Holiday Inn Express Phuket

You may have noticed, I kept referring to my hotel in Phuket as HIE. That meant Holiday Inn Express in Patong Central, Phuket. Don't be confused I keep saying "HIE" at many places. I can explain that a bit.

There are many HIE hotels everywhere. They're the 'express' version - meaning 'no frills but convenient and practical' kind of hotel service. Not luxurious, but mid-range priced. Best for us people on the go!

HIE is an IHG hotel. Now what is IHG? That's the mother company "InterContinental Hotels Group" and it has a lot of hotel brands in its umbrella. Like in Phuket alone, aside from HIE, there is Indigo, Holiday Inn Resort, Intercon and Crowne Plaza. Why do I know that? Ah, I often stay with any of them abroad!

Not that I am related to IHG in any capacity, nor am I here to advertise them. Hello, none of them even know me. But yes, I openly recommend this family of hotel brands, yet I am also the first one to holler if I experience anything amiss! They're not even my favorite, they're more of just a habit hard to break!

A habit? Yes, a home.., a default.., when I don't have to think or weigh this or that. I already know what to expect for every stay - like the 'walang kamatayang "sausage" every morning at every HIE on earth'!

Hehehe, yes, pun intended! Nakaka-umay din kaya! Anyway...

All rooms of the HIE family are generally the same in terms of amenities and services like pillows..,

There is always a soft and a firm pillow - to the extent that I copied the same combination at home!

Ah, the bathroom at HIE Patong Central is a little more titillating (or kinkier if you like) than HIE Clarke Quay! The wall between the bed and the shower is translucent glass, creating an amusing silhouette!

Do not worry, nothing vulgar nor scandalous can be seen from the other side. Anything and everything is left to your 'wildest' imagination! Thus, be careful with your pronouncements - if you say it's 'bastos', that means 'bastos' ka kasi mag-isip! Well, the best part is, kung mataba ka, your silhouette is not. Ay!

Wait! Teka intriga ito: if I was traveling alone as I always do, how come there's a silhouette of a human being in the shower when I took that pic? Hmmn? Ako yan 'no! I set my phone's timer, and went there!

Now now.., all HIEs have buffet breakfasts - but not quite the Intercon style. Here's an example..,

Their breakfasts are more on for the business people who are always on a rush, not the holiday maker yearning to savor everything luxe hehe! I'm just laughing it off as I am not a fan of breakfasts anyway!

Anyway, there is surely going to be SAUSAGE wherever that HIE might be. And in places with religious 'conditions', it's chicken sausage only! There would be eggs too, and the breads are always awesome!

I found this interesting: while waiting at the elevator lobby of my floor, this was my grand view..,

And from down at the lobby level, that pool is also temptingly visible. But I like the beach better!

Indeed and in fact.., I don't have many pictures in and around HIE, because my propensity was always to the beach and the activities or eventualities there. I'm in the first place, a true-blue "son of a beach"!

Alright, let me leave Phuket for now, and let's head back to Singapore!