Charleston Getaway: Your Perfect Stay at Holiday Inn Express & Suites!

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Charleston NE Mt Pleasant US17 By IHG Mount Pleasant (SC) United States

Charleston Getaway: Your Perfect Stay at Holiday Inn Express & Suites!

Charleston Getaway: Holiday Inn Express & Suites - My Honest Hotel Diary (and Don't Judge My Coffee Stain!)

Alright folks, buckle up! Because I’m about to spill the beans (and maybe a little coffee – I already spilled some on the report, oops!) about my recent stay at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Charleston. This isn't your typical, dry review; consider it my hotel diary, warts and all. And believe me, there were a few… (but hey, nobody's perfect, especially not me, and DEFINITELY not hotels, haha!)

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Okay, now we can get to the good stuff…

First Impressions (and A Little Panic)

Driving up, it looked…like a Holiday Inn Express. You know, clean-cut, predictable. I’m usually a "boutique hotel, or die trying" kind of traveler, but this was Charleston, and my wallet was screaming, "Budget, baby, budget!" So Holiday Inn it was. My first thought? "Please, God, let the coffee machine work." Because the thought of a hotel without coffee in the morning… well, that's a level of depravity I wasn’t ready for.

Accessibility & Getting Around (My Mom Would Approve… Kinda)

Alright, so, accessibility. This is important, and I appreciate that they tried. There was apparently wheelchair accessibility, and the elevator was a definite plus. The front desk was 24-hour, which is always a relief. I didn’t need any of the specific facilities for disabled guests, but it was reassuring to see the effort. It’s a good starting point. My mother loves a hotel that at least pretends to care, and I'm sure she’d have given it two thumbs up for that (assuming she wasn’t too busy critiquing something else!). Exterior corridor was interesting. A little different from the more fancy establishments, but I don't mind it adds a bit of character. Car park [free of charge] was a HUGE win in Charleston. Seriously, parking can be a nightmare. They also have Valet parking, which is… fancy, but free is my kind of fancy.

The Room: My Little Fortress of Solitude (and Caffeine)

My room (let’s call it Room 312… I think) was… fine. Clean, which is a huge win in my book. Air conditioning blasted like a hurricane – a lifesaver in Charleston’s humidity. Non-smoking. Thank the heavens! Wi-Fi [free] worked like a charm, which made me happy. Extra long bed: Yes! Thank goodness. I’m tall, and I appreciate a bed that doesn’t make me feel like a sardine.

Here’s the breakdown, the good, the bad, and the (mostly) okay:

• Pros: Comfortable bed, good air con, free Wi-Fi, clean. Refrigerator was a great addition.
• Cons: Decor… well, imagine someone went wild with beige. It was… beige. The mirror was placed poorly, casting an unflattering light; no help for a tired traveler, like me! The coffee machine… I'm sure it was okay.

The Internet: My Digital Tether (Almost)

Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, thank the heavens, but I’m weirdly nostalgic for Internet [LAN]. I like to think it was there, but I didn't need it. I can't imagine it, but for some people, the Internet services are their lives (and possibly their jobs).

Dining, Drinking & Snacking: Food! (And The Search for Real Coffee)

Breakfast. Ah, the breakfast. Breakfast [buffet] was… well, it was there. The usual suspects: scrambled eggs (questionably yellow), lukewarm sausage, and those sad, rubbery little pastries. The coffee/tea in restaurant, was alright. But, the machine in my room, that’s the one I wanted. A la carte in restaurant, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, and Vegetarian restaurant, were all options, and I didn't try any of them. I was too afraid. Honestly, I lived off of the free coffee and granola bars I brought. Room service [24-hour] did offer some hope, but I wasn’t about to order from the kitchen. Snack bar I didn’t discover one.

Things to Do (or, the Glorious Absence of Forced Fun)

I'm not a spa person. So, the Pool with view, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Sauna, all of them… not so much my thing. It was okay, and it's nice to know they exist. I did see the Swimming pool [outdoor], and it looked inviting on a humid Charleston afternoon. The main "relax" option for me was probably the bed.

Cleanliness & Safety: My Inner Germaphobe Calmed (Slightly!)

Anti-viral cleaning products: Good. Hand sanitizer: Thank God. Daily disinfection in common areas: Relieving. Rooms sanitized between stays: Phew! Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Important. Staff trained in safety protocol: Yes. At least, they seemed trained. I'm a bit of a germaphobe, so seeing this kind of stuff always makes me feel a little more at ease.

Services & Conveniences: The Littlest Things Make a Difference

Here’s where the Holiday Inn Express actually shone. Daily housekeeping was prompt and efficient. The Concierge was helpful. Cash withdrawal, Invoice provided, Luggage storage. All the little things that make travel easier. Also, the elevator, that’s a HUGE win.

For the Kids (and for keeping the Peace!)

They had the Family/child friendly, Babysitting service, Kids facilities, Kids meal, and the Family/child friendly. That's thoughtful. Also, with the Check-in/out [express], it makes things easier.

The Odd Stuff (and the Unexplained Mystery)

There was a Terrace, which was pretty. Exterior corridor. A Gift/souvenir shop. Nothing truly bizarre, but there's a Shrine, which I didn’t investigate. Also the Proposal spot.

My Final Verdict (and Would I Go Back?)

Look, it’s a Holiday Inn Express. Don't expect luxury. Do expect clean, convenient, and a decent night's sleep. It’s not going to sweep you off your feet, but it will get the job done.

Would I go back? Maybe. If budget is the name of the game (and it often is, let’s be honest), and you just need a solid base camp for exploring Charleston, then yes. If you're looking for something romantic or super-luxurious, look elsewhere. If you're like me, and just want a working coffee machine and a comfortable bed, this is a good option.

But someone, please, PLEASE, fix that mirror! And maybe… maybe… upgrade the breakfast sausage. Just a thought.

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Holiday Inn Express & Suites Charleston NE Mt Pleasant US17 By IHG Mount Pleasant (SC) United States

Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's itinerary. This is a Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, experience as seen through the bleary, slightly-sunburnt eyes of yours truly, holed up at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Charleston NE Mt Pleasant US17 By IHG (yes, I will repeat that mouthful of a name). Prepare for a whirlwind of highs, lows, and the lingering scent of chlorine… and possibly regret.

Day 1: Arrival, Panic-Snacking, and the Illusion of Order

• 2:00 PM: Arrive. Okay, fine, technically I arrived at the Charleston International Airport (CHS) and then arrived at the hotel. Let’s just say the drive was a masterclass in avoiding tourists who think they’re race car drivers. Seriously, the locals here drive like they invented the car.
• 2:30 PM: Check-in. “Sure, room 317. Elevator is… well, it works.” Yeah, that filled me with confidence. The room itself? Perfectly… adequate. Beige. But clean, and that's a win in my book after a flight that felt longer than the lifespan of a mayfly.
• 2:45 PM: The Panic-Snack. My blood sugar hit a new low when I realized the hotel's "complimentary" breakfast wouldn't be available until tomorrow morning. Cue a frantic search for anything edible. Those vending machines are just mean. Ended up with a bag of stale peanut M&Ms and bottled water that probably saw more sunshine than I had.
• 3:30 PM: Reconnaissance. I'm attempting order. A quick recce of the hotel. Holy cow, the pool! And it's surprisingly crowded. A gaggle of kids who probably think they're Olympic medalists and a couple of adults, clearly plotting something. It’s almost tempting. Almost. Maybe tomorrow.
• 4:00 PM: Attempt at a Plan. I meant to hit up the Historic Downtown Charleston today. But the sun is beating down like it’s mad at me for something. I feel a sunburn coming on, despite liberally applying sunscreen. I decided to have a long, cold shower, followed by an hour of watching the Food Network (guiltily, whilst eating Peanut M&Ms).
• 6:00 PM: Dinner Quest. Google Maps, bless its algorithms, suggested a highly-rated seafood place called The Wreck of the Richard and Charlene. Apparently, it’s legit. Wish me luck. Finding parking is apparently an Olympic Sport here.
• 8:00 PM: Dinner Debrief. The Wreck? Amazing. The hushpuppies alone were worth the trip. The fish was fresh, the atmosphere boisterous, and the service… well, let's just say "charmingly chaotic.” I even got a story from a local about a legendary shrimp boil. It involved a near-disaster with a runaway pot, and a whole load of laughter.
• 9:30 PM: Bedtime story. I'm exhausted. The local told me I could take a walk through Charleston City Market but I'm falling asleep. My travel journal says to make sure you stay hydrated, and this is my reminder to take a water bottle to my bed.

Day 2: The Day I Almost Burnt Alive… and Ate a Glorious Biscuit

• 7:00 AM: The Great Breakfast Hunt. The "complimentary" breakfast is… well, it’s there. The scrambled eggs look suspiciously yellow, and the coffee tastes faintly of burnt rubber. But, hey, free is free, right? And I'm starving.
• 8:00 AM: Poolside Bliss (Or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Sunscreen). Okay, I tried to do a proper swim. But it's full of kids. I ended up just floating, dodging cannonballs, and people-watching. The sheer effort of it left me worn out. I feel like I'm one misstep from a full-on sunburn. Note to self: pack more aloe vera.
• 9:00 AM: Charleston City Market. The heat today is insane. I can't emphasize this enough. I wandered in the market, which is a bit of a sensory overload. Too many trinkets, too much chatter, and way too many people bumping into me. I bought a hand-painted ornament. Who am I kidding? I'm a sucker for souvenirs.
• 10:00 AM: The Biscuit Revelation and a Near-Meltdown. I'm talking about Callie's Hot Little Biscuit. The line was long. The sun was brutal. I was starting to hallucinate. But then… I tasted the biscuit. Flaky, buttery, heavenly… It was worth the wait. I would commit actual crimes for another one. I then went back to my hotel room and hid from the sun.
• 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM: Hotel hibernation.
• 4:00 PM: Ghost tour! The evening is getting cooler, and it's the perfect time to see if the stories are true. After a tour of the city, I have to say I'm not convinced. I've heard the stories are mostly legends.
• 7:00 PM: Another dinner. I just wanted to explore. I went to dinner at Harken, and I loved the food. It was a delicious experience.
• 9:00 PM: A final swim. The pool is finally empty now.

Day 3: Departure (and a Promise to Return, Hopefully with More Aloe Vera)

• 7:00 AM: Breakfast, Part Two. Another go at the… sustenance. This time I'm armed with a secret weapon: a stash of granola bars.
• 8:00 AM: Packing. Which means shoving everything haphazardly into my suitcase and hoping for the best. I'm not a particularly organized packer.
• 9:00 AM: A Final Stroll (and some coffee). I managed a quick visit to a local coffee shop. The barista was charming, the coffee was strong, and it was a perfect farewell.
• 10:00 AM: Check-out. "Did you enjoy your stay?" "Mostly."
• 11:00 AM: Headed to the airport.
• 12:00 PM: End of Trip. I'm on my way. Did I experience everything? Heck no. But I’m happy.

Observations, Rambles, and General Musings:

• Mount Pleasant is… charming. A mix of history, suburban sprawl, and a healthy dose of Southern hospitality.
• The humidity is a character. It's a hug that won't let go.
• People are friendly. And they love to talk. Be prepared for random conversations.
• I need a nap. Possibly a whole week of naps.
• Would I come back? Absolutely. I have unfinished business with those biscuits. And maybe, just maybe, I'll learn to drive like a local.

This schedule is subject to change, and probably already has. I'm not a robot, and neither is my vacation. Enjoy your trip, and don't forget the sunscreen! You've been warned.

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Holiday Inn Express & Suites Charleston NE Mt Pleasant US17 By IHG Mount Pleasant (SC) United StatesOkay, let's get messy with some FAQs. Brace yourself. ```html

Uh...Frequently Asked Questions About, Well, *Stuff* (Probably)

So, what *exactly* are these FAQs about? Because honestly, I'm already confused.

Look, that's a fair question. My initial plan was super organized. You know, "Category A: This." "Category B: That." But then actual human-ness happened. Right now, it's kind of... everything. If you're looking for laser-focused answers, you've come to the wrong address. Think of it as a conversational free-for-all with occasional bursts of insight. Maybe. Probably not. Mostly just rambles, tbh.

Why are these FAQs so... *disorganized*? Did you just... give up?

Okay, okay, you got me. Yes. Mostly. But it's not *just* giving up! It's a *choice*. I could have meticulously crafted a perfectly structured FAQ. But where's the fun in that? Life isn't neatly packaged, you know? It's a chaotic, beautiful, frustrating mess. And these FAQs? They're a glorious reflection of that. Plus, I have a goldfish named Bartholomew who demands my attention every 10 minutes, so...

Okay, fine. But are these actually *helpful*?

Helpful? That's the million-dollar question, isn't it? Look, I *try*. There might be nuggets of useful information buried somewhere in this digital swamp. But honestly? I'm mostly just hoping to entertain myself. If you glean something useful along the way, consider it a happy accident. Now, if you're looking for medical advice, DO NOT listen to anything I say. Seriously, go see a real doctor. My only expertise is drinking way too much coffee and staring blankly at a screen.

Let's get down to brass tacks. Do you have an opinion on... cats?

Cats?! Oh, boy, do I. My opinion is...complicated. Let's just say I have a love-hate relationship with those furry overlords. My neighbor's cat, Mittens (that's her name, ugh), is the bane of my existence. She stares at me through my window, judging my life choices. I SWEAR, I saw her rolling her eyes the other day when I burned the toast! 😹 On the other hand, my friend's cat, Luna, is an ANGEL. She’s cuddly, purrs like a motor, and actually *listens* when you talk to her. See? Complicated! Basically, cats are fluffy tiny gods and I'm just a peasant.

What about... coffee? Is it *essential* to your existence?

Coffee? Essential is an understatement. It's my lifeblood. My reason for getting out of bed (after hitting snooze approximately 17 times). It's not just a beverage; it's a ritual. The smell, the taste, the *kick*... It's practically a religion. I'm pretty sure I could survive on coffee and air. Food? Luxury. Water? Negotiable. Coffee? A non-negotiable, all-consuming passion. Actually, scratch that, I think I need some right now. BRB. * *sound of frantic coffee brewing* * Okay, I'm back! Where were we...? Oh yeah, coffee...

What's the biggest mistake you've ever made? Spill the tea!

Oof, that's a loaded question. Okay, here's a doozy: I once thought it would be a brilliant idea to learn to play the ukulele at 3 AM. The "lesson" ended after 20 minutes, with me howling, probably waking up everyone in the apartment building, and me declaring "screw you, ukulele". The worst part? My neighbor, who is a serious musician, actually *heard* me and gave me this pitying look the next day. Yep, that's the biggest mistake.

What do you *really* think about... modern art?

Okay, here comes a confession: modern art confuses me. A lot. I stare at some of these paintings and think, "Did a toddler with finger paints do this?" And I *get* the concept of abstraction and all that, but sometimes I just don't *feel* it, OKAY? I went to a museum once, and spent a solid 15 minutes staring at a white canvas. My brain just short-circuited. I swear I saw a lady staring at it for 30 minutes. Was she enlightened? Did she get it? I'll never know. Maybe I'm just not cultured enough. Or maybe it's all a big joke. (Probably the latter, honestly).

Okay, fine. But.. what's something you're actually *proud* of?

Hmm, good question. Okay, here's one: a few years ago, I was terrified of public speaking. Like, full-blown panic attack-level terrified. But I forced myself to join a Toastmasters club and face my fear head-on. And, you know what? It was awful at first. TERRIBLE. My voice shook, I stumbled over my words, and I’m pretty sure I sweated through my shirt every time. But slowly, *very slowly*, I got better. I even won a ribbon once! And now? I can *almost* stand in front of a crowd and not completely die inside. So yeah, I'm pretty proud of that. It's a small victory, but it's *mine*.

Is there anything you'd like to say to... your future self?

Future Me... listen, I really hope you've figured out how to adult by now. Please tell me you're eating more vegetables. I desperately hope you've found a decent therapist. And for the love of all that is holy, please, PLEASE don't still be wearing those embarrassing sweatpants. And also... is there a cure for hangovers yet?

So, in a nutshell, what have we learned here?

Honestly? Probably not much. You've likely learned that I'm a caffeine-addicted, cat-questioning, slightly-neuroticSave On Hotels Now

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Charleston NE Mt Pleasant US17 By IHG Mount Pleasant (SC) United States

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Charleston NE Mt Pleasant US17 By IHG Mount Pleasant (SC) United States

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