Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ruston By IHG United States

Ruston's BEST Hotel? Holiday Inn Express Review (You WON'T Believe This!)

Ruston's BEST Hotel? Holiday Inn Express Review (You WON'T Believe This!) - Seriously?!

Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because I just got back from a stay at the Holiday Inn Express in Ruston, Louisiana, and let me tell you, "Best Hotel?" is a bold claim. I, armed with my trusty laptop and a healthy dose of skepticism, am here to spill the tea. This isn't some perfectly curated travel blog post, it’s a genuine, unfiltered experience. Expect a few (okay, maybe a lot of) tangents. Let's dive in, shall we?

First Impressions (and a Major Roadblock): Accessibility

Okay, let's start with the serious stuff. Accessibility. This is CRUCIAL. Sadly, I'd hoped for a friend who uses a wheelchair to join, but that was kiboshed by the lack of fully accessible rooms; though ramps and elevators were in place! It's a mixed bag, and that's a bummer. They've got some level of accessibility, but it's not perfect.

Internet: The Lifeblood of a Reviewer

Internet Access: Oh, thank God for the Free Wi-Fi in All Rooms! and Wi-Fi in Public Areas. I'm a digital nomad, people. I NEED my internet. And thankfully, it was pretty solid. (They also list Internet [LAN] but I didn't bother plugging into anything. Who does that anymore?)

Cleanliness & Safety: Are We Surviving the Apocalypse Here?

(Deep Breath) Anti-viral Cleaning Products, Breakfast Takeaway Service, Cashless Payment Service, Daily Disinfection in Common Areas, First-aid kit, Hand Sanitizer, Hot Water Linen and Laundry Washing, Hygiene Certification, Individually-Wrapped Food Options, Physical Distancing of at Least 1 Meter, Professional-Grade Sanitizing Services, Room Sanitization Opt-Out Available, Rooms Sanitized Between Stays, Safe Dining Setup, Sanitized Kitchen and Tableware Items, Staff Trained in Safety Protocol, Sterilizing Equipment. … Okay, that's a LOT. I’ll admit, I walked in with major COVID-era paranoia. The sheer volume of safety measures was reassuring though. Did I still wipe down every surface? Absolutely. Am I judging anyone who doesn't? Nope.

Dining, Drinking, & Snacking: Fueling the Review Machine

Okay, this is where things… get interesting. Let's be honest, Holiday Inn Express isn't known for Michelin-star dining. It's a Breakfast [Buffet] situation, and that's okay! They had your standard fare: Breakfast service, buffet, coffee/tea in restaurant, western breakfast. I snagged some eggs, some (questionably) crispy bacon, and a waffle. Hey, it filled the hole. I didn't expect much, and I wasn't disappointed, I was pleasantly surprised, actually! It was better than some hotel breakfasts I've had.
There's no fancy Asian cuisine in restaurant, no salad in restaurant, no soup in restaurant, no vegetarian restaurant (that I saw), and if you expect fine dining, my friend, YOU ARE IN THE WRONG PLACE.

Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter (Sometimes)

Air Conditioning in Public Area: YES. Crucial in Louisiana, and it worked.
Concierge: Nah, not really. This isn't the Ritz.
Convenience Store: Didn't really see one, but, if you need a snack, you have a vending machine!
Daily Housekeeping: Check! My room was always tidied up, which is a HUGE plus.
Elevator: Essential for those of us with laziness in our DNA, including myself.
Ironing Service: Didn't need it, but I’m sure they had one.
Laundry Service: They had it.

For The Kids (and The Inner Child in Me):

Family/child friendly: Seems like it!
Kids meal: I didn't see a meal, but I didn't ask.

Getting Around:

Car Park [Free of Charge]: Win! Always a win.

Available in All Rooms: The Real Nitty-Gritty

Air Conditioning: Essential, as previously mentioned.
Alarm Clock: I used my phone, but sure.
Blackout Curtains: YES!
Coffee/tea maker: Needed my morning caffeine fix. A must.
Complimentary Tea: Didn't touch it, but still.
Free bottled water: Another must.
Hair dryer: Always appreciate this.
Internet access – wireless: The hero of the hour.
Ironing facilities: They had it, I'll admit, I did not use it.
Non-smoking: HUGE plus for me.
Refrigerator: Useful for keeping drinks cold.
Satellite/cable channels: Didn't watch TV, but there it was.
Shower: Worked fine.
Smoke detector: Checked.
Telephone: I actually used it to order pizza, so, there's that!
Towels: Yep, they had them.
Wake-up service: Never used it.

The "You WON'T Believe This!" Moment:

Look, there was nothing truly unbelievable about my stay. It’s a Holiday Inn Express. But the staff? Holy cow, the staff in Ruston were AMAZING! They were genuinely friendly, helpful, and went out of their way to make sure I was comfortable. One lady at the front desk, bless her heart, even gave me local recommendations for amazing BBQ (I'm a BBQ fiend). That level of genuine hospitality? Priceless. This, right here, is what makes the Holiday Inn Express a contender for "Best Hotel" in my book.

Okay, Here's the Rundown:

What Was Good: Cleanliness, friendly staff, good Wi-Fi. The breakfast, while basic, was decent.
What Could Be Better: Improved accessibility.

Final Verdict: Is it the BEST?

Look, "best" is subjective. It's not a luxury resort, but it's a solid, reliable, clean, and comfortable hotel, especially considering the reasonable price. The friendly staff REALLY elevated the experience. For a quick trip to Ruston, a business trip, or just a place to crash while road-tripping, this Holiday Inn Express delivers.

My Quirky Takeaway: I have to give this hotel a very hearty "B" rating. I'm not one for fancy hotels, but, I can tell the difference between a clean room and a dirty one, and yes, it was super clean. Overall Rating: 4/5 stars.

ARE YOU READY TO BOOK? Here's My Persuasive Offer:

Tired of Hotels That Disappoint? Get the Ruston Experience You Deserve!

Book your stay at the Holiday Inn Express in Ruston, Louisiana, and experience the difference genuine hospitality makes! I was truly surprised and impressed by the incredibly friendly and helpful staff. You'll also enjoy:

Free, Fast Wi-Fi: Stay connected and share your Ruston adventures!
Complimentary Breakfast: Fuel your day with a variety of options.
Spotlessly Clean Rooms: Relax and unwind in a comfortable, safe environment.
Convenient Location: Explore Ruston's attractions with ease.
Affordable Rates: Get great value for your money!

But wait, there's more!

Book within the next 48 hours and receive:

10% off your stay!
A complimentary bottle of water upon arrival.
Priority access to the BBQ recommendations from the front desk! (Trust me on this one.)

Click here to book your stay and experience the Ruston Holiday Inn Express difference!

[Insert Booking Link Here - REPLACE WITH YOUR LINK]

Don't settle for a so-so hotel experience. Choose the Holiday Inn Express in Ruston – I think you'll find something special!

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Ruston Ramble: A Holiday Inn Express & Suites Odyssey (Maybe Not, Actually)

Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your perfectly curated travel blog post. This is the real deal. My attempt to survive a short trip to Ruston, Louisiana, fueled by free breakfast and a desperate hope to maybe, just maybe, find something remotely interesting to write about. Hold your horses, though. Let's try this, shall we?

Day 1: Arrival of Dread (and a Pretzel)

2:00 PM: Landed at the shockingly small Ruston Regional Airport. "Regional" is an understatement. It felt like a really well-maintained shed with a runway. The baggage claim comprised of a glorified baggage carousel. (Anecdote: My suitcase, bless its heart, looked like it'd been through a tumble dryer and a mud wrestling match simultaneously. Jet lag has started, feeling it! )
2:30 PM: Checked into the Holiday Inn Express & Suites. "Suites" is a generous term, but hey, the AC blows cold, and the bed looks comfy. The front desk lady, she seemed nice enough, but she had that glazed-over look of someone who deals with grumpy travelers all day. I get it, lady. I'm about to become one.
3:00 PM: The free snack: Oh, the snack. I was promised snacks. Then, I saw a bowl of stale pretzels and some sad-looking granola bars sitting at the front desk. I grabbed a pretzel even though I saw it was a day old at least. Desperate times call for…stale pretzels.
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM: Mandatory Room Inspection and Deep Dive into the Wifi. I did the mandatory: check for bed bugs (I didn't find any! Hooray!), peep at the bathroom (clean-ish), and then, the holy grail: Wi-Fi strength test. Surprisingly good. Thank God. I need the internets to complain and to work, of course.
6:00 PM: Supper time. I ended up at a local burger joint, (I won't name it because I haven't got their permission or something). It was fine. The burger was…a burger. The fries were hot, which is always a win. The waitress had very thick eyeliner. I'm not sure what to make of that. Just, you know, observing.

Day 2: Breakfast Bonanza and the Quest for Culture (Maybe)

7:00 AM: The free breakfast. Alright, so let's talk about free hotel breakfasts. The potential is glorious. The reality? Usually a lukewarm buffet of questionable quality. However…today! It was okay! The scrambled eggs were, surprisingly, not rubbery. The biscuits were fluffy, despite lacking any real flavor. The waffle maker was also…working! Success! I went back for seconds, mainly because I was starving.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Attempting to be Cultured. Okay, I'm not going to lie, I had to look up "things to do in Ruston." Apparently, there's a Louisiana Tech University and a handful of antique shops. I decided to embrace the university thing.
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM: Louisiana Tech University: Strolling around campus, I was struck by how…small it felt. (I mean it's a university, not the U.S. version of the Colosseum!) The buildings were mostly brick, the air was filled with the sounds of students, and the whole place had a sleepy, friendly vibe. I walked past the football stadium and pretended to feel excited about the game of some kind, just for the visual.
11:30 AM: The quest for Culture!
12:00 PM: Lunch: I didn't have a plan for lunch. I had enough of "adventuring," and needed a nap! More like a coma.
2:00 PM: Shopping Spree: I was going to go to that local shop, the one that the receptionist told me about. But, I'm so exhausted. I'll see how things go.
6:00 PM: Dinner. I'm really running out of gas. Oh God…
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM: TV time. I was so happy…
9:00 PM: Lights off.

Day 3: The Escape and Existential Dread

7:00 AM: Free Breakfast: I was too tired to get dressed.
8:00 AM: Packing.
9:00 AM: Check Out, the Great Escape.
9:30 AM: Airport Time.
12:00 PM: The flight home.
The Aftermath: Well, I'm home. I'm not exactly "transformed" or "enlightened" by my Ruston experience. But I survived. I'm pretty sure I'll have a deep appreciation for the bed, in my own home. And maybe, just maybe, I'll try to find something to write about.

Final Thoughts:

Okay, so Ruston isn't exactly the most thrilling destination. But hey, the Holiday Inn Express had a decent breakfast, the AC worked, and I didn't get bed bugs. And sometimes, that's enough. This was a messy, imperfect trip, just like life itself. And that, my friends, is worth a story in itself. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need a long shower and a nap. And maybe a decent pretzel.

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Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this is NOT your typical hotel review. We're diving DEEP into the Holiday Inn Express in Ruston, Louisiana. And let me tell you, it's a ride. Prepare for some serious emotional whiplash (like, maybe book a therapy session *before* you read this, just to be safe). This is less a review and more a… well, let’s find out, shall we?

So, is this Holiday Inn Express in Ruston, LA, actually…BEST? REALLY?

Okay, let's be honest. The internet promised me a hidden gem. "Ruston's BEST!" they screamed from the rooftops of… well, the internet. And my expectations? SKY HIGH. I was picturing a Louisiana-themed paradise, complete with beignets, a jazz band in the lobby, and a staff that knew how to work a charm offensive. Reality? Well, let’s just say it hit me like a lukewarm bowl of gumbo. "BEST" might be a *slight* exaggeration. It’s… a Holiday Inn Express. You know the drill, right? Clean-ish, free breakfast, and a slightly stale air freshener smell that clings to EVERYTHING.

What about the Breakfast? The LEGENDARY Holiday Inn Express Breakfast?

Ugh, the breakfast. This is where things get…interesting. The "legendary" bit is a stretch, unless your legend involves pre-packaged sausage patties that taste vaguely of sadness. The egg situation was…questionable. Like, they *resembled* eggs, but they also had the approximate texture of a slightly rubbery sponge. I swear, I saw a kid poke one with his fork and it actually *bounced*. The waffles? Surprisingly decent. But the coffee… oh, the coffee. It was the color of weak tea and tasted like regret. I’m not sure if it was the coffee or the lack of sleep, but I felt like I entered some sort of breakfast purgatory and it was not the "BEST" kind of purgatory.

The Room: Clean? Cozy? Or Horror Show?

The room itself… well, it was functional. Clean-ish, as I mentioned. I’m always suspicious of the carpets in hotels, you know? Like, what SECRET horrors are they hiding? But, the bed was comfy enough. Basic, predictable, hotel room stuff. I remember the air conditioner humming to life, a sound that echoed somewhere between a small airplane and a mechanical dying beast. And the view? Uh… a parking lot and some… well, the *parking lot*… You might want to ask for a room on the other side, especially if you desire a better vibe.

Did anything good happen? Was there a single, solitary glimmer of joy?

Okay, okay, let's find some positivity, shall we? The staff… they were trying. Bless their hearts, they were definitely *trying.* It’s not easy smiling at 6 AM after a night of… well, let’s just say sometimes you wonder what other hotel patrons were *doing* the night before. There was this one guy at the front desk, super friendly, who seemed genuinely happy to be there. He gave me extra towels because I looked like I needed them and even asked me about my day. And he also managed to keep a straight face when a kid asked him if they served "alligator waffles" during breakfast. That alone deserves a medal.

Let's talk about a specific event, like… the pool? Or, you know, the other amenities?

OH. MY. GOD. The POOL. I was picturing a sparkling oasis, maybe with a waterfall feature, or at least some comfortable lounge chairs. Nope. The pool area? Cold, uninviting, and practically echoing with the sounds of… well, nothing, mostly, because no one was in it. The water looked…slightly green and a little…cloudy.. Plus, the pool furniture looked like it had seen some stuff. The chairs were all cracked and faded. The thought of actually getting *in* that water sends shivers down my spine. I took one look and was like, "Nope. Hard pass." It was the opposite of relaxing. I saw a sign that said "Pool Closed for Maintenance" but I also saw a clear view of the pool, full of water. And the lack of maintenance felt… palpable. Now, the gym? I didn't even attempt it after the pool incident. After all, I'm not made of steel!

Overall: Worth the Price? Would you EVER go back?!

Okay, the big question. Was it worth it? Honestly… it was. It wasn't a *bad* experience, it just wasn't a *great* one. It was a Holiday Inn Express. I wouldn't avoid it like the plague. It got the job done. The location was convenient, which is always a plus. And, let's be real, you're probably not going to Ruston, Louisiana for a luxury experience. You’re going for… something. I went for a conference. So, if I were to be in Ruston again? Yeah, I'd probably stay there. But I'd BYO coffee, maybe pack my own breakfast, and definitely avoid the pool. And I would not expect the “BEST” experience of my life.

So, final thoughts?

Look, it's a Holiday Inn Express. Manage your expectations. It’s not going to blow your mind. It's not going to change your life. But it *will* provide a roof over your head, a bed (that is reasonably comfortable) and, if you're lucky, a friendly face at the front desk. Just don't go expecting a jazz band. Or alligator waffles. Or a sparkling pool. The Ruston Holiday Inn Express is… an experience. Maybe not the *best* experience in the world, but it's *an* experience. And sometimes, that's enough.

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