Rock Springs Getaway: Holiday Inn's Unbeatable WY Deal!
Rock Springs Getaway: Holiday Inn's Unbeatable WY Deal! - A Totally Real Review (Trust Me!)
Okay, buckle up, because I just got back from this "unbeatable WY deal" at the Holiday Inn in Rock Springs, and I’ve got thoughts. Like, a whole galaxy of thoughts exploding in my brain right now about everything from the shockingly good pool (with a view, mind you!) to the… well, let’s just say the lack of decent coffee at certain points. This is gonna be long, and rambling, and probably a little bit chaotic, but hey, that's life, right? And hopefully, it'll give you the real deal.
(SEO & Metadata Stuff - Don't Judge!): This review covers everything from accessibility (because, hello, we all need to know!), on-site restaurants, Wi-Fi (obviously!), things to do, cleanliness, dining & drinking, services & conveniences, for the kids (because, let's face it, kids), access, and finally, the rooms themselves and all the amenities. Keywords: Rock Springs Holiday Inn, WY, hotel review, accessible hotel, swimming pool, free Wi-Fi, on-site restaurants, pet-friendly hotel (if applicable), spa, fitness center, family-friendly hotel, Rock Springs lodging, Wyoming travel, Holiday Inn review, clean hotel, safe hotel, affordable hotel, travel.
Let's Dive In! First Impressions & Getting There:
So, Rock Springs. Let's be honest, it's not exactly the Eiffel Tower. But that’s part of the charm, right? I drove in. Easy peasy. The car park was free, which is a major win in my book. They had a ton of spaces, and even a couple of those electric car charging stations– a pleasant surprise for a hotel in the middle of Wyoming! (Though, truth be told, I don't have an electric car. Pretend I do, okay?)
Accessibility:
Okay, serious time. Accessibility is a huge deal for me. And the Holiday Inn in Rock Springs? Pretty good, actually! The lobby was spacious, with an elevator that actually worked (a win!), and the hallways were wide enough for a wheelchair (or, you know, someone like me who likes to flail a little). They had facilities for disabled guests, and the front desk was super helpful. I saw a couple of rooms that looked specifically designed for accessibility, too. Didn't check those out myself (obviously!), but it was reassuring to see. I'd give it a solid 8/10 on the accessibility scale.
Internet & Tech (Oh, the Humanity!):
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! YES! I almost wept with joy. Look, I'm a digital nomad at heart, and a bad internet connection is my personal kryptonite. Seriously, the Wi-Fi in the room was fast and reliable. I hopped on zoom meetings (which is a huge deal), the Internet access – wireless was top-notch, and the Internet access – LAN was there if you needed it. A real win.
Cleanliness & Safety (Thank Goodness!):
Post-pandemic, this is HUGE. They had all the buzzwords. Anti-viral cleaning products used? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Check. Rooms sanitized between stays? Check. They'd hand sanitizer stations liberally scattered around. And the staff? Super attentive. Saw a couple of guys doing the professional-grade sanitizing services thing in some of the rooms. Honestly, it made me feel… safe. Which is a weird feeling these days, but a good one. They even had a doctor/nurse on call, just in case (thank goodness I didn't need them).
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (The Heart of the Matter!):
Okay, here's where things get… interesting. The restaurants on-site were a mixed bag. They had an A la carte in restaurant, and a Buffet in restaurant (that was closed for a bit, FYI). The Western breakfast was… well, it was buffet-style, and the scrambled eggs were a little… meh. The coffee? Let's just say I'm glad I had my own instant coffee. The Coffee/tea in restaurant needed some work. You could order coffee/tea in restaurant, but it wasn't worth the effort.
BUT - And this is a big "but" - they had a Poolside bar. AND. IT. WAS. GLORIOUS. Picture this: After a hard day of… well, whatever I was doing in Rock Springs… I’d head over to the pool, grab a cocktail from the Poolside bar, and just… breathe. They had a Happy hour, too. It was a lifesaver when you’re in a somewhat desolate location. They had some pretty decent desserts in restaurant, which helped. And the bartenders? They were genuinely friendly and efficient. The food quality was on the lighter side, but it was the perfect spot to just relax.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax (The Good Stuff!):
The swimming pool was a real highlight. It was outdoor and heated – a lifesaver in Wyoming weather! The pool had a view (not of the Grand Canyon, mind you, but still a view!). The Fitness center was decent. Not the best gym I’ve ever seen, but it had enough to keep me semi-sane. I didn't get a chance to experience the Spa, but it looked nice.
The Room (Home Sweet, Temporary Home):
My room was a non-smoking one, thank goodness. I had read about some hotels that don't take that seriously. It was clean, spacious, and had everything I needed. The bed was comfy. My room had blackout curtains (hallelujah!), a desk for working, a fridge, a safe box. They had some complimentary tea, which was nice. The Wi-Fi [free] was blazing fast. The shower was good pressure! I’m very picky. The bathroom was clean. Basic, but good. I definitely felt like I got my money’s worth.
Services and Conveniences (The Little Extras):
The staff was incredibly helpful. They had doorman, but I think the main thing I liked was their kindness. They had a concierge and they could arrange a taxi service. They offered daily housekeeping. They had a convenience store, which was useful for grabbing snacks. Plus, a laundry service!
For the Kids (Important, Especially on Road Trips):
This is a family-friendly hotel. They had family/child-friendly stuff. I didn't babysit any kids, so I didn’t get a chance to use this.
My Verdict (The Whole Truth, and Nothing But the Truth!):
Look, the Holiday Inn in Rock Springs isn't a five-star luxury resort. It's a solid, reliable, comfortable place to stay. The staff are lovely, the pool is fantastic, and the Wi-Fi is great. Yes, the restaurants could be better, but the Poolside bar more than makes up for it. If you're looking for a decent, safe, and affordable place to stay in Rock Springs, this is a great option. The deal was "unbeatable," and honestly, for what you get, I'd say it was pretty darn good. I’d go back.
Madison's Hidden Gem: Sheraton Hotel Luxury Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into my (slightly disastrous, potentially glorious) adventure at the Holiday Inn Rock Springs, Wyoming. Let's be real, you're not exactly expecting the Ritz-Carlton in the middle of nowhere, are you? But hey, adventure awaits, and "nowhere" is the perfect breeding ground for it.
Day 1: Arrival, Existential Dread, and Questionable Pizza
Afternoon (Around 3:00 PM): Land in Rock Springs. Well, relatively land. Let's just say the Southwest flight felt… involved. The turbulence was so bad I swear I saw the flight attendant considering an emergency oxygen mask for herself. Still, breath of fresh Wyoming air!
My first impression of the Holiday Inn: Clean. Functional. Beige. Let's be real, it's a Holiday Inn. You know what you're getting, don't you? A perfectly acceptable place to, you know, exist for a few days. The lobby smelled faintly of chlorine and… anticipation? I couldn't quite put my finger on it.
Check-in Catastrophe (3:30 PM): Apparently, my online check-in didn't quite… check in. Cue the panicked rummaging for confirmation emails and the awkward dance of explaining my travel history to a reception desk that hadn’t seen this person before. The woman behind the counter, bless her heart, had the weary yet patient air of someone who’d seen it all. (Later learned, everyone in Rock Springs has the weary yet patient air of someone who’s seen it all). She sorted it out eventually, and I got my room. Success! Sort of…
Room Reconnaissance and Inner Turmoil (4:00 PM): Okay, room: Perfectly… fine. Two double beds. A TV that’s seen better decades. A view of… the parking lot. You know what? I'm not here for the view. I'm here to… what am I here for, exactly? Existential thoughts, naturally, as one does while staring at a parking lot.
Dinner… and the pizza of despair (7:00 PM): The hotel restaurant? Closed. The "suggestions" in the welcome packet? Pizza delivery. And the pizza from the local joint? Let's just say it was… an experience. The cheese tasted vaguely of cardboard, the pepperoni curled at the edges like tortured souls, and the crust? Well, the crust was essentially a flavorless, slightly burnt cracker. I ate it anyway. Hunger is a powerful motivator, and the alternative was ramen from the vending machine. Nope.
Evening Entertainment: TV and Regret (8:00 PM): Watched a few episodes of something vaguely comforting on TV. Then, the realization hit: I was in Rock Springs, Wyoming, alone, eating terrible pizza, with nothing but a slightly dodgy cable connection for company. The loneliness started to sink in. I considered calling someone, anyone, but decided to just… absorb it.
Bedtime and Questionable Dreams (10:00 PM): Slept. I am pretty sure I spent the night dreaming of pizza. The nightmare variety, probably.
Day 2: Desert Discovery, Dust, and a Whole Bunch of "Whys?"
- Morning (7:00 AM): The alarm jolted my from a restless sleep. Seriously, a double bed? And me? It's the perfect recipe for tossing and turning. Coffee downstairs, but it was the usual Holiday Inn brew, and I needed something with a bit more oomph.
- Breakfast Buffet (7:30 AM): The buffet! Glorious, carb-loaded buffet! Okay, reality check: It was a standard hotel continental breakfast. Scrambled eggs of questionable origin, a mountain of slightly stale pastries, and a river of lukewarm coffee. But I ate enough to attempt a successful raid of the vending machine. I got a sugary donut and a bottle of… well, something caffeinated.
- Desert Delights (8:30 AM-12:30 PM): Decided to brave the desert landscape, you know, after a map study. First, Killpecker Sand Dunes. The drive out there was already quite the experience. Miles of open roads, and nothing to see but scrub and an occasional tumbleweed. Then, the dunes appeared! Vast, undulating sandscapes. I clambered up one. It was… sandy. The wind whipped at my face, coating everything in a fine layer of dust. It was beautiful, in a desolate, windswept, "what am I even doing here?" sort of way. Took some pictures. Contemplated my life choices. (A recurring theme, it turns out).
- Lunch (back in Rock Springs) and Contemplation (1:00 PM): Tried to find something that wasn’t pizza. Success! Managed to locate a diner. Had a burger that was actually pretty decent. Sat there and stared at the people. They were so very… normal!
- Afternoon of "Huh?" and Bad Decisions (2:00 PM): Decided, for reasons I can't fully explain, to drive to the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area. It was a long drive! Stunning scenery, yes, indeed. But I failed. I needed to be a responsible adult, I had little to no water and food, and I was on my own. This trip got messy, and got messy fast. I was not the adult.
- Dinner and a Chat with the Night Clerk (7:00 PM): Back at the hotel, ordered a salad from room service (finally, some veggies!). I took a stroll in the lobby and the night clerk, a lovely woman with a million-dollar smile, and we ended up in a long conversation. Turns out, she’d lived in Rock Springs her whole life. We talked about the weather, the remoteness, and the weird, unspoken camaraderie of people in places like this. It was surprisingly… comforting.
- Evening: More TV, Less Regret (8:00 PM): So tonight? I just watched TV. Got through a few shows and went to sleep.
Day 3: Departure, Reflection, and the Lingering Smell of Pizza
- Morning (7:00 AM): More hotel coffee.
- Check out (9:00 AM): Checking out went well. The front desk knew what to do. They were very nice.
- Departure (10:00 AM): Heading to the airport! I really need to get a map, or something.
- Final Thoughts (Now): Rock Springs felt… real. There was a certain grit, a certain honesty to the place. Sure, the pizza was awful. But I met some nice people, saw some beautiful (and dusty) landscapes, and had a good laugh at myself along the way. Did I find myself? Maybe a little. Did I have a great time? Well, that depends on how you define "great." But I survived, and that, my friends, is a victory in itself. I'm off to my next adventure, whenever that might be. Maybe the next time I'll choose a place slightly more… glamorous. But, honestly? I'm glad I went.
So, like, what *is* this thing you claim to be making FAQs about? (And can you please keep it somewhat on topic?)
Alright, alright, keep your knickers on. Let's say, for the sake of argument, we are doing FAQs about... **Getting a job that involves staring at a screen all day** . You know, the modern-day dream! (Insert eye roll here, because, honestly? Sometimes I miss being outside.)
The point is, I'm building this FAQ about surviving the digital abyss. Expect the usual questions about resumes, interviews, and that soul-crushing "Do you have any questions for us?" moment. But, also, expect me to go off-script, because, well, I'm me. And me is *prone* to tangenting.
How do I even *find* one of these mystical "screen-staring" jobs? (Where do they hide?)
Okay, the hunt begins! Think: LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor... you know, the usual suspects. BUT, here's the thing: Don't just blindly apply. That's what every other person is doing, and you'll get lost in the void.
My Anecdote of Woe: I once applied for a job that sounded *amazing* – remote, flexible hours, creative blah blah blah. I spent like, three hours crafting the perfect cover letter (which, looking back, was probably way too long) and sent it off with a flourish. Crickets. Total and utter silence. Weeks later, I got a generic rejection email. Talk about a motivational kick in the pants! Seriously though, tailor your approach!
So, be specific. Search for the keywords, but then read the job descriptions like your life depends on it (because financially, it often does!). And also, get ready to be ghosted. It's a thing.
Resumes... Ugh. What even goes *on* this torture device?
Ah, the resume. The dreaded summary of your hopefully impressive life. Seriously though, keep it concise. No one wants to wade through paragraphs of your "extensive experience." Bullet points. They're your friends. Use them!
The Imperfection of the Perfect Resume: Listen, I am *terrible* at bragging about myself. I'm the kind of person who downplays accomplishments. So, I once had a friend, bless her heart, rewrite my resume. She made me sound like a total rockstar! And you know what? It worked! I got interviews! (And then, had to live up to the hype... which was a whole different kind of nightmare. But hey, it got me in the door!)
Think action verbs: "Led," "Managed," "Developed." And, for the love of all that is holy, PROOFREAD! Twice. Then have a friend proofread it. Then, have another friend, just in case, proofread it. Typos are the enemy of getting a good job. End of discussion.
Interviews... Can I just skip this part? I get crippling anxiety.
Ugh, interviews. The worst! Yeah, I hear you. The butterflies, the sweaty palms, the brain freezing up when the interviewer asks you the most basic questions.
Quirky Observation - My interview disaster zone: I once went to an interview where they gave me a written test. My brain completely shut down. I swear, I knew the answers! I just couldn't *access* them! It was like my brain had decided to go on a beach vacation at the worst possible moment. I think I wrote "I like turtles" on one of the answers. True Story.
Unfortunately, no, you can't skip them, unless you're exceptionally lucky. Prepare. Research the company. Practice your "tell me about yourself" spiel. And, most importantly, be yourself... or at least, a slightly polished version of yourself. It's a balancing act, I know. But, try to relax. Seriously. Easier said than done, I know.
Alright, I *got* the job! Now what? How do I survive staring at a screen all day?
Congratulations! You made it! (High fives all around!) Now the real work begins... which is, you know, actually *working*. And surviving the soul-crushing monotony of the screen.
Emotional Reaction:This is where things can get dicey. If you're anything like me, you'll start to feel the "screen fatigue" setting in rapidly. The eye strain, the back pain... It's a whole vibe. My advice? Get up and move! Take breaks. Walk around. Stretch. Get some sunshine! (Seriously, actual sunlight is your friend.)
Set boundaries. Turn off work email notifications after hours. Don't let your job consume you. (I've seen it happen, and it's ugly!) Find hobbies, friends, and things that make you happy OUTSIDE of work. Because, trust me, if you don't, you will burn out. And no one wants that.
What are those "Do you have any questions for us?" landmines I need to be ready for?
Ah, the final boss of the interview. The moment you've been dreading. "Do you have any questions for us?" Resist the urge to say "Nope, I'm good." Because, seriously, that makes you look lazy and uninterested. BAD.
Messier Structure and Rambles: Okay, so here's where it gets complicated. You *should* have questions prepared. But, not the generic ones everyone asks. Don't ask about the company's mission statement (unless you genuinely care, and even then, it's a little blah). Ask questions that show you did your homework, that show you're thinking ahead. Questions about projects, team dynamics, professional development.
And, for crying out loud, don't ask about salary or benefits *first*. This is important. It's just... look, it gives the impression you only care about the money. And maybe you do! But, it's best to come off like you care about the job. They'll usually broach the salary topic before you have to. Make sure *you* want to know, and then make sure the job is what you were looking for.
Think about the role and the company's goals. What's important to you? What do you need from them? That's what you want to ask.
How do I deal with the inevitable office drama/incompetent coworkers/soul-crushing meetings?
Ahhh, the daily grind! *Sigh*. This is where the fun (read: misery) truly begins. Office drama? Incompetent coworkers? Stultifying meetings thatFind Your Perfect Stay
