Lake George Getaway: Unbeatable Deals at Holiday Inn Express Queensbury!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the glorious, chaotic world of the Holiday Inn Express Queensbury. My Lake George Getaway review is coming at ya, and let me tell you, it’s gonna be less "polished review" and more "friend who's just back from vacation, buzzing with a mix of sun, sand, and questionable decisions".
Lake George Getaway: Holiday Inn Express Queensbury - The Good, the Bad, and the Surprisingly Comfortable
First things first: Accessibility. They say it, and they mean it. This place is pretty darn good for accessibility. Elevators? Check. Ramps? Check. I didn’t personally need any of the accessibility features this time, but it's always something I scrutinize because, frankly, it's important. Gives me that warm fuzzy feeling knowing they haven't forgotten anyone. They also have that super-convenient car park, which is always a lifesaver, especially when you’re hauling a week's worth of luggage and a mountain of random souvenirs. Now, is it a perfect fully accessible wonderland? I didn't scrutinize every single detail, but from what I saw, it's far better than many places.
Cleanliness and Safety: whew! Okay, let's just acknowledge the elephant in the room: the post-pandemic era. This Holiday Inn gets it. They're laying on the cleaning like it's an Olympic sport. Picture this: Anti-viral cleaning products are in full force. Hand sanitizer dispensers everywhere, like tiny, cleansing sentinels. Rooms sanitized between stays, and all the staff is rocking the hygiene protocols. I even saw someone wiping down the elevators. That level of commitment? That’s peace of mind in a bottle, people.
Rooms: The Cozy Cave of Comfort
Let's talk about my room. Think cozy. Air conditioning blasted just right (a must, right?!) Blackout curtains? YES. Listen, those babies are essential. I’m pretty much a vampire when I’m on vacation. Wake-up service (even though I set three alarms on my phone)? You betcha. Free Wi-Fi (in all rooms!) - a must, seriously. Got enough devices? The internet access via LAN was a good option.
The bed? Dude, that bed. It was one of those extra-long mega-beds. I'm 6'2", and usually my feet are hanging off the edge, but this thing could comfortably fit a NBA player. The pillows were fluffy clouds, and the sheets smelled suspiciously clean. Really, the room felt clean. It had a comfortable seating area to veg out on. I had a mini-fridge which was really convenient to store drinks and leftovers. Plus, the little things like a desk for the work emails, a small reading light, and a safety deposit box - all the basics are there. And the mirror, good enough to check your look after a long day of exploring
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (The Food and Booze Rundown)
Breakfast, my friends! The holy grail of hotel stays. This Holiday Inn had a buffet. Yeah, a buffet. Now, buffets can be a mixed bag, let's be honest. You're always playing the roulette wheel of dubious bacon and lukewarm scrambled eggs. But this one? Actually pretty decent! Western breakfast options were plentiful. The coffee, eh, it was hotel coffee, so I loaded it with sugar. They had coffee/tea in the restaurant, and also a small coffee shop, in case you were craving something specific. I could grab snacks from the Snack Bar, or go to the convenience store to buy some. Didn’t get to try the Asian cuisine in the restaurant, but at least they tried.
Things to Do and Ways to Relax (Where the Magic Happens - and Sometimes Falls Flat)
Okay, here’s where it gets interesting. They have a fitness center. Which, let's be honest, I walked past. Judging by the glimpse I got, it looked…functional. They have a swimming pool (outdoor), which was amazing. I spent a decent chunk of time by the pool and enjoyed it completely! It also has a pool with a view! There is also a sauna, spa, and steam room. The spa offers body wraps and massages! I didn't go in, but all of that is definitely a plus.
Services and Conveniences (The "Things That Make Life Easier" Department)
They've got a bunch of helpful services. Cash withdrawal? Check. Concierge? Yep, there. Laundry service? You bet. Luggage storage? Naturally. The elevator was great, especially when I had to haul my suitcase back up to the room. They offered dry cleaning and ironing service. Plus, the front desk was open 24 hours.
For the Kids (Because, Let's Face It, Family Trips are a Zoo)
They advertise family-friendly, which is great. They have kids facilities and a babysitting service. I didn't take advantage of those, but if you got kids, there is a lot of stuff for them to enjoy.
The Little Annoyances (Because Perfection Doesn't Exist)
Okay, let's be real. No place is perfect. Here's my tiny gripes: The location is a bit outside the Lake George Village core. You’ll definitely need a car, or a willingness to call a taxi. The walls, I assume, are paper-thin. I could sometimes hear the late-night revelry from the other rooms, even though they had soundproof rooms. And look, I'm not gonna lie, some of the decor felt a little…dated.
The Verdict: Should You Book?
Absolutely, yes! But here's the thing: this Holiday Inn Express isn't trying to be a five-star luxury resort. It's a clean, comfortable base of operations for your Adirondack adventures. And at the prices they're offering? It’s an absolute steal. This hotel is perfect for people who want a hassle-free vacation.
My Stream-of-Consciousness, Unedited, Emotionally Charged Anecdote
Okay, fine, I'll share one memorable experience. I arrived late one night, jet-lagged and starving. I got to my room, flipped on the TV, and ordered pizza. That’s all I could do, because I was absolutely exhausted. The TV had something called "On-demand movies." It was great. The staff was friendly, which is just what I needed. The next day, I was at the pool, listening to the birds, sipping my coffee, reading a book. It was absolute bliss.
The Unbeatable Deal: Your Lake George Getaway Awaits!
Are you ready for a Lake George adventure? Forget those stressful hotel hunts and overpriced options! The Holiday Inn Express Queensbury is offering an unbeatable deal.
- Unbeatable Deals: Get the most for your buck with incredible room rates that let you save your money for the fun stuff – watersports, hikes, and exploring the charming Lake George Village!
- Stay Safe and Sound: Enjoy peace of mind with top-notch cleanliness, stringent safety protocols, and a staff trained to keep you protected.
- Comfort and Convenience: Relax in spacious, well-appointed rooms, enjoy free Wi-Fi, and take advantage of amazing amenities like the outdoor pool, and fitness center.
- Unforgettable Adventures: Explore the beauty of Lake George, just a few minutes away, including beaches, boats, shops and the many, many hiking trails.
- The Best Value: You won't find a better combination of price, comfort, and convenience in the heart of the Adirondacks!
Book your Lake George Getaway at the Holiday Inn Express Queensbury now and treat yourself to a worry-free escape. Don't wait – these deals won't last!
Escape to Paradise: Arambol's Hottest Hostel Awaits!
Okay, buckle up Buttercup! This isn't your grandma's perfectly-formatted travel itinerary. This is my (hypothetical) ramble through the Holiday Inn Express in Queensbury, NY, and around Lake George. Prepare for a rollercoaster… and probably some typos.
The (Un)Official Queensbury & Lake George Adventure: A Messy Memoir
Day 1: Arrival and the Existential Dread of the Pool
Time: 3:00 PM - Officially Checking In (Maybe… if the front desk clerk isn’t busy judging my questionable fashion choices)
- Transportation: My trusty, yet slightly dented, sedan. God, I need a new car. But gas prices… sigh. (Internal monologue: "Don't think about it, just drive!")
- Hotel: Holiday Inn Express Queensbury - Lake George Area. Pretty standard. Clean, hopefully. Praying for not-too-thin walls. I need my beauty sleep.
- Expectations: To find a decent parking space and avoid eye contact with anyone overly enthusiastic about upstate New York.
Time: 3:30 PM - The Room, The Verdict
- Okay, the room is… adequate. Bedspread feels like it’s from the 80s, but the AC’s cranking! WIN! (Quickly double-checks for bed bugs. Because, you know.)
- Observation: The vending machine is a glorious beacon of processed snacks and regret. I’m already eyeing the chips. And the gummy bears. Resist the urge. Resist.
Time: 4:00 PM - The Pool… or the Abyss
- Location: Indoor pool. My nemesis. I AM NOT a pool person. I fear the chlorine smell, the inevitable wet hair, and the awkwardness of small talk.
- Experience: Walked past the pool. Decided to… maybe tomorrow. Yeah, tomorrow. I can "casually" walk past it and judge other peoples' technique and style. Much safer.
Time: 6:00 PM - Dinner Disaster (or Triumph?)
- Location: Trying to find a restaurant that's more than just chain food. Google, you are my only hope. I'm hoping I can find a place that's NOT a chain.
- Outcome: After a tense search that included a serious consideration of an all-you-can-eat buffet, I scored a hidden gem! A surprisingly authentic Italian place! (The marinara sauce alone brought tears to my eyes.)
- Emotional Reaction: Pure, unadulterated happiness. Italian food is my love language.
Time: 8:00 PM - Evening Entertainment…or Lack Thereof
- Challenge: Attempting to entertain myself. My phone's about to die and I refuse to watch a hotel channel marathon.
- Failed Attempts: Stared at the ceiling for a while. Read an article on the history of Crocs (don't ask). Tried to write a poem. Ended up just making a list of things I need to buy on Amazon.
- Conclusion: Found an old book in the car. Good night everyone, or good morning from this time zone!
Day 2: Lake George and the Triumph of Cheap Thrills
Time: 8:00 AM - Breakfast… The Buffet Battleground
- Location: The free breakfast bar. (Pray for survival.)
- Challenges: Navigating the continental chaos. Judging the questionable quality of the scrambled eggs (seriously, what are those things?). Deciphering the toaster.
- Victory: Successfully acquired (and safely consumed) a waffle and a questionable, but edible, sausage patty. Score!
Time: 9:00 AM - First Glimpse of the Lake (Maybe)
- Location: Drive down to Lake George Village. (Traffic, ugh.)
- Experience: OMG. The lake is actually… beautiful. The water is sparkling, the mountains are majestic, and I suddenly feel a pang of… dare I say… joy? (Don’t tell anyone.)
- Observation: So many boats! So many happy people! I’m gonna need a vacation from this vacation, but the views were great.
Time: 10:00 AM - Tourist Traps and the Joy of Souvenirs
- Location: Walking around Lake George Village.
- Experience: Souvenir shops! T-shirts with questionable slogans! Saltwater taffy (I'm weak). Okay, I'm gonna have to buy something.
- Anecdote: I almost bought a wind chime shaped like a loon, but it felt too predictable. Settled on a bumper sticker that says, "I ❤️ Lake George" (ironically, obviously).
Time: 1:00 PM - Lunch and the Perils of the Outdoor Patio
- Location: Lunch!
- Outcome: Found a cute lakeside restaurant.
- Outcome: Decided to eat on the outdoor patio. Thought it was a great idea until… A bird decided that my burger was a delicious snack.
- Emotional Reaction: Mix of laughter and disgust. The bird won. I lost.
Time: 3:00 PM - Back to the hotel, pool, and contemplation
- Challenge: Going back to the hotel. Going to the pool.
- Outcome: I did it. I actually went to the pool! It was fine. The water was… wet? I survived. Mostly. The awkward small talk was minimal.
- Observation: Everyone else seemed normal and relaxed. I felt like a clumsy tourist with an overly expressive face and a general lack of coordination. (Story of my life, really.)
Time: 6:00 PM - Dinner… Again
- Location: Thinking about going back to the Italian place.
- Experience: Didn't happen. The pizza place was closed. Decided to go to a chain place.
- Emotional Reaction: Disappointment.
Time: 8:00 PM - Evening Entertainment…or Lack Thereof, Part 2
- Challenge: Again, my phone is dying. I'm stuck in the hotel.
- Failed Attempts: Staring at the ceiling. Watching bad TV.
- Conclusion: I'm ready for bed.
Day 3: Departure and the Lingering Smell of Chlorine
Time: 9:00 AM - Checkout and Reflections
- Process: Quick checkout. Said goodbye to the hotel.
- Emotional Reaction: A small sense of relief. And also, a weird melancholy? Was it actually a good trip? I still don't know.
- Observation: The drive home! The best part of every trip.
Overall Verdict: The trip was… an experience. Flawed, messy, awkward at times, but mostly good. Lake George is beautiful, even if I am not a "lake person." The hotel did its job. And the Italian place saved the day (and my sanity). Would I go back? Maybe. Eventually. (But not before a long nap.)
Final Thought: I need more sleep. And maybe someone to tell me I'm not crazy. And definitely more Italian food.
Lake George Getaway: Holiday Inn Express Queensbury - Ask Me Anything (Seriously!)
Alright, buckle up, because I'm about to spill the beans on the Holiday Inn Express in Queensbury, the supposed gateway to Lake George bliss. I've been, I've seen, I've slightly regretted a questionable breakfast choice… and I'm PREPARED to answer your burning questions. Think of me as your weary traveler, spilling the local tea.
Is the Holiday Inn Express Queensbury really a good base for exploring Lake George?
Okay, let's be real. Queensbury isn't *on* Lake George. It's, like, a brisk five-minute drive. That said, yes, it's a perfectly decent base. Parking in Lake George Village can be a nightmare, worse than trying to find a matching sock. I’ve heard horror stories! So, staying just outside the chaos is a smart move. You get a quieter night's sleep. Plus, the traffic, oh the traffic. It's mostly manageable. You'll still do a lot of driving, though. So, pack your patience, and maybe some good tunes.
What's the deal with the "Unbeatable Deals" they advertise? Are they *actually* unbeatable?
“Unbeatable” is a strong word, isn't it? Look, they're *usually* competitive. I've found some pretty good deals. Do your research. (I can not *stress* this enough! Google, compare, contrast, incant the hotel booking gods!) Check other hotels nearby, even if they're not the Holiday Inn (gasp!). Black out dates are real, especially during peak season. Then again, sometimes, it's *way* cheaper than staying right in the heart of the Village. It’s all about timing and luck. And maybe a little bit of haggling. (Kidding! Don’t haggle at the front desk, you'll probably just embarrass yourself.)
The breakfast – is it as sad as most hotel breakfasts? Tell me the truth.
Ugh. The breakfast. Okay, here’s the unvarnished truth. It's… *okay*. Let's just say it's not a Michelin-star experience. They have the usual suspects: eggs (questionable, sometimes), sausage (again, questionable), cereal (your childhood memories, perhaps?), fruit (if you're lucky and *not* arriving right before closing), and waffles you make yourself (always a gamble). I once made a waffle... that looked like a map of the moon. My kids were more fascinated than hungry. But hey, it's free, and it saves you from having to go out and get a greasy spoon first thing. Coffee is generally decent – a life-saver, honestly. Just don't expect miracles. Lower your expectations... and you won't be *completely* disappointed.
What's the pool like? Is it crowded?
The pool is… well, it's a pool. Indoor, which is a bonus. Clean enough, I suppose. Don’t go expecting a luxurious spa. It's the kind of pool where small children (inevitably) splash water directly into your face. And yes, it *can* get crowded, especially during peak season and if it's raining, which: welcome to the Northeast! Your best bet is to try and sneak in during off-peak hours, maybe early morning or late evening. I've seen some serious synchronized swimming practice going on in there though. I swear! (Just kidding. Mostly.) But yeah, bring earplugs. For the kids... and for the splash zone.
Are the rooms clean? Because that's the most important thing!
Generally, yes. They *try*. It’s a Holiday Inn Express, not the Ritz. But I've always found them reasonably clean. Look, I'm a bit of a hotel room germophobe, so I have a routine. I wipe down surfaces, I inspect the bathroom… you know the drill. I once found a stray hair on the bathroom floor – and it was NOT mine! (Shudder). But I wouldn't say the general cleanliness is a major problem. The beds are comfortable enough, the sheets are clean (usually; sometimes they're a little thin), and the air conditioning works. That’s what you're really paying for. The *basics* are covered. If you're expecting immaculate luxury, well, you're in the wrong place. This is a solid "good enough" kinda place.
What are some nearby restaurants worth checking out? And are there any hidden gems?
Okay, let's talk food! Right near the hotel, you have the usual suspects: chain restaurants. But they're convenient if you're starving after a long drive. For something a little more local, you'll have to drive into Lake George Village. "Crandall's Restaurant" is a solid standby. Nothing earth-shattering, but reliable and good. For a quick bite, check out the "Spot" for classic American. The best hidden gem depends on what you're looking for. This isn't a culinary mecca, but there are some good options. Always check reviews, because things can change, and the food scene around Lake George can be… inconsistent. I once ate a sandwich that tasted like sadness. But don't let that deter you; explore! And don't be afraid to ask the front desk for recommendations. They often know the local spots.
Is there anything *bad* about the hotel? Spill the tea!
Alright, time for the dirt: *the* worst part is the noise. Thin walls are a common problem in hotels, and this one is no exception. You can hear everything – the kids running down the hall at 6 am,Stay By City
