Raceland's BEST Highway 90 Hotel: IHG Comfort Awaits!
Raceland's BEST Highway 90 Hotel: IHG Comfort Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the swirling vortex that is Raceland's BEST Highway 90 Hotel: IHG Comfort Awaits! – at least, that’s what the banner says. I’m here to tell you if it actually lives up to the hype. Let's be real, after a long haul on the highway, you need more than just a promise. You need a haven. And that's exactly what we're going to assess:
Accessibility: A Rollercoaster (Maybe).
Okay, let's get the nitty-gritty out of the way first. Accessibility is hugely important, and that’s why it's first. The website claims to be all about accessibility. Wheelchair accessible? Check. Facilities for disabled guests? CHECK, according to the checklist. Now, I, personally, don't use a wheelchair, but I appreciate the thoughtfulness, ya know? It seems they've made an effort. However, I always say, never take just a website's word for it. I could imagine the ramps being a little steeper than an experienced wheelchair user would like. But the fact is they tried to build ramps!
- Elevator: Good. An elevator is essential. No one wants to haul luggage up endless flights of stairs after driving hours.
Cleanliness and Safety: Praying for Peace of Mind.
This is THE thing during post-pandemic. Cleanliness and safety are on everyone's mind, thankfully.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Okay, good start. I'm not gonna lie; the thought of my hotel room being a germ-fest is a nightmare. Extra points for that.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Another win. Knowing the hallways and lobby are getting the once-over is reassuring.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: THANK GOD. I'm picky about this.
- Staff trained in safety protocols: Gotta love that!
Services & Conveniences: The Perks That Matter!
- 24-hour front desk: Essential. You arrive at 2 AM, and you need some help. This makes life easier.
- Daily housekeeping: Oh, yes. I am paying for someone to make my bed!
- Laundry service: Really convenient after a long road trip, I'd never use on a single trip.
- Free parking: That's a huge bonus, especially when you're on a budget.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Adventure!
I'm a foodie, so this is important.
- Breakfast [buffet]: Oh, yes -- because that's what makes a hotel stay feel like a vacation. You can load up before a long drive.
- Restaurants: Several restaurants, so there's some options..
- Snack bar: Useful for a late-night craving.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: Beyond the Bed!
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: Big win. Nothing like a refreshing swim after a long car ride.
- Fitness center and gym: Get your blood flowing!!
Internet: Please, Let It Work!
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! YES! Free Wi-Fi is a must-have in today's world. Now, the real test is if it actually works…We'll see.
- Internet access – wireless: Great. Easy access in public areas.
Available in all rooms: The Essentials!
- Air conditioning: Hello, Louisiana humidity!
- Free bottled water: Nice touch.
- Coffee/tea maker: Ah, the sweet nectar of caffeine. Yes!
- Ironing facilities: Because wrinkles are the enemy.
- Wi-Fi [free]: Okay, we are repeating this but it's the essence of a great hotel!
- Bathtub: A good long soak is a must-have after driving
Room Experience: My Actual Room: The Good, The Bad, The… Quirky.
Okay, so here’s the real tea. My room was mostly great. The bed? Heavenly. The pillows? Cloud-like. The air conditioning? BLASTING, THANK GOD. However, there were a couple of things.
- The Blackout Curtains: Okay, the blackout curtains were a DREAM. I slept until noon. This is a HUGE plus.
- The Bathroom: The bathroom was clean, and that's what is most important.
- The View: I may or may not have had a view of the back of a dumpster. The beauty of a hotel's location is always a gamble. You could be facing a highway or you could be facing a lush, green forest.
The Vibe: What’s the Real Story?
Okay, the IHG Comfort Awaits! promised comfort and that's mostly what I got. What made the experience was the staff, and they were friendly and helpful. They knew the area well.
The Verdict: Is Raceland's BEST Highway 90 Hotel: IHG Comfort Awaits! Worth It?
- The Good: The location is pretty convenient. The staff were helpful, and the amenities were pretty great. The bed was supremely comfortable.
- The Needs Improvement: Internet reliability is always a gamble.
- Overall: I'd stay again. It's not perfect, but it offers a comfortable getaway.
My Opinion: The Honest Truth.
Look, if you're in Raceland, it's a solid choice. It's the kind of place you can crash after a long drive, grab a decent breakfast, and recharge before hitting the road again. It's not the fanciest hotel, but it's reliable.
Now, the compelling offer
Tired of Highway Hell? Escape to IHG Comfort Awaits!
- Book now and get a FREE upgrade to a room with a view (limited availability, so book ASAP!).
- Free breakfast daily: Fuel your adventures without breaking the bank.
- Fast, reliable Wi-Fi. Finally, stream your shows without buffering.
- Relax and unwind in our outdoor pool. Beat the heat.
- **24-hour front desk and friendly, knowledgeable staff.
- Clean, safe, and comfortable rooms.
Don't settle for a boring stopover. Book your stay at Raceland's BEST Highway 90 Hotel: IHG Comfort Awaits! and experience the difference.
Osborne House Pretoria: Uncover the Secrets of This Hidden Gem!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, ‘cause this ain't your grandma's itinerary. We're not just staying at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Raceland, Louisiana, we're living it. And by "living it," I mean, probably spilling coffee on myself in the process. Here we go:
The Raceland Ramble: A Holiday Inn Express Odyssey (Or, How I Survived a Louisiana Swamp With Only Complimentary Breakfast and a Slightly Broken Heart)
Day 1: Arrival and Accidental Cajun Immersion
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY). Okay, first impressions? The airport is surprisingly… well, it's an airport. I was half expecting a brass band to greet me. Disappointment, right off the bat! Also, the humidity hits you like a… well, like a humid Louisiana hug. Feels kinda steamy. Rent a car. Pray it’s an automatic. I swear, I’d forgotten how to drive stick shift. I'm pretty sure my left leg is still permanently twitching from that attempt.
- 2:30 PM: Depart for Raceland. The drive is… long. And flat. And filled with endless fields of something green. I think it’s sugar cane? I’m not entirely sure, I’m pretty sure I’ve already blocked that information out of my memory. The radio is playing… lots of country music. I haven't listened to country music since I was 15 and loved the smell of a barn. I start getting a weird craving for fried food.
- 4:00 PM: Check-in to the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Raceland. Ah, the sweet, sweet air conditioning. The lobby is… standard. Functional. There's a tiny Christmas tree, which I appreciate, even though it's July. The receptionist (bless her heart) is a local, a warm smile. I ask her about the best local restaurants. Her accent is already making me fall head over heels with the region, I even asked about the best gumbo.
- 4:30 PM: Attempt to unpack. Fail miserably. I swear, I brought too much stuff. Why did I think I needed four different pairs of shoes? I am an idiot.
- 5:00 PM: The Great Gumbo Quest Begins. I'm starving. Based on the receptionist's recommendation, I'm headed to a place called "Boudreaux's Cajun Kitchen." Armed with the promise of authentic Cajun food, I set off.
- 6:00 PM: Find Boudreaux's. It’s… a little further than I expected. I get a friendly welcome. The food is… divine. Holy moly. Gumbo so rich, so flavorful, it almost made me weep. Crawfish etouffee? Unbelievable. I stuff my face. I’m pretty sure I ate enough for three people. I’m already starting to love this place. I’m gonna come back to this place everyday.
- 7:30 PM: After a brief detour to buy a jar of hot sauce (essential, obviously), I walk around. It's dark now and… quiet. I feel like I'm the only person awake.
- 8:30 PM: Collapse into bed. Full. Happy. A little bit sticky from the Louisiana humidity.
Day 2: Alligator Alley & Swamp Sentiments
- 7:00 AM: WAKE UP! Breakfast at the Holiday Inn. The complimentary breakfast… is a godsend. Waffles? Yes, please. Scrambled eggs that I'm 90% sure came from a carton? Absolutely. Coffee? Essential. I spend probably too long trying to get the perfect waffle. Totally worth it.
- 8:00 AM: Trip to the local supermarket. Gotta stock up on snacks. I buy a ridiculous amount of chips and a gallon of water. Hydration is key, especially in this swampy heat.
- 9:00 AM: Embark on a swamp tour. This is it! The Louisiana experience. The air is thick, the water is murky, and the mosquitoes are… present. Our guide, a weathered man with a twinkle in his eye and a drawl thicker than molasses, takes us on a boat. He tells us all about gators. He even feeds them marshmallows and talks about them like they are his pets.
- 10:00 AM: Gator sighting! We see a gator. It's huge. I am terrified. It is a primal fear, deep within my lizard brain, that this creature will grab me. But it's also… amazing. The swamp is beautiful in a haunting way. The Spanish moss hanging from the trees, the reflections in the water… it’s a different world.
- 11:30 AM: Back at the hotel. I need a shower. I feel like I've been marinated in humidity. My hair is a frizzy poufball. I start getting a weird craving for crawfish again.
- 1:00 PM: Spend the afternoon by the pool. The pool is… okay. A little small, but clean. I read a book, try to relax, and fail miserably. I'm constantly swatting at imaginary bugs. The sun is relentless.
- 5:00 PM: Dinner at a local diner. This time I got fried catfish. It's a revelation.
- 7:00 PM: Stroll around the area again. I am probably lost, but I don't care. It's the peace that I needed from my hectic life. The night is alive with the sound of… crickets. And maybe… a distant gator bellow? I'm starting to think I'm kind of in love with this place.
Day 3: Departure (With a Heavy Heart and a Stomach Full of Memories)
- 7:00 AM: Breakfast. Waffles again. Don't judge me.
- 8:00 AM: Check out. Saying goodbye to the Holiday Inn Express is harder than I expected. It's been… cozy. The staff is friendly. The waffles were good and the swamp tour has been a great time.
- 9:00 AM: Depart for the airport. The drive back is even longer than the way in. I am sad.
- 10:00 AM: As I look out the window, I realize I will miss Raceland. The food, the people, and the alligators. I would have never thought that this place would have captured me this much, but I am beyond grateful.
- 12:00 PM: Back at the airport, waiting for my flight. I vow to return. Maybe next time, I'll learn how to drive stick shift. Maybe.
Post-Trip Reflections:
- What I Learned: Louisiana isn't just about Mardi Gras beads and jazz (though those are great, too). It's about the people, the food, the music… and the gators.
- Biggest Surprise: How quickly I fell in love with the place. And the catfish. (The catfish!)
- What I'd Do Differently: Pack less. And maybe bring some stronger bug spray.
- Final Verdict: The Holiday Inn Express & Suites Raceland? Totally decent. Comfortable. But the real star? The swamp. And, of course, the gumbo. Don't miss the gumbo.
- Emotional Rating: 9/10. Losing one point for the lack of a brass band at the airport, but gaining it back for the sheer, delicious Louisiana experience. And the waffles. The waffles deserve something.
Raceland's BEST Highway 90 Hotel: IHG Comfort Awaits! - Or Does It...? A Messy FAQ
Okay, so is this place *actually* the best? Like, REALLY the best? Don't give me the corporate line.
Alright, alright, settle down. "Best" is a strong word, isn't it? Let's just say, *for Raceland, Louisiana*, and *specifically* for a Highway 90 stopover, it’s… well, it’s *competitive*. Look, you're not going to the Ritz here, folks. You're in Raceland. My expectation was roughly akin to a slightly nicer truck stop with a pool. And honestly? It *mostly* delivered. The IHG branding offers a certain level of familiarity (and, you know, points – gotta love those points!). But don't go expecting Michelin-star service. More like... a decent, slightly stressed-out front desk attendant trying their best in a small Louisiana town. They’re usually pretty cool, though. I once saw a guy practically *faint* from the heat after a long drive and the lady at the front desk, bless her heart, got him some water and a cold compress faster than you could say "Louisiana humidity." So, yeah, "best"? Debatable. "Decent and potentially lifesaver"? Possibly.
What's the deal with the pool? Because, Louisiana.
The pool! Ah, yes. The lifeblood of any Louisiana hotel in July. Here's the thing about the pool: it's… *there*. It's a rectangle. Sometimes it's clear. Sometimes… well, sometimes it's got a slight tinge of green. Look, I’m not a scientist, okay? But on my last trip, I swear I saw a rogue crawfish dart across the bottom. Okay, maybe it was a trick of the light or my own exhaustion after driving from Houston. Regardless, it's clean *enough*. Kids LOVE it. It's a decent size, there’s a decent amount of space around it to lay your stuff and generally, it's a welcome oasis after a long drive. Just bring your own pool noodles, because, you know… budget. The chlorine smell, however, is VERY present. Don’t be surprised if you smell like a swimming lesson for the next 24 hours.
Tell me about the breakfast situation. I’m a breakfast person. A very *important* breakfast person.
Oh, honey. Breakfast. Let's be real, it's a *free* breakfast. Temper those expectations immediately. It's the standard IHG continental spread. Waffles (you *have* to make a waffle, it's the law), scrambled eggs (questionably real eggs, honestly), sausage (questionably food-like, tbh), cereal, yogurt, fruit (mostly pre-cut melon, which, let's be honest, tastes a little…sad after a few hours). Coffee that’s passable, but only just. Look, if you’re looking for a culinary experience, you’re at the wrong place. If you’re looking to shove some calories in your face before hitting the road and maybe grab a to-go cup of coffee to sip angrily while you drive… it works. I once saw a kid completely cover a waffle with syrup. He looked like a happy little glazed donut. He became my breakfast spirit animal. It really is what it is. And sometimes, that’s all you need.
One other thing I must mention: The one time I went to breakfast and the waffle maker was broken... I swear I almost cried. I'm VERY serious about my waffle.
Are the rooms clean? Because you know, bedbugs.
Okay, okay, bedbugs. Nobody wants to think about it. Look, I can only speak from my personal experiences. I've stayed here maybe a dozen times, and I've never encountered anything particularly…squirmy. The rooms are generally clean…ish. They're not sparkling, five-star hotel clean, you know? There might be a stray hair or two in the bathroom (I'm not a *hair* person in general, so it's fine). The housekeepers do their best, I give them that. They're usually rushing like crazy during my stay. I always do a cursory check of the bed (lift the sheets, check the seams) because, well, you can’t be too careful. Pack some travel-size disinfectant wipes, just in case. Peace of mind is priceless. Especially when you're on a cross-country road trip and all you smell is stale fast food and desperation.
What's the Wi-Fi like? I work remotely, unfortunately.
Godspeed, friend. The Wi-Fi is… well, it's there. Sometimes it works brilliantly. Sometimes it’s slower than a Louisiana turtle crossing Highway 90. It depends on the day, the number of people logged on, and probably a cosmic alignment of the planets or something. I’ve tried to video call from there before. Let’s just say, it didn’t go smoothly. Expect dropped calls, buffering, and a healthy dose of internal screaming. If you *absolutely* need stable internet, consider investing in a mobile hotspot or doing ALL of your critical work during one of the hotel staff’s many, well-deserved, breaks. Or go to the local library, the one that looks like a giant, sad, shoe. Seriously though, manage your expectations. Bring a backup plan, and maybe prepare for a little digital detox. It’s not always a bad thing, right?
Anything else I should know? Any hidden gems of advice?
Okay, here's the lowdown, the stuff they *won't* put in the brochure. Firstly, the ice machine might be broken. Always. Plan accordingly. Buy ice. Bring your own coffee, or prepared to settle for instant, if the breakfast coffee is too weak for your taste. The vending machines are a gamble – sometimes they're stocked, sometimes they're not. It's a game of chance. Check for local restaurants, it's Raceland so don't expect much. Prepare to drive a little. The staff is generally friendly. Tip them! They work hard. Most importantly, remember where you are. You're not in a luxury resort. You're in a functional, slightly worn-around-the-edges hotel in a small Louisiana town. Embrace the quirks, the imperfections, and the fact that you're probably going to get stuck behind a tractor on the way to breakfast. Just, you know, be prepared for a decent, reliable, and ultimately, a memorable (in its own, special way) stay.
And one last thing: If you see a sign for "Gumbo To Go" down the street, go. Seriously. Go. You won't regret it. (Just trust me on this one.)
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