Escape to Blair, NE: Your Perfect Holiday Inn Express Getaway!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's hotel review. We're diving headfirst into the Holiday Inn Express in Blair, Nebraska. And trust me, after this, you'll either be booking a room or questioning my sanity. Let's get messy!
Escape to Blair, NE: Your Perfect Holiday Inn Express Getaway! (Or Maybe Just A Getaway)
Alright, Blair. Nebraska. Sounds… riveting, right? Well, hold your horses, because this Holiday Inn Express actually surprised me. I went in with low expectations – the kind that live comfortably in the basement of your brain – and I came out… well, okay, I came out. But it wasn't a bad experience. Let's break it down, shall we?
First Impressions & Location, Location, Location… Kind Of.
Blair, Nebraska. Think… wide-open spaces. That’s kind of the vibe. The hotel itself? It's there. Clean-looking from the outside, a standard beige brick box. The location is convenient enough, close to the main drag and whatever passes for "attractions" in Blair (I'm not going to lie, I didn't explore much beyond the hotel and the local grocery store. My bad.).
Accessibility: Did They Think of Everyone?
This is crucial, people! And I'm happy (and relieved) to say they mostly did. Wheelchair accessible? Yep. Elevator? You betcha. Now, I'm not in a wheelchair, but I saw plenty of signs and ramps, and the whole layout seemed pretty accessible. Thumbs up from me for being inclusive.
Rooms – Comfort and Convenience (With a Few Quirks)
Alright, let’s talk room. I’m a sucker for a good hotel room. And this one? Okay, it wasn’t exactly a luxury suite. But it was clean. And that’s half the battle, isn’t it?
- Air conditioning: Worked like a charm. Essential. Especially if you’re escaping a scorching Nebraska summer (I definitely was).
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms: HUGE win. Fast, reliable, and I could stream all my terrible reality TV shows without buffering. Bless you, Holiday Inn Express, for this.
- Comfy Bed: That bed was the real deal. I had a Extra long bed, and my back was feeling the love. Ah yes, the Bathrobes were also a nice touch.
- Desk/Laptop Workspace: Perfect for pretending I was productive. (I wasn’t).
- Coffee/Tea Maker: Essential early in the morning. They even had Complimentary tea!
- Blackout Curtains: Seriously underrated. Slept like a baby.
Now for the quirks, because nothing is ever PERFECT, right? The bathroom was a little… cramped. And the decor was… well, let’s call it "classic Holiday Inn," meaning a bit bland. But hey, I wasn't there to judge interior design. It was functional, and it was clean, and that was my top priority.
Cleanliness and Safety – Covid-Era Realities
This is crucial in 2024, and the Holiday Inn Express in Blair seems to take it seriously. I saw signs about Daily disinfection in common areas, and they offered Room sanitization opt-out available (nice!). The hand sanitizer stations were everywhere. Honestly, I could tell they were trying. It felt reasonably safe.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Fueling the Adventure (Or Lack Thereof)
Okay, so the Breakfast [buffet] was a game-changer… or would have been, if I had been able to make it. You know how it is!
I was running late, so I grabbed some of the pre-made Individually-wrapped food options. It was fine, but I'm not sure if the pre-made food options are really my thing.
There wasn't a restaurant or bar, and that was a bummer. But hey, Blair isn't exactly a culinary hotspot. The hotel had a small Convenience store with snacks and drinks. Enough for my needs.
Services and Conveniences – The Little Things That Matter (Sometimes)
- Free Car Park [on-site]: Huge plus. No worries about parking and no hidden parking fees.
- Daily Housekeeping: Yep. The room was always tidy.
- Luggage Storage: I didn't use it, but it's nice to know it's there.
- Safety deposit boxes: A must when travelling.
Things to Do (If You're Feeling Adventurous…Or Bored)
Okay, this is where Blair, Nebraska, might let you down. There isn't a lot of stuff to do. But you could grab a book, relax by the pool, or just veg out in your room. That's what I mainly did, and I had quite a relaxing time.
Fitness & Relaxation
- Gym/fitness: The fitness center was there, but I didn’t check it out.
- Swimming pool: The pool was open from late morning to night. It was clean, and that's all that matters.
Final Verdict: Escape to Blair? Maybe. But, Is it a Good Escape? YES!
Okay, so let's be realistic. This isn't the Ritz. But for the price, the location, and the overall experience, the Holiday Inn Express in Blair is a solid choice. It's clean, comfortable, and safe.
Who is this Holiday Inn Express for?
- Anyone passing through or needing a base camp for exploring the area.
- People who appreciate a clean, reliable hotel experience.
- Travelers on a budget.
- People who value accessbility
Who is it NOT for?
- Those seeking luxury or a vibrant nightlife.
- Serious foodies (unless you're adventurous with the local grocery store options).
- Anyone expecting a "destination resort" kind of vibe.
Final Score: 4 out of 5 stars.
SO HERE’S MY OFFER: You Need This.
Tired of the same old grind? Yearning for a change of scenery? Then you NEED an escape to Blair, Nebraska! Okay, maybe not NEED, but let’s face it, sometimes you just want to escape to a place where life slows down.
Book your stay at the Holiday Inn Express today:
- Easy to book.
- Free Wi-Fi, comfortable beds and a great breakfast.
- Safety and hygiene protocols in place, so you can relax and unwind.
But here’s the real deal: Book your stay now, and I guarantee you WON'T be disappointed. Get out there and do something different. And, you know, actually spend time in Blair, I hope you enjoy it.
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Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into a trip to the glamorous Holiday Inn Express in Blair, Nebraska. Don't expect five-star reviews or perfectly manicured prose, because frankly, my life isn't that put together. This is gonna be messy, real, and hopefully, a little bit entertaining.
A Blair-y Affair: My Holiday Inn Express Itinerary (Let's Be Real Here)
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Check-In Debacle
- 1:00 PM - Arrival at Omaha Airport. (Oh joy, the flight. You know, the part where you’re crammed like a sardine, breathing recycled air? Yeah, that.) I’m pretty sure I saw a toddler using their parent’s headrest as a scratching post. Peak travel. Anyway, after the mandatory sprint to the baggage claim (because God forbid your suitcase arrive before you), I’m grabbing my rent-a-car. (Fingers crossed it’s not a lemon, this trip needs a good start).
- 2:30 PM - The Drive. Ugh, the open road. It’s scenic, I guess. But mostly it just feels like… driving. Lots and lots of driving. Thank god for podcasts. (Currently obsessed with true crime, what else?)
- 3:30 PM - The Great Check-In Debacle: Arrive at the Holiday Inn Express. Okay, the exterior… well, it's a building. It has walls. The lobby smells faintly of chlorine and… hope? (Mostly just chlorine.) First impressions are key, and the lobby has a vibe. You know, the “I'm pretty sure I've been here before, in a dream" vibe. Check-in is… slow. The poor front desk person is dealing with a computer that appears to be powered by hamster wheels. There's a family, bless their hearts, trying to check in with approximately 17 children and luggage that looks like they're moving in permanently. I try to maintain my patience, but inside, I'm muttering about needing a cocktail. (More on that later.)
- 4:00 PM - Finally, the Room! (Hallelujah!). Okay, first impressions… it's… beige. A lot of beige. But, hey, cleanish. The bed looks inviting. I've already got a sneaking suspicion the pillows are either concrete or marshmallow fluff. Let's hope for marshmallow fluff.
- 4:30 PM – Unpacking and the Reality Check. I unpack my single, well-worn suitcase. The room is starting to feel… less like a hotel room and more like a place to exist for a little while. Time to reassess my expectations. This isn't the Ritz. This is Blair, Nebraska. And honestly? That's okay.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner at the local diner. ("Local" being a word that I'm pretty sure means "the only place with actual food"). I'm craving something greasy and comforting. Probably fried chicken. (And maybe a side order of fries. Don't judge me.) I picture myself at the counter, chatting with the waitresses, absorbing the local happenings. Realistically, I'll probably be too shy to say more than "coffee, please," but hey, a girl can dream. (Narrator voice: The dream did not materialize). The fried chicken was… fine. The gravy was… beige. Atmosphere: the only thing better than the decor was getting the bill.
Day 2: Adventure! (Sort Of)
- 7:00 AM - Breakfast: Holiday Inn Express breakfast. The holy grail! Waffles, eggs, and suspiciously circular sausages. I'll approach it like a challenge. Can I survive the buffet? (Spoiler alert: I'll survive. Though I might need a nap afterward.)
- 8.00 AM - The World's Largest Strawberry (Maybe). Okay, it might be a tourist trap, but I'm in Nebraska. I'll take what I can get. The biggest strawberry ever built sounds… sort of amazing, and I like amazing. Plus how can you not love a town that celebrates such a thing?
- 9.00 AM - The Blair Public Library. I need a dose of culture. Let's see if the library has Wi-Fi and some book that I can read. Libraries always feel peaceful to me. That can be nice.
- 12:00 PM - Lunch at a random place. Whatever I see first. I am, at this point, starting to feel the need for caffeine, and I'm starting to think that I might have to go back to the diner for another dose of fried chicken.
- 1:00 PM - Relax, relax, relax, and relax. The afternoon is reserved to do… absolutely nothing. Maybe I'll reread a travel book. Or maybe… and I know this sounds crazy… I'll take a nap. The kind of nap that lasts for hours.
- 6.00 PM - Dinner (aka, the search for actual food). Do I dare venture out again? Maybe. I'll probably just eat chips in front of the TV. I would be fine with that.
- 8.00 PM - The Great Pillow Confrontation. Time to finally test those pillows. Will they be marshmallow fluff? Or concrete? The suspense is killing me! (Spoiler alert: they're probably not magical, but who knows?)
Day 3: Departure & The Post-Trip Blues
- 7:00 AM - Another Breakfast! (Surviving the buffet, round two!). I'm going to try the waffle this time.
- 8:00 AM - The final awkward goodbye. This is it, I'm going to head back.
- 9.00 AM - Check Out. I am here to check out in the most reasonable way possible.
- 9.30 AM - The Drive Home. The endless road again. Bye-bye Blair. I'm going to miss you. Probably.
- 12:00 PM - Flight Home. Bye, bye, Nebraska. I will miss you. Probably.
The Un-Glossy Verdict:
So, will this be a life-changing trip? Probably not. But will I find some moments of peace, some laughs, and maybe a decent plate of fried chicken? Absolutely. Will the Holiday Inn Express be the height of luxury? Nope. But it'll be a place to rest my weary head, and that's all that matters. And hey, maybe, just maybe, the pillows will be marshmallow fluff. (Fingers crossed).
It’s not the destination, it's the journey, they say. Well, I’m pretty sure this journey will involve a lot of beige, a questionable breakfast buffet, and maybe some existential pondering about the meaning of life while staring at the world's biggest strawberry… And you know what? I'm actually looking forward to it. Because sometimes, messy, imperfect, and a little bit boring… is exactly what you need. Now, if you'll excuse me… I have a waffle to conquer.
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Escape to Blair, NE: Your (Possibly) Perfect Holiday Inn Express Getaway! ... Or Maybe Not? Let's See...
Okay, Blair, Nebraska? Seriously? Why would I want to go there?
Alright, alright, I get it. Blair, Nebraska doesn't exactly scream "glamour capital of the world." But hear me out! Sometimes, you need a break from the hustle. And sometimes, the *unexpected* becomes the memorable. Think of it as anti-tourism. Plus, the Holiday Inn Express probably has decent waffles. And hey, maybe you have family there, or, you know, *I* did. And that’s what brought me in!
My aunt, bless her heart, *adores* Blair. She practically *lives* there, and insisted I visit. Picture this: Me, big city dweller, trekking to corn country. The internal eye-roll was EPIC before my arrival. But by the end? Well, let’s just say I *understood* a little more.
So, the Holiday Inn Express. Is it… well, *express*? Meaning, is it quick and painless?
Haha, that’s the hope, isn't it? Honestly, the Blair Holiday Inn Express is… exactly what you’d expect. Clean, efficient, the usual suspects buffet in the morning (more on those waffles later). Check-in was smoother than a baby's bottom. I mean, the *check-out*? That was also smooth, which is what I was looking for. No dramas. Which, after a trip full of family (and you know how *that* goes!), was a good thing.
I will admit I was slightly disappointed that there wasn't a heated pool. My dreams of hot tubbing after a long day of... well... *being* in Blair were dashed. But hey, you can't win 'em all!
The Waffles! Are they worthy of the hype? My biggest worry!
Okay, buckle up. The Waffles: They are baked. They are available. They are cooked on one of those do-it-yourself waffle makers. The perfect amount of crispy. The perfect amount of buttery. I went *twice* over the course of several days. And I’m not ashamed to say it.
Look, I know it sounds silly to get worked up over hotel waffles, but they were a tiny, perfect moment of joy in a world of… well, of everything. They made all the difference in the world. And the little packets of syrup? Perfection.
The real test? The *next* morning, I went down again. Because I wanted to see if the waffles were actually good, or if it was just a fluke the day before. No fluke. They were good again. They truly hold up. I'm still dreaming of them.
What *else* is there to do in Blair besides eating waffles and staying at the Holiday Inn Express?
Ah, the million-dollar question! Blair's… charm, shall we say, is a more subtle thing. It’s not the bright lights of Vegas, folks. It's more about… family.
I mean, I did see the Danish Museum. Neat! Learned some stuff. There’s a park, if you're into that (I am, sometimes). There's the gorgeous Blair House, all full of stories and stuff. But the main attractions, for me, were the unplanned moments. Watching the sunset over a field of corn. Having a surprisingly deep conversation with my aunt over a truly terrible cup of coffee. Those things were the *real* highlights. Sometimes the best experiences in life happen when you *don't* have a meticulously planned itinerary.
I did find the locals to be some of the most open and friendly people I’ve ever met. They may not be used to seeing someone like me (that big city dweller), but everyone I came into contact with, was courteous and welcoming.
Okay, spill the tea. Did you *actually* have a good time in Blair? Or are you just being polite (so your aunt doesn't find out)?
Alright, let’s be real. At first? Total eye-roll. I was picturing a week of awkward silences and endless cups of lukewarm coffee. But… it wasn’t all bad. Not even close. Blair… grew on me. Slowly. Like a… like a cozy little sprout. And those waffles were a HUGE help. I’m not saying I’m itching to move there. But, yeah, I'd go back. Eventually. Maybe. Definitely for the waffles.
And my aunt? She was over the moon that I came, which, you know, matters. So, yeah, good time. Surprisingly. Definitely recommend. But bring your own hot tub.
Is the Holiday Inn Express pet-friendly?
I didn't bring a pet on my trip. So I can't say for sure. But it's always worth checking with the hotel directly before you book your stay!
How about parking at the Holiday Inn Express in Blair? Is it a nightmare?
Nope! Parking was plentiful and easy. Another win for the hotel. I mean, it's Blair, not Manhattan, right? There's space! I never had to circle, hunt, or worry. So, put that in the "plus" column.
Do they have any local recommendations from the staff?
I'm not the best person to ask for this as I was busy catching up with my aunt. Ask the staff. As one of the staff members pointed out to me, the best thing about Blair is the people.
Is the WiFi any good at the Blair Holiday Inn Express?
Yeah, the WiFi was… fine. Not lightning-fast super speed, but perfectly adequate for checking emails, streaming a show, and posting pictures of those glorious waffles (obviously). It didn't cut out on me during my deep dives into the internet rabbit holes, which is a definite win. So, no complaints in that department! I would say above average for hotel WiFi.
