms, with various levels, staircases, galleries, and hidden spaces. The rooms include living areas, galleries for his tile collection, a library, and even a small chapel. Mercer’s love for the eclectic and unusual is evident throughout the castle, which features asymmetrical design elements, circular staircases, and irregularly shaped rooms.

When you first enter the castle, you enter a dark circular room with arched columns that truely transports you back in time. You feel like you are entering a medieval castle straight out of a fantasy novel. As you navigate the castle further, each room gets more jaw dropping with its unique design, natural light and historic artifacts displayed and integrated throughout.

One of my favorite rooms was the library/study room with its floor to ceiling bookshelves, arched windows, grand fireplace and beautiful tile work. One of the coolest things is this room is two levels with the stairs cleverly tucked behind the fireplace giving the illusion there are no stairs to create a larger space. I found it amazing how old some of those books were in that library. Some were so old you could see the layers of dust through the sealed plastic covers that protected the books from disintegrating.

As the tour went on, it just kept getting more interesting and the rooms were getting more fascinating each with its own story and history. Yet another room that stuck out to me was the hallway area with “Rolo’s Stairs”. We learned from the tour guide, Mr. Mercer’s dog Rolo ran through wet cement at the foot of one of the staircases during construction. Rather than cover it, the paw prints were left and the staircase was named “Rolo’s Stairs”.

At the end of the tour, it felt as though you truly got a sense of who Mr. Merecer was the vision he had for his home. You were truly immersed in his story and it felt as though you knew him personally. I can’t recall many places that I left that evoked that feeling.

Mercer Museum:

If you thought Fonthill Castle was fantastic, you have to also check out the Mercer Museum. The Mercer Museum, completed in 1916, was designed to showcase his vast collection of over 40,000 American tools and historical artifacts, emphasizing the role of craftsmanship in early American life. The museum’s architectural style mirrors that of the castle, with a fortress-like design that houses exhibits on industrial and domestic tools, showcasing Mercer’s vision of preserving American history through its material culture.

I highly recommend Fonthill Castle and The Mercer Museum if you are ever in the area of Doylestown, PA. It is well worth the trip out here to be transported back into another time. You will leave appreciating the history and stories behind everything you will see just as Mr. Merecer wanted future generations to feel when he built both these stunning places.

Holiday Inn Lansdale – Hatfield Review

Holiday Inn was honestly not my first choice of hotel since the last few IHG hotels I stayed at I was left disappointed with. However, with all other nearby hotels sold out or $300+ plus a night for the entire weekend, Holiday Inn became the best option available. The going rate was about $147 plus tax for each night which was honestly a steal. 

One reason I picked this hotel was the fact it had very high ratings and was recently renovated. From doing some research, this hotel was built in 1970 which you can easily tell from the layout of the building and from older images of the hotel. The building is also sectioned off into A,B,C and D sections which is typical of older builds. 

While I do not mind this unique design, I did find it annoying that there were no signs or directory signs to guide you to the elevators. The elevators are completely at the other end of the first floor and tucked around a corner making it hard to see from down the hall. There was also a small 5 step staircase that you had to go down to get to the 1st floor guest room hallway. If finding the elevator was not annoying as it was, the elevator took forever every time you called it. It took on average 3 minutes for the elevator to come each time which was annoying but not worth complaining over since it is not anyone’s fault the elevator is old. However, once I got the room, it was pretty worth the small inconveniences getting to the room.

Room Review – 3.4/5

The room as mentioned, was newly renovated which you can tell since everything in the room looked brand new and was in excellent shape. When you first enter the room, you are greeted with a very spacious closet and wardrobe. I really enjoyed the amble storage and the fact there was a built in ledge with USB ports for phones and electronics. Very nice attention to detail there.

Before we get to the rest of the room, I want to mention the bathroom which honestly was the biggest downside to the room. While the bathroom was decently renovated, I noticed several issues that really made a difference. First off, the paint job on the ceiling and door was so sloppy and poorly done. You could see old paint chipping off the door, the ceiling hatch for plumbing access was painted over and it looks so tacky and bad. 

The problems did not stop there sadly, the bathroom vent was clogged with so much dust that it kept falling into the shower despite trying cleaning it up several times. I have to say that is something housekeeping should have spotted. Other major issues of note include, very poor water pressure in the shower and at times a lack of hot water in the shower (temperature was more around room temperature or just barely warm). Last thing that was a major disappointment in the bathroom was how there was only one towel hook to hang up towels. I feel like this is a major detail missing especially for a room designed to sleep four people.

Other than the issues in the bathroom, the rest of the room was almost perfect. I was thoroughly impressed with the cleanliness of the room, the modern finishes and attention to detail throughout. Some key details that I loved were the AC filters being spotlessly clean with no dust or debris on them, the blackout shades were mounted inside the window frame so there is no annoying gap and the pillows were labeled if they were firm or soft.

Amenities – 3.5/5

Since this was a full service Holiday Inn, it featured a lobby restaurant with a bar and a breakfast buffet. One major downside is breakfast was not included with your stay which would normally not be a big deal if you were paying for a really good breakfast. Unfortunately, the $14 was not worth it and you were essentially paying for a Holiday Inn Express type breakfast. I do not think a breakfast you would get at an Express location or any other select service hotel is worth $14.

On the flip side, the lobby restaurant and bar, while decent, was somewhat of a let down with an overly basic menu and not much selection. However, I do have to say the food they did have was pretty good but felt expensive for what it was. I really would have liked to have seen some sort of specials menu or seasonal menu to compliment the small menu.

Final Rating

So, where exactly does this hotel rate with all the pros and cons? Based on my experiences, I would rate this hotel 3.5/5. While I did have issues with this hotel, I would stay here again if the need arose and would most likely recommend this hotel.

Final Thoughts:

Overall, the trip was a major success and an absolute blast up to this point. However, it was far from over! We had so much fun that we decided to stay an additional night to explore more of what Doylestown had to offer and tour yet another one of the coolest historical places I have ever been to on this trip. 

Stay tuned for part two where we discover Downtown Doylestown, Bethlehem Steel Works and another hotel review!

Holiday Inn Express European Redesign – Ugliest Hotel Design Ever?

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The headlines have been busy these first few months of 2025 with yet another major player in the hotel scene making an announcement on new developments. In a recent press release, IHG Hotels & Resorts introduced the future-ready Generation 5 concept for Holiday Inn Express, set to revolutionize its public spaces across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa (EMEAA).

Before we get into my personal thoughts and reactions, let’s dive into a brief recap of what Generation 5 is all about.

Future Ready – Generation 5

It is clear the focuses on the new design are all centered around guest experience, diversity and inclusivity. The Generation 5 design reflects insights from extensive research into traveler preferences, including the demand for experiential and sensorial spaces. With zones like the EXPRESS Café & Bar and Focus Studio, guests can socialize, relax, or work in vibrant settings tailored to their lifestyles. Smart guest room features, such as ergonomic workspaces, ample USB ports, and Smart TVs, complement the elevated public spaces.

Each hotel will incorporate elements that reflect its local destination, ensuring a distinct sense of place. Moreover, IHG collaborated with a disability task force to create public spaces that are inclusive and accessible, catering to diverse needs and fostering a welcoming environment for all.

The Generation 5 design also focuses on offering flexibility and cost-effectiveness for hotel owners. Its scalable layout allows for easy adaptation across different locations while keeping costs manageable. This ensures that owners can maintain strong financial returns without sacrificing the high-quality standards Holiday Inn Express is known for.

When asked about his thoughts on the new design, John Wright, Vice President of Mainstream Brands for EMEAA at IHG had this to say:

 “Generation 5 is a premium, vibrant, and dynamic design that leans into a lifestyle vibe that’s on trend. It’s playful and distinctive nature defines the witty personality of Holiday Inn Express, while its flexibility ensures each hotel reflects a sense of place.”

Generation 4 vs Generation 5:

Holiday Inn Express first introduced its Generation 4 design in 2016, focusing on modernizing guest rooms and public spaces with smarter layouts, improved service delivery, and enhanced technology. While it set a new standard for efficiency and comfort, Generation 5 takes things a step further by creating more dynamic, flexible, and experiential public spaces that cater to evolving traveler expectations.

Here’s how Generation 5 builds upon and improves the previous design:

  • More Experiential Spaces – Generation 5 introduces zoned public areas like the EXPRESS Café & Bar and Focus Studio, designed for socializing, working, and relaxing. Generation 4 emphasized functionality, but the new design brings a more vibrant, lifestyle-focused atmosphere.
  • Greater Flexibility – The new design allows hotel owners to adapt and scale spaces based on location and market needs while remaining cost-effective. Generation 4 was more standardized, whereas Generation 5 offers more local character and customization.
  • Enhanced Guest Engagement – Research shows travelers today want spaces that encourage connection and comfort. Generation 5 delivers this through inspiring aesthetics, multi-use furniture, and tech-forward features, making public areas feel more inviting.
  • Stronger Sense of Place – Unlike Generation 4, which had a uniform look, Generation 5 embraces local design elements, giving each hotel a unique identity while staying true to the Holiday Inn Express brand.
  • Inclusivity & Accessibility – Generation 5 was developed with insights from a disability task force, ensuring public spaces are more accessible and easier to navigate for all guests.

While Generation 4 modernized the Holiday Inn Express experience, Generation 5 reinvented it to deliver a smarter, more engaging, and future-ready hotel stay.

Examples of Generation 4 designs throughout Europe.

Deep Dive Into Generation 5 – Thoughts

Being brutally honest, this has to be one of the ugliest and most awful hotel designs I have ever seen. It looks like one of those really cheap and tacky home decor stores filled with cheap stuff that is “modern.” Look, I totally understand that outside of North America, there are different markets, each with its own specific demographics or preferences suited to that market. But this is just honestly bad.

I feel as though the thought process behind it is good, but the execution is very poor. From looking at some of the concept art, it makes the hotel look more like an elementary school or preschool than a hotel. At least with the previous generation, when it added in bold splashes of color, natural tones, and more of an artistic flair, it looked more like a hotel and was well done. I think there needs to be evolution and adaptation, but I don’t think this is the way to go.

I am all for making hotels not so cookie-cutter, but at the same time, I feel like as a brand, there needs to be some standardization and not too much deviation from the brand. It feels like Holiday Inn Express is trying to be something that it is not. It feels like they are trying to be more like a lifestyle hotel brand like Moxy, where they focus heavily on community, local design, and communal spaces.

To be very clear, I am in no way at all knocking this design because it was designed with inclusiveness and accessibility in mind. I am more critiquing and criticizing the actual design, such as furniture, color, and décor choices. I am all for designing spaces that work for everyone, but I think the final product just doesn’t look good like how you would expect from a Holiday Inn Express.

Final Thoughts

While the Generation 5 concept aims to offer innovative spaces that cater to modern traveler needs, the execution raises questions about the balance between creativity and brand identity. As the hospitality landscape continues to evolve, it’s crucial for brands like Holiday Inn Express to adapt while still maintaining the core essence that guests expect.

Ultimately, design should evoke a sense of comfort and familiarity, serving not only to attract new customers but also to reassure loyal patrons. The future of travel accommodation lies in thoughtful integration of local flair with brand consistency and guest-centric approaches. As we move forward, it will be interesting to see how this new design is received by travelers and how it influences the broader hotel industry. Only time will tell if Generation 5 can truly redefine what a Holiday Inn Express should embody.

Stay tuned for the first look at Holiday Inn Express Generation 5 when it opens in 2026!

Pros and Cons: My Favorite Hotel Brands for Travel

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When I am not working, one of my favorite things to do is to travel around and explore new places that interest me. Along the way, I have documented my travels and experiences on some of my trips. I always stay at branded hotels, and it’s often the same brand or within the same company. Depending on the duration of my trip, budget, and needs during my trip, the hotel I choose will vary. Below, I have listed my top favorite hotel brands I stay at and the pros and cons of each. So, without further ado, let’s get started.

Home2 Suites by Hilton:

By Far my favorite Hilton brand without a doubt. Home2 Suites is an all suite extended stay hotel brand featuring larger rooms with kitchenettes, living spaces and larger bathrooms. The brand was created to complement the existing extended stay Hilton brand Homewood Suites and to compete with TownePlace Suites by Marriott and Candlewood Suites by IGH.

While I haven’t featured this specific brand on the blog , my previous stays include the following locations:

  • Home2 Suites by Hilton Richmond Short Pump
  • Home2 Suites by Hilton Taylor Detroit

Pros:

  • Larger rooms than a traditional hotel at an affordable price. Most often cheaper than other select service hotels or full service hotels with smaller rooms.
  • Curtain divider in the room makes it easy to section off the room so someone can watch tv or read a book while someone else is sleeping without disturbing them.
  • Super functional kitchenette with microwave, dishwasher as well as dinnerware.
  • Larger bathroom offers larger vanities and shower stalls making getting ready in the mornings and at night a breeze.
  • Extremely comfortable beds, linens and pillows. I hate hotel pillows! But not at Home2! They are some of the most comfortable pillows out there.
  • Home2 Suites hotels are new build hotels meaning they are built from the ground up and aren’t existing hotels converted or renovated into Home2 Suites. This means most locations are newer which means a more comfortable stay. 

Cons:

  • Limited breakfast selection. This sort of makes sense since the rooms have kitchenettes most guests cook their own meals in their rooms. However, despite the smaller breakfast selection, the food is very fantastic. 
  • While the locations are new builds, this often means it is harder to find a location in some areas since there are not a lot of Home2 Suites in some areas since this is a newer brand. However, as time goes on more Home2 locations are being built in certain areas and it is getting easier to find one. (Note this may not apply to cities or large tourist areas).
  • With larger rooms and more amenities in the room, sometimes may come with a higher price tag. While this may not be true for every location, it may be possible in some markets where there are a lot of hotels or not many extended stay hotels.

Tru by Hilton

When I think of top hotel brands, Tru definitely has to be up there! Tru is a select service brand that focuses on minimal yet detailed oriented and meaningful design and experiences. At Tru, you get all the essentials in a perfect balance of form and function. With tons of storage, plenty of spaces to charge your devices, a mobile desk, and our big, bright bathrooms, everything you need is in easy reach. Tru really is a very detail oriented brand taking into account the smallest of details to make the overall stay better.

While I haven’t featured this specific brand on the blog , my previous stays include the following locations:

  • Tru by Hilton Lancaster East
  • Tru by Hilton Denver (PA)
  • Tru by Hilton Roanoke Hollins

Pros:

  • One thing I love about Tru is each location has unique touches and nods to the area and community it is located in. This gives it less of a cookie cutter feel despite being a franchised hotel.
  • I can’t talk about Tru without mentioning the amazing breakfast! Tru provides a large selection of hot foods, baked goods and of course the main star, pancakes! A full pancake topping bar and cool pancake machine are the true highlights of the mornings.
  • Considering the rooms are smaller yet more detail oriented, the bathrooms are very spacious and offer plenty of hooks to hang towels on. Finally a hotel brand got this detail right! I’m so tired of hotels forgetting about hanging towels or clothes up while you are getting ready. 
  • Blackout curtains are mounted inside the window frame meaning there is no annoying gap on either side of the curtains. This really makes a huge difference in making the room dark for sleeping no matter the time of day.
  • I love the lobby design! The lobby offers plenty of seating, places to get some work done and even some games like foosball and pool to pass the time.
  • Tru hotels are new build hotels meaning they are built from the ground up and aren’t existing hotels converted or renovated into a Tru. This means most locations are newer which means a more comfortable stay.
  • Yet another thing Tru remembered is putting in an automatic night light in the bathroom so you can see as you walk to the bathroom in the middle of the night! Anyone else tired of tripping or bashing their legs into furniture? I know I sure am! Thank you Tru! Someone finally also got this detail right!

Cons:

  • Keep in mind these rooms are smaller and don’t offer coffee makers, microwaves or have large walk in closets. There is more focus on the small details and essentials.
  • I personally wish there was more lighting instead of just having one desk lamp, and overhead lighting above the beds. While I like the lights over the bed, I wish there was a way to turn off only one side without turning off the whole thing.
  • Be aware there are not many room types at Tru. Tru focuses mainly on rooms with one king size bed or two queens as well as accessible rooms. If you are looking for a suite or larger room, this may not be the brand for you.

Hampton by Hilton

Wow! Noticing a pattern here with Hilton? They are really on a roll here! I definitely couldn’t make this list and not include Hampton. 

Hampton is a midscale hotel designed to compete against other limited service brands like Fairfield Inn by Marriott, Holiday Inn Express, and Comfort Inn/Comfort Suites. As of December 2019, Hampton by Hilton includes 2,544 hotels in 30 countries and territories with 266,933 rooms, including 72 that are managed with 10,061 rooms and 2,472 that are franchised with 256,872 rooms. 

In my latest post, I reported and commented on the new prototype Hampton Inn has that is about to be rolled out. In some aspects I was a little more tough on the chain since I love it so much. One of those reasons has to do with the service alone. I find that along with many other Hilton hotels, the service is unparalleled. That paired with excellent designed and modern rooms makes for a perfect stay.

A quick fun fact before we jump into our pros and cons, did you know the Hampton Inn chain was originally started by Holiday Inn? It wasn’t until 1999 that many Hilton chains like Hampton Inn, Embassy Suites, and Homewood Suites would join Hilton under a massive $3.7 billion dollar purchase. Could you imagine how different the hotel industry would have turned out if that purchase never happened?

I previously featured this brand on the blog many times in the Touristician Reviews series. Previous stays include the following locations:

Pros:

  • Very easy to find a location especially when traveling on a major highway. You could legitimately take a rock and hit several Hampton hotels. (Although I wouldn’t recommend doing so while driving. Not only is that dangerous, it is also very illegal). 
  • Extremely consistent service and rooms. There are not as many locations left that are old or run down. Additionally, the service is always impeccable and never fails to deliver. 
  • While some hotels don’t provide microwaves anymore, Hampton Inn is one of the few out there that still does. 
  • Plenty of room for storage in spacious closets, dressers and cabinets. Perfect for families with lots of luggage.
  • The perfect place for anyone traveling for business, vloggers, or college students who need to get work done. Large desk areas with desk lamps, and amble outlets provide the perfect place to work as well as relax.
  • Extremely spacious bathrooms offer oversized backlit mirrors, ample counter space, plenty of storage for liens, as well as plenty of towel racks/hooks. I always loved how Hampton over stocks the liens in the bathrooms and doesn’t put them over the toilet. (I always hate when hotels have a small towel bar and lien storage above the toilet. It is honestly disgusting). 

Cons:

  • While I personally have not had this happen to me, Hampton is supposedly more noisy compared to other chains. However, I personally never had an issue with this at Hampton as I tend to stay in newer or renovated locations.
  • Inconsistent bathroom design across the brand. To be honest this is to be expected with a long established chain with several thousand locations. However, I notice there are more inconsistencies with this brand than other Hilton brands. For example there are a lot of different layouts, shower designs (walk in, shower doors, bathtub combo, etc).
    • I’d suggest you do your research before picking a Hampton location. If there are multiple locations, pick the most updated and higher rated location.
  • Take note because there are so many Hampton Inn locations, there may be multiple locations within the same town or city you are staying in often only minutes apart. This may confuse your travel plans. Make sure you really research and know exactly what location you are booking and going to.

Holiday Inn Express by IHG

Built upon the spirit of the original Holiday Inn chain, Holiday Inn Express was created in 1990 aimed to revolutionize select service travel for the newer generations. Compared to a full service Holiday Inn, the Express variation focuses on limited service with no on site restaurants, room service or ballrooms. Instead Holiday Inn Express features free breakfast each morning, fitness and pool facilities, and higher end more detailed rooms. 

The brand aims to provide a perfect balance between offering a place to get work done yet offering a relaxing environment to recharge your batteries with a restful night’s sleep. As of 2021, the brand hit a milestone during its 30th anniversary year opening its 3,000th location. 

I previously featured this brand on the blog many times in the Touristician Reviews series. Previous stays include the following locations:

  • Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lancaster – Mount Joy
  • Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lancaster East – Strasburg (Not featured on the blog)
  • Holiday Inn Express Baltimore at the Stadiums (Not featured on the blog)
  • Holiday Inn Express Atlantic City W Pleasantville (Not featured on the blog)

Previously I used to say this was my favorite hotel brand ever. However, this brand is starting to lose its place as one of my favorites. Last few times I have stayed there were many issues and inconsistencies some of which keep happening over and over again. The last time I stayed was the straw that broke the camel’s back. However, I did still decide to include this on my last as I did enjoy a majority of my stays before these issues and am hoping that maybe next stay will be better. 

Pros:

  • Very detailed oriented rooms include embroidered pillowcases to help mark the firmness of each pillow, reading lights over the headboards, and ample storage space.
  • Rooms do include a microwave which is a huge plus since most hotels do not offer this in rooms anymore. (From observation, it appears to be an industry wide trend).
  • Spacious bathrooms with plenty of lien storage, backlit mirrors and plenty of counter space to get ready in the morning.
  • Perfect balance between business and leisure. Rooms offer large work spaces while the hotels themselves offer business centers and meeting spaces all while keeping focus on leisure. Even if you’re not traveling for business, you’ll find this isn’t a turn off. 
  • Most locations offer king size suites that feature larger living spaces, a small kitchenette area and larger bathroom. This is a huge plus since some select service brands don’t offer suites.
  • Good service at the properties and very responsive customer service from the brand.
    • Honestly nothing to rave about. It isn’t horrible yet isn’t over the top amazing. I would say Hilton does a much better job with service and pulls out all the stops everytime and consistently. 
  • Easy to use mobile app allows for mobile check in to be a breeze. I actually did this before and it was so easy and well worth it. All I had to do when I got to the hotel was pick up my keys. I do wish there was a digital key option for the rooms on the app, but that isn’t a huge deal.

Cons:

  • Extremely inconsistent and poorer quality breakfast. Last few times I have stayed, I noticed the breakfast choices were very slim and the quality of the food went down hill drastically compared to a few years ago. Take our cinnamon roll incident from Mount Joy as an example.
  • Cleanliness issues appear to be more common especially in the bathrooms, on the flooring and on the appliances (fridges & microwaves).
  • Like Hampton Inn, there are so many Holiday Inn Express locations which often means there are multiple locations within the same town or city that are only minutes apart. This may confuse your travel plans. Make sure you really research and know exactly what location you are booking and going to.

Final Thoughts:

In conclusion, the journey of discovering and experiencing various hotel brands has been eye-opening and enriching. Each stay has offered valuable insights and memorable encounters, shaping my perspective as a traveler. As I look ahead to future adventures, I eagerly anticipate the evolution of these hotel brands and the new experiences they will offer. With a blend of nostalgia for past stays and a sense of anticipation for the future, I am grateful for the diverse range of hospitality experiences that have enriched my travels.

What do you think of my top hotel brands? Do you agree with this list? Let us know down in the comments section below, and as always, if you are enjoying our content, be sure to subscribe to never miss a single post.

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PA Weekend Getaway (Part 1) – Hotel Review & Ice Cream Experience

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After a long tiring (yet rewarding) semester of college and a hectic work schedule, I decided to take a brief vacation from work and do a quick overnight trip to Pennsylvania to kick back and relax. In today’s Touristician Review I will be recapping my trip from my hotel and all the stops I made along the way. In part one, we will be focusing on the hotel review and our visit to The Turkey Hill Experience. In part two, we’ll focus on the restaurants we are at during our trip. So without further ado, let’s dive into today’s review!

Holiday Inn Express Lancaster – Mount Joy, PA

Customer Service – 5/5

One of the main reasons I always choose this particular brand is because of the high service standards and never having a problem with service. This time was no different. Upon entering the hotel, the gentlemen working the front desk gave a very friendly and welcoming greeting. I honestly didn’t catch his name but I wish I did so I could have left a positive comment about him online. It honestly felt good to be on the receiving end of a check in versus on the giving end. Throughout the check-in process, the gentlemen were very friendly, helpful by providing information on the amenities and also thanked me for being an IHG Rewards member. Being a rewards member, I was able to get the membership rate of $127.00 for the stay plus taxes versus $149.00 for the standard rack rate. Honestly not a bad deal at all! Well worth it!

As a fellow front desk agent who also works in the industry, to see someone else doing your job and killing it (in a good way), is absolutely amazing to see.

Rooms – 3.8/5

Now for one of the most important areas of the review, the hotel room! This particular location was brand new and only about a year old. When you entered the halls, lobby, etc you can definitely tell it was new since it had that new building smell.

Overall, I was very impressed with the design of the room and the attention to detail that was done in the room. For example, the pillows being embroidered with the type of pillow it was (soft, firm, etc.). This not only is amazing attention to detail, but it helps you be more comfortable while relaxing and sleeping. Many of the hotels don’t do this and it makes figuring out what kind of pillow you are using difficult and more time consuming. On top of very detail oriented rooms, the technology utilized at this location is very impressive and should be used at all their locations. Upon walking in and turning on the television, you are greeted with a screen that welcomes you, says your name on top and acts as a personal concierge. From the tv you can view your bill, check out, request a late check out, explore attractions in the area as well as get information about the hotel.

You may be asking, why such a low score for such an impressive room? One of the main reasons for such a low score was due to some minor cleanliness issues in the bathroom of the room. It was mostly some soap scum stains under the shelving units in the shower, shampoo and soap remiance (these came from the shampoo, body wash and dispensers in the shower. IGH eliminated single use toiletry items [with the exception of soap] and replaced them with dispensers in the bathrooms). Other than those few issues there were a few stains on the wallpaper but they were not earth shattering nor did they affect the functionality of the bathroom.

The only other cleanliness issue I had was the microwave in the room was covered in food. It appeared like it was some kind of soup broth. (I’m honestly not sure what it was). Regardless, it was pretty gross.

Amenities – 3/5

I’m going to be honest, this was the most disappointing part of the stay right here. Upon going down for breakfast at 8am, the cinnamon rolls that were under the lamp were dry, crusty and hard. I can tell they haven’t been changed out for a while. When I went to get a fresh one that wasn’t warmed, I found a piece of plastic in the roll as I bit into it. Also too, I can tell food wasn’t being rotated out like it should have been either. A lot of the food looked like it was out for a while when I went down. I would say the absolute worst thing about today was seeing the breakfast server take the garbage can full of trash, put it on the coffee counter where I just made coffee moments earlier, take the garbage out, put a new bag in, then put the can back and never wiped down the counter.

As someone who works in the industry, I definitely have a level of understanding for employees who work in hotels. However, when I see simple things like this being done incorrectly and food not being handled safely where it affects you, I do get fired up so to speak about it. I think if you work in the industry, you tend to be a lot more nit picky and notice everything that a normal guest wouldn’t see since you’re exposed to the line of work daily.

Final Thoughts & Rating

Overall, minus the few issues I had with the stay, I did have a very nice relaxing stay. Getting back to customer service for a second, when I did mention the issues I had the brand and management was very polite and professional and handled all the issues I addressed with them. As mentioned above, one of the main reasons I always choose this particular brand is because of the high service standards and never having a problem with service.


Rating the hotel on a scale of 1 to 5, I would rate this location a 3.8/5! But hang on, that’s not the end of the review! We still have an ice cream factory to talk about!

The Turkey Hill Experience – Columbia, Pennsylvania

The Turkey Hill Experience features interactive exhibits allowing you to learn about dairy culture, the story of Turkey Hill Dairy, and how the company’s ice cream and iced tea flavors are selected and created. The best part is the unlimited free samples of iced tea and ice cream!

I have to say this was a very fun and interesting experience. When was the last time you were to eat unlimited amounts of free ice cream and sample as many ice tea and lemonade products? That was honestly the best part of the whole place! Despite having a lot of exhibits geared towards younger children, the displays and history where very interesting to both learn about and see. My favorite exhibit was the one where you had to pick a ice cream flavor and be quizzed on what went in it. Overall, a very fun stop on the trip.

If you enjoyed today’s review, be sure to check out part 2 of this post coming out shortly. In part 2, we’ll be covering all the delicious eats and restaurants that where experienced during this weekend trip.

A Day in the Life of a Full Service Hotel Front Desk Agent

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Author: Blake

Ever wonder what it’s like to work in a full service hotel for a day? You’re in luck today! Today, I will be taking you inside a day in my shoes as a front desk agent at a full service hotel. Just a quick note I want to mention, not every hotel is the exact same or runs the same since each property is unique or has different standards. For example, if you work in a select service hotel (a hotel with no ballrooms and select amenities) or a full service hotel (a hotel with ballrooms ,restaurants and expanded amenities), it will change your work environment. I hope you all enjoy it and if you have any questions or comments, feel free to post them down below!

America’s Best Value Under The Sun

Before I take you through my day to day, let’s explore the property I work at and essentially consider a second home. So prior to being a Days Hotel, the property opened as a Holiday Inn in 1974. In 2016 the property was renovated and converted into a Days Hotel. The hotel currently has two ballrooms, a restaurant, indoor pool, fitness center, outdoor patio area. There are a total of 173 rooms in the hotel which makes us the largest hotel in town. 

You may be asking yourself, what’s a Days Hotel? Days Hotel is the same brand as Days Inn. The reason for using the word Hotel instead of Inn is due to the fact of how many rooms we have and also the fact we are a full service hotel. I’ll be honest, I was just as confused too when I first started but when you think about it, it does make perfect sense. 

I know the Days Inn brand does not have the best image to it. You may think of a rundown or poorly kept location on the side of the interstate. Well… you wouldn’t be wrong there about the brand since a lot of locations are like that. However, not every location is like that. Take mine for example, our property is one of the best Days just simply for how well it is run and how well it is maintained. In a future article, we’ll cover this topic more.

Holiday Inn vs Days Hotel Before & After Photos:

It’s amazing how hard it was to find these photos. I really had to dig for them in the archives but I found them. It was totally amazing to see how the hotel has changed from since I was to a kid to now working there. I remember attending a wedding here as a kid and looking back at these photos and comparing them to what I see daily is just crazy and brings back some memories.

Before taking you through a day in my shoes, I just want to quickly point a few things out and explain a few of the changes made to the building. One of the maybe not so clear things is the changes to the Coral Ballroom and restaurant area. Originally as seen below in the 3rd set of photos, the ballroom was a lot smaller than it was now. When the building was renovated, a part of the restaurant was demolished to create the bigger ballroom you see in the after photo. The restaurant is still there today but is smaller than it once was. Of course by doing this that whole dining room was redone. If I am being honest, I sort of like the original restaurant layout and ballroom design better. (If any of my bosses are reading those please don’t fire me lol). However when I think about it, I see why and it makes sense to increase the size of the ballroom so we can host two events at the same time. (Which is what currently happens here a lot of times on weekends).

The only other thing I want to point out that was a major change is the removal of the saunas and hot tub in the pool area. Sadly, I couldn’t find any photos of these amenities as many of these older photos are disappearing. I am very happy to recover these photos and keep the history of the hotel alive. As I work day to day and roam the halls, I can definitely still see touches of Holiday Inn and design elements of from the past still preserved. For example, we still have in the storage area some original Holiday Inn posters with the old school Holiday Inn logo. If my bosses are reading this, DON’T EVEN THINK ABOUT THROWING THOSE OUT!

Just Another “Typical” Day

First, let me begin by saying there is no such thing as “just another day” for me at my hotel. My surroundings are always changing from having 2 weddings in house to having a full house during a busy holiday weekend. Depending on what is going on in the hotel on a particular day, it all shapes how my day will be. Like, I just mentioned having weddings. If I have no weddings, then I can expect for the most part a slower day depending on the time of year. On the flip side, if I have two weddings going on at the same time, I can expect a busier day and know to be prepared for it. Despite having events or not, busy or slow, I still make sure to do the best job I know I can do and am expected to do.  

The Daily Grind

Typically, I begin my day at 3pm and will wrap up my day around 11pm. When I first come in, I meet up with my team and get filled in on everything that is going on and what happened in the morning. After that, I head around to the desk where all the action happens. I typically check my arrivals, my availability and prepare accordingly. Depending on the day, I can get anywhere from 10 arrivals, if it is slow, to over 100 if it is busy. Of course one of my main jobs is to check guests in and out, serve my guests and assist them with whatever they may need. 

Sometimes if there are banquets going on, I will jump in the back and help out as needed. Typically, I only can do that if there is another front desk agent working with me and if it’s not overly busy at the desk. I’m very big on being a team player and helping out where I can. For example, if I go into housekeeping to get more towels, if I see the dryers are done and finished, I’ll take the extra few minutes and empty them for the housekeepers so that it is less work for them.     

Anything Can Happen…

Remember how I said how no day is ever the exact same? With the fact, anything can happen anytime and anywhere in the hotel, it makes each day different
and sometimes challenging. On some days you will have a busy shift but it is quiet where nothing happens and there are other days you have a mix of both. From having emergency situations to dealing with crazy people, anything can happen. Sometimes you even have things happen that you have never seen before and you can’t believe it. Believe me, I have plenty of stories to tell and some I still can’t believe even after some time. For example one of my most recent stories includes a guest screaming at a bush outside and having a solid one on one argument with the bush. I think the bush one though… cause after a while the guest gave up. It’s things like this that make the job interesting and play a part in the idea that not everyday is the same. I can honestly, sit and write about all my crazy stories for hours. If you want to hear some of those stories go check out our Top 10 Craziest Stories as Told By Front Desk Agents blog post.

Advantages of Working Full Service:

At this point, you may be thinking why would I want to work in a full service hotel, it seems like a lot of work. I’ll be totally honest, some days are very challenging and you’re running around like crazy while other days it is a lot slower paced. One reason I love full service is for this very reason the fact there is that balance of slow days and busy days. So you’ll never just be dead slow or insanely busy all the time. I tend to notice this more on weekends where Fridays and Saturdays are insane followed by a relaxed Sunday to end off the week.

Another reason I love full service is the fact of the people you meet during your typical shift from the events going on or the large groups coming in. Sometimes you meet the coolest people from these groups and you suddenly find yourself talking with them as if you knew them for a long time. I think the best example of this that sticks out to me is the time this gentleman came up to me and told me he was inside my hotel when it was being built during the late 1970s. He told me this story of how the police department used the half built building for police drills and training. If that wasn’t cool enough, he took out his wallet and showed me pictures of the hotel during construction and of the drills. Even months later, I still put this at the top of my list as one of the coolest interactions I had.

Sunset At The Days

As the day fades into the night and it turns 11, my shift officially comes to an end. Before I leave for the night, I do any paperwork or reports I need to do, count the drawers again and finally I hand off the night to the night auditor. Typically, I fill them in on what happened all throughout the day, things they need to know and anything that needs to be passed on to the morning crew. Lastly before I clock out I make sure the cabinet with all the towels and extra linens is stocked for the night so it makes the night crew’s job easier. After all that is finished, I head out for the night and wait to do it all again the next day. 

And that is a day in my life! Thank you all for enjoying this blog!