Holiday Inn Bismarck by IHG

Cara at the front desk was amazing, and Mel made spectacular food at the hotel bar, where I ate every night. Chad always remembered my name and what I liked to order. I felt right at home here. This is one of the best Holiday Inns I've ever stayed at.

The bed was just okay, but the room was clean and the food was the best motel food I've ever had at a work meeting. I'd stay again.

I never actually stayed here, but the front desk experience was worth five stars. I showed up tired and ready to check in at the Holiday Inn in Bismarck, only to hear that my reservation couldn't be found. Turned out I'd booked the Holiday Inn Express instead. Same city, wrong hotel, a classic rookie mistake. The guy at the desk had hair that looked like it had been through a small lightning strike. After realizing my mistake, he became my navigation system and gave me detailed directions from memory, turn by turn, with landmarks. I could've used Waze, but I decided to take the adventure and cross the unknown streets of Bismarck like Christopher Columbus. Every turn was right. I didn't find a new continent, but I did reach the correct Holiday Inn. That mix of hospitality, a little science experiment, and time travel deserves five stars.

The hotel itself is beautiful, the rooms are nice, and I like the IHG rewards program. But the bartender working last Friday, Oct 10th, came across as rude and like he didn't enjoy his job. Everyone at my table noticed and was shocked. Maybe he was just tired, since this was around 10-11pm. Still, I'd put him in the kitchen or somewhere away from customers.