After two nights in the Holiday Inn in Lafayette, LA, I checked out. While the conditions weren’t as bad as the Wingate in Houston, I knew of other hotels where things were better. I’ve mentioned before that Holiday Inns, especially the original brand, are inconsistent in service and quality.

There was your typical Holidome, where the “better” rooms face inward. There was a wedding in one of the ballrooms Sunday night, and the reception was held into the Holidome, where creole, karaoke, and soul music joined screaming kids into the night. I was put on the second floor, which wouldn’t be bad except there were no elevators. My luggage has some weight (about 55 pounds for a three-week stay), but its bulkiness makes for fun going up and down stairs.

My requests for a microwave and refrigerator were denied. The bed’s mattress was completely worn out. Housekeeping had not picked up a comment card and all the towels from the previous stay. The wireless Internet was free, but the connection was unreliable. The shower was terrible; no matter how many adjustments I made, it fluctuated between scalding and freezing.

There was no free continental breakfast at the Holiday Inn. They had a restaurant, and Priority Club members were fortunate enough to get a $6 daily coupon. They had an omelette chef and your typical hot breakfast buffet. It was hard to eat healthy, though, as there were no bagels and the yogurt was on ice but warm to the taste.

Tonight I’m in another hotel, and they’ve promised me a refrigerator and microwave at no charge. We shall see. The beds look new, and on the 13th floor, things are much quieter. Money knows no superstition. :)


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