Saskatoon's BEST Hotel Near the U of S? (Holiday Inn Express Review!)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the Holiday Inn Express in Saskatoon! This isn't your dry, corporate review – this is the real deal, the unfiltered, "did my coffee kick in yet?" account of a stay at what's often touted as the best hotel near the University of Saskatchewan. And trust me, after wading through a blizzard of research and a few late-night pizza binges, I've got the goods.
The Hook: Saskatoon's Holiday Inn Express – More Than Just a Bed!
Let's be honest, when you're looking for a hotel near the U of S, you're probably a student (good luck with those exams, friend!), a parent visiting their offspring, or maybe, just maybe, a professor who needs a break from grading (bless your soul). The Holiday Inn Express, in my ridiculously opinionated view, tries to hit all those marks. Does it succeed? Well, that’s what we're here to find out, right?
Accessibility & Safety – Breathing Easy (Finally!)
First off, good on them for prioritizing safety and accessibility. They've got the basics covered:
- Wheelchair Accessible? Yep! Big thumbs up. That's a crucial point that some places miss entirely, right?
- Accessibility Details: I spent a good chunk of time checking for the things that actually matter (because the last thing you want is a "accessible" room that's just a slightly bigger standard room). Elevators are plentiful.
- Cleanliness & Safety: Anti-Viral, Sanitized, and Seriously Clean The COVID era has us all hyper-vigilant, and I was pleased. Lots of sanitizer stations, staff wearing masks (I assume they are trained, because they wear them). Apparently they use "professional-grade sanitizing services" - the devil is in the details, but good to see.
- The Big Picture: Look, I'm not a doctor, but the commitment to cleanliness was evident. They also give you the option to opt out of room sanitization–a nice touch if you're one of those people who's extra-sensitive (we've all been there!).
Rooms: Comfort vs. Chaos – My Room-Service Revelation!
Alright, the rooms. They're… nice. Think "reliable hotel room," not "luxury penthouse."
- Amenities Galore: Air conditioning (essential in the prairies!), free Wi-Fi (thank the heavens!), a mini-fridge (crucial for late-night snacks and that emergency bottle of pop!), and a coffee maker. Standard stuff, but it works.
- The Bed: A Sleepy Champion! The beds were actually comfy, with crisp linens, making them a decent spot to catch some z's after a hard day of studying (or, you know, binge-watching Netflix).
- My Room-Service Revelation: One night, after a particularly grueling day, I caved and ordered room service. I am not usually one for this, but I was starving. The burger arrived… and it was surprisingly decent! Seriously! I was expecting something tragic, but nope, juicy patty, decent fries. This is where I start to get passionate. It was a total game-changer in that moment.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Fueling the Brain (and the Belly)!
Okay, food. This is important because sometimes, your brain turns off and you just need some food immediately.
- Breakfast Buffet: Okay, the free breakfast buffet is a staple. A pretty decent one, too. Waffles! Cereal! Juice! Eggs! Toast! It was a bit of a scrum, to be honest. Everyone was hungry. But hey, free food is free food.
- Other Stuff: There’s apparently a bar, a coffee shop, and, according to the website, various restaurants. I confess, I didn't actually get to try anything besides the buffet, but I'm curious as to whether there are other food options.
- Snack Attack: There's a convenience store on-site for snacks, which is a lifesaver.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax – More Than Just a Place to Crash!
Now, let's be clear: This isn't a resort. But, they've got the basics:
- Fitness Center: They have a fitness center, which I, in my infinite wisdom, completely forgot to try. Next time!
- Pool & View: There's an indoor swimming pool. I didn't have time to dunk myself, but at least it is there.
Services and Conveniences – The Stuff You Need to Know
- Goodies: They offer the usual laundry service, and I'm going to guess you can ask for a wake-up call.
- The Business Stuff: Meeting facilities are available, including AV equipment. So, if you need a seminar on the latest quantum physics theories (or whatever!), you may use this.
- Check-in/out: Quick and efficient. I appreciated the contactless check-in/out option.
For the Kids – Family Friendly?
- I saw kids there. Family friendly? I'd say yes.
The Verdict: Saskatoon's Holiday Inn Express – Worth It?
Okay, so is the Holiday Inn Express the absolute BEST hotel near the U of S? That depends. If you're looking for a luxurious getaway, probably not. But if you want a clean, conveniently located, reasonably priced hotel with all the essentials, it's a solid choice. It's reliable! And, most importantly, it's a place you can actually relax (and maybe even enjoy that room-service burger).
My Final Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars! (Minus one star for the slightly chaotic breakfast buffet. But hey, that's a small price to pay for free waffles!)
The Offer: Book Now and Get a Surprise!
So, are you sold? Ready to book your stay? Here's a deal:
Book your stay at the Holiday Inn Express in Saskatoon through this review's unique link (I wish!) and get a surprise – maybe a complimentary snack basket upon arrival, or 10% off your stay!
Why You Should Book Now:
- Location, Location, Location: Close to the U of S!
- Comfortable Rooms: They will let you sleep!
- Free Breakfast: Fuel up for the day!
- Clean & Safe: Peace of mind guaranteed!
- Get A Surprise: If I only could give you a surprise because I'm not the hotel!
Don't miss out! Book your stay today. You deserve it!
Bali Honeymoon Hideaway: Secluded Luxury Awaits
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your meticulously planned, sterile travel itinerary. This is… my itinerary, the one that's probably going to involve me forgetting my toothbrush at least twice, and definitely leaving a trail of snack wrappers behind. We're going to Saskatoon, baby! And specifically, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Saskatoon East - University. Pray for me.
Day 1: Arrival and the Quest for Caffeine (and Sanity)
Morning (ish) - Arrival & the Great Check-In Gauntlet: Look, I'm not a morning person. The journey here was a blur of missed connections and airplane food that tasted suspiciously like reconstituted cardboard. So, when I finally limped into the lobby of the IHG hotel in Saskatoon, I was basically a zombie. The check-in? Surprisingly smooth. I mean, there were two families wrestling over the last luggage cart, a crying toddler practicing his opera range, and a guy who looked like he'd just wrestled a badger in the parking lot, but hey, that's life, right? Got my key, grabbed a weary sigh, and headed for the room.
Midday - The Coffee Crisis: Okay, first priority: CAFFEINE. I'm pretty sure my happiness hinges on caffeine. Found the complimentary coffee setup in the lobby. The coffee, unfortunately, was luke-warm and tasted faintly of sadness. This is where the panic set in. Abandoned ship and headed to the first coffee shop I found, a truly wonderful little place with strong bean and even stronger wifi.
Afternoon - Settling In (and Failing Miserably): The room itself? Surprisingly decent. Clean, a decent view (of… something), and free Wi-Fi, which is crucial for scrolling through endless cat videos. I intended to unpack, organize my suitcase, and maybe, just maybe, plan out my adventures. Instead, I collapsed on the bed, stared at the ceiling, and contemplated the moral implications of watching reality TV. I'm just saying, what do people do on vacation, besides stare at the ceiling?
Evening - The Saskatoon Food Hunt (Going Down a Rabbit Hole): Let's be honest, the reason most of us travel is for the food. Saskatoon has a reputation for diverse culinary experiences, so I decided to walk the block. So I took a walk, and it looked like I was in a never-ending dream. I chose a little restaurant based on its reviews ("best lamb in the city," etc.). So I put down the fork and the whole experience felt like a bad audition. My lamb was chewy, the service was slow, and I really just wanted a burger.
Night - Bed and a Thousand Yawns: I wasn't prepared, I was exhausted, and I made my way back to the hotel. In bed. Lights out. Snoring.
Day 2: Culture, Exploration, and the Great Museum Debacle
Morning - Hotel Breakfast Roulette & the Pre-Coffee Grumbles: Oh, the hotel breakfast. The "complimentary breakfast" has to be the most consistently unreliable perk of budget travel. Scrambled eggs that resemble a rubbery alien substance. Greasy sausage links. Orange juice that tastes like watered-down sunshine. I powered through anyway, mostly because I was too lazy to go searching for actual breakfast. And then, more coffee. Obviously.
Midday - The Meewasin Trail & Nature's Attempt to Impress: I decided to be cultured. The Meewasin Trail is supposed to be lovely, a scenic pathway along the South Saskatchewan River. And it was! For about half an hour. The scenery was great, the birds were chirping, and I almost didn't trip over a rogue tree root. I felt all zen and outdoorsy until a gaggle of geese decided to stage a full-scale assault on my dignity. (They hissed at me! I swear!)
Afternoon - The Museum of Misadventure - Doubling Down (and Regretting It): Okay, so the local museum promised insights into Saskatchewan history and culture. Sounds educational, right? Wrong. I think I should have known better. Picture this: I went to the museum. I spent a whole hour looking at artifacts I understood nothing about. By the time I went to the interactive exhibits, I was ready to be home.
Evening - The Quest for Pizza and Emotional Recovery: After the Museum of Misadventure, I needed pizza. desperately. I discovered a place with a local beer selection. This turned out to be the highlight of the day. The pizza was excellent, the beer was cold, and I finally began to feel human again.
Night - Rewriting My Destiny (On Netflix): Back in the hotel room, I decided to rewrite my itinerary. Just kidding. I did nothing. I watched some TV, and slept.
Day 3: Departure and the Existential Dread of Leaving
Morning - The Last Breakfast (and the Bitter Farewell): The eggs were surprisingly edible, the orange juice actually tasted like oranges. Maybe I'd finally developed a taste for the "complimentary breakfast."
Midday - Check Out & the Deep Sigh of Leaving: I packed my things. I checked out. I left the hotel. I sighed. This time, I was ready to depart.
This, my friends, is my travel log. It's raw, honest, and filled with more caffeine cravings than any human should possess. But hey, wouldn't have it any other way! Until next time, Saskatoon!
Windsor Escape: Unbeatable Deals at Super 8!
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