Fort Payne's BEST Hotel? IHG's Hidden Gem Awaits!
Fort Payne's BEST Hotel? Hold on, Let Me Rave (and Rant) About This IHG Gem!
Okay, folks, listen up. Forget those generic hotel chains you've booked a million times. I'm here to tell you about a hidden gem in Fort Payne, Alabama – and yeah, it's an IHG property. I know, I know, “IHG,” sounds a little… corporate. But trust me, this place is different. It's a chaotic symphony of Southern charm and surprising amenities that almost had me considering a permanent relocation (don't tell my cat!).
First Impressions (and the "Uh Oh" Moment):
Pulling up, the exterior isn't exactly gleaming modern marvel. Let's be real, it's Fort Payne. But the landscaping was surprisingly well-kept, and the doorman greeted me with a genuinely friendly smile. (Bonus points! This weary traveler likes to be seen). The lobby? Clean, efficient, and stocked with those glorious little travel-sized shampoos – the things that truly make life worth living. Checking in was a breeze with their contactless check-in/out service. Seriously, a lifesaver when you're juggling bags, a lukewarm coffee, and the existential dread of travel.
Then… disaster struck. My room key didn't work. Ugh. The front desk staff were so apologetic about it, though, and fixed it immediately. They even offered a free bottle of water! (See? That’s how you turn a minor inconvenience into a win!)
Rooms: My Oasis (Mostly):
Alright, buckle up, because this is where things get interesting. My room – a non-smoking haven, thankfully – had a high floor view that offered a stunning panorama of… well, Fort Payne. Let's say it wasn't the Eiffel Tower, but hey, it was clean and quiet. The air conditioning blasted like a polar vortex (perfect for this perpetually warm-blooded individual), and the blackout curtains were lifesavers when I wanted to sleep in. Which, you know, is always.
And the bathroom? A real winner. It had a separate shower/bathtub situation (luxury!), free bottled water, and a decent selection of toiletries. I especially loved the bathrobes and slippers. I swear, I lived in that robe for the entire stay. The hair dryer worked, the mirror was large enough to get a decent look at yourself… Look, it was all incredibly functional which sometimes is just what you need in hotel rooms, not overdone.
Minor complaint? The coffee/tea maker situation. Yes, it was there, but the coffee was truly terrible. Like, "instant coffee from a forgotten era" bad. But hey, there's a coffee shop downstairs. (Which, I will admit, they made a decent latte.)
Food, Glorious Food (and My Stomach's Adventures):
Okay, about food. The hotel features restaurants offering a mix of international cuisine and Southern comfort food. I had dinner at their main restaurant, which offered both a la carte and buffet options (depending on the day). The salad in restaurant was so fresh and tasty and the service was impeccable. I honestly felt pampered. There's also a poolside bar and snack bar - perfect for casual options.
Breakfast was a highlight. They offered a breakfast [buffet], with options including Asian breakfast, and Western breakfast. The eggs were fluffy, the bacon crispy… My main complaint? The coffee/tea in restaurant was just a teeny bit better than the in-room setup.
Speaking of food, they excelled at ensuring everything was safe. They had all the safety/security features nailed, including anti-viral cleaning products, individually-wrapped food options, and a safe dining setup. I felt genuinely safe and cared for.
Amenities: Relaxation and Rejuvenation (or My Attempts At It):
Okay, here's where this hotel really shines. They've got a swimming pool [outdoor] (which, let's be honest, is essential in Alabama summers). It overlooked… something. But, really, the pool was clean and relaxing, especially after a long day of… doing stuff.
And the spa/sauna? Oh. My. Goodness. I had the most incredible massage. I mean, my knots have never been so tenderly, and expertly pummeled. It was a total “sink into a puddle of relaxation” experience. They also offer a Body scrub, Body wrap, and a Foot bath! which i didn't have time for, but now regretting.
There's a decent fitness center/gym too, for those who like to sweat it out. (I… wandered in, looked around, and opted for the sauna. No judgement, please).
Accessibility & Safety: A High Priority
The hotel is committed to everyone's experience being equal. They have facilities for disabled guests, including wheelchair accessible elevators and rooms. They've thought of everything. The CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property gave me a sense of security. They use professional-grade sanitizing services and have staff trained in safety protocol.
Safety Note: It was comforting to know that the hotel had a doctor/nurse on call and a first aid kit.
The Extras (The Good, the Bad, and the Slightly Odd):
- Internet: The Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! was a godsend. And it actually worked! They also had, old-school, Internet [LAN] access.
- Services and conveniences: They had a concierge, daily housekeeping, a laundry service, and what seemed like a thousand other services.
- For the kids: They had a babysitting service and kids facilities
- Meeting/banquet facilities: They are all the features for conferences, Seminars, Meetings, and Audio-visual equipment for special events.
Things I Loved:
- The genuine friendliness of the staff. They truly cared about making my stay enjoyable.
- The spa. Seriously, go.
- The comfy robe.
- The fact that they actually seemed to care about hygiene.
Things That Could Be Better:
- The coffee situation. (I'm still not over it).
- The lack of a proper view.
Overall: My Verdict (and My Recommendation):
This IHG property in Fort Payne is way better than you'd expect. It's not perfect (no hotel is), but it's got everything you need for a relaxing and comfortable stay, a lot of options for services, and a seriously impressive spa. It's a great value for the money, and I highly recommend it, especially if you are looking for a hotel that goes the extra mile to make sure you are safe.
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The Offer That Will Make You Book:
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Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Wingate by Wyndham New Castle - Glenwood Springs!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your mom's perfectly manicured travel itinerary. We're going down to the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Fort Payne – and trust me, this could be a real experience. (And by experience, I mean potentially a glorious mess.)
The Fort Payne Fiasco: A Mostly-Structured Adventure
Day 1: Arrival & the Allure of Asphalt
1:00 PM - The Great Escape (from…where?): Okay, so the "where" is a blur. Let's just say the morning was a symphony of screaming kids, lukewarm coffee, and the frantic search for a matching sock. Finally, we pile into the minivan, a glorious, slightly sticky vessel of freedom (and Goldfish crumbs). The main goal is to survive the drive, and hopefully not turn into a road rage monster. (I swear, the moment I got into the car, everyone’s bladder-control skill just disappeared.)
3:00 PM - Highway Hell (or, The Quest for the Perfect Gas Station): Let's face it, those interstate rest stops are a crucial part of the experience. The one en route better have clean restrooms, or I will lose it. I’m praying for one with a good coffee machine and a really nice selection of road-trip snacks. Potato chips and gummy candies are necessities at this point. Maybe even a little bag of cookies. Please, God, let there be cookies.
5:00 PM - Arrival & Appraisal: Arrived at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Fort Payne. It looks…like a Holiday Inn Express. But you know what? That's fine. Comfort is what I'm aiming for here. Found the suite and hopefully the air conditioning is working. Now, the real test: unpacking. This usually involves a series of "where did I put that?!" moments and a minor existential crisis about how much stuff we actually own.
5:30 PM - The "Pool"?: First impressions of the pool: It's there. Maybe the kids will use it, maybe not. I'm thinking of spending some time people-watching to give my brain a chance to reboot.
6:00 PM - Dinner Dash: Finding a non-chain restaurant in a new town always fills me with a mix of excitement and dread. I hope the food's edible. I mean, I'm aiming for delicious, but I'll settle for edible. (I’m talking to you, Yelp reviews.)
7:30 PM - Uncorking the Evening (if the wine survives the drive!): Back to the hotel suite. Time to relax, maybe crack open that bottle of wine. Praying the kids aren’t too wired from the sugar rush of the day.
9:00 PM - Bedtime…Maybe?: Honestly, at this point, I'm just hoping for a decent night's sleep. Hotel beds are a gamble. I need a good, comfy bed.
Day 2: Little River Canyon & Other Terrors
- 7:00 AM - The Breakfast Battle: The free breakfast at the hotel. The joy! The chaos! This is the moment when I decide if I love or loathe the hotel. Cereal or waffles and will I have to fight people to get them?
- 8:00 AM - Little River Canyon National Preserve (aka, Nature!): Okay, this is the ‘big’ thing. We've heard the canyon is supposed to be beautiful. Fingers crossed the kids don't fall in, and that the scenery actually lives up to the hype. I fully expect to spend a lot of time yelling "Careful!" and "Don't touch that!" (I’ve also packed a first aid kit. Just in case.)
- 9:30 AM - Hiking Or Being Hiking: We are going to hike the canyon. (Hopefully.) I packed the wrong shoes. The kids are already complaining. I have one child who would happily climb Everest. The other one is complaining that their leg hurts. The real question is whether it's a scenic adventure or if we spend the entire time fighting off gnats and arguing.
- 12:00 PM - Lunch & Lamentations: Hopefully, we remembered to bring some food because there is not a restaurant in sight. If not, we'll be eating gas station snacks, which is not ideal.
- 1:00 PM - The Canyon's Glory (Or Not): More exploring! This is where the stream-of-consciousness really kicks in. I'll probably be thinking about things completely unrelated to the canyon, like laundry at home or that song that’s stuck in my head. The kids will be talking about how hungry they are.
- 4:00 PM - The Hotel: A Refuge: Back to the hotel. The pool may be calling. The bed is definitely calling.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner…Again! Restaurant search again - a new challenge! Maybe Mexican? Or Italian? Or anything that will make the kids happy.
- 8:00 PM - Nighttime Rituals: Relax, try to be present, and hope the kids sleep through the night. I could really use some uninterrupted sleep.
- 9:00 PM - Lights out and goodnight!
Day 3: Farewell, Fort Payne (and sanity?)
- 8:00 AM - Breakfast, The Final Chapter: Repeat Day 2's breakfast.
- 9:00 AM - Packing Meltdown: Time to squeeze everything back into the minivan. This will probably involve a frantic search for lost items, a few tears (maybe mine), and the realization that we’ve brought way too much stuff.
- 10:00 AM - Last-Minute Adventures: Maybe we'll hit up a quaint little shop, or whatever roadside attraction is left. I will be doing a lot more driving.
- 11:00 AM - The Drive Home: Victory or Defeat: The long drive is a time of reflection, exhaustion, and a profound yearning for my own bed.
- 1:00 PM - We're almost there… or so I thought: The drive is long, and the kids are restless.
- 4:00 PM - Back to Reality: Home. Unpack, laundry. The end. (Until the next adventure!)
Quirky Observations and Rambles:
- Hotel Room Perfection: I'm seriously hoping the hotel room has good lighting. Pictures are easier when they are taken in natural light.
- The Snack Factor: I'm bringing a lot of snacks. You never know when a mid-canyon meltdown might occur.
- Unexpected Moments: I fully expect the trip to be filled with unexpected moments. That's the fun of it, right?
- The Emotional Rollercoaster: One moment I'll be reveling in the beauty of nature, the next I'll be plotting to escape to a remote island.
- Imperfections Welcome: I embrace the mess. The spontaneous detours, the wrong turns, the kids bickering - they’re all part of the story. This isn't about perfection; it's about living.
- The Real Goal: Survive the trip. And maybe get a good story to tell.
So, there you have it. The Fort Payne Fiasco. Wish us luck! (And send coffee.)
Shinsaibashi Subway Access: FREE WiFi & 1-Minute Walk!
Is this *really* the "BEST" hotel in Fort Payne? Like, are we talking Motel 6 competitor or something?
Okay, okay, pump the brakes a little. "BEST" is subjective, right? But listen, I've stayed in some *places*, let me tell you. Places that made me question my life choices. This IHG property? It's a solid, reliable, surprisingly comfortable place to crash. We’re not in Vegas, people! We're in Fort Payne. Think clean sheets, decent coffee, and no roaches doing the cha-cha on the walls (a low bar, I know, but a victory nonetheless!). So, "best"? Maybe. "Definitely better than that place off the highway with the flashing vacancy sign"? Absolutely. Trust me, I saw that sign, and...*shudders*. No. Just no.
What's the deal with the breakfast? Is it like, actual food, or just… waffles and sadness?
Alright, let's talk breakfast. This is where things get… interesting. Look, it's *free* breakfast. Manage your expectations. There are waffles (yay!), but you have to be *quick* because they're a hot commodity and someone *always* hogs the batter. They usually have eggs that are… well, they *look* like eggs. Sometimes there's sausage, sometimes not. One time, I swear, they swapped the sausage for what tasted suspiciously like… turkey bacon’s evil twin. I was *devastated*. The coffee? Hit or miss. One day it's fuel of the gods, the next...well, it's warm brown water. But hey, it's free. And after a questionable night’s sleep, free is fantastic, you know?
Seriously, is the wifi decent? I need to work, and "spotty internet" is my personal hell.
Ah, the modern-day anxiety of Wi-Fi. Okay, okay, deep breaths. The Wi-Fi here is... tolerable. Let's put it that way. It's not lightning-fast fiber optic that'll stream 4K movies without a hiccup. It’s more like… a slightly-speedy dial-up connection. It’ll handle emails, video conferences (with occasional frozen faces, you *will* make awkward eye contact!), and the occasional online shop. If you're a serious gamer, well, bring your own hot spot. I tried to download a movie once and nearly gave up and threw my laptop out the window. So, work? Probably okay. Streaming your favorite shows? Patience, my friend, patience. And maybe download beforehand.
What about the rooms? Are they clean? And do they actually *look* like the pictures?
Alright, the rooms. This is where things *mostly* shine. Listen, I'm a germaphobe, not a crazy one, but I notice things. And the rooms were generally clean. Like, genuinely clean. No suspicious stains on the carpets, no lingering odors of cigarettes (thank god!), and the bathroom… well, it looked like someone actually *cleaned* it. Bonus points! Now, do the rooms look *exactly* like the photos? Probably not. The photos are always staged, you know? But they're close. The beds are comfortable – important! The furniture isn't falling apart. The air conditioning actually *works*. (I've stayed in places where the AC was clearly on vacation, and it. was. terrible.). They're functional, comfortable, and a welcome refuge after a long day of… well, of whatever brings you to Fort Payne. Let’s just say, they’re better than the hotel I stayed at in my last road trip - the one with the sticky doorknob and questionable sheets. *shudders*
Is there a pool? Because sometimes you just need to float.
YES! There is a pool, and it's… fine. Let's be honest, it's not the Bellagio's pool, but it’s a pool. It's clean-ish. Sometimes it's crowded with kids. Other times it’s blessedly empty. Bring your own floaties, because there's no guarantee of hotel ones. On one occasion, a rogue inflatable flamingo almost took over the whole thing. The pool is outdoors so, weather dependent. If you're looking for a relaxing swim, it'll do the trick. Is it a luxurious spa experience? No. Is it a refreshing dip after a long day of driving? Yes, absolutely. I found myself going even though it was crowded one time!
What about parking? Is it a nightmare?
Parking? Nah, it's usually fine. There's plenty of parking, which is a huge win, especially if you’re driving a monster truck (which, let's be honest, you might be in Fort Payne). I've never had a problem finding a spot, and that's a huge relief. No circling the block, no battling for spaces. Just park and go. And trust me, after the drive I had to do, the ease of parking made it all worth it!
Anything else I should know? Hidden gems or potential pitfalls?
Okay, a few things. First, the staff are generally friendly and helpful. They seem genuinely nice. Which is a plus! Second, it's close to some attractions in the area, which is convenient. Third, the elevators can sometimes be… slow. Be prepared to use the stairs if you're impatient. Fourth, and this is a big one: the vending machine in the lobby (if it's still there, I haven't been in a while) is a rip-off, especially the chips. They're always stale. Avoid. Otherwise, honestly? It's a pretty solid choice. It's not perfect, because, let's be honest, *nothing* is perfect. But it's a good, reliable, and relatively pleasant place to stay in Fort Payne. Would I stay again? Probably. Absolutely, if I'm in the area. After all, I've survived worse. And lets face it, better is better! I highly recommend, even with these flaws!
