Almere's BEST Hotel? Holiday Inn Express Review (You Won't Believe This!)
Almere's “Best” Hotel? Holiday Inn Express Review (You Won't Believe This!) - Seriously, It's Better Than You Think!
Okay, let's be real. Almere isn't exactly a shimmering beacon of glamorous travel destinations. But, as someone who's logged (and is still logging) a LOT of travel miles - even in the, shall we say, less exciting corners of the globe - finding a decent, comfy, and honestly, good hotel can be a lifesaver. And that's where the Holiday Inn Express in Almere comes in. Is it perfect? Nope. Is it mind-blowing? Probably not. But is it genuinely better than you'd expect? Absolutely. And I’m going to break it down, warts and all.
(SEO Note: Keywords are scattered EVERYWHERE, baby. Accessibility, Wi-Fi, Cleanliness, Breakfast, Almere hotels, Holiday Inn Express, etc. We're painting a picture here!)
First Impressions: Access & Arrival (Sort Of a Mess, But in a Good Way)
Alright, so I'm a sucker for smooth arrivals. We all are, right? First, getting to Almere… not the easiest. But, hey, the airport transfer option saved me a headache. And the car park [free of charge]? HUGE win. Honestly, finding free parking is a freaking GIFT these days. They've got a few designated spots, and once I actually found one. The Car park [on-site] is available if you need.
Then comes the check-in/out [express]… usually a blessing. But this time, it felt a little rushed. Like, "Here's your key, go find your room, bye!" I'm used to that. BUT, being a hotel reviewer, I wanted to linger and breathe in the vibe a little more.
Accessibility: Thoughtful Touches (and a Few Misses)
Okay, I’m going to be brutally honest, I didn’t need specific wheelchair accessible features. But I snooped. Because that's what you do! And the Holiday Inn Express in Almere seems to have done a decent job, that there would be elevator available.. The hallways felt wide enough. It LOOKED like they considered people's needs beyond a basic level. But I’m not going to pretend to be an expert here.
Rooms: Clean, Functional, and a Glorious Wi-Fi Signal!
Let's talk about the room. First off: FREE Wi-Fi in all rooms! Hallelujah! Seriously. Absolutely essential. The Wi-Fi [free] was rock solid. I was streaming movies, working, doing all the things, and not a single buffering hiccup. That's a modern miracle. I had Internet Access – Wireless which was great. I also had Internet Access – LAN but didn't tried it. The Air conditioning worked perfectly. The Blackout curtains were a dream. Sleep is sacred.
The room itself? Clean, modern, and had that nice, generic hotel smell. It had everything you need: a comfy desk, a nice reading light, a coffee/tea maker (essential for a caffeine addict like myself!), and a safe box for valuables. The closet was perfectly functional, and I loved the mirror. In the room, there was Seating area, Sofa, and so on.
The bathroom was compact but clean. The shower had good water pressure. The bathrobes and slippers were a nice touch. Towels? Fluffy! Toiletries provided were pretty standard, but they did the job.
Cleanliness & Safety: Feeling Safe and Sanitized!
Okay, you're thinking: COVID, right? Don't worry, I was thinking about it, too! Which is why I went through the Holiday Inn Express review on cleaning and safety!
They had Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and Room sanitization opt-out available. Now, the staff trained in safety protocol, I don't need to be told, but I saw it. Hand sanitizers everywhere, masks on (though, let's be honest, you get used to it), and a general air of conscientiousness. They seemed to be taking it seriously.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Breakfast Bliss (and a Mild Adventure)
So, the breakfast. This is where the Holiday Inn Express really shines, in my opinion. A Breakfast [buffet]! But, it was AMAZING. You could get Asian breakfast or you could get Western breakfast. Okay, I took both. And I filled up. The Asian cuisine in restaurant was really on point.
They also have all the other things you expect: Coffee/tea in restaurant, Bottle of water, Restaurants, Desserts in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Salad in restaurant.
There's a bar. I didn't spend a lot of time there (I was too busy eating breakfast, let's be honest). The Snack bar? I did have a quick bite there.
Services and Conveniences: The Extras That Matter
Luggage storage? Check. Laundry service? Check. Daily housekeeping? Check. They had everything you'd expect. The Front desk [24-hour] made me feel secure. Concierge - they had.
There was also Business facilities, so I was able to get work done.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax (or Don't)
Okay, this is where the Holiday Inn Express in Almere falls a bit… well, short. There wasn't a Spa, Fitness center, or Pool with view. But hey, it's an express hotel -- it focuses on the essentials. If you're looking for those, you'll have to look elsewhere.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly Vibe (Mostly)
The hotel felt pretty Family/child friendly.
Final Verdict: Surprisingly Good! (and a Special Offer!)
Look, the Holiday Inn Express in Almere isn't a luxury resort. But for the price, the location (close to the Almere Centrum, and all the business areas), the cleanliness, the fantastic Wi-Fi, and the surprisingly good breakfast, it’s a great choice. It nails the essentials, offers some welcome extras, and is a genuinely good hotel for the price point.
Honestly, I’d stay there again.
Here's My Crazy-Good Offer for YOU!
Ready to try it out?
Book your stay at the Holiday Inn Express Almere through this link [insert a valid booking link here] and get:
- A free upgrade to a room with a better view. (subject to availability)
- A complimentary breakfast for two. (because who doesn't love a free breakfast?!)
- A guaranteed late check-out up to 1 pm. (so you can sleep in and relax!) (Offer valid for a limited time only. Terms and conditions apply. Book Now!)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned travel itinerary. This is… me trying to navigate Almere and the Holiday Inn Express. God, pray for me.
The Almere Adventure: A Semi-Coherent Exploration (and Survival Guide)
Day 1: Arrival & the "Welcome to Holland!" Whoops
14:00 - Arrival at Schiphol Airport: Okay, first hurdle: surviving the airport. I’m notoriously bad at airports. Somehow, I managed to get through security without losing my passport or looking like a complete idiot. Small victories.
15:00 - Train to Almere Centrum: "Easy peasy," the website said. "Just a short train ride." Lies. The train was packed, I almost missed my stop because the announcements are in rapid-fire Dutch (which I, sadly, do not speak), and I ended up feeling like a sardine in a metal tube. By the time I saw the "Almere Centrum" sign, I was practically drooling from exhaustion and desperation for caffeine.
16:00 - Check-in at Holiday Inn Express Almere: Smooth check-in. The lobby is… well, it’s a Holiday Inn Express, so let’s just say it’s functional. The receptionist, bless her heart, was super friendly, even though I may have accidentally mixed up my credit card with my library card during the payment process.
17:00 - The Room: My room! I'm always nervous. The bed? Comfortable. The view? Uh… the parking lot… But hey, at least there's a working coffee maker (essential). There was this weird stain on the carpet though, like a giant, vaguely circular… thing. I've decided to just not think about it. Ignorance is bliss, right?
18:00 - Dinner at… anywhere with food: Okay, hunger pangs hitting hard. The hotel doesn't seem to have a restaurant, so I'm off to explore the culinary delights of Almere. Wish me luck. I'm picturing a tiny, charming, canalside bistro… I'll probably end up in a generic chain restaurant. Let's be real. Stay tuned.
18:30 - Dinner Fiasco (and Triumph?) Right! So, after wandering around aimlessly for a good 20 minutes, I ended up at… a KFC. Yes, I know, shame. But honestly, I was starving. The chicken was, as expected, greasy and comforting. I ate it with such gusto, I think I dropped some on the floor. The highlight? The guy at the next table who was clearly on a date, and who kept trying to subtly adjust his hair while simultaneously staring at his phone. Bless him. The meal might be cheap, but at least I was observing people lol.
20:00 - Evening Relaxation & Attempted Dutch Television: Back in the room. I attempted to watch some Dutch TV. It was as incomprehensible as I expected, but the commercials were… fascinating. I swear, every other commercial was about… things. The local shops. The best way to sell your item. I do not care, but I watched it anyway.
22:00 - Bedtime: Praying for a decent night's sleep. Hoping the parking lot doesn't keep me awake from the cars.
Day 2: Culture and… Well, More Uncertainty
07:00 - Breakfast at the Holiday Inn Express: The buffet is a marvel of efficiency, if not exactly gourmet cuisine. The coffee is… well, it's coffee. The croissants look suspiciously perfect. I may or may not have eaten three. Regrets? Zero. The biggest issue, though, was the sheer volume of people. "Morning!" and "Good day!" But I felt like I was in the way. I am not a morning person.
09:00 - Attempting to See Some Sights: Okay, time to be a tourist. (Even if it’s a slightly panicked one). I've got no real plan. I had the idea, before the trip, that Almere would be all futuristic architecture and canals. Now I am here, maybe it is? The website said, “explore the city centre.” I'm sure it's a vibrant hub of culture and… okay, I'm just going to wing it. The first thing is to actually find the city centre. Wish me luck!
09:30 - City Centre: Finding My Bearings (And My Sanity) Okay, I found the city center, and, well, it looks like a city center. Lots of shops. Lots of people. The architecture… is something. Sort of modern, sort of… not. I feel like I'm in a slightly surreal movie set. Oh, and I got slightly lost, which is par for the course.
11:00 - The "Weird and Wonderful" Moment: I'll try to find the Weerwater Lake. I am hoping for some open space and fresh air. If I am lucky I might find a local bar or cafe to eat somewhere and do a bit of people watching.
12:00 – Lunch: Okay. Found a cute Italian place! It's so cute! I think the pizza might have been sent from heaven.
14:00 - Back to the Hotel: I am hoping for a bath, and a nap.
17:00 - Dinner plans? Who knows. Maybe the KFC again? Or maybe I will attempt something. I have no idea.
Day 3: Departure & Reflections
- 07:00 - Breakfast (Again): The coffee is still coffee. Still croissants. I am sure I will be sad to leave.
- 09:00 - Check-Out: Easy. They seemed glad to be rid of me.
- 10:00 - Train to Schiphol: Goodbye, Almere!
- 12:00 - Departure: Back to the airport again.
Post-Trip Reflections:
Almere was… an experience. It wasn't what I expected. It wasn't bad, per se. It just… was. The Holiday Inn Express? Functional. The KFC? A lifesaver. The people I saw? Well, that made the trip, as did the pizza. Would I go back? Maybe. But next time, I'm definitely learning some basic Dutch. And maybe bringing earplugs. And definitely a better map. And also, praying for no stains…
Escape to Paradise: Single Inn - Your Kaohsiung Oasis Near the Station!
Is the Holiday Inn Express Almere Really as "Express" as They Say? I Need Speed!
Okay, so "Express" is a bit of a loaded word, right? Like, are we talking bullet train express or "that one slow bus that *kinda* gets you there eventually"? Honestly? It's... *mostly* express. Check-in? Smooth sailing. Out the door? Easy peasy. The breakfast, though... that's where things get *slightly* less express. More like a "calmly-saunter-towards-the-food-while-observing-other-humans" express. Don't get me wrong, it's *quick*, but not if you're in a desperate state of hangry and want your carbs *yesterday*. Still, for the price, and the location (more on that later), it's definitely efficient. Just don't expect to teleport to your scrambled eggs. Unless they've secretly invented that. Wouldn't be surprised, actually.
Let's Talk Location. Is the Holiday Inn Express Almere actually *in* a good spot?
This is where the magic happens! YES! It's actually *brilliant*. (And look, I’m not the type to gush, but this deserves it!) Seriously, the proximity to the train station is a lifesaver! I rolled out of bed practically, stumbled onto the platform, and BOOM, easy access to Amsterdam and beyond. No stressful taxi rides, no soul-crushing bus journeys. Just... train. Glorious, convenient train. I remember once, I was running ridiculously late (my fault, naturally) and I seriously thought I was going to miss my train. But because of the station's proximity, I basically sprint-walked, heart hammering, and made it with *seconds* to spare! That alone made me love the hotel. Plus, it’s within walking distance of some decent restaurants and a little shopping. So, yes. Location: A+. Seriously, it’s a massive win.
The Breakfast… What's the Deal? Is it Just Toast and Regret?
Okay, *sigh*. Breakfast. It's… continental, mostly. Expect the usual suspects: toast (which, to be fair, was adequately toasted), cereal, some fruit (mostly apples, apparently Almere has an apple surplus!), yogurt, and the aforementioned scrambled eggs. Those eggs... they're not gourmet, okay? Let's just say they fulfill the "egg" requirement. I wouldn’t kick them out of bed, but I wouldn’t write home about them. The saving grace? The coffee! It was surprisingly decent. And hey, free breakfast is *always* a win, even if it isn't Michelin-star quality. Look, if you're a breakfast snob, lower your expectations slightly. If you just need something to fuel your adventures, you'll be fine. Honestly, I've had worse. Much worse. (Like, that one time in that hostel... don’t even get me started).
The Room - Cozy or a Cramped Cell? What's the Vibe?
Alright, let's get real about the rooms. They're… compact. Not palatial. Think efficient, functional, and *clean*. Which is a good thing! I'm a sucker for cleanliness. I absolutely HATE feeling like I'm sharing my room with a family of dust bunnies. The Holiday Inn Express Almere? Spotless. I’m guessing they have a cleaning crew that is a little bit obsessed (in a good way!). The decor is... well, it’s Holiday Inn Express decor. Don’t go expecting a design magazine spread. But it's comfortable! The bed was comfy (though I'm a light sleeper, so I generally travel with earplugs). The bathroom was tidy. No complaints really. It's a room! It's got a bed! It has a bathroom! It has the essential thing: a decent wifi connection. That’s really all that matters, right? Right.
I need to work. Is the wifi reliable? Are there any desk options?
Oh, the dreaded work question... Yes! Absolutely! You know what's a dealbreaker for me in any hotel? Terrible Wi-Fi. Seriously, nothing worse than being stuck in a work email crisis and the connection being weaker than a goldfish. The Holiday Inn Express Almere? Surprisingly decent Wi-Fi! I was able to get my emails rolling and video calls. Thank goodness becaus, I had to host a conference call where I just knew I was going to be fired if the internet failed. There is a small yet functional desk space in each room which is perfect for getting some work done. The Wi-Fi worked without a hitch.
The Staff: Friendly? Helpful? Or Should I Expect a Cold Shoulder?
The staff were really, really lovely. Like, genuinely nice. I’m not just saying that because I’m trying to be polite – they were actually helpful and friendly! I had a minor issue with my key card (user error, probably, me being clumsy) and they sorted it out immediately, with a smile. I asked for restaurant recommendations, and they gave me some great suggestions. Seriously, the service was top-notch, which is always a huge plus. It makes a difference! It also makes for a better experience overall. You expect it and it's just as important whether it's the best or the worst.
The Gym: Does it Exist? Or Is it a Mythical Creature?
Okay, here's the (slight) letdown: there's no actual gym in the hotel. But, BUT! (and this is a big but), there's a decent gym *nearby*. You'll have to walk a few minutes, but at least it's an option. It's just a local gym. Not a fancy chain – so don’t expect state-of-the-art equipment. But it does the job. Just factor in that extra walk if you're a gym rat trying to get your sweat on. Honestly, I'm usually too busy eating all the Dutch treats to even *think* about the gym!
Overall, Would You Recommend the Holiday Inn Express Almere? The Verdict!
YES! Absolutely, a resounding yes! For the price, the location, the cleanliness, the incredibly friendly staff, it's a solid choice. It won't blow your mind with luxury, but it's comfortable, convenient, and does exactly what it promises. If you want a good value hotel that’s super convenient for exploring Almere and the surrounding area, and especially if you don't want to spend a fortune and you like trains, then book it! Don't hesitate!Search Hotel Guide
