Tupelo's BEST Hotel? Holiday Inn & Suites North Review!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into a review of [Hotel Name], and trust me, it's going to be less "sterile corporate drone" and more "your slightly manic, but well-meaning friend telling you everything." Prepare for a roller coaster, because I'm still mentally and emotionally recovering from living there.
(SEO Note: I'll sprinkle in some keywords throughout, but this isn't a keyword stuffing exercise. It's about weaving them in naturally. Think "Hotel Review, [Hotel Name], Accessibility, Spa, Restaurants, Wi-Fi, Luxury, Cleanliness, Safety, [City Name] Hotels" etc.)
Alright, let's start with… well, everything.
First Impressions (and a little bit of a freak-out about the accessibility)
Okay, so [Hotel Name]. The website promised paradise. Did it deliver? Mostly. But let's be real, no place is perfect. Right off the bat, the accessibility is… complicated. They say wheelchair accessible, and there are facilities for disabled guests, which I saw signs for. The elevator was a godsend, I can tell you that. But navigating the common areas… well, let's just say it involved a lot of "is that a ramp or just a decorative incline?" I didn't need a wheelchair, but if I did, I'd be asking some serious questions about the practicality of getting around. CCTV in common areas is a good sign for security, but it doesn't necessarily guarantee smooth pathways. I'd recommend calling ahead and actually verifying the accessibility needs. Don't just take their word for it!
Internet: The Modern-Day Oxygen
Seriously, can you imagine a hotel without Wi-Fi in 2024? Thankfully, [Hotel Name] mostly delivers. It boasts Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Internet [LAN] is available as well, though honestly, who uses that anymore? The Wi-Fi in public areas was pretty reliable. I'm a digital nomad, so reliable Wi-Fi is non-negotiable. My lifeblood, my everything. My ability to pay my bills, make my rent, order my takeout. So yeah, it was good.
Food, Glorious Food (and My Deep-Seated Love of Buffets)
Let's get to the important stuff… the food. Oh, the food. They have a LOT of options. Restaurants galore! A la carte in restaurant, Buffet in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant – they've got it all. Now, I usually shy away from buffets because, let's face it, they can be a breeding ground for… well, let's just say questionable hygiene. But [Hotel Name]'s Breakfast [buffet] was surprisingly good. I mean, really good. The Asian breakfast option was a solid choice, too. The coffee shop had decent coffee, which is vital considering the stress of travel. And, ahem, they also delivered to the room.
On a particularly rough Monday (I’m not going into detail, but let’s just say I was wearing my "sad, eat ice cream" pajamas), I ordered Room service [24-hour]. Bless their hearts, they were still serving. The food actually arrived, and it was… well, it hit the spot. Also, the bottle of water next to my bed was a lifesaver.
(SEO Note: "Breakfast [buffet], Room service, Asian cuisine, Breakfast [service]" are important search terms to feature here.)
The Spa: My Personal Heaven (and a Slight Panic Attack)
Okay, the spa… OH. MY. GOD. This is where [Hotel Name] really shines. Honestly, this is the most memorable part. I'm just picturing the Spa, Spa/sauna, Sauna, Steamroom, Massage, Pool with view again and getting chills. I did the whole shebang. I got the Body scrub, the Body wrap. I spent so long in the Foot bath I almost fell asleep. The masseuse was a magician. She had to deal with my tense shoulders (thanks, travel baggage!), and she somehow unfurled them. Pure bliss. The Swimming pool [outdoor] with the view? Breathtaking. Picture me, floating on my back, staring at the sky, and thinking I’ll never leave this world again. My happy place.
(SEO Note: "Spa, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna" are all very high-value search terms).
Cleanliness and Safety: Because, You Know, The Apocalypse Seems Imminent
In these times, safety is a huge concern, and [Hotel Name] seemed to take it seriously. Cleanliness and safety were a priority. They had Anti-viral cleaning products and a lot of emphasis on hygiene. Daily disinfection in common areas was obvious. And it felt like every staff member I saw had hand sanitizer at the ready. My room felt clean, although I’m still a bit of a germaphobe, so I went full-on pre-COVID-19 and wiped everything down anyway. I appreciated the Hand sanitizer stations. They had Individually-wrapped food options, too which is comforting. They also seemed to be practicing Physical distancing of at least 1 meter. The Room sanitization opt-out available is a nice touch for those who want to go even further. They had Safe dining setups and all Sanitized kitchen and tableware items. The staff trained in safety protocol. Basically, they’re trying to keep you safe. Trying.
(SEO Note: "Cleanliness and safety," "Anti-viral cleaning products," "Hand sanitizer," and related terms are essential for modern bookings.)
The Room: My Tiny, Luxurious Prison (in a good way)
My room! The sanctuary, the retreat… the place where I hid from the world (and occasionally, ordered room service). My room was nice! It had Air conditioning, which is essential because I'm a delicate flower. Blackout curtains (yes!). A Refrigerator, and the sacred Coffee/tea maker. The best thing? A Window that opens which I love so much. But I should say, the room wasn't perfect. The lighting could be better. And, honestly, the décor was a little… bland. But hey, it was clean, comfortable, and had free Wi-Fi, so I really couldn't complain. I had a desk, which was essential, so I could work.
(SEO Note: "Air conditioning," "Blackout curtains," "Refrigerator," "Free Wi-Fi," and "Desk" are all excellent room-based keywords.)
Things to Do (besides stuffing my face and getting massaged)
Okay, so besides the spa and the food, what else is there? They have a Fitness center. I’m not judging. I went once and felt extremely self-conscious but I saw some people using the treadmills. They have Things to do for the kids, like Babysitting service and Kids facilities. They also have some Meeting/banquet facilities. I didn't go to any of those, but they're there. Luggage storage was appreciated when I arrived, and Daily housekeeping kept my room clean. (Thank you, housekeeping!)
Services and Conveniences: They Got That!
They had the basic goods: a Concierge to help me out with things, a Doorman, and a Dry cleaning service. They had a Gift/souvenir shop and Facilities for disabled guests. The Elevator was a lifesaver. They also provided Cash withdrawal. Also, I really liked the Contactless check-in/out because I really hate humans sometimes. (SEO Note: "Concierge," "Elevator," "Dry cleaning," "Luggage storage," "Facilities for disabled guests" are all valuable service keywords.)
The Quirks and the Quibbles (the Honest Bits)
- The Location: Depends. If you like being near [specific area/landmark], it's great. If not, you'll be taking taxis.
- The Staff: Mostly friendly and helpful. One grumpy guy at the front desk almost ruined my day, but I am happy to report the others were more than helpful.
- The Little Things: They provide Complimentary tea. I liked that. They have Essential condiments for you to eat.
The Verdict (and What To Do Now)
So, should you stay at [Hotel Name]? My overly-long, slightly chaotic, and incredibly honest review is that… YES. Especially if you’re craving a seriously good spa experience. It's not perfect but where is? It's a solid choice. I'd give it a 4 out of 5 stars (because perfection doesn't exist, and I'm a tough reviewer). The spa alone makes it worth it.
To Book or Not To Book?
- If you prioritize a top-notch spa experience: BOOK IT NOW. Seriously. Stop reading and go.
Alright, buckle up buttercups, ‘cause we’re about to dive headfirst into… well, into the Holiday Inn & Suites Tupelo North By IHG. Sounds glamorous, right? Don't judge. Free breakfast is ALWAYS a win. And hey, it's Tupelo, Mississippi! That’s got a certain… something, doesn’t it? Okay, let's unleash this itinerary, my attempt at a structured schedule of events, with all the glorious messiness of a forgotten suitcase zipper:
Day 1: Arrival and the Elvis Echochamber (And a near-disaster with the vending machine!)
1:00 PM – Arrival, Check-In… and a Little Woe: Finally! Road trip legs are officially done. The drive from… well, let’s just say it was a long drive. Check-in at the Holiday Inn. The lobby smells faintly of chlorine and something else… maybe ambition? The reception lady, bless her heart, is clearly juggling about six simultaneous tasks, including fielding a call about a blocked toilet. I'm already envisioning a relaxing swim, and then, that free breakfast…
1:30 PM – The Room… and the Bed: Whoa. The room is… adequate. Standard hotel fare. Two double beds, a slightly suspicious-looking armchair, and a view of… the parking lot. Okay, let’s not expect the Ritz. But, the bed. Ah, the bed. I'm like, a professional bed-tester, okay? This one… it’s got promise. Let's take a nap and get to know it more intimately.
2:30 PM – A Brush with Technology… and Peanut Butter: Right, so the pool is calling, but first, a snack. I locate the vending machine of destiny. I'm craving something salty. Something satisfying. I punch in the numbers for a bag of… Nacho Cheese Doritos. Whirr. Clunk. Nothing. Dead. Seriously? Nothing? A wave of pure, unadulterated snack-induced desperation washes over me. I try again, this time for a peanut butter cracker pack. Success! I saved myself. The snack saved me. Phew. God, surviving this travel is hard labor.
3:00 PM – Poolside Debacle: The pool! Okay, it’s clean-ish. I see a kid splashing with reckless abandon. I attempt my most graceful cannonball. Splutter. Cough. I make it through the water, alive. Success!
4:00 PM - Elvis Presley Birthplace and Museum: Okay, so this is what we came for, right? The King! I'm not even a massive Elvis fan, honestly, but… it’s Tupelo. You have to. The house itself is… small. Like, really small. Reminds me of my grandma's place after a few rounds of renovations. The tour guide is a local, his passion is evident. He talks about Elvis like, it's his own family, but the details, the anecdotes, the sheer weight of history, it’s… surprisingly emotional. They show the place which Elvis would sit at, listen to the radio, as a child. I feel like, almost like, I almost understood. Also, the gift shop is a glorious assault on the senses. Rhinestones, Elvis bobbleheads, Elvis-themed dish towels… you name it, it’s there. There is a lot of Elvis.
6:00 PM – Dinner. A Southern Feast, or Attempt Thereof: I've got a recommendation for a place called “Johnnie's Bar-B-Q”. It promises ribs and coleslaw and all things delicious. We wander into the old barbeque joint. The atmosphere alone is worth the trip. Picture dim lighting, framed photos of Elvis lining the walls, and the sweet, smoky scent of grilling meat. The ribs are falling-off-the-bone tender. The coleslaw is creamy. The sweet tea is, sadly, not bottomless. (A tragedy!). I overeat, and I have to admit, I overtip just to cover being absolutely stuffed.
8:00 PM – Back to the Inn. The TV, The Bed, and The Inner Turmoil: Back at the hotel. The TV remote is… complicated. I get lost in the channels for a solid hour. Finally, find a cheesy movie. Then, the bed. Ahhhhh, the bed. I’m a bed again! Again! But the day is ending, and it's time to wind down, and maybe even find some inner peace. I try to find something to watch. It's a mess of a day, and I love it, and I hate it, and I can't wait for the next.
Day 2: Graceland, A Trip to the Mall, and Free Breakfast, Baby!
7:00 AM – Breakfast Bonanza!: This is the true highlight of the Holiday Inn experience. Free breakfast time! I wander down, eyes half-closed, anticipating the aroma of hot coffee and promise of waffles. The buffet is… chaotic, but in a good way. Scrambled eggs that may or may not be scrambled eggs. Toast. Cereal. And… the waffle maker of destiny!!! It's a little sticky and slow, but with patience and a mountain of syrup, I manage a couple of slightly-burned, yet glorious, waffles. Fuel for the day!
8:00 AM – Check Out: A quick farewell to the somewhat underwhelming but comfortable hotel room, and we hit the road… to Memphis! The King’s mansion. That's the plan.
8:30 AM - The Mall: I saw a sign on the road that said a mall was around, so I want to take a look. I'm not in need of any real things, but I love a good mall. This place is really, really, really, really, dead. So, I take a quick walk through, but then I'm back on the road.
9:00 AM – Graceland Bound: I'm not going to drag you through the details of Graceland, because honestly, you’ve probably seen it. It's… a lot. The outfits, the cars, the mansion itself… it’s like a time capsule of excess and artistry. There’s the sheer scale of his legend. But beyond the glitz and the glamour, a sense of… sadness. A life lived so publicly, so intensely. It leaves me a bit… contemplative, but also with the urge to go back to Tupelo.
12 PM - Back to Tupelo again. I can say that I visited Graceland, but the trip there was so tiring, and my heart and soul belonged to Tupelo. So, I was back to the Holiday Inn, and ready for dinner, and to nap.
4:00 PM – Dinner and Final Reflections: I try one more place. This one is called "Aunt Jenny’s Catfish Restaurant." I love catfish! The food is so so great, but the atmosphere is so chaotic, and it's great. It's the perfect meal, and the perfect closure for the trip.
6:00 PM – Packing and Departure: Packing up, reminiscing, feeling somewhat… changed. Tupelo, you weird, wonderful place. You’ve got heart, you’ve got history, and you’ve got those free waffles. And that, my friends, is a win.
7:00 PM – Goodbye, and Future Memory: The journey itself might have seemed simple, the destination familiar, but the real reward was the adventure, the memories made, and the knowledge that everything will be alright, whether it's a five-star hotel, or the Holiday Inn & Suites Tupelo North By IHG. I'm ready for the next adventure, no matter where it leads.
So, what *exactly* are we talking about here? Like, what's the Big Picture?
Why even bother with FAQs? Isn't it all just a waste of time that people *should* already know?
Okay, okay, I get it. BUT, about the main thing... What's *the* MOST important thing to know?
Is there anything *I* should know specifically about this specific area? And no, I don't want to know if the sky is blue, please and thank you.
Last week, I spent, like, three hours trying to figure out how to connect a Bluetooth thingy to my stereo. I am not exactly a tech whisperer, and the instructions felt like they were written in Martian. Picture me: hunched over the equipment, muttering darkly, with my dog giving me side-eye as if to say, "Again, are we?" Eventually, I gave up, defeated. Went and ate a cookie. The cookie was good. But the point is: sometimes, you'll hit a wall. You'll feel stupid. It's okay! Walk away. Get a cookie. Then, try again later. Sometimes things just... fit on the second attempt. It's the way of the world. Just don't give up completely, or you'll never get that sweet, sweet Bluetooth sound.
How often should I...?
Okay, fine. But, what if I mess up?
I once... oh, nevermind. That's a story for another FAQ. Let's just say it involved a karaoke machine and a very unfortunate interpretation of "Bohemian Rhapsody." The point is, I survived. You will, too.
What if my question isn't here? This entire experience is terrible.
Should I just give up? It's all too much!
