Howell, Michigan: Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Breweries

 March 2022, 1 night, Friday-Saturday, king whirlpool suite 322?

Reservations, platinum perks, check-in

I do not remember our guestroom number for sure, and I do not have a bill to check it because we used points for this stay. We made the reservation online the day before our stay using only 17,600 points. I previously stayed in this hotel 10 years ago in January 2012. 

Before we arrived, I noticed on the IHG app that our room had been upgraded to a whirlpool suite. The agent also informed me of this during check-in. She provided efficient and professional assistance.

Howell, Michigan Holiday Inn Express whirlpool fireplace suite

King whirlpool suite

This spacious guestroom is located on the top floor next to the elevator. We did not hear any noise from the elevators during our stay. There is a large window in the bedroom and in the living room. Both windows could be opened a few inches, and they both faced toward Tanger Outlet Mall and the expressway.

Howell, Michigan Holiday Inn Express whirlpool fireplace suite

The living area contained a sofa, fireplace, flatscreen TV, coffee table, end tables, desk with chair, and two soft chairs. A small fridge, microwave, sink, and Keurig coffeemaker were located along the wall. We enjoyed the fireplace and sitting area of the guestroom.

Howell, Michigan Holiday Inn Express whirlpool fireplace suite

The bathroom was located next to the entrance door, and the whirlpool tub was located in the bedroom.  There was an open closet next to the bathroom, and a nice suitcase bench in the bedroom.

Howell, Michigan Holiday Inn Express whirlpool fireplace suite
Tub dirt and non-working overhead lights with dirty vent

The guestroom was comfortable and spacious, although it needed some TLC. The mattress was low quality and quite firm, and guestroom housekeeping was terrible. The tub in this guestroom was worse than the nasty one I previously wrote about in the Frankenmuth Best Western. The lights over the tub did not work, which made it dark and difficult to see when I cleaned it. Apparently, good housekeeping is no longer a thing?? The carpet was also grimy/dirty, and I berated myself not having packed our travel slippers. I am certainly looking forward to upcoming stays in our own camper.

Hot beverage station in Holiday Inn Express Howell, Michigan

Food & beverage

Breakfast in the morning included fold-over cheese omelets, which looked like they had been heated up a few too many times, pork sausage, hash browns, cinnamon rolls, white bread, cereals, oatmeal, fresh fruit, and beverages. We went to breakfast around 7:30 AM, and all of the food looked like it had been out for a very long time. The eggs were crusty, and the pasty oatmeal was mostly stuck to the side of the nearly empty container. We got the impression that this was not the first day these foods had been out. The only foods I tried were the oatmeal with milk, raisins, and walnuts, and an apple. I could not eat the apple because it was mushy. In hindsight, I should have went for a cinnamon roll instead. Although it would not have been healthy, it might have been fresher than the items I chose. 

Business center, misc., area info

A computer and printer are located in the breakfast room beyond the hot beverage station. I was able to print a document, although I had to bypass the low toner pop-up before the document would print.

Although this stay was a good value for us, it was still disappointing. It is easy to access this hotel from I-96. There were travel booklets in the lobby with coupons for the outlet mall, if you are interested in shopping. The same dining options I wrote about in 2012 were still available, although a few stores in the shopping center have closed recently.

We visited two breweries near this hotel: Old Nation Brewery in Williamston (15 to 20 miles west), and Aberrant Ales just a few miles away in town. 

Loaded pork tots at Old Nation Brewery 

Old Nation Brewery was full with people waiting for tables during our visit. We were able to get two seats at the bar without having to wait. Beers were a great price--only $3 for a pint, and the service was good. We did not think the food or beers were that great though. There was not much pork on the loaded tater tot dish we ordered, and it did not seem to have been cooked well. The toppings (cheese, pork, jalapeños) were all quite crispy, as if overcooked, yet the food was not hot.

Aberrant Ales in Howell, MI

We loved the beers and service at Aberrant Ales. Great quality, yummy beers! This location was also quite full. The beers were more expensive; however, the freshness, flavor, and quality made them more enjoyable.

Let me know if you have any questions!