Holiday Inn Express Hastings by IHG

Not long after getting to the room, I found a pair of dirty shorts and two dirty towels in the closet. I mentioned them to the desk clerk when I went to ask for more towels. He asked if they were mine, and when I said no, replied, “well they sure aren’t mine.” Then he turned to the boy behind me to ask about buying snacks and brushed me off. It left me wondering whether the room had even been cleaned.

We were in Hastings for a funeral, and the staff did a lot to make things easier and more comfortable. They were so kind and helpful. Breakfast had plenty to choose from, including eggs, bacon, biscuits and gravy, pancakes, pastries, and a soda machine. Coffee and tea were available all night. The hotel is right off the main highway beside Menards and Walmart, with lots of fast food nearby, which made the location handy. My only complaint is the old elevator, which makes some pretty awful noises. Otherwise, everything was excellent and the staff were lovely.

The hotel itself is nice and the location is pretty good for a small town, though it’s not near downtown. I travel a lot and lately only stay at Holiday Inn because of its rewards program, so I’ve been to plenty. After work I got back at 10:30 and hurried down for a little time in the pool and hot tub before they closed at 11. Staff kept walking past and watching me every couple of minutes. At 10:50 someone said they were about to close; I pointed out it was only 10:50, and he just gestured that it was around then. At 10:56 Tim came in saying it was about time, then waited beside me while I dried off and handed over towels. I’ve never had service that creepy or uncomfortable at a hotel. I’d have given one star if the place itself weren’t nice.

I don’t usually write reviews, but Stephanie at the front desk deserves one. I was really stressed and in a bind, and she turned things around, saved my day, and left me smiling. I pass through Hastings often and, because of her, I’ll be staying here from now on. Thanks again, Stephanie, that was a fantastic experience.