Dallas travel and day trips outside of Dallas have a bad rap.
So it was a pleasant surprise when I unexpectedly dropped in to a Royse City, Texas HIExpress (travel 31.68 miles NE of Dallas) on a Saturday night. (HIExpress is a distinct offshoot of the original Holiday Inn.) Expecting old cigarette smells, burnt coffee, and the dreaded continental breakfast (which usually provides zero nutrition + sugar), I walked into a high-end two story lobby with vibrant colors embedded in hip chairs and a tile floor. Think: edgy and modern. Even better? The price was a stunning $79.00, and if you internet book, it’s even cheaper. And…breakfast is included. They call it continental, but it’s most decidedly not. (Meaning, there’s protein available.)
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Which brings me to the question: Since I’m so picky, and this hotel was so impressive, am I getting old and cheap or is HIExpress wooing Gen Xers?
Well, there’s no doubt I’m getting “older” and cheap, and the economy’s dwindled my bank account. But I think larger things are at play here (besides their extensive corporate research):
Fond Childhood Memories
Think about it. As a kid, if you took road trips, which hotel chain was king? Holiday Inn. Saying “let’s go to the Holiday Inn” used to be slang for “let’s stay at a hotel.” As kids, my brother and I fought over “how cool is the pool” (ah, the Holidome) while dad and mom sweated the bill.
Gen Xers Are Dads and Moms Now
Forget the economy, kids are expensive. And they don’t get cheaper and any more well behaved when they get older. They need to be fed, entertained, and you don’t want to worry about grape juice on 500 count linens. Especially on a road trip/vacation. Kids stay and eat free (12 and under stay and eat free, 19 and under stay free if in same room). Save money, less guilt, what’s not to love?
Location, Location, Location
HIExpress is everywhere. They’re popping up all across the country on every major interstate and highway. Clark Griswold wouldn’t leave the highway on the way to Walley World if it meant losing time. You won’t want to either.
Fido Can Stay, Too
Pets are members of our family. In fact, they can have better manners in many cases. Save the room and board that’s equivalent to your child’s college education and bring him/her along. HIExpress is dog friendly, but ask at the front desk for that particular location’s policy (looking desperate and giving Fido a tranquilizer beforehand may help). Save one for yourself if they say “no.”
So, yes, I think they’re wooing Gen Xers. And everyone else for that matter. If they can keep the quality high and the price low, maybe they’ll get back their golden days. As for me, I’m at the computer again looking for the best deal…on the closest Holidome!
>>>ALIX P. ROSE
Rating: √ = go
