**Disclosure: Please note that this post was generously sponsored by IHG; however, the feedback and opinions expressed are mine, all mine! #HIPrairies**
Are you an IHG Rewards Club Member?
If you are, that’s great! If not, we have to talk. Like right now. It’s super easy to use and of course there’s an app. Here’s what it looks like:
I am highly suggesting that you sign up asap! Why? You’ll just have to read on to find out!
Before we get to the excitement of what I have to share with you, let me tell you a little bit about IHG.
IHG is InterContinental Hotels Group, a global company that is home to some of the world’s most prestigious and well-known hotel brands.
Our guests are as varied as our brands. With nearly 674,000 rooms, we provide nearly 157 million guest nights per year. We are where you travel.
I had the pleasure of staying at an IHG hotel when I went to New York for a solo travel weekend trip, so I’ve already had a positive experience with the brand.
We were pretty excited to have the opportunity to enjoy a local Winnipeg IHG hotel as part of our staycation near the end of summer break. We literally live on the opposite end of the city from the Holiday Inn Airport West, so even though we were within the city, it would still be quite the drive to get home. It actually felt like we were truly on a vacation from our house.
In order to get two different perspectives, we decided to stay one night with the kids for family fun, then one night with just my fiancé and I, (finally some adult time)! Thankfully, the eldest daughter can drive so we took both cars!
We are in one car, the kids in the other, behind us.
It was a gorgeous day for a drive on the perimeter.
We pulled up to the hotel and we were pleased by the cleanliness of the outer appearance, lots of beautiful flowers!
As we entered the lobby, we immediately noticed how clean and bright it was; however, we also noted the dated decor. This hotel is one of the oldest in Winnipeg, but I am happy to say that renovations started in December 2014 and are ongoing. I look forward to seeing the changes!
Lobby Entrance (left); Small Business Centre (right)
I approached the front desk and was pleasantly greeted by Shannon. She did not know that I was a blogger conducting a review which was awesome because her sincerity was genuine as she helped us check in and advised us of the amenities. We ended up with 2 rooms (adjoined); both with 2 queen beds.
We made our way to the elevators. As stated earlier it’s an older hotel, so you can actually envision what it was like when there used to be an elevator attendant! The kids loved that there were goldfish aquariums in each elevator.
As soon as you step off of the elevator, you are greeted with amazing vintage photos of Winnipeg. It was remarkable to compare each picture to what those areas look like today.
I liked the fact that you needed to use your hotel card to access the hallways to the rooms.
We were like fish out of water! What were we going to do first? We decided to get familiar with our rooms.
**Note: As you know I aim to be honest and authentic with every post I write so for each area of the hotel, I’ve done a table of Strengths and Areas of Opportunity (I don’t like the word weakness).**
ROOMS
Parent’s Room
Kids’ Room
| Strengths | Areas Of Opportunity |
| – spacious & clean | – 80’s decor, dated |
| – comfortable beds | – peeling wallpaper |
| – super soft pillows (my fave) | – acrylic damage to the bathtub |
| – fridge | – no microwave |
| – adjoining room with kids | – movie rental $16.99 (new release) |
| – free WiFi | |
| – daily newspaper delivery (morning) |
PIRATE’S COVE PLAYLAND
| Strengths | Areas of Opportunity |
| – huge play structure | – need to replenish the balls |
| – many different areas to explore: ball pit, slide etc | – curious as to sanitation process |
| – wristbands required at all times, staff on site |
POOL AREA
Kiddie Pool (left), Main Pool (right)
| Strengths | Areas of Opportunity |
| – kiddie pool very cute, mini wading pool | – main pool too shallow – only 4ft all around (teens were disappointed) |
| – small hot tub | |
| – lots of towels provided, life jackets as well |
FITNESS CENTRE
We didn’t use this area but it was very clean with just the right amount of equipment.
RECREATIONAL AREA
We spent a lot of time playing in this area. There was a ping pong table, foosball game and various seating areas to chillax.
RESTAURANT
We only ate in the restaurant for breakfast on the Friday morning of our stay and it was good, very basic options. The service was friendly and efficient, however some of our cutlery wasn’t clean. The restaurant is perfect for those with young children as kids under 12 eat free!
HOTEL OVERALL
Due to time constraints, we weren’t able to enjoy the lounge but it overlooks the main road and has a few VLT’s and TV’s for entertainment. We also never had any noise issues with the renovations, you’d never know that it was happening throughout the hotel.
| Strengths | Areas of Opportunity |
| – minutes away from Polo Park Shopping Centre, Assiniboia Downs, Assiniboine Park & Zoo, Blumberg Sports Complex, and more! | – misleading name? The Holiday Inn closer to the airport is called Polo Park. |
| – many conveniences within walking distance: 24 hr Shoppers Drug Mart, McDonald’s, Liquor Mart etc. | – change underground parking access and require swipe card all day not just late evening |
| – climate controlled underground parking |
It was great getaway for our family and we’d definitely do it again, especially once the renovations are completed.
Ok, ok, so here’s the fun part:
GIVEAWAY TIME!
One lucky reader will win 70,000 IHG Rewards Club points which is equivalent to a 2-3 night stay (depending on the hotel)!!! Yes, you read that correctly, and it can be used at any IHG hotel! Of course, I would love it if you stayed out West here in the Prairies with us but I won’t hold ya to that! Be sure to follow IHG Rewards Club on Twitter and Facebook.
Open to Canadians only. Contest ends September 20, 2015. Winner must have an IHG Rewards Club account.
You know the drill! Good luck!
If you win, which IHG Hotel would you book your stay at and WHY?
Wow Natalie!
This is such a perfect guide for a newbie traveler!
Thanks for the insight, this post has given them a massive leg up when it comes to planning accommodation.
Most hotels and apartments now have web sites and whilst these will always show the best rooms and the best views you can use the internet to accurately locate where the building is within the resort. You can also check out http://www.unionbankinn.com/ .
Choosing a good location for your hotel is essential for getting the most out of your hotel stay. Before doing so, do consider the purpose of your visit. If your visit comprises mostly of sightseeing or business in a certain area, you can consider choosing a hotel in the vicinity.
I have honestly never thought to just get off the beaten path before, but I bet that’d work.
Thanks a lot !
Keep doing good work.
God Bless U !
I would select the Holiday Inn Express in Middletown Newport a Rhode Island. My wife’s cousin who is like a sister to her moved there two months ago with her 5 kids who, my wife and I love to bits. Would love to treat my wife to as surprise trip to visit them over the Christmas holidays
I’d probably stay at the Crowne Plaza Moncton Downtown to enjoy a shopping trip and a concert at the casino.
Would love to win a couple of nights at an IHG Hotel. We travel out to Vancouver to see the grandchildren, so this would help save us some $$ on the way. Thanks for the chance to win.
We have driven to Winnipeg for concerts before so a free stay would be great!
http://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/gb/en/hinton/yhtss/hoteldetail I would stay in Hinton, Alberta. Close to Jasper National Park, a favourite Hiking, and skiing destination, and my son lives there. always a nice visit with family.
I would stay at the Rotorua Hotels because it’s right near the spas found in the area – perfect way to destress.
My choice would be the Airport Winnipeg IHG Hotel. We are having our hardwoods refinished and a bathroom Reno and need to be out of thr house for several days. This would make this time a fin stay cation with a pool to boot, great contest
If I won I would love to stay in a San Jose Hotels, my daughter just moved there. Or I would love to just have a pamper me day or two in town at a Sault Ste Marie one!
I’d love to stay at the InterContinental New Orleans, since that’s the location for my next girls weekend getaway, and the hotel’s location on St. Charles Ave is fantastic!
I would also stay at holiday inn airport west. A great getaway during a Manitoba winter without worrying about being storm stayed!
I’d use the points to stay at a holiday inn in pigeon forge, because I’ve won tickets to take my family to Ober gatlinburg but can’t afford to go and spend the night since my work cut my hours.
I would probably book Grand Forks N. Dakota for a quick getaway and some shopping. US $$$$ would not hurt so much if the hotel stay was covered. <3
If I won, I would take a break with my husband because we haven’t been away alone (even for one night) since our Triplets were born almost SIX YEARS ago (how time flies). I would go to Montreal because it’s only a 2 hour drive from us and my husband grew up there. The city is so full of culture, tastes, sounds and smells. Now I want to go…
Besos, Sarah
Journeys of The Zoo
I would choose Holiday Inn Denver-Cherry Creek as I want to visit my nephew!
I’d love to stay at the Holiday Inn in historic downtown Charleston – so excited to be planning a trip there in the next few months and this hotel looks beautiful!
I would choose the Holiday Inn London – Mayfair because I love it when I am able to go to London. Mayfair is a very posh part of London and I would love to go there and rub elbows with all the British movers and shakers! 🙂
It depends on where we end up travelling, sometimes we attend music conferences or play festivals, so realistically I would say anywhere in the Maritimes. Love the waterslide!
Crowne Plaza Niagara Falls-Fallsview
Its close to home and the kids could enjoy some indoor water filled days at fallsview water park!
Thanks! I signed up for IHG rewards because of this post – wishing I had done so years ago – all of my favourite hotels! 🙂
I would stay at the Winnipeg Airport-Polo Park location or the Winnipeg South location. I like the areas where the hotels are situated. But if I had the chance, I would go on a trip to Alberta and visit family.
We are a single income family with 5 kiddos so we never travel but a staycation such as the one you took sounds perfect! The Holiday Inn Airport West would also likely be our hotel of choice since my kids love the play structure (they’ve attended birthday parties there in the past) Thanks for the chance to win!
I’d like to book a stay at the Crowne Plaza Niagara Falls-Fallsview because it’s been 14 years since my last visit.
I would stay at the Holiday Inn Harbourview Halifax because it looks like it is a great location and has beautiful views. Although I live a province over I have never been to Halifax and would love to spend some time there enjoying the city as it looks like a vibrant place.
We’d choose the Intercontinental Montreal – looks like a great hotel and we’d love a chance to practice our French.
I’d pick the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites North Vancouver firstly because it is pet friendly, and I travel with my cat (yes I am crazy) and secondly I LOVE Vancouver and this is close to many attractions I visit regularly!
I would choose the holiday inn in Kingston. I would love to go back there with hubby, we haven’t been so long and he used to live there when he was a kid so we like to go back and see the city every so often
I would stay at Holiday Inn Niagara Falls – by the Falls , because I absolutely LOVE travelling there with my family.
Would love to book the Candlewood Suites Montreal Downtown Centre Ville in Montreal. We have been wanting to visit Montreal for a long time now, plus it would be an awesome chance for BF to visit family
I would pick the Holiday Inn Vancouver-Centre (Broadway) for a nice romantic weekend away in Vancouver with my husband.
I would pick Holiday Inn Vancouver-Centre (Broadway) so my husband and I could enjoy a romantic weekend in Vancouver together 🙂 Thanks for the chance.
I’d choose the Crowne Plaza Fredericton-Lord Beaverbrook. It looks like a really nice place to stay.
And it’s fun that you could drive in two vehicles and have some quality time together.
I’d stay at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Kodak East-Sevierville because my family is planning a trip to Ober Gatlinburg.
I would book the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Moncton for a family getaway close to home.
I would stay in Niagara Falls because it would give us plenty of time to explore all the great attractions they have around the falls.
I would stay in Toronto..we love going to Toronto to see a show or concert but hate the drive back home late at night..this would be amazing..concert and hotel stay..bring it on 🙂
I would book my stay at Holiday Inn St. John’s-Govt Center because I am going out there during the holidays to visit family and friends and do some shopping. This will be a first time visit for me, I’ve never visited the province’s capital.
I would book at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Calgary South-Macleod Trail so we could spend a weekend away visiting the Calgary Zoo and Calaway Park. Calgary is always so much fun to visit!
Toronto for us we are going to the santa parade and im sure its going to be a fun trip. we might also wait and use it for a summer vacation in Montreal.
I would stay at the Holiday Inn Express Fargo-West Acres, my daughter, grandson and myself often take a mini-vacation to Fargo to do some shopping and to enjoy ourselves for a few days. When my brother visits, he often stays at the Holiday Inn on Pembina. So the whole family enjoys staying at a Holiday Inn.
I would pick Holiday Inn Vancouver-Centre (Broadway) as it’s close to rapid transportation. Great way to explore Vancouver or we could also visit Richmond or
I would stay at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Waterloo – St. Jacobs Area because I love the are and it is close to shopping and a farmer’s market.
I would stay at the Holiday Inn Saskatoon Downtown, because I am in desperate need of a staycation! The location is perfect, nice and central. Thank you very much for the chance!
Hawaii is at the top of our destinations lists for our next vacation so we would like use it at the Holiday Inn Resort Waikiki Beachcomber
We would love to stay at the Holiday Inn Express Fargo-West Acres. We really enjoy shopping at Burlington Coat Factory and many of the other stores Fargo has to offer. We have never stayed at this hotel…perhaps we need a trip to see a concert in Fargo???–that is always fun! Thanks to your insight to the facilities I think it is somewhere that we would try. I often use sources like Priceline etc to book hotels as I try to attain the best price possible. I will now look for deals specific to Holiday Inn Express. For my daughter and I we find it very appealing that a hotel offers a pool, hot tub, gym and breakfast.
For a Canadian destination one of my selections might be Holiday Inn Express Dryden. Not too far for a weekend getaway. We would really enjoy Dryden for a winter escape!
I would absolutely love to use it at the one in Hawaii wakiki beachcomber. It has been a dream to go to Hawaii but it’s so expensive this would help make my Dream somewhat affordable
I would book my stay in the downtown Toronto one so I could have a weekend of shopping.
I would stay at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Regina-South. I chose this location because it’s the IHG location closest to the Ruby.
I would book Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Vancouver Downtown because I would love to visit the city & the idea of being right downtown is appealing
I would book a weekend at the Holiday Inn Toronto Downtown Centre just a weekend away me and the hubby
Those little getaways alone mean so much! Great idea!
I’m not exactly sure which location we’d stay in, but I’d plan a getaway close to home in a Holiday Inn, probably Toronto. It would be a fun little trip!
I’m all about the fun! Great choice!
I would book it at Holiday Inn Winnipeg ,South 1330 Pembina Hwy, Winnipeg , it would be nice to have a staycation i’ve stayed in hotels downtown or by the airport for weekends with my kids and have never been to that part of town , would love to go explore that part of the city
Sounds like a plan to me! South Winnipeg has so much to offer
We have been wanting to take a road trip to the mountains The Holiday Inn Canmore is in a beautiful little town just outside Banff so that is where we would pick. We could day trip to Banff and return to Canmore in the evening to relax and walk around town. It is so pretty there with the 3 Sisters Mountain range looking over the town.
Canmore is gorgeous, great choice!
I would go to Edmonton AB and I would go to the mall , one of my dream 🙂
Shopping for the win!
Calgary so we could go to Heritage Park and other attractions.
We would enjoy the pool and the rare luxury of a hotel stay.
Oooh another place for me to go and Google!
We would love to stay at holiday inn in Winnipeg because my kids would enjoy getting out of the house and enjoy the pool and other stuff they have to offer 🙂
It truly was a blast, and we would totally do it again!
We would love to stay at the Holiday Inn Toronto International Airport because we have stayed there once before and loved it!
Sounds awesome, will have to check it out!
I would choose the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Minneapolis – Lakeville. With the hotel paid for, I would be able to finally go down to Minneapolis with my bff to do some shopping and R&R….we are both recovering from surgery, so this would be a treat 🙂
That’s close enough to Winnipeg! Sounds like a great pick-me-up for you and your BFF! Hope you are both doing well 🙂
Staybridge Suites in Rochester, NY because I have visit there often.
Oooh now I’m going to go look it up!
I would book one in Anaheim to take my daughter on a trip to Disney Land.
Aww that’s awesome, great choice!
I would stay at the Staybridge Suites Lake Buena Vista in Orlando Florida so that I would stay in any area I am familiar with while on vacation in 26days. We have the flights booked but no place to stay yet.
Oh wow so this would be perfect!
We would probably stay at Holiday Inn Calgary-Macleod Trail South. It would be great for our next road trip to Calgary.
I know that area well, great choice!
I would stay at the Holiday Inn Halifax Harbourview!! Looks like a great place in the heart of the city 🙂
Love it, great choice!
If I won, I’d think I’d use them at a Dallas, Texas hotel, during football season! 🙂 Maybe the Crowne Plaza Dallas Downtown! 🙂
Football – yes! Smart idea!
We would choose the Staybridge Suites in Rochester, NY and visit near Christmas-time. My family in the States will meet us and we will celebrate the holidays by swimming, relaxing, shopping and we usually bring a little Christmas tree to the hotel room and exchange presents. 🙂 We love the Staybridge Suites – so much room to relax – big livingrooms, fully equipped kitchens. Truly a home away from home! Fingers crossed!
Oooh wow, I love this! What a great Christmas getaway!
I would stay at the Holiday Inn St. John’s-Govt Center. I have wanted to go to St Johns for a road trip and do some shopping,so this would be a great excuse! 🙂
Lovely idea!
I would stay at the Holiday Inn on Dundas street in London, On because it has great shopping and dining!
You had me at shopping! 😉
I would use it to stay at the Holiday Inn Resort Waikiki Beachcomber because I have always wanted to visit Hawaii. This would be the perfect excuse to make a trip to Honolulu with the family!
Agreed, you could adopt me for the trip? 😉
I would choose Holiday Inn Halifax Harbourview boasting some of the best views of Halifax and the Harbour. Conveniently located in Dartmouth, just minutes from downtown Halifax by ferry, taxi or car. because there are many attractions and restaurants that I would like to visit
Great choice, I’d love to explore that area!
I think I would use this to book a trip to Las Vegas… ex: the venetian!
It’s the one place I keep thinking I need to go and see!
Having grown up in Toronto and moving, I would love to book a weekend at the Holiday Inn Toronto Downtown Centre, to get back and visit family and friends, No place like home, awesome giveaway !!
Perfect opportunity to do that with this prize! Great choice!
I would choose Holiday Inn Express & Suites Cocoa Beach – would love beach vacation
As long as you take me too! 😉
AWESOME would go to visit Montréal
Such a versatile city!
I would stay at the Holiday Inn in Deer Lake, NL because it is pet friendly and close to where I can visit with family.
Another East coast location I need to venture to!
i would love to stay at the Crowne Plaza hotel in Niagara falls canada .
Gorgeous spot!
I’d like to go to Seattle (I’ve only been in the airport to change planes) for a quick getaway; seems like an interesting city and I like the coast. I’d select this hotel: Crowne Plaza Seattle-Downtown.
Thanks.
Sounds like a great plan to me!
The InterContinental Toronto Centre would be perfect for me. I would love to visit Toronto and the attractions in the area. I have not been to Toronto in over 25 years. I think is it time for a revisit.
Yep it’s time! Wow 25 years, here’s hopin!
We love to visit Seattle once or twice a year, so we would use it there!
Oooh my best friend says it’s a quick drive from where she loves – great choice!
I would stay at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Niagara Falls because we have been wanting to go Niagara Falls for a while.
I love Niagara Falls, so amazing!
I would use it at the Mont Tremblant location. It is a perfect spot to get away from it all… but it is close enough for a weekend getaway. I will be packing my bags waiting to hear from you…! 🙂
You know I could be your roomie right? 😉 haha
We would stay at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Calgary NW – University Area as our daughter and grandchildren live in Cochrane and this is the closest hotel.
Aww that’s wonderful! Sounds like a plan!
We’d stay at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Surrey and vist famiky & friends. That would be a huge savings.
Anything to help right?! Great choice!
the holiday inn in toronto we’ve always had positive experience there and love all the features they have when booked
Toronto has so many IHG options!
I would choose Holiday Inn West Kelowna as my friend just moved there. I would stay with her, but she only has a tiny apartment.
Aww and perhaps she could have a staycation and stay with you instead?
I would probably book at the InterContinental Toronto Centre because there are a few things we would like to see/do in Toronto and it would be a nice getaway.
Right downtown is where it’s at! Great choice!
We’d stay at the Holiday Inn Express and Suites in Huntsville. It would be so fun to go up for a nice Fall weekend!
This prize is perfect for a weekend getaway!
If i would I would take my family and I and stay at the Holiday Inn here in St. John’s. It would be a nice holiday for us! Thanks!
I’ve only ever gone as far as Ontario, I need to get the the real East!
If I win, the IHG Hotel I would book our stay at would be the Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Great Falls, Montana. It is just off of Interstate 15 close to the airport which makes it an ideal location for our trip by car.
Oooh another place for me to check out, thanks!
I’d stay at the one in Victoria, BC – it’s conveinient and is close to everything!
BC is a popular choice for sure!
I would stay in my nearby Holiday Inn so I can have a staycation where I relax a bit and get pampered while avoiding the hassles of traveling too far away.
That’s the way to do it!
I would go to visit my family in Montréal. Thanks for this amazing giveaway!
You are very welcome and I LOVED Montreal even though I was there one night haha
I have wanted to go to Portland for some time now, so I would choose the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Portland-Nw Downtown to help with that visit.
Another location I’ve never thought of! Great choice
I would stay at a holiday inn in Calgary. We have lots of friends there and it would be nice to go for a few days to visit. I can’t decide which one-likely downtown!
I have family in Calgary, great choice!
I would also do the one in Winnipeg, a little staycation. We live out in the country, so don’t get into the city that often, it would be nice to spend a day or two and do some shopping
It’s amazing how much more we were able to explore during our staycation!
I’d love to make a small weekend getaway out to Kelowna (Holiday Inn Express Kelowna Conference Centre). It’s not too far for from home, but it’s different, and away from the big city. I’d love to spend more time out there as i hope to move there one day.
I’ve heard many great things about Kelowna!
The Holiday Inn Canmore looks awesome!
My kids would love a getaway!
I was in Canmore just over 10 years ago and it was so beautiful!
I would love to visit Reno Nevada so I’d love to stay at the Staybridge Suites, Reno… I don’t know exactly what it is, but I have always wanted to see Reno!
Oooh never thought of there!
I would stay at the holiday inn express in Quebec City as I’m itching to see that city!
Ditto!
I would a nice stay vacation at the Holiday Inn downtown Winnipeg maybe the night of a hockey game or concert to have a night or weekend alone with my sweetie.
Aww sounds like a great plan!
I’ve stayed at many Holiday Inn and Suite and it’s a given that it’s going to be a positive experience. Thanks.
The holiday inn hotel and suites in Vancouver, bc. We love suite hotels…we like to make our own meals, and I have always loved IHG hotels!
My best friend lives in Vancouver, I haven’t been in years!