Escape to Paradise: Kitty Hawk's Best Holiday Inn Express Awaits!
Kitty Hawk's "Escape to Paradise"? Let's Dive In (Messy, Honestly) - Holiday Inn Express Edition
Okay, so the brochure promised "Escape to Paradise" with that oh-so-optimistic font. Let’s just say, my expectations were… tempered. I’ve stayed in enough Holiday Inn Expresses to know the drill. But hey, Kitty Hawk, Outer Banks! Maybe some salt air magic would elevate the experience, right? Let’s break this down, shall we? Buckle up, because it's gonna be a stream-of-consciousness adventure.
Accessibility & Getting Started: The First (and hopefully not the Last) Hurdle
- Wheelchair Accessible? Yes, mostly. The ramp to the lobby was decent, and the elevators worked. Good start! But I’m not a wheelchair user; I am merely imagining the struggle to navigate the narrow spaces.
- Check-in/out [express]? Ha! I’m not sure I could call it "express." More like "slow and steady wins the race." The front desk, thankfully, was staffed 24 hours, so at least I could find someone if I needed help with anything. I'm more of a human checking in, so I enjoyed the friendly faces.
- Accessibility Services I didn't need them, but knowing they had them was already a good step.
- Other Accessibility Features? I'm not sure, but the staff were responsive.
- Airport transfer / Taxi Service Didn't use it, but good to know it's an option.
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges No direct experience, but I'm sure other guests had different experiences on accessibility in this category.
Internet: The Lifeline to Reality
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! PRAISE BE! In the modern age, this is a non-negotiable. The Wi-Fi was relatively stable.
- Internet [LAN]… Really? Is this still a thing?
- Wi-Fi in public areas: Okay, so you don't HAVE to be in your room to check your email. Useful!
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: The Pretend Paradise Factor
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: Yeah, yeah. It was… a pool. Cleanish. I saw some kids splashing around, which is always a sign of some enjoyment.
- Fitness center: Tiny, but present. Looked like the kind of gym where the treadmills have seen better decades.
- Spa/sauna, Massage, Steamroom: No experience. I can't judge.
- Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath: These were not on the list of offerings, and no experience.
- Pool with view: No view. Just… more hotel.
- Sauna: There was not one onsite.
Cleanliness and Safety: Did They Survive the Pandemic?
- Anti-viral cleaning products: I'm assuming they said they used them.
- Breakfast takeaway service, Breakfast in room: I did not attempt to take it to the room, so I'm not sure.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: I believe this was done.
- Hand sanitizer: At every turn! They went overboard.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Hopefully, but I can’t say.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: I'm not sure.
- Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Yeah, probably.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Maybe. They wore masks.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Adventure
- Breakfast [buffet]: Ah, the classic Holiday Inn Express spread. The standard scrambled eggs (probably powdered), rubbery sausage, and a sad assortment of pastries. The saving grace? The waffle maker. I made approximately three waffles. Because why not?
- Breakfast service: It was served.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop: The coffee was… drinkable, I guess. Not the worst I've ever had.
- Restaurants: There were no restaurants.
- Poolside bar: Nope. No cocktails poolside for this girl.
- Snack bar: It was a room with snacks and water.
- Other Dining Options and Ambiance: There are a few locations for meals nearby.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
- Air conditioning in public area: Yes. Thank goodness.
- Business facilities, Xerox/fax in business center: Seems so 2002, but maybe someone needed it.
- Cash withdrawal: In the lobby. Score.
- Concierge, Doorman: Not that I noticed.
- Convenience store: Yep, stocked with the essentials: chips, candy, and forgotten toothbrushes.
- Daily housekeeping: The room was cleaned. That's about it.
- Elevator Yes.
- Ironing service, Laundry service: Available.
- Luggage storage: Yes.
- Safety deposit boxes: I don’t think it has a lot of things, but at least they have some.
- Smoking area: Yes.
For the Kids and Families:
- Family/child friendly: They seemed to be.
- Kids facilities: It wasn't anything special.
- Babysitting service: No.
In the Room: My Temporary Bunker
- Air conditioning, Alarm clock: Standard.
- Bathtub, Bathroom phone: I don't have a bathroom phone.
- Blackout curtains: Essential for daytime napping.
- Coffee/tea maker: Excellent.
- Hair dryer: Functional.
- Internet access – wireless: Again, essential.
- Laptop workspace: A small desk.
- Non-smoking, Separate shower/bathtub: Yep.
- Slippers: No, but I can bring my own.
- Smoke detector: Good.
- Soundproofing: Not great. I could hear the couple next door.
- Toiletries: Standard hotel fare.
Getting Around:
- Car park [free of charge] YES!
- No public transportation
- Rental car is recommended
Overall Vibe & the Verdict:
So, "Escape to Paradise"? Let's be real. It’s solid. It’s a Holiday Inn Express. It's cleanish, functional, and has the basics covered. Kitty Hawk itself is the real star, with the beach and attractions being what makes the trip. The hotel is just a place to crash between adventures. For the price, it's acceptable. It won't blow your mind, but it won't completely ruin the trip either. My advice? Lower your expectations slightly, embrace the waffles, and enjoy the Outer Banks magic. 3/5 stars.
Hutchinson, KS Getaway: Days Inn & Suites - Your Perfect Stay Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this is NOT your grandma's travel itinerary. This is the unfiltered, caffeine-fueled, slightly-too-much-sunscreen-smeared account of my Outer Banks adventure, centered around the hallowed halls (and free breakfast buffet) of the Holiday Inn Express Kitty Hawk. Let's go.
Day 1: Beach, Please, and Panic About Seagulls
- 6:00 AM - Alarm. The enemy. God, why did I think sunrise on the beach sounded romantic? I'm a night owl, people! Groan. Roll out of bed, already regretting the questionable gas station coffee I chugged on the way.
- 7:00 AM - Breakfast Buffet Bonanza! Actually, not terrible. The scrambled eggs had a suspicious yellow tinge, but the mini-cinnamon rolls…oh, the mini-cinnamon rolls. This is where I encountered my first fellow traveler, a woman in a visor who told me all about her collection of commemorative spoons. I'm already feeling the need for a beach nap.
- 8:00 AM - Beach Bliss (and Bird Brains). Okay, the beach. The reason I came. The sand is ridiculously soft, the ocean a captivating shade of blue-green. I find a spot relatively close to the hotel and unpack my gear: towel, sunscreen (SPF 50, because pasty), book, overpriced beach umbrella I impulsively bought at the surf shop because the sun is, you know, a fiery ball of doom in the sky.
- Anecdote: This is where the seagulls come in. They're bold. Brazen. Jerks. I left my granola bar for a single second and BAM! Divebombing seagull squadron. Lost a whole bar to those feathered fiends. Lesson learned: vigilance is key. And maybe pack a decoy granola bar.
- 11:00 AM - Beach Bonfire planning. I bought a bonfire kit at the local grocery store, can't wait to enjoy the bonfire.
- Emotional Reaction: Excitement and some concern. I love bonfires but this is my first time doing so. Here's hoping it goes smoothly.
- 12:00 PM - Lunch Break and Regret. Ordered a sub sandwich from a place that promised "the best subs in the Outer Banks." They lied. It was okay, but definitely not "life-altering sub" material. The price, however, was life-altering.
- 1:00 PM - Beach. Again. Surfed a bit, and some of my fears arose, I felt like a fish out of water. But a cool thing to learn.
- 4:00 PM - Hotel Room Debriefing. Back to the hotel. Shower off the salt and sand. Stare at the ceiling for a bit. Contemplate the meaning of life. You know, typical vacation stuff.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner at [Insert local seafood place Name Here]. Highly recommended. The fish tacos were divine. Like, seriously divine! I stuffed myself. I'm going to pay for this tomorrow.
- 8:00 PM - Sunset Stroll (and Seagull PTSD). Walked along the beach again, watching the sunset paint the sky. It really is beautiful. But I kept glancing over my shoulder, half expecting a seagull ambush.
- 9:00 PM - Bedtime. Or at least, scrolling-through-my-phone-in-bed time. Exhausted. Sunburned. Slightly salty. Best. Day. Ever.
Day 2: History Hysteria (and the Search for the Perfect Fudge)
- 7:00 AM - Breakfast, Round Two. Avoiding the suspicious eggs. Double the cinnamon rolls. No shame.
- 8:00 AM - Wright Brothers National Memorial. Oh, the History! I'm not usually a "history buff," but this place is pretty cool. Huge sand dunes, the wind whistling a constant tune, and the feeling of standing where those crazy dreamers first took flight… yeah, it's inspiring. I took some pictures, learned some things. Tried to imagine life without airplanes. Got a little dizzy thinking about it, to be honest.
- Quirky Observation: I'm convinced the Wright brothers were fueled by pure caffeine and the burning desire to tell everyone: "I TOLD you it would fly!"
- 10:00 AM - Kitty Hawk Kites. Went to the Kitty Hawk Kites store. I'm a sucker for souvenirs. I bought a kite, which I will absolutely never fly, and a t-shirt that says "OBX: Living the Salt Life." Yes, I know. I’m predictable.
- 12:00 PM - Lunch…the Fudge Hunt. Okay, this is crucial. I've heard whispers of the legendary fudge in the Outer Banks. My mission: find the best. I hit three shops: one was bland, one was okay, and the third…well, the third almost made me cry. I have found the perfect fudge.
- Minor Category: Fudge. The fudge hunt was a rollercoaster! The anticipation, the disappointment, the eventual glorious triumph… it was a saga. This deserves its own documentary.
- 2:00 PM - Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge. Nature and wildlife. I love it, and it was a great way to spend the afternoon.
- 4:00 PM - Return to the hotel room. Another much-needed shower, I had a walk in the beach with lots of sweat and some sunscreen left.
- 6:00 PM - Seafood Dinner at [Insert another local restaurant name here] (again, recommended by the hotel desk). This time, I went for the grilled fish. Perfect.
- 8:00 PM - After-Dinner stroll. Relax. I was tired, but the sun did me good.
- 9:00 PM - Scroll and Sleep.
Day 3: Departures (and the Denial Phase)
- 7:00 AM - Breakfast. More cinnamon rolls. This is a lifestyle now.
- 8:00 AM - Beach Walk and Final Reflection. One last walk on the beach. The sun is shining, the waves are crashing, seagulls are still being jerks, but I don't care. I've had a great time and have made many memories.
- 9:00 AM - Check Out. Tears may or may not have been shed. Okay, maybe a single tear. I'm not ready to leave.
- 10:00 AM - Drive Home, with a slight stop for the road. I grabbed some snacks for the road.
- 11:00 AM - Head home. I am driving home. This trip was good, but its good to head back.
- 12:00 PM - Arrive home.
This itinerary is a mess, yes. It's filled with imperfections, seagull drama, and too much fudge. But it's my mess, and it's a damn good one. This is the Outer Banks, baby. You embrace the chaos. And the cinnamon rolls.
Prince George Hotel Halifax: Your Royal Escape Awaits!
So, is this "Escape to Paradise" thing... actually paradise? I mean, it's a Holiday Inn Express, right? Don't lie to me!
Okay, okay, lemme be real. Paradise? Let's not get carried away. It's a *Holiday Inn Express* in Kitty Hawk. That's like... the "slightly less stressed" version of paradise. You know? Like, the *pre*-paradise waiting room. BUT, and this is a big but, for a Holiday Inn Express? Damn good. Seriously. I've seen places that cost triple and feel like they haven't been updated since the dinosaurs roamed. This place? Clean. Actually clean. The kind of clean where you *almost* feel comfortable walking barefoot on the carpet. (Don't do it, though. Seriously, don't. Hotels. Ew.) We went last year, and I swear, the sheets smelled… fresh. Like, just-out-of-the-dryer, slightly-floral-scented fresh. Magical. My wife, bless her heart, is a germaphobe, and she *didn't* immediately start scrubbing everything down. That's a win in my book.
The free breakfast... is it the usual sad buffet of lukewarm eggs and rubbery sausage? 'Cause I've been burned before… dramatically burned.
Okay, deep breaths. I get it. Hotel breakfast is a gamble. And yeah, I braced myself for the worst. But this one… okay, it’s not a gourmet experience. Don't expect artisanal everything. But, and this is where they *actually* surprised me... they had *real* scrambled eggs. Not that powdered beige stuff. Actual, identifiable egg. And the sausage? Edible! No, better than edible. It was… pretty good. I might've... okay, I definitely might've had seconds. And the coffee! Okay, it's not Starbucks, but it fuels you. Keeps you going. Keeps you from murdering your family before 8 am, which is a win in my book. My kids? They went straight for the waffles, covered in syrup. Predictable? Yes. Delicious and messy? Also yes.
What about the location? Is it, like, right on the beach? Because if I have to walk ten miles with all my beach gear... I'm gonna lose it. Probably in the sand.
Alright, geographically speaking… no, it's not *directly* on the beach. Damn. I wish it was! But it’s a short walk – maybe 5-7 minutes – to the beach access. And the walk is… okay. Nothing particularly scenic, just a bit along the main road. But hey, that means easy access to restaurants and shops. And let me tell you, after a day of salty air and sun, you *need* easy access to food. Especially if you're with kids… or, you know, if you just like food. I swear, by the end of the trip, my kids were practically begging for pizza! (Don’t judge, okay? Vacations are for pizza.) The important thing? It's close enough that you can easily pop back to the hotel for a bathroom break, a forgotten sunscreen, or to escape the screaming seagulls for a little while. Ah, the joys of family vacation.
I saw some reviews complaining about noisy kids. Are we talking, like, "nuclear-powered toddler" levels of noise? 'Cause I need my sleep!
Okay, so the noise. This is where things get… real. It's a family-friendly hotel. You're gonna hear kids. Fact of life. It's basically a given. During our trip, we had some noisy neighbors. *Specifically* the family next door. The youngest one had the lungs of a newborn whale. I swear, I could hear him through *two* walls. I spent the first night contemplating a strongly worded note. I went to the front desk and requested to move. The nice lady there was so understanding. It turned out she'd experienced the same thing. She said, "Kitty Hawk is for families, and sometimes… that means noise." Brilliant response. She moved us, no fuss, and it was much better afterwards. Tip: Ask for a room away from the elevators and the pool. You know, just in case. Also, earplugs are a must. Buy them. Use them. Thank me later.
The pool situation... is it crowded? Because nothing ruins a good vacation like fighting for pool space with a bunch of shrieking teenagers.
The pool… ah, the pool. It's a decent size, but yeah, it *can* get crowded. We went in the summer, prime tourist season, so anticipate a wait for a sun lounger. Be prepared for some splashing. I'm talking full-on water wars. Be prepared for the "cannonball" specialists. I saw one kid *literally* clear the pool with a single jump. That was impressive, if a little terrifying. However, there's also a hot tub! It's kinda small, and the jets aren't the strongest, but it's usually less crowded than the pool. If you want a calm experience, try going early in the morning or late in the evening. Or just resign yourself to watching a bunch of kids having the time of their life. Honestly, sometimes that's the most relaxing part of a vacation. Seeing kids having fun, splashing around, just… being kids. A little splash never killed anyone (unless they're allergic to chlorine, in which case, maybe stay in your room).
Is there anything *really* bad about this place? Because all this praise is making me suspicious...
Okay, okay, I gotta be honest. It's not perfect. Here's the real, unvarnished truth: the Wi-Fi was… patchy. Like, "wants-to-work-but-can't-quite-handle-it" patchy. I needed it for work one day, and I nearly lost my mind. I ended up tethering to my phone, which ate up all my data. It's not a dealbreaker, but just be warned. Also, the parking lot is a bit… cramped. It gets crowded, and sometimes you have to park a ways away. And there's that whole "noisy kid" thing (mentioned earlier, I KNOW, I know). Oh! And the elevators are slow. Really slow. Embrace the stairs if you’re on a higher floor! But even with the flaws, for the price and the location, it's a solid choice. You're not getting the Ritz-Carlton, but you're getting a clean, comfortable place to crash after a long day at the beach, with a decent breakfast. It’s a win. Trust me, I know. My expectations are, let's say, pretty low, and this place exceeded them.
Okay, sold. When's the best time to go?
That depends! If you like warm weather, sunshine, and crowds, go in the summer. It’s the peak season so Expect higher prices. Book in advance. If you prefer peace, quiet, and discounted rates, shoulder seasons (spring and fall) are a great bet. I’d recommend going in September or October. The weather is still pleasant, crowds thin out, and the ocean is still warm from the summer. Plus, you mightHotel Finder Reviews
Holiday Inn Express Kitty Hawk - Outer Banks By IHG Kitty Hawk (NC) United States
Holiday Inn Express Kitty Hawk - Outer Banks By IHG Kitty Hawk (NC) United States
Post a Comment for "Escape to Paradise: Kitty Hawk's Best Holiday Inn Express Awaits!"