Yorkton's BEST Hotel? Holiday Inn Express Review!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into a review of this place, and let me tell you, I'm more excited than a seagull with a stolen french fry. We're talking the whole shebang, from the Wi-Fi that better work (because Instagram, duh!) to the actual, you know, rooms. Let's get messy with this!
First Impressions (and Oh, the Accessibility…):
Okay, first things first, accessibility. This is crucial, folks. I'm not disabled, but I get how important it is to feel included and comfortable. This place, thankfully, seems to get it too! Wheelchair accessibility is present. I saw elevators, wide hallways… it LOOKS like they've put some thought into it. They also have facilities for disabled guests, which is always reassuring. Now, whether it's PERFECTLY accessible? I can't 100% say, but the initial impression is good. (And I'm not a fan of places that skimp on this – shame, shame!).
The Internet – Because We Live Online Now:
Okay, the internet. Let's be brutally honest. It’s 2024 and the internet is as important as oxygen! "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" I'm already sold. The place needs this! Especially since they also offer Internet access – wireless and Internet access – LAN (for you old-school wired types). They have Internet services in general. They BETTER have it sorted! Imagine, me, frantically trying to update my Insta stories with a blurry pic because the Wi-Fi is garbage?! The horror!
Eating (and Drinking!) Your Way Through Paradise:
Food. My true love! Where do we even begin?
- Restaurants & Bars: Several restaurants! A bar, a poolside bar… I'm sensing a lot of deliciousness. A coffee shop. Room service [24-hour]. Snack bar. I'm practically salivating!
- The Buffet:* I always dread buffet breakfasts, it's like a food fight with no winners. No, not for me.
- Special Diets: Vegetarian restaurant… YES! More places that cater to non-meat eaters are always welcomed. Asian cuisine in restaurant and Asian breakfast? Okay now we're talking,
- Other Stuff: Bottle of water is a must-have, right? And happy hour? Well, sign me up, lol!
Relaxation Station: Spa, Pool, and Bliss:
Okay, I need a vacation, and the spa sounds like my idea of heaven. Sauna, steamroom, massage, and body scrub and body wrap? Seriously, can I just move in? A pool with a view is also calling my name, and the swimming pool [outdoor]? I sense a lot of lounging in my near future.
Cleanliness and Safety – Because Germs are Rude:
Given the current climate, this is HUGE. Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, hand sanitizer, physical distancing of at least 1 meter, professional-grade sanitizing services, and rooms sanitized between stays… okay, I'm breathing a sigh of relief. Staff trained in safety protocol is also reassuring. I'm less likely to catch a nasty bug if the staff is well-trained.
The Nitty Gritty: Services and Conveniences:
This is where a hotel can truly shine. Concierge, daily housekeeping (THANK YOU!), dry cleaning, elevator, luggage storage, laundry service, and cash withdrawal (because who carries cash anymore, but hey, it's good to know!). I appreciate the facilities for disabled guests, and the doorman is a nice touch of old-school elegance. They also have meeting/banquet facilities and indoor/outdoor venues for special events, which is good if you're planning something big.
For the Kiddos (and the Kid in You):
Family/child-friendly, kids facilities, and a babysitting service? If you're traveling with little ones, this is a HUGE plus. But if you're like me, a big kid at heart, then a good room to hide in is definitely what you need.
The Rooms – My Personal Oasis:
Here's where it gets real. Air conditioning, blackout curtains (essential for sleep-in!), coffee/tea maker (hello, morning caffeine!), daily housekeeping (again, a godsend!). Free bottled water (thank you!), hair dryer (because no one wants to look like a drowned rat), in-room safe box, laptop workspace, mini bar… I could go on, but let's just say, they've thought of the essentials. Separate shower/bathtub? Sign me up! Slippers and bathrobes? Pure luxury.
The Quirks & The Imperfections:
Okay, no place is PERFECT. I'd like to know about the safe dining setup? Is it actually good, or just a half-hearted attempt? And "proposal spot"? What, is there a designated place for awkward proposals to happen? (haha). And what about the "exterior corridor"? Does it feel safe, or am I going to be dodging weirdos all night? This is what really matters…
My Heart, My Brain, All the Feels:
I haven't stayed here (yet!), but the impression is strong. I'm getting a feeling of comfort, I love the soundproof rooms, as well as the non-Smoking rooms. The details suggest a hotel that cares about its guests. I'm already sold on the pool bar and the spa. I've also seen it, however, that it has no pets, and I understand, it's not all about me.
The "Book Now!" Plea:
So, listen. If you're looking for a place that seems to get it, that blends luxury with practicality, accessibility, and a commitment to your well-being, this place is seriously worth considering. The internet better work! The pool better be Instagrammable. And the spa? Oh, I need that spa. Don't wait, don't hesitate. Go forth and BOOK!
Final Verdict:
Based on this information, I'd say this place is definitely on my "to-stay" list. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go stare longingly at the pictures and fantasize about room service and a massage.
Escape to Paradise: Chongkhao Resort, Ko Phi Phi's Hidden Gem
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, 'cause you're about to experience my Yorkton, Saskatchewan, adventure – or at least, the planned part of it, which, let's be honest, never exactly goes according to plan. We're talking Holiday Inn Express Yorkton East by IHG, a place I have high hopes for, given the utter desolation of the drive up. Wish me luck, I'm gonna need it.
Yorkton Yonderings: A (Probably Flawed) Itinerary
(Day 1: The Arrival – AKA "Pray for No Flat Tires")
- Morning (6:00 AM - 11:00 AM -ish): Wake up. Greet the world with a grimace and a lukewarm coffee. Drive. Drive longer. Curse every single pothole between us and civilization. I am, without question, a terrible driver. My GPS is currently screaming at me about the right way to the hotel. I would make a joke about this but I have to focus on the road.
- Midday (11:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Arrive at the Holiday Inn Express. Stare longingly at the pool, which, according to the booking photos, looks incredibly inviting. Try not to look like a complete disaster after the drive. Hope the check-in process is smooth. (It never is). Pray to whatever travel gods exist that the room isn't next to the ice machine. Seriously, that ruins everything.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 3:00 PM): Unpack, assess the room situation (is it clean? Does the TV work?), and debate the merits of immediately collapsing in a heap versus actually doing something productive. Let's aim for "productive." Maybe. Perhaps a quick recon mission of the hotel facilities… is the gym a joke, or a legit thing?
- Afternoon/Evening (3:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Explore Yorkton! This is where things get vague. I’ve heard there’s a good coffee shop somewhere. Google Maps, guide me! Maybe hit up a local grocery store to snag some snacks. Gotta fuel this adventure, after all. And, of course, somewhere to eat. Maybe a quiet restaurant? (Highly unlikely).
- Evening (6:00 PM - Bedtime -ish): Food. Lots of food. Perhaps some local beer. I'm open to suggestions, Yorkton! Watch some TV (hopefully, it works), maybe call someone who isn't here with me. Read a book…or just scroll endlessly through my phone. Let's be honest, it's probably that last one. But I will have a beer. I will.
(Day 2: "Yorkton-ing" Around")
- Morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Attempt to eat breakfast without spilling coffee all over myself. Judge the quality of the complimentary breakfast. (I’m anticipating dry pastries. Let’s see if they can prove me wrong.) Force myself to exercise, because I’m trying to be "that person" and not just sit in a room and wallow.
- Morning/Afternoon (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM): This is where things get interesting. I'm told there's a cool art gallery and hopefully, it is open. I'll wander around, pretend to understand art, and hopefully not offend anyone with my incredibly basic opinions.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Lunch. I didn't plan lunch, I'll just go somewhere. Find a local eatery. This is where the real adventure begins. I’m terrible at choosing restaurants. I will overthink the menu and probably end up ordering something completely random.
- Late Afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Pool Time! (If the hotel's pool is as appealing as the pictures promised, and if I can resist the urge to immediately fall asleep on a comfy chair). Relax and soak up some sun? In late April in Saskatchewan? I will just close my eyes.
- Evening (6:00 PM - Bedtime -ish): Dinner, again. Perhaps I'll bravely try a different restaurant. Or, if I'm feeling particularly lazy, I'll just order takeout and eat it in my room while judging the Hallmark Channel. I hope that doesn't make me sound like a boring old lady.
(Day 3: Departure – AKA "Freedom!")
- Morning (6:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Breakfast…again. Pack. Check out. Try to leave the room in a remotely acceptable state. (This is the biggest challenge). This time, I will check for things. I always seem to leave something behind.
- Morning (9:00 AM - Depart): Drive. Drive. Drive. Wave goodbye to Yorkton. Vow to return…or mostly not.
- Anytime (On the road): Reflect on the trip. Realize I forgot something. Probably my toothbrush.
Real-World Ramblings and Imperfections, AKA "The Honest Stuff"
- The Room: Okay, I really, really hope the room is clean. I'm not a germaphobe, but I draw the line at suspicious stains. And the air conditioning better work. And the Wi-Fi… please, let the Wi-Fi work. The only things I care about are the air conditioning, the Wi-Fi, and the bed.
- The Food: I'm a picky eater. I'm also a person who needs to eat. This is a problem. I’ll inevitably get hangry, and then everything will fall apart. I hope that the local restaurants are reasonably good and have some options I can tolerate.
- The People: I'm an introvert. Talking to strangers is exhausting. I also hope that the people are nice.
- The Unexpected: This is my favorite part of traveling - stuff that goes wrong. The flat tire, the closed coffee shop, the wrong turns down the dirt road… Those are the moments that become the stories. I welcome the chaos.
- The Emotional Rollercoaster: I get really excited about trips before I go. Then, I get really anxious while I am there. Then, I feel sad when I am leaving.
- The Truth: This is going to be a total disaster in the most beautiful way possible. I guarantee it. But hey, at least I'll have a story. And hopefully, a slightly tan.
Okay, so… what *is* this thing even *about*? What's the point? Because, honestly, sometimes I'm not sure.
Ugh, good question. Honestly? Ask me tomorrow. Or maybe never. The point? Well, this is supposed to be a place where I try to answer questions, probably badly, and overthink everything. It's about… life, I guess? The messy, beautiful, frustrating, hilarious, and occasionally soul-crushing aspects of it. Today I'm leaning heavily towards 'soul-crushing' after a particularly brutal run-in with a washing machine. Long story. The point is to connect--or at least it's supposed to, to get some of the thoughts out of my head, and maybe, just maybe, help someone else feel a little less alone in the glorious chaos.
What qualifies *you* to answer ANY questions? Are you, like, an expert? Because I have my doubts.
Expert? HAH! I'm an expert in *making mistakes*. I've got a PhD in overthinking and a minor in "falling flat on my face." Seriously, if you *want* the wrong answer, ask me! But if you want a relatable perspective, a dash of humor to go with the existential dread, and a guarantee that I'm *also* trying to figure things out? Well, welcome aboard. Let's just say I have a significant amount of lived experience. Mostly bad. Lots of learning the hard way. But hey, at least it's interesting, right?
So, all this is just your… opinion? Are you trying to sell me something?
YES! Everything here is basically my skewed, highly subjective opinion, served up with a side of 'probably wrong.' And nope, not selling anything. Unless you count the idea that maybe, just maybe, we can all laugh at the absurdity of it all. I mean, there's no magic pill or secret formula here. Just me, trying to make sense of the world... and failing spectacularly, on a regular basis. Hopefully, you find it entertaining. Or, at the very least, a distraction from whatever else is currently torturing you.
You mentioned washing machines… what *did* happen with the washing machine? This is intriguing.
Ugh, the washing machine. Don't even *get* me started. Okay, fine, I'll tell you. It started innocently enough. Laundry day. Standard. But then… the machine wouldn’t drain. I messed with it, like an idiot, thinking I could fix it. (I have a history of this. Remember the time I tried to "mend" a broken microwave with duct tape? Yeah.) Anyway, I fished out what I thought was a stray button... Turns out it was a *rock*. A freaking rock. And the washing machine? Still broken. And now, my bathroom floor is flooded. So, yeah, that's my day. The lesson? Leave the plumbing to people who know what they're doing. And maybe never trust a washing machine again. Seriously, they're plotting something. I'm pretty sure of it. Now I'm seriously considering buying a new washing machine. But which one? It's a whole new rabbit hole, isn't it?
Okay, let's get to something a little… bigger. What's the meaning of… well, *everything*? Go on, hit me with your best shot.
Right, so the meaning of *everything*. Easy! (Said with a heavy dose of sarcasm.) Look, if I had a definitive answer, I'd be sipping Mai Tais on a private island, not typing this. My honest opinion – and it's just that, *my* opinion – is that the meaning isn't some pre-packaged, universal truth. The meaning is *what you create*. It's the connections you make, the love you give and receive, the things that make you burst out laughing, the small moments of beauty you recognize. It's the messy, imperfect journey. And, yeah, sometimes it's the soul-crushing washing machine incident. It's all of it. Maybe that's a cop-out. But it's the best I've got. And honestly? It's kinda beautiful in its chaos.
How do you cope with… well, *everything*? The bad days, the existential dread, the washing machine situations?
Oh, that's a good one. I'm not saying I *mastered* this. But here's a list, more or less in order of effectiveness.
- **Wine.** Don't judge me. It helps. Occasionally. More often? It makes me cry over my laundry.
- **Dark humor.** If I can't laugh at the absurdity of life, I'd be in a padded room, rocking and muttering. (And honestly, the padded room sounds pretty appealing right now).
- **Talking to people.** It's like a weird social experiment and often goes well with a bottle of wine.
- **Petting an animal.** Seriously, if you don't have a pet, go adopt one now. They're fluffy therapists
- **Actually trying to sleep.** The hardest thing...
What's the *worst* advice you've ever received?
Oh, man, where do I *begin*? There's the classic, "Just be yourself!" (Which, if 'myself' is a complete disaster, is… not helpful). Then there's, "Follow your dreams!" (Which is great, *until* you realize your dreams are expensive and unsustainable). But the WORST, and this is a recent one, was from some "expert" on the interwebs: "Just manifest it!" Manifest *what*? A functioning washing machine? A winning lottery ticket? A life free from the eternal dread? That didn’t work well. I'M SERIOUSLY CONSIDERING THAT THE UNIVERSE IS OUT TO GET ME, YOU KNOW? I am, by all objective measures, a failure.
And the *best* advice?
