Escape to Alexandria: Your Dream Holiday Inn Awaits!
Escape to Alexandria: My Messy, Honest, and Absolutely Human Take on Your Dream Holiday Inn! (SEO-Rammed, You Know!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups! I just got back from Alexandria, and let me tell you… Escape to Alexandria: Your Dream Holiday Inn Awaits!? That tagline had me intrigued, and honestly, I’m still processing it. It wasn’t exactly a dream, but it was… well, it was something. And hey, that’s what makes a good story, right? Especially if you're looking for a hotel in Alexandria!
First Impressions (and a Rambling Introduction):
The whole "Dream Holiday Inn" thing set the bar high. I mean, I’ve stayed in my share of Holiday Inns, you know? From the ones that smell vaguely of chlorine and stale coffee to the ones that feel…well, kinda like a place to sleep. This one? It aimed higher. Alexandria, as a city, already evokes a certain romance, a historical charm. I was hoping this hotel would tap into that.
Accessibility (Let's Get Real):
Right, the accessibility. HUGE for a bunch of folks, so let's get this out of the way first. Wheelchair accessible is a big plus, and it appeared to be genuinely considered, not just slapped on as an afterthought. The elevator was a blessing (especially after a particularly adventurous Felafel run – more on that later!). I didn't see any specific facilities for disabled guests, but the groundwork seemed solid. Bonus points for the exterior corridor (fresh air, baby!). I'm no expert, but from what I saw, it looked promising for those with mobility needs.
Rooms (My Little Oasis, Sort Of…):
Alright, let's talk rooms. Air conditioning? Check. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Double check. Wi-Fi [free]? Triple check! (Important, because, let's face it, we're all addicted). Blackout curtains were a lifesaver after those long, sun-drenched days of exploring. And, speaking of long days… the extra long bed was awesome. Seriously, no more dangling feet! They also had a desk, which was handy for catching up on emails (ugh, the reality of work). Plus, a coffee/tea maker? Essential for a caffeine addict like myself. They even had a mirror! I felt almost glamorous! Maybe. Okay, possibly.
The bathroom was… functional. Nothing fancy, but clean and with a separate shower/bathtub. The toiletries were… well, they were there. The slippers were a nice touch, though. Felt kinda luxurious, you know? And the best thing? Smoke detector and smoke alarms. Super safe!
The Internet Conundrum:
Okay, so the Internet situation. Free Wi-Fi everywhere is a huge win. Plus, I’m sure they had Internet access – wireless as well as Internet access – LAN. Now, I’m no tech guru, but I need to be connected. I have to update my socials, duh! Having decent internet is like breathing. If you're planning on doing some serious work, and you need that Laptop workspace, you’ll be sorted.
Food, Glorious Food (and My Digestive Woes):
This is where things get interesting. Dining, drinking, and snacking… oh, the possibilities! Alexandria is a foodie paradise. And the Holiday Inn seemed to know this.
- Restaurants: They had a few, and I tried them all, more or less.
- Asian breakfast: Sounds exotic, right? It was definitely different. I'm talking, like, noodles for breakfast different. It takes some getting used to.
- Asian cuisine in restaurant: Okay, this was the highlight. The food was amazing! One of their chefs, Ahmed, was just on fire! I can still taste the flavors.
- Breakfast [buffet]: Standard, but good. I'm a sucker for a good buffet. The coffee was…adequate.
- Buffet in restaurant: Same as above.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Essential.
- Desserts in restaurant: Oh, the desserts! Totally my weakness. Totally worth the extra calories.
- International cuisine in restaurant: They try to cover everything, from French to Italian - it's ambitious.
- Poolside bar: Perfect for a sunset cocktail (or, you know, three).
- Restaurants: They had several, offering a variety of cuisines. More on that later.
- Room service [24-hour]: Necessary for those late-night snack attacks. I definitely took advantage.
- Vegetarian restaurant: Nice for the herbivores among us!
- Western breakfast: Pretty standard, but reliable.
- Western cuisine in restaurant: See above.
Here's the messy part: Remember that adventurous Felafel run? Well, let's just say my stomach and I ended up on not-so-friendly terms. I had to turn down a dinner invitation. The first aid kit was useful, but the doctor/nurse on call would come in handy.
Things to Do and Ways to Relax (Trying to Find My Zen):
They claim to have ways to relax… Let's see! Ah Yes! The Spa! I got excited! I am the kind of person who could use a Body scrub, my skin is always dry after a trip! The Massage was fantastic, and I swear, I nearly fell asleep in the middle of it. They had a sauna, a steamroom and a spa/sauna.
But… the Swimming pool [outdoor]? Meh. It's a pool. Fine. Pool with view. Maybe if you squinted. Also, the Fitness center was there. I did not partake. Partly because of my stomach, and partly because… well, vacation.
Cleanliness and Safety (That Pandemic Feeling):
They seem to be taking the "new normal" seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Check. Hand sanitizer? Everywhere. Individually-wrapped food options? Check. Physical distancing of at least 1 meter? Mostly. I think. They had Staff trained in safety protocol, so that was reassuring. Rooms sanitized between stays. That's good! It made me feel safer, especially since I found that Room sanitization opt-out available.
Services and Conveniences (The Little Things):
This is where the Holiday Inn really shines. They have a bunch of things: Air conditioning in public area, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, and Dry cleaning. Talk about convenient!
- Concierge: Was incredibly helpful with recommendations.
- Luggage storage: Essential for when I arrived early and had to hang out.
- On-site event hosting: They have the Audio-visual equipment for special events, Indoor venue for special events, Outdoor venue for special events.
- Smoking area: Nice touches.
For the Kids/Family (A Mixed Bag):
They promised to be Family/child friendly, and they have Babysitting service, and Kids facilities, but I didn't have any kids, so I can't attest to that.
Getting Around (Alexandria's Traffic Is a Beast!):
Airport transfer: They offered it. Car park [free of charge]. Free parking, always a bonus. Taxi service. Convenient, but be prepared for traffic.
My Final Verdict (The Unfiltered Truth):
Escape to Alexandria: Your Dream Holiday Inn Awaits!? It might be stretching the truth a little. But you know what? I had a good time. The service was generally friendly, the food was good, the rooms were comfortable, and the location was convenient. It was a decent place to stay for the money. No regrets.
Here’s my offer for you:
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Here's What You Get:
- Free Wi-Fi: Stay connected with complimentary Wi-Fi.
- Comfortable rooms: Relax in well-appointed rooms with everything you need.
- Amazing food: Enjoy diverse dining options.
- Prime Location: Explore Alexandria's historical sites and attractions with ease.
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Jackson's BEST Hotel? Hampton Inn & Suites Coliseum Review!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's perfectly-formatted travel itinerary. We're going to the Holiday Inn Alexandria at Carlyle. Hold onto your hats (or whatever you wear, maybe a strategically placed banana peel?) because it's going to be a bumpy, beautiful, and undeniably human ride.
Day 1: Arrival and Anxiety (and Slightly Questionable Pizza)
2:00 PM: Arrival at Dulles (IAD). Okay, so, airport arrival. The actual ordeal of getting to the hotel. My flight was somehow both delayed and early, which makes absolutely no sense. Anyway, I managed to navigate the TSA lines, which, I swear, are designed to test the very limits of my patience. Finding the ride-share pickup zone was a comedy of errors involving me frantically waving my arms at a minivan that definitely wasn't my driver. Finally made it into the car.
**3:30 PM: Check-in at Holiday Inn Alexandria at Carlyle. ** Ah, the oasis. Check-in was blissfully straightforward. The front desk person (let's call her Brenda, because why not?) was super friendly. My room, though? Well, it's a room. Clean enough. The view? Let's just say I'm not writing a sonnet about it. The bed, however, is surprisingly comfy. I'm a sucker for decent pillows.
**4:00 PM: Unpacking and the existential dread of realizing I forgot my toothbrush. ** Yes, as you might expect I forgot my toothbrush. A crucial travel component has been lost to the chaos of travel preparation. Time to make the sprint to the pharmacy.
**6:00 PM: The Great Pizza Quest. ** (Or, "How I Almost Starved in Alexandria") I'm starving. Desperate. After two stressful hours of working out I decided to just get pizza. I found a place close by, it looked alright. It tasted…well, let's just say it wasn't the best pizza I've ever had. It's almost the kind of experience I can appreciate. The "authentic" local pizza joint that's only got three stars. It has a certain charm.
**7:00 PM: "Trying to Relax" and Realizing I Brought the Wrong Book. ** I tried to settle down and read, but guess what? I brought the wrong book. Like, totally inappropriate for the mood I'm in. I ended up scrolling through social media for an hour instead, which, let's be honest, is probably worse.
8:00 PM: Shower & Bedtime. Because, hey, gotta sleep.
Day 2: History, Hangovers, and the Haunting Presence of Air Conditioning
7:00 AM (ish): Wake-up Call (From My Own Brain). Slept okay, got a little hangover headache. I'm not proud. Coffee, coffee, coffee.
8:00 AM: Hotel Breakfast – The Buffet Battleground. The buffet. Every hotel has one. Usually it's a battlefield of lukewarm scrambled eggs and suspiciously orange juice. Today was no exception. But hey, free coffee.
**9:00 AM: Historical Alexandria. ** I took a stroll through the historic district. It's lovely, actually. Cobblestone streets, charming buildings, the whole shebang. It's almost…too perfect? I felt a little out of place in my travel clothing. I wanted a proper historical Alexandria experience.
10:00 AM: Gadsby's Tavern. The Tavern! Such history. I sipped my coffee and imagined all the history that I wasn't getting. My mind wandered, as it often does.
11:00 AM: The Torment of the National Museum of Navy. More history. I took the museum. It was definitely interesting, and I was just a bit overwhelmed. The detail was incredible. Plus the whole experience took longer than expected.
**12:30 PM: Lunch at Restaurant (With Surprisingly Good Food). ** Found a place. I went in. I ate. Surprisingly good.
**2:00 PM: Rest and Review. ** I decided to relax. Taking a look at my schedule. A few edits. Not much.
3:00 PM: Recommencement of activities. I took a trip back to the hotel. I have the rest of the day off.
6:00 PM: The Haunting Presence of Air Conditioning. The hotel's air conditioning is powerful. I mean, arctic blast. I swear, I saw a polar bear walk through the hallway.
7:00 PM: Dinner (Wherever I Can Find Open). I don't need fancy dinner.
8:00 PM: Reading (the right book, finally!)/ Watching some TV.
Day 3: Departure and the Bitter-Sweet Savor of "Going Home".
- 7:00 AM: Wake, pack, Breakfast. Wake up, pack, eat breakfast, get ready.
- 8:00 AM: Departure. Leave hotel. Take the taxi.
- 9:00 AM: Arrive at Airport. Check in.
- 11:00 AM: Fly Home.
- 12:00 AM: Back Home. Savor moment.
Escape to Alexandria: Your Dream Holiday Inn Awaits! (Or Does It...?) - FAQ of Sorts
Okay, so "Dream Holiday Inn"... Is that sarcasm? Because honestly, I've seen Holiday Inns.
Alright, alright, let's be real. "Dream" might be pushing it a tad. Look, I worked on this brochure, okay? My boss insisted on "aspirational language." But listen, I'm thinking the same thing you are: the beige walls, the slightly suspicious carpet... This Alexandria Holiday Inn? It's... a Holiday Inn. BUT! And this is a big but (insert dramatic pause here), it's in Alexandria. And Alexandria, my friend, is AMAZING.
Think about it: ancient history, the Mediterranean Sea… And the *people*! I met this guy, Mohammed, who runs the little souvenir shop downstairs. He's got the most incredible laugh, and he sells these tiny, perfectly-formed pyramids made of what I *think* is genuine alabaster. Or maybe it's just plaster of Paris, but either way… MAGIC. Which, you know, the Holiday Inn itself isn't exactly magic, but it's a base camp, a launching pad for adventure. Plus, the air conditioning? A lifesaver in the Egyptian summer, trust me.
What's the actual *room* situation like? Because I've read some reviews…
Reviews, huh? Yeah, I skimmed ‘em. Look, I’m not going to lie. My first room? Let's just say the view was… of the parking lot. And the toilet... it *worked*, but with a certain, shall we say, *robustness*. Think of it as a feature, not a bug. Gives the whole experience "character," right? (That's what I told my boss. He didn't buy it.)
But here's the thing: I complained. Politely, because I'm a coward and don't want to offend anyone. Guess what? They gave me another room! And that one? Actually pretty decent! Overlooked the pool (which is, admittedly, more of a glorified puddle, but hey, it's cool water!). Clean sheets, a decent TV, and the air conditioning worked like a charm.
My advice? Don't be afraid to speak up. And pack some earplugs. Because, oh, the street noise… Alexandria is a city that *lives* at night! (And the cats… there are MANY cats. They're cute, but they tend to… vocalize.)
Is the breakfast buffet as soul-crushingly bland as I imagine it is?
Okay, confession time: the breakfast buffet is… not a highlight. It's got your standard suspects: scrambled eggs of a questionable origin, some sort of mystery meat that *might* be sausage, toast (always toast!), and a selection of overly-sweet pastries. The coffee? Let's just say it's a *wake-up* call, not necessarily a *pleasure*.
BUT! (See, I'm using that word a lot!) There’s usually some kind of local specialty on offer. One morning, they had this foul medames - fava beans, basically mushy, with some oil. Now, I thought it was DISGUSTING! But the other guests? they seemed to love it. And you know what? I tried it again. And again. And now I'm a convert! It's an acquired taste, but it's part of the experience. Besides, who's gonna judge you for piling your plate high at 7 am? No one, that's who.
Also, I snuck some Nutella from home. Don't tell anyone. It makes everything better.
What's the Wi-Fi situation? Because I'm addicted to my phone.
Okay, the Wi-Fi. This is where things get… *interesting*. Let’s be frank: it’s not the best. Picture dial-up, but slower. You might get lucky, you might not. You might be able to fire off a quick email to your mom that you're alive, or you might spend half an hour staring at the loading circle of doom.
My advice? Accept it. Embrace the digital detox. Talk to people! Read a book! Actually *look* at the pyramids you came to see! (I may or may not have spent an entire day trying to upload a selfie of me posing with the Sphinx. It took me like, an hour. And the photo wasn't even that good.)
Consider it a feature, not a bug! It makes the world a little bit slower and allows you to just BE. And who knows, maybe you'll actually have an adventure!
Tell me about the location, the Holiday Inn itself. Is it safe? Easy to get around?
The Holiday Inn is in a decent location. It is close to the Mediterranean and located in a relatively safe area. I walked around at night. I *think* I felt reasonably safe. (But I also took some pepper spray, just in case. Better safe than sorry, you know?)
Getting around is pretty easy. Taxis are plentiful and cheap. Just be sure to agree on a price *before* you get in. And hold onto your hat! The driving is… an experience. It's an experience best described with a combination of exhilaration and near-death experiences. I learned to trust the horn. If you hear it, it means everything is going according to plan. Mostly.
The hotel is also a short walk from some of the best spots in Alexandria. I spent a few hours just walking the corniche, watching the waves and breathing the sea air. Pure bliss!
What's the *best* part of staying there? What did you, personally, enjoy most, beyond the obvious tourist stuff?
Okay, deep breath. The *best* part? (And this is going to sound so cliché, but bear with me) The PEOPLE. God, the people! I met so many amazing people during my stay. There was this hotel staff member, Ahmed, who knew my name, even though I could barely remember to order a coffee in Arabic. He always had a smile and a kind word. He even taught me a few Arabic phrases. (I can now order a taxi and ask for directions to the nearest falafel stand. Pretty impressive, right?).
Then there was this family that I saw at the pool every day. It seemed like they were always laughing and teasing each other. This one time the little boy, who was about seven, ran up to me and gifted me a seashell, which he had picked from the bottom of the sea. It became my lucky charm.
And that souvenir shop guy, Mohammed! He poured me tea every afternoon. One time, I spent what felt like hours chatting with him. Just hearing his stories...his life. It reminded meBook Hotels Now
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