Bellingham's BEST Hotel? Holiday Inn & Suites Review (You Won't Believe This!)

Holiday Inn & Suites Bellingham By IHG United States

Bellingham's BEST Hotel? Holiday Inn & Suites Review (You Won't Believe This!)

Bellingham's Best? Hold on… Is the Holiday Inn & Suites REALLY as Good as They Say? A Messy, Honest Review. (You Won't Believe This!)

Okay, folks, let's be real. Finding a decent hotel in Bellingham, Washington, can feel like trying to find a decent slice of pizza at 3 AM in Vegas. It ain't always pretty. But everyone raves about the Holiday Inn & Suites, so, naturally, I had to investigate. I mean, "Bellingham's BEST Hotel?" That's a bold claim, Holiday Inn, a bold claim. So, here's the truth, warts and all, because let's be frank, I'm no travel blogger, I'm just a guy who needed a place to sleep and maybe – maybe – get a decent cup of coffee.

First Impressions (and a slight panic attack over accessibility):

Pulling up, the building looks… well, like a Holiday Inn & Suites. Predictable, yes, but clean-looking, and that's a good start. And the very first thing I did was check for accessibility. Because, you know, gotta know. Accessibility: Yes, YES! The website actually highlighted their accessibility features. Huge points. Wheelchair accessible: Yes. The main entrance had automatic doors, plenty wide hallways. Bravo! Elevator: Essential, and present. Well done, again. This early win gave me hope! (Because frankly, most hotels in this town seem stuck in the 90’s.)

The Room: Comfort, Coffee, and a Quest for Darkness

Alright, room tour time! Let’s start with the basics: Air conditioning in all rooms (check). Free Wi-Fi (check!). Internet [LAN] (huh, interesting, check!). And, oh thank the Lord, Blackout curtains! These are critical. I'm a light sleeper who also likes to pretend the sun doesn't exist until noon. Victory! Air Conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom Phone, Bathtub, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker… The list just kept going! They really did think of things. Let's zoom in on the coffee situation. The in-room coffee situation. Coffee/tea maker (check), Complimentary tea (double check). But… the coffee. It was okay. Standard hotel coffee. But hey, at least there was coffee. And the mini-bar… a fridge! Not stocked (booo!), but at least I could put my own beverages in there.

Cleanliness and Safety – The Covid Era Shuffle

Let’s be upfront, this is 2024, and COVID still lingers. Anti-viral cleaning products? I hoped so! I didn’t get a personal inspection, I'm trusting the website. Daily disinfection in common areas, Rooms sanitized between stays, Staff trained in safety protocol – all good signs. Hand sanitizer everywhere. Plus the availability for Room sanitization opt-out available. The Safe dining setup makes me feel at peace! Cashless payment service, Check-in/out [express] – streamlining things. And they even have Doctor/nurse on call?! Yikes, I need a vacation, not a hospital stay. Still, good to know, I suppose.

Dining, Drinking, and the Quest for a Decent Bite (and my own opinions)

Hotel food. The bane of many a traveler. But, Restaurants, Bar, Coffee/tea restaurant, Coffee shop… The options are there. Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast takeaway service? Yes and yes! I went for the buffet. Now, the food was… standard. Not life-changing. But filling. Eggs, bacon, the usual suspects. I did grab a pastry. Let's say it was… adequate. Breakfast in room? I did not take advantage, but it's an option. Happy hour?? Bingo. I'm in. Okay, so the bar setup was decent. They even had a few craft beers on tap. Good on ya, Holiday Inn. No, the food isn't Michelin-star quality, but it's there, it's convenient, and it's better than driving around Bellingham at midnight in search of something edible. They even have a Poolside bar. That sounds fun, but it was raining during my visit. (Welcome to the Pacific Northwest).

Things to Do (and Ways to Relax) - More Than Meets the Eye

Okay, so Bellingham is a fairly outdoor-centric town, so I wasn't expecting a full-blown spa resort. But Pool with a View? YES! The pool was indoors, but nice! And the website listed Fitness center, Gym/fitness. I walked past the gym. I’m on vacation. Nope. I'm not even looking at that gym. Sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool? All present and accounted for! This all adds up to a decent amount of "relaxing."

Services and Conveniences - The Little Extras

Here's where Holiday Inn & Suites really shines. Concierge? Yep. Daily housekeeping? They have it. Dry cleaning, Ironing service, Laundry service? All available. (Good for those of us who despise doing laundry on vacation.) Business facilities, Xerox/fax in business center, Meeting/banquet facilities? Okay, not my scene but helpful for the business crowd (which Bellingham has plenty of). Convenience store? Crucial for a quick snack run. Luggage storage? Always useful. And a Gift/souvenir shop . Just don't expect to find anything too exciting.

For the kids!

Babysitting service? I didn’t use it but good for families. Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal… It looked like a solid choice.

Getting Around & Other Details

Airport transfer? Check. Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site]? The most important, and the answer is yes. Taxi service, Valet parking? Yes, yes. Front desk [24-hour]? Always a win. Security [24-hour], CCTV in common areas, Security/security feature, Smoke alarms, Fire extinguisher… all checked. You know, the boring but important stuff!

The Verdict (and the Big Question)

So, "Bellingham's BEST Hotel?" Look, I'm not sure it's the best, but the Holiday Inn & Suites is a damn good option. Here's what I really liked: The accessibility, the cleanliness (especially important these days, y'all), the convenience (grab-and-go breakfast? Bar on site? Yes, please!), and the comfortable rooms. It's a solid choice for a wide range of travelers.

Where it could be better: The food at the buffet could be better. The in-room coffee could be stronger.

The (slightly) messy, imperfect, and human truth: Would I stay there again? Absolutely. Did it blow my mind? No. Did it provide a comfortable, convenient, and safe stay? Yes, and that's a win in my book.

The Offer (Because You Deserve a Break!):

Tired of questionable Bellingham hotels? Want a stay that's ACTUALLY comfortable, safe, and convenient?

Click here to book your stay at the Holiday Inn & Suites in Bellingham!

And here's the deal:

• Guaranteed Cleanliness & Safety: We're committed to your health and well-being. (Read: we've got the hand sanitizer and the good intentions).
• Breakfast Included (with a chance of a decent pastry!): Fuel your adventures with our breakfast buffet (and a little hope for your taste buds).
• Free Wi-Fi: Because you need to post those Instagram photos of whatever it is you're doing this is the ultimate hotel. (And maybe check your email. You still gotta work sometimes.)
• Pool, Gym, and all the amenities you deserve: Unwind, relax, or get your sweat on (if you're into that kind of thing – I’m not judging!).

Don't risk a bad hotel stay in Bellingham. Book your stay at the Holiday Inn & Suites today, and get ready for a surprisingly good experience. (Seriously, you won't believe it!)

Click Here to Book Now! (And tell them the messy-honest reviewer sent ya. Maybe you'll get a free pastry!)

Unleash Your Inner Royalty: Kuala Selangor's Most Luxurious Boutique Hotel Awaits

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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's meticulously planned travel itinerary. This is my attempt to wrangle a stay at the Holiday Inn & Suites Bellingham By IHG, a place I’m already picturing as potentially a slightly less-than-glamorous but hopefully charming adventure. Let's see if my expectations and reality align, shall we?

Bellingham Bound, Baby! (and maybe a little caffeine-fueled panic)

• Day 1: Arrival - Pretending I'm Cool with the Pacific Northwest Vibe

  • 1:00 PM: Travel to Bellingham. (Well, duh. I'm pretty sure the whole trip hinges on this.) The drive itself usually starts with the gleeful promise of a road trip and ends with a sudden realization of how much I need to pee. I’m hoping for the former today. Pre-trip anxiety levels are currently at a moderate 'forget-something-important-and-ruminate-on-it-for-hours' level. I double-checked my wallet, my passport, my phone charger… did I remember socks?
  • 3:00 PM: Check-in at Holiday Inn & Suites Bellingham. Okay, here we go! First impressions are everything, right? I'm praying for a room that doesn't smell faintly of chlorine and despair. I'm also crossing my fingers for a decent view. A parking lot is acceptable. A breathtaking mountain vista would be a miracle. (Fingers crossed!)
  • 3:30 - 4:30 PM: The Room Reveal & The Battle With the Remote
    • "Okay, breathe… you're supposed to be on vacation. This is supposed to be fun!" I whisper to myself.
    • The room: Okay, not bad. A little… beige-y. Definitely a view of… a neighboring building's AC unit. But hey, the bed looks comfy. Gotta find the remote to see what the channel situation is. Okay, I see the TV, but… where is the remote? After hunting for 5 minutes I find it under the bed, and then proceed to struggle to turn it on. Is it me, or are hotel remotes always the devil’s work? Eventually, I get it going. Success!
  • 5:00 PM: Explore the hotel. Pool? Gym? Is there a vending machine filled with suspiciously colorful snacks? This is crucial intel. Honestly, if there's a decent vending machine, that could significantly elevate the rating of this entire experience.
  • 6:00 PM: Dinner - Local Eats, or Should I Just Order Pizza?
    • Here's where things get tricky. I want to try a local restaurant. I really do! I envision myself effortlessly becoming a connoisseur of Pacific Northwest cuisine. But realistically? There's a good chance I'll be paralyzed by choice, overwhelmed by menus, and end up back at the Holiday Inn with a large pizza and a deep regret about not embracing adventure.
  • 7:30 PM: Wind Down and The Great Bed Test. Time to officially relax. I'm in serious need of that! I'm testing out the bed quality which is the most important of all! I’ll probably find it to be great.
  • 8:30 PM: The Evening Chill
    • I'll probably spend the evening browsing social media, watching telly, and making sure to get ready early for bed so I can wake up early.

• Day 2: Bellingham's Beaches and My Innate Inability to Pack Accordingly

  • 8:00 AM: Wakey, Wakey - Breakfast and the Pursuit of Caffeine. Hotel breakfasts are often a mixed bag. I'm hoping for at least some decent coffee. Anything beyond that is a bonus. And I need caffeine. Seriously.
  • 9:00 AM: Local Exploration Attempt 1. I'm going to make an effort to visit one of Bellingham's beaches. I've checked the weather (sort of). The problem is, my travel planning skills are questionable. I'm like a squirrel attempting to build a house. I have a general direction in mind but somehow always miss the essentials. I didn't check to see if I have a beach towel!
  • 10:00 AM: The Beach, Glorious Beach!
    • Oh. My. God. I actually made it! Here, at the beach, I'm now regretting not getting that beach towel. Oh well. I'll have a few laughs here!
  • 1:00 PM: Lunch - Where Am I Eating? And Am I Still Wearing My Swimsuit? I'll now get lunch, hopefully at some local place. After a whole day at the beach, there's no telling what I'll look like. I'm hoping for something hearty and filling, because, you know, I’m on vacation.
  • 3:00 PM: Relaxation and the Return to Reality
    • After a long and hard day, I'm headed back to the hotel to relax!
  • 4:30 PM: The hotel pool. Again.
    • I love this hotel. The pool is perfect. Not too busy. Not too loud. Ahhh, this is the life!
  • 6:00 PM: Dinner - The Great Restaurant Gamble. This is it. Time to make a decision. To take a chance.
  • 8:00 PM: Evening, winding down, and packing.
    • I'll continue doing my things, and making sure I'm packed up and ready to go.

• Day 3: Departure - Saying Goodbye (and Trying to Remember Where I Left My Phone Charger)

  • 9:00 AM: Breakfast and the Last Moments. The hotel breakfast, or some breakfast.
  • 10:00 AM: Final Hotel Check.
  • 11:00 AM: Leaving Bellingham.
  • And as I drove home: "Wow, that was amazing. Next time I'm prepared for a beach!"
  • Reflections: Did I find zen in Bellingham? Maybe not. Did I have a good time? Yeah, probably. The Holiday Inn, it turns out, was a perfectly decent base of operations. And despite the beige, the AC unit view, and the remote control battles, I wouldn't change a thing. Except maybe bring a beach towel. And socks. Always remember the socks. Until next time Bellingham!

**Bahrain's Belle Tower: Luxury Living Redefined (Stunning Views!)**

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Okay, buckle up Buttercup, because we're about to dive headfirst into a messy, opinionated, and brutally honest look at the Holiday Inn & Suites in Bellingham. Forget perfectly manicured reviews; we're going full-throttle reality. Here's what you REALLY need to know, in FAQ form, with a healthy dose of my personal chaos:

Is the Holiday Inn & Suites Bellingham REALLY the "BEST"? Let's be real…

Okay, hold up. "BEST"? That's a bold claim. Let’s just say it depends on your definition of "best." If "best" means clean, relatively cheap, and convenient to everything, then, yeah, maybe. But if "best" means a luxury spa experience with Michelin-starred dining? Absolutely not. I mean, the lobby smells a *little* like chlorine sometimes. And sometimes, the elevator takes its sweet, sweet time. But hey, you win some, you lose some, right? Bellingham isn’t exactly overflowing with Four Seasons options, but this place *usually* hits the mark. I’ll say it: It’s… serviceable.

The Rooms: Cozy or Claustrophobic? Spill the Tea.

Rooms… ah, the rooms. The rooms are *fine*. They’re not Instagram-worthy, but they're clean-ish. Okay, ALMOST clean. I remember one time, I swear I saw a rogue Cheerio under the bed. Don’t judge. We’ve all been there. They’re not huge, so if you’re traveling with a whole soccer team, maybe get a suite (or two). The beds? Generally comfy. I’m a light sleeper, so I always pack earplugs, because you never know what kind of shenanigans the other guests are up to (loud talkers, the occasional snorer, etc.). Seriously though, the beds are fine. Really. I think. I hope so. I *need* sleep. And that view? Well, it depends. Some rooms face the parking lot (meh), some face the mountains (score!). Ask for a mountain view when you book. Trust me.

The Pool & Hot Tub: Epic Relaxation or Germ Warfare?

Ah, the pool! This is where things get… interesting. Look, it's a hotel pool. It's not the Olympic training facility. Sometimes, it's pristine and lovely. Other times… well, let's just say I brought my own anti-bacterial wipes. And the hot tub? It gets the job done. It's hot. Bubbles. You know the drill. But the whole vibe depends on who's there. You might get a gang of screaming toddlers, or a couple canoodling so hard you feel like you're intruding on a romantic getaway. I’ve seen both. Just be prepared to embrace the chaos. And pack a towel. Because sometimes, they run out. And let me tell you, standing dripping wet in a swimsuit while waiting for a towel is not my ideal relaxation scenario.

That Free Breakfast: Actually Free Food or a Sad Morning Sacrifice?

Okay, the breakfast… I have *opinions*. The free breakfast at Holiday Inn & Suites is… predictable, but not *awful*. The pancakes are… usually edible. The scrambled eggs? Questionable, at times. The coffee? Drinkable, but don't expect the barista magic. They usually have the usual suspects: cereal, fruit (sometimes), yogurt, pastries that look like they've been there since, well, the beginning of time. It's free, people! Manage your expectations. I usually load up on the carbs and hope for the best. And the waffle maker? *That* is a glorious invention. That, my friends, is a shining beacon of hope in a sea of… okay breakfast. So yes go for the free breakfast, especially if you don't want to pay for a proper breakfast.

Location, Location, Location! Is it Convenient?

Absolutely. The location is a HUGE win. It's super easy to get around from this hotel. Everything is close, restaurants, shopping, the waterfront, even the casino (if you’re feeling lucky, or just need a little bit of fun). Very well-situated for exploring the area. You can drive or take a short Uber to anything. And it's super close to the freeway. (Good and bad, depending on your philosophy on traffic noise)

The Staff: Angels or… Not? Dish the Dirt.

Okay, the staff. They are generally friendly and helpful. But I’ve had… *experiences.* One time, I asked for extra towels, and it took about an hour and three calls. I'm not kidding! Then, there was the time the key card refused to work, and I had to go back to the front desk. But hey, everyone has off days. And honestly, the hotel always seems to be pretty busy. Most of the time, they are very friendly and try their best. So, yeah, staff: mostly good. Sometimes a little stretched, but usually helpful. Tip them well! They deserve it.

The Gym: Actually a Gym or a Closet with a Treadmill?

The gym… is… okay. It's not spacious, but it has the basics. Treadmill, elliptical, some weights. It's not a place you'd want to spend a lot of time, but if you need to get a quick workout in, it'll do the trick. I’m not a gym person, so I usually skip it. But sometimes, after a day of eating pancakes for breakfast, I tell myself I should go… and then I don't. But you *could*.

Anything Else We Need to Know? The Hidden Gems or Dirty Secrets?

Okay, here's the REALLY important stuff. The little things I learned the hard way:

1. **Parking:** Usually plentiful, but can get tricky during peak times. Don't be *that* person who blocks other cars.
2. **Wi-Fi:** It’s generally reliable. But be prepared to log in every day. Why? I have no idea. Just the way it is.
3. **Noise Levels:** Depends on your room and tolerance. Ask for a quiet room if you're a light sleeper. Seriously, if you can't sleep, call immediately after getting to your room and ask to get moved.
4. **Check-in/out:** Pretty painless. Just be prepared for a line during peak hours.
5. **The Little Store:** Okay, this is pretty cool! They sell drinks, snacks, and some essentials. Life savers. I always grab snacks.
6. **A final thought:** Don’t go in expecting perfection. This is a solid, reliable hotel in Bellingham. Enjoy your stay. And for the love of all things holy, don’t forget your swimsuit!

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