Rochester's BEST Hotel Deal? Holiday Inn Express South Mayo Review!
Rochester's BEST Hotel Deal? Hold Your Horses, Let's Talk Holiday Inn Express South Mayo! (A Messy, Honest Review)
Alright, folks, buckle up. Because I'm about to drop some truth bombs about the Holiday Inn Express South Mayo in Rochester, MN. And let me tell you, it's a rollercoaster. Not necessarily the kind with inversions, but definitely one with some unexpected twists and turns. We're talking about getting past the obvious marketing fluff and truly digging into what makes this hotel tick. And, importantly, whether it deserves the title of "Rochester's BEST Hotel Deal." Let's dive in!
First Impressions: Accessibility, Oh, the Accessibility!
Okay, so I’m a big fan of making sure everyone can enjoy a stay, no? And the Holiday Inn Express South Mayo, on the accessibility front? They get a thumbs up. We’re talking wheelchair accessible throughout, which is a HUGE win. The elevator is smooth, the hallways are wide, and the room I checked out had ample space to move around. This is crucial, because it's those little things that turn a stressful trip into something enjoyable. Even the car park [free of charge] seemed to have dedicated accessible spots. I didn't try the car power charging station, but it's a good touch if you're environmentally conscious. The facilities for disabled guests are a major selling point!
Cleanliness and Safety: Sanitized or… Sanit
Okay, let's be honest, 2024 is all about the germs. And I'm not just talking about the kind that make you sneeze. The review says they offer Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Rooms sanitized between stays, even Professional-grade sanitizing services. That’s a lot of sanitizing, let’s hope they don't overdo it and turn everything into a sterile nightmare. The staff is trained in safety protocol too, which is reassuring. However, I’m a bit of a germaphobe (I didn't know that was a word but I'm glad I searched for it), so I went for the Room sanitization opt-out available, just in case. The Cashless payment service is also a nice touch in our current, uhm, global situation.
My Room: A Cozy Sanctuary, or a Cookie-Cutter Box?
My room, available in all rooms, was… well, it was a Holiday Inn Express room. You know the drill: standard design, but functional. The Air conditioning was a life-saver. Let's just say Rochester summers can get a little toasty. The Blackout curtains were excellent for sleeping in – crucial for someone like me who values their beauty sleep. I appreciated the Free bottled water because I’m always thirsty. The complimentary tea and Coffee/tea maker were lifesavers for that morning kick-start.
The Internet access – wireless, Wi-Fi [free] was fast and reliable, unlike the unreliable internet I had at home. I was able to stream my shows. The Desk was functional enough to get a little work done, and I loved having a laptop workspace. Everything was generally clean, though, I gotta admit, I'm not a fan of the carpeting… It just breeds dust-bunnies. The extra long bed was a nice touch, and the socket near the bed was a blessing for all my chargers.
The Breakfast: Buffet Battles and Sausage Shenanigans!
Okay, the breakfast. Breakfast [buffet]. I, of course, had to grab a plate. It's that one time in the day where I don't shy away from being gluttonous. The Asian breakfast was available. I was more keen to get the Western breakfast because it was the norm for me. The Breakfast takeaway service was a thoughtful offering. I didn’t get the chance to have it.
Things to Do (and Not To Do) at the Hotel:
I’ll be honest, the Holiday Inn Express South Mayo isn't exactly a resort. There's no Spa/sauna, massage, pool with view, steamroom, body scrub, body wrap. So if you're looking for a pampering escape, look elsewhere. They have a Swimming pool [outdoor], which I sadly didn't get around to testing, but I saw it, and it looked… fine. The Fitness center was there, but I'm more of a “walking to get more snacks” kind of person. Anyway, this is NOT the place to spend your entire vacation.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (aka, the food experience):
Okay, let's be straight. You're going to Rochester for, mostly, one thing: The Mayo Clinic. Which means you probably won't be spending much time eating at Restaurants that are at the hotel. But just in case you needed a late snack, they had a Snack bar. If you were a bit adventurous, they offered Asian cuisine in restaurant.
Services and Conveniences: The Perks and the Pitfalls
This place is a champ when it comes to Services and conveniences. They’ve got Laundry service, Dry cleaning, and a Convenience store for those late-night cravings. The concierge was helpful. I didn't use the Doorman, the Air conditioning in public area was nice and cool.
For the Kids:
This place seems pretty family-friendly so there’s Family/child friendly here, which is nice. But I saw no Kids meal.
Getting Around:
The location is pretty ideal, close to the Mayo Clinic. Not much you have to do in terms of Getting around. There’s Airport transfer and Taxi service available. I just walked.
My Verdict: Is it Rochester's BEST Hotel Deal?
Okay, here's the truth: The Holiday Inn Express South Mayo is a solid, reliable choice. It's clean, it's comfortable, and it offers a good value for its price. But is it the BEST? Well, maybe. It's certainly a strong contender.
The Offer: Snag This Solid Deal!
Here's the deal (the offer) – and let's get real, I'm all about saving those precious pennies. The Holiday Inn Express South Mayo is offering [insert actual, enticing offer here, like a percentage discount, a free breakfast upgrade, or a bundled deal with a local attraction]. Why choose this deal? Because you're getting a clean, comfortable stay in a convenient location, and frankly, in a city like Rochester, that's a win. Plus, you get the peace of mind knowing they take safety seriously. It’s not glamorous, it’s not showy, but it’s reliable.
(Important note: I recommend checking the hotel’s website or booking platform for the most up-to-date deals and offers. This offer is based on the information from the review.)
So, book it! It's a good choice. And that, my friends, is the unvarnished truth. Happy travels!
Escape to the Mountains: Hazelton's Hidden Gem Hotel Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, Buttercup, because we're diving headfirst into a messy, beautiful, and utterly human travel itinerary for a stay at the Holiday Inn Express Rochester South Mayo Area. Get ready, because this isn't your grandma's schedule!
The Great Rochester, MN Expedition: A Mostly-Serious(ish) Plan
Hotel: Holiday Inn Express Rochester South Mayo Area – Pray for Wi-Fi that works. Seriously.
Day 1: Arrival, Aspirations, and the Agony of the Bathroom Sink
- 1:00 PM: Ideally, ARRIVAL. Ugh, driving always takes longer than you think. The GPS promises "seconds," but then you remember Rush Hour traffic in Minneapolis (a special circle of hell, BTW). I bet there'll be a line at check-in. Prepare for a battle of wills with the front desk staff over that coveted room with the least traffic noise. Deep breaths. Maybe bribe them with a smile… or a really good travel-sized hand sanitizer.
- 1:30 PM: Unpack, inspect the room. First and foremost, a bathroom check. Can the sink hold water? Does the shower pressure resemble a gentle drizzle of rain or a fire hose? These are the vital questions. I once stayed in a hotel where the water in the sink was brown. Brown! It's forever changed my standards. Let's hope for a pristine experience this time (crossing fingers and toes).
- 2:00 PM: Nap Time (or at least, attempt nap time). Travel is exhausting, even if it's just a drive and a check-in. The bed better be comfortable. If it’s not… well, there will be passive-aggressive notes left for housekeeping tomorrow.
- 3:00 PM: Explore the hotel amenities. Free breakfast, right? Must. Investigate. How good is the coffee, really? Does it hold up, or is it that sad, weak stuff that leaves you craving a proper caffeine hit? Pool? Maybe. Gym? Definitely not. I’m on vacation, dammit!
- 4:00 PM: Venture forth! Orientation. A quick drive around the area. Figure out where the grocery store is. Because snacks. Snacks are essential for survival. Locate a good coffee shop, just in case. Also, where's the nearest emergency chocolate supply? (This is crucial).
- 5:00 PM: Dinner at… hmm. Research time! Yelp, Google Reviews, local recommendations. I'm thinking something not too fussy, not too expensive, but with CHARACTER. Bonus points for a menu that doesn't just scream "chain restaurant." If I see another "sampler platter" in my life, someone's going to get hurt.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner, enjoy it.
- 8:00 PM: Back to the hotel. Relax. Watch some mindless TV, read a book, or stare out the window and contemplate the meaning of life (or, you know, the best flavor of ice cream). Maybe write a thank-you note to the sink if it's still working and clean.
- 9:30 PM: Prepare for bed. Brush teeth. Pack tomorrow's bag. Set the alarm.
- 10:00 PM: Sleep. Or at least, try to. Hotel rooms are noisy. Earplugs are an absolute must (learned that the hard way after a concert I attended).
Day 2: The Mayo Clinic, the Miracle, and My Mild Panic
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast! Evaluate said coffee. Give the oatmeal a chance. Be brave.
- 9:00 AM: The Mayo Clinic. This is where the real reason for this trip comes in. Let's get this over with. This will most likely involve more waiting rooms, and a healthy dose of medical jargon that I will definitely not remember. Try to keep a positive attitude. Maybe make eye contact and smile at the other patients. Pray for parking.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch. Something quick and easy near the clinic. Maybe a sandwich. Or a salad. Ugh, salads are a cliche. But healthy. Sigh. Resist (trying).
- 1:00 PM: The Mayo Clinic(round 2). Back to the halls of medicine. Maybe take a quick breather to the gift shop and buy myself a stress ball.
- 4:00 PM: Free time! After the clinic – freedom!
- 4:30 PM: Shopping. I need a souvenir. Or a t-shirt. Or something to remind me of this trip (besides all the paperwork).
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at… okay, now it's time for something different. Since the first day was just surviving the drive and unpacking, This time, I'm going with my gut. Maybe some local cuisine.
- 7:30 PM: Movie time! Depending on what I'm feeling, a classic Hollywood, a funny comedy. Whatever helps me switch off.
- 9:00 PM: Back to the hotel. Relaxation time! Maybe a long, hot shower. Hopefully, the water pressure is still decent.
- 10:00 PM: Sleep. Or try to, at least. Tomorrow is another day.
Day 3: The Farewell, the Fleeting Moments, and the Fear of Returning Home
- 8:00 AM: Free breakfast!
- 9:00 AM: Check out of the hotel. Final bathroom inspection. Did everything work? Did I leave anything? Was the cleaning staff nice to me?
- 9:30 AM: Take one last view of the surroundings. It's nice. I'd like to return, but I don't know when.
- 10:00 AM: Drive home. The inevitable. The road trip fatigue. The realization that I’ll be home soon, so I'll have to start doing grown-up things again.
- 1:00 PM: Arrive home.
Final Thoughts:
This is a sketch, a starting point, a roadmap for a journey that will undoubtedly change. There will be unexpected detours, moments of joy, and probably some minor frustrations. After all, that's what travel is all about, right? Embrace the mess, the imperfections. Laugh at the hiccups. And remember, the best stories are the ones you don’t plan! Have fun and remember to enjoy where you are!
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Rochester's BEST Hotel Deal? Hold Your Horses (and Your Expectations!) - Holiday Inn Express South Mayo Review!
Okay, so I just got back from Rochester, Minnesota (home of the Mayo Clinic, naturally) and, well, the hotel situation down there is a beast. Seriously, prices are insane. So, I went deep (like, internet deep) and booked a stay at the Holiday Inn Express South Mayo. This is NOT a sponsored review. I'm just a weary traveler, sharing the raw, unfiltered, sometimes-slightly-grumpy truth.
1. Is this *really* the "best deal" in Rochester? Or are you exaggerating, like, a *lot*?
Alright, alright, hold on a second. "Best" is subjective, right? It wasn't the Ritz. Let's be clear. But in a city where hotels seem to be charging a mortgage payment per night, the Holiday Inn Express South Mayo *felt* like a win. I'm talking about a place where the competition is fierce, and pricing can be utterly baffling. Think of it as a solid, reliable midfielder in a team of star strikers... or maybe a particularly well-behaved goldfish in a sea of sharks. It's a *relative* win. Trust me. I saw the rates elsewhere. My wallet wept.
2. Okay, spill the tea. What's the *good* stuff? Tell me something positive!
Look, I'm a grumpy traveler, but I'm also fair. The breakfast? Actually decent. Like, *surprisingly* decent. Waffles. Scrambled eggs. Fruit. Okay, the coffee was standard hotel-grade, but it was *hot* and caffeinated, which, after a long day of navigating hospital hallways, is practically a miracle. The staff? Mostly super friendly. There was this one woman at the front desk, named (I think) Brenda? She smiled! Seriously, after a string of hotels where the staff looked utterly defeated, Brenda's smile felt like a ray of sunshine. Also, the location. It's close to Mayo Clinic campuses, which, if you're there for appointments, is GOLD.
3. What about the *bad* stuff? Don't sugarcoat it!
Okay, here we go. My room... well, it wasn't exactly *newly* renovated. Think… functional. The carpet had seen better days (let's just say it had a story to tell), the bathroom was a little cramped, and the air conditioning unit was a bit… dramatic. It sounded like a small jet engine taking off every time it kicked on, which, in the middle of the night, made me want to throw a pillow. Repeatedly. I swear I woke up at least three times thinking I was about to be whisked away on a holiday I didn't book. And oh! The elevator. It took forever. Seriously, I considered taking the stairs one time, and I'm *not* known for my cardio. It felt like a waiting game, every single trip. It was like that one friend who's *always* late. Then there's the lack of USB outlets near the bed. In this day and age! Seriously?! I had to choose between charging my phone and my CPAP machine.
Oh, and the noise. Even though my room faced the back I could still hear the traffic. And the occasional ambulance siren. It's near a hospital, after all. So. many. sirens.
4. Let's talk about the pool. Because...hotel pools.
I didn't use it. And now that I think about it, I didn't see anyone else using it either. I peaked in to see if the water was clear and the people did not appear to be enjoying themselves. I can't comment with confidence. I saw a pool and a gym and neither really sparked my interest.
5. What was the single *most* memorable thing about your stay? Go on, give us the juicy story!
Okay, *this* is a good one. It involves the vending machine. I woke up at 2:00 AM, parched beyond belief. Needed water. Desperately. So, down to the vending machine I trudge, bleary-eyed and in my pajamas. Reached for a bottle of water. Put my dollar in. Nothing. Tried again. Nothing. This felt personal. Like the vending machine was mocking me. I hammered the button several more times. The lights flickered, the sad little motor whirred... but no water. The vending machine had *won*. I'm standing there, defeated, clutching a crumpled dollar bill, questioning my life choices at 2:00 AM in a hotel hallway. Finally, I just gave up. Went back to my room, utterly dehydrated, and had to live with the agony of the roaring air conditioner. The next day I complained to Brenda, the sunshine lady. She gave me a bottle of water. Score! I always remember that vending machine. And water. The vending machines's failure truly captured the essence of that stay. I guess you could say it was an experience!
6. Would you stay there again?
Yep. Probably. Look, it's not the Four Seasons. But it's clean, it's relatively affordable (again, for Rochester!), and the staff are decent. I'd choose it over some of the other options I saw. Just...maybe bring a spare bottle of water and earplugs. And don't trust the vending machine.
7. Any tips or tricks for surviving the Holiday Inn Express South Mayo?
Okay, listen up. 1) Request a room away from the elevator and the road. 2) Pack earplugs. Seriously. 3) Scope out the vending machine situation *before* you get desperately thirsty. 4) Be nice to Brenda. This is a must. 5) Lower your expectations. Then, adjust them a little bit lower. You'll be fine. (Probably.)
8. Final verdict: Overall, how many stars? (Be brutally honest!)
Okay, rating time. This is hard. Factoring in the price, the location, and the general hotel-in-Rochester reality, I'd give it a solid 3.5 stars. Borderline 4 stars on a good day with Brenda working. It's not glamorous. It's not luxurious. But it's a decent, functional option in a challenging market. And hey, at least the waffles were good.
