Magnolia, Arkansas: Holiday Inn Express-Lake Columbia, area and dining

August 2022, weekdays, 2-nights

Sunrise from guestroom 304 in Holiday Inn Express in Magnolia, Arkansas

Holiday Inn Express, king extended guestroom 304

Guestroom 304 is on the top floor near the end of the hall. The bed was comfy with good quality pillows and bedding.

Guestroom 304 in Holiday Inn Express in Magnolia, Arkansas

The guestroom was spacious, comfortable, and clean. 

Guestroom 304 in Holiday Inn Express in Magnolia, Arkansas

The beverage center contained a microwave, K-cup machine with supplies, and a good size fridge. The well-lit bathroom contained a long vanity and bath amenities.

Guestroom diagram on back of door in guestroom 304
in Holiday Inn Express in Magnolia, Arkansas

The wifi worked well; HOWEVER, 24 hours after I had activated it, I was automatically disconnected! I had been entering information online when this happened, so my information was lost. I do not understand why this happens at some hotels. Apparently, they have every connection set to expire after 24 hours, no matter how long the guest is staying.

Breakfast in Holiday Inn Express in Magnolia, Arkansas

Dining info

Breakfast offerings in the hotel were similar to what is usually offered at Holiday Inn Express.

Jumbo Shrimp at Blue Bull Grill in Magnolia, Arkansas

There are several fast food restaurants in Magnolia; however, we thought the casual dining options were limited. The day we arrived, we walked next door to El Parian, a Mexican restaurant. The service was excellent, although the food was merely "okay." The next day, we ate at Blue Bull Grill. The food at Blue Bull Grill was also acceptable/okay, although the service was lousy. After our server brought the check with an item on it we had not ordered (sweet tea--yuck!), she never returned with a corrected check. Over five minutes later, we were the only patrons left in the restaurant, so we got up to look around. Our server was in an area between the dining room and kitchen prepping stock. I asked her if she had our new check, and she told us to just go to the register and they would find it. Wow! She said this as if she had already dismissed us and we should have known this. Not only that, when I received my credit card bill a month later, it was run for 50 cents more than I clearly entered on the slip I signed. Not enough to make it worth a call to the restaurant, although this does reinforce the kind of service we received at this location. 

Let me know if you have any questions!