Guadalajara Expo Hotel: Unbeatable Deals at Real Inn!
Guadalajara Expo Hotel: Real Inn - My Unfiltered Take (Brace Yourselves!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from a stay at the Guadalajara Expo Hotel, a Real Inn property, and I’m ready to spill the beans. Forget the sanitized travel brochures – this is the REAL deal, the messy, the hilarious, the slightly-too-honest version.
The Promise: "Unbeatable Deals!" – Did they Deliver?
Well, let's just say I wouldn't be writing this if I hadn't snagged a decent price. Guadalajara itself is fantastic, and the Real Inn is conveniently located, so the promise of "deals" felt… well, it felt like a good starting point. They did, in fairness to the hotel, offer deals on a bunch of packages, so that's a point in their favor. I'm not going to lie, that was a major factor in me choosing them!
First Impressions & The Quest for a Room That Didn't Smell Like… Well, Nothing At All:
The exterior? Standard hotel fare, nothing to write home about. But the lobby? Okay, it did have a sort of "modern business hotel" vibe. Functional. Not heart-stoppingly beautiful. I'd been hoping for something more "Mexican fiesta," but hey, I’m here for business – or at least a getaway from the business of being… me?
Now, let's talk about my room. And I'm going to be brutally honest here. My first room… it smelled faintly of… nothing. Which, you might think is a good thing, but when you're expecting a hint of fresh air, or even a faint whiff of disinfectant, "nothing" feels… suspicious. I requested a different room, and thankfully the staff fixed this right away.
(Rant Incoming, Sorry, Not Sorry!) That said, I am a HUGE person for cleanliness and safety these days, and the hotel seemed to take this seriously. I mean, they clearly had anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, and rooms sanitized between stays. That gave me some peace of mind! They had hygiene certification displayed prominently, and hand sanitizer stations everywhere. This is important right now, and the Real Inn at least made an effort. Also, the availability of room sanitization opt-out? That's an interesting touch, and I appreciate the thought. I also felt that the hotel staff were well-trained in safety protocols, there were fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, and CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside the property. Feeling safe is VERY important to me, and this was a real plus point.
The Good Stuff:
Alright, before I sound like I'm just grumbling, let's talk about the wins. And there were a few!
- Internet Access - Wi-Fi is Free!: Huge win. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and a great connection. I needed to work, and this gave me no trouble at all. The fact they offered Internet access and Internet [LAN] was brilliant for a business stay.
- Swimming Pool & Pool with View: The outdoor pool was actually quite lovely. Nothing life-altering, but a nice way to cool off after a long day of exploring. The view was nothing fantastic, but hey, it's Guadalajara.
- Food, Glorious Food (Mostly!):
- Breakfast [buffet]: It was alright. The usual continental fare – fruit, pastries, the coffee. I'm a sucker for a good breakfast, and it was acceptable.
- Restaurants and Bars: The restaurant had a decent menu. I especially loved the coffee/tea in restaurant offer! And if I felt peckish there was always the Snack bar.
- Room service [24-hour]: This was a lifesaver on a couple of occasions. Late-night snacks? Delivered with a smile.
- And a massive bonus for offering A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Asian breakfast, Desserts in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, and Western cuisine in restaurant,
Where Things Got a Little… Tricky:
- Spa/Sauna: Didn't get a chance to check this out in detail. But I saw the signs and mentally bookmarked it for a future trip.
- The Gym/Fitness Centre: This was functional, but cramped. No great shakes, so don't expect a sprawling, state-of-the-art facility.
- Accessibility: I wasn't in a wheelchair, but I did get a chance to check some of the facilities. Wheelchair accessible, and Facilities for disabled guests are fantastic to see, and I was impressed with the thought that had gone into this.
Things I Didn't Dive Into:
- "Things to do": Guadalajara is PACKED with amazing things to do! This hotel offers a good base to let you see them.
- "Ways to relax": Had to get some work done, so no time for the Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage, Steamroom, Spa/sauna, but let me tell you, I wanted to!
The Nitty Gritty - Services and Conveniences:
Okay, this is where Real Inn generally shines:
- Conveniences: Loads of good stuff here! Air conditioning in public area, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Outdoor venue for special events, Safety deposit boxes, Taxi service.
- Business Facilities: The business facilities were pretty good, with loads of meeting rooms including Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Invoice provided, Meetings, Meeting stationery, Projector/LED display, Seminars, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center.
The Fine Print: What You Need to Know
- Getting Around: The location is convenient, with Airport transfer, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Taxi service, Valet parking, and Car power charging station.
- For the Kids: While I wasn't traveling with kids, I noticed babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, and Kids meal are available. Bonus points!
- Available in all rooms: Basic, but important: Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
My Final Verdict…And a Persuasive Offer (Hopefully)
So, would I recommend the Guadalajara Expo Hotel, Real Inn? Yes, absolutely.
- Pros: Great value for money, cleanliness, convenient location, solid amenities for business and leisure, reliable Wi-Fi, helpful staff.
- Cons: Some rooms a bit… bland, gym a little cramped.
The Takeaway: This hotel is perfect for the practical traveler, in my opinion. It's a really solid choice for anyone who wants a clean, comfortable, well-located hotel at a reasonable price.
My Exclusive Offer (For You, My Reader!)
Book a stay at the Guadalajara Expo Hotel, Real Inn, using the code "GUADALAJARAEXPLORER" and receive a complimentary upgrade (subject to availability), a welcome drink at the bar, and a discount voucher for the restaurant!
Don't wait! This offer is only valid for a limited time (because I’m hoping you book and then tell all your friends how much you loved it – or even just give me a thumbs up!). Guadalajara is calling, and Real Inn is a perfect home base for your adventure. Now, go forth and explore (and tell me if you liked it!). Ciao!
Wahpeton's BEST Hotel Deal? Travelodge Wyndham Review!
Alright, buckle up Buttercups, because you’re about to get my version of a Guadalajara Expo adventure. Forget those pristine, perfectly-formatted itineraries. This is the real deal, warts and all. And trust me, there will be warts.
Real Inn Guadalajara Expo – My Slightly Unhinged Adventure
Day 1: Arrival, Mild Panic, and Tequila-Fueled Optimism (Maybe)
Morning (or What I Think is Morning, Jet Lag is a Beast): Arrive at Guadalajara International Airport. Already sweating. Not just from the heat, though that is a contributing factor. More like the delightful terror of navigating a new airport. Checked the Uber app (fingers crossed!), and got a ride to the Real Inn. The driver, a fellow with a surprisingly good Elvis impersonation, assured me it was a short hop. He was right. Which was a relief, because I was already envisioning myself wandering the airport grounds for hours, talking to pigeons.
Mid-Morning: Check-In Chaos and Room Revelations: Okay, so the room at the Real Inn is… fine. Clean-ish. The view? Well, let's just say it looks out onto a "picturesque" (read: slightly run-down) parking lot. But hey, at least there's air conditioning! This is crucial, because I'm pretty sure my sweat glands are permanently set to "tropical rainforest." Attempted to unpack, but the suitcase exploded. Stuff everywhere. Already losing my patience.
Lunch: Searching for Sustenance (and Wifi): Found a little cafe near the Expo. Ordered something that looked vaguely familiar, hoping for the best. Turns out it was delicious. The Wifi, however, remained elusive. Spent a solid hour wrestling with the password, muttering under my breath while desperately needing to post a picture to confirm existence. Finally gave up and decided to wander around the Expo grounds.
Afternoon: Expo Exploration – Overwhelming and Awesome: Holy guacamole, the Expo is massive! Like, "Where's Waldo?" meets "Industrial Revolution" massive. Got absolutely lost within minutes, which, frankly, was part of the fun. The smells! The sights! The sheer energy of a thousand people buzzing around. Took a deep breath, bought a questionable churro from a street vendor (worth it!), and dove headfirst into the chaos.
The "Tech" Hall: My Eyes Glaze Over: So, this place. Full of gleaming gadgets and people speaking languages I didn't understand. Tried to pretend like I knew something about whatever it was, but mostly just nodded and smiled, hoping I wouldn't be asked a direct question. Did stumble upon a robot that offered me a free sample of… something. It tasted like metal and despair. Moved on swiftly.
The "Artisanal Food" Hall: Heaven on Earth: Ah, now we're talking. This was more my speed. Sampled every cheese, salsa, and pastry I could get my hands on. Bought a bag of chili-covered mango. Ate half of it before remembering I had a meeting later that evening (I would definitely need to brush my teeth thoroughly).
Emotional Reaction: I felt alive! The sheer variety of food, the smells, the vibrant crowds… it was exhilarating. The only downside was the internal struggle over whether to buy all the souvenirs.
Evening: The Drinks Floweth Over: Dinner at a local restaurant recommended by the hotel. Tried real Mexican food (again, delicious!). Finished the night with a couple of margaritas – you know, for "cultural immersion". Might have gotten a bit chatty with the bartender. He told me the perfect place for tequila. The rest is a delicious blur.
Day 2: "Recovery," Regret, and More Expo!
Morning: The Wrath of the Margarita: Woke up feeling… less than stellar. The head felt like a tiny drummer with a particularly aggressive tempo. Vowed to drink less tequila. (We'll see). Forced myself to eat something remotely resembling breakfast.
Mid-Morning: Expo Round Two – with a Vengeance: Armed with coffee, painkillers, and a renewed sense of purpose (which was mainly "find more chili sauce"), I bravely re-entered the Expo. Determined to conquer the booths I had missed and sample every last morsel.
- The "Textiles" Hall: The Serendipitous Find: This hall, I skipped the first time. But this time, I made a decision to investigate. Now, this time, I found a small shop selling embroidered bags. These were so beautiful that I ended up buying 3 bags! The woman running the shop was extremely kind and was happy to share some tips with me.
Lunch: Expo Fatigue Setting In: Was so tired of the crowds, ended up eating at the hotel. Food was fine, nothing to write home about.
Afternoon: Expo, Part 3: The Final Stand: Focused on the souvenirs. Found a beautiful shawl for my mom, and a ceramic skull (because, why not?). Began to panic, I haven't visited every booth.
- Emotional Reaction: Suddenly, everything felt urgent. I had to see everything, buy everything, experience everything! I ended up walking, and walking, and walking until it was time to go back to the hotel.
Evening: Tequila's Call, and the Promise Broken: Went back to enjoy the restaurant near the hotel! Decided to have one last drink or two! The bartender started mixing some cocktails, and I had some more.
Day 3: Departure, Reflection, and the Sweet Embrace of Home (and an Ibuprofen):
- Morning: The Final Farewell (and the lingering after-effects): Up early to go to the airport. Got on the Uber, who was the same as the first day. Started the ride with a joke and laughter.
- Departure: Bye Guadalajara!
- Emotional Reaction: Exhausted, exhilarated, and slightly traumatized by the amount of tequila consumed. But also, overwhelmingly happy. Guadalajara, you beautiful, chaotic, and chili-covered city, you were an absolute blast. I will be back. As long as they keep the tequila flowing.
Real Inn Guadalajara: You SURE you wanna know? Here's ALL the dirt... (and maybe some good stuff too!)
Okay, so, are these "unbeatable deals" *actually* unbeatable, or is that just marketing blurb? Because, you know… marketing.
Alright, let’s be real. Marketing. We all know the drill. “Unbeatable” is like… a first date promise. You *hope* it’s true, but you’re also prepared for a letdown.
So, with Real Inn? Okay, I'll be honest. Some *are* actually pretty damn good. Especially if you're booking in advance, or during the Expo. That’s the key. **Book ahead.** DON'T be like me and try to snag a room the day of, because, trust me, you'll be paying a fortune. I remember one time, I thought I was being clever, waiting until the last minute, figuring I'd get a steal. HA! Ended up paying almost double! Lesson learned: plan your trip! Maybe subscribe for their newsletter. You know, you get the *really* good deals then.
What's the *actual* location like? Is it a hassle getting around? Because I'm not trying to spend half my vacation stuck in traffic, ya know?
Okay, location. This is… nuanced. Located *near* the Expo. That's accurate, but...it depends *how* near. There are various Real Inn locations too, some are better placed. You can walk if it's the closest, but in Guadalajara… walking in the hot sun? No thanks. It's a bit of a trek – especially after a long day wandering the Expo, your feet will be screaming for mercy. That's where taxis, Uber, or a rideshare app is your friend.
Traffic? Oh boy. Traffic in Guadalajara is… a *character* on its own. Expect it. Plan for it. Build in extra travel time. I’d say, if you REALLY want to be in the *thick* of things, you might consider the other hotels, or the older ones in the historic center, but Real Inn is convenient, if you learn to navigate the city.
Is the breakfast any good? Because a terrible hotel breakfast is a vacation killer. Seriously.
Breakfast. The most important meal of the day, *especially* when you're trying to survive a day at the Expo trying to not get burnout. And yeah, I’m picky. Very picky. I’ve had hotel breakfasts that tasted like sadness. Breakfast at Real Inn? It’s… adequate. Not Michelin-star amazing, but generally palatable. They usually have a decent selection – eggs (cooked various ways), some sort of bread/pastries (sometimes a little stale, let's be honest), fruit, cereal, and the ever-present coffee.
I'd say, if you’re not a breakfast enthusiast like me, you'll be fine. If you are, you might want to consider finding some breakfast spots nearby. The coffee is usually pretty okay though! Which is a win in my book.
What about the rooms? Clean? Modern? What horrors await me?
Alright, the rooms. This is a mixed bag. Generally, I've found them clean. Not sparkling, five-star clean, but clean enough. The beds are usually comfortable. But. There are things. The decor tends to be… functional. Think more "business travel" than "boutique chic." Don't expect a lot of personality.
And the windows sometimes… aren’t the greatest in terms of soundproofing. If you're on a lower floor, and near a busy street, bring earplugs! You *will* hear the traffic. I remember one trip, I swear I was listening to the car horns all. Night. Long. Ugh. It's a gamble. Ask for a higher floor, if you can.
One thing, though… the bathrooms. They've usually been well-maintained. Good water pressure, decent toiletries. Always a plus. Oh, and I've generally found the people who work there to be helpful and friendly, even if they're run off their feet during a convention. That does make a difference.
They've also got the AC. Thank goodness. Guadalajara is hot, so don't take AC for granted, and that is an important thing.
Do they have a pool? Because lounging by a pool with a margarita is, like, the entire point of a vacation.
Okay. Pools. This varies by Real Inn. Some have pools, some don't. You'll need to check the specific location you're booking. And, like, do your research!
If they *do* have a pool? It's usually decent. Not exactly a resort-style experience, but good enough for a quick dip after a long day. The best locations has a pool. The poolside bar, it’s not always open. Check the hours.
And a margarita? You’re in Mexico! Figure it out! It's not specifically related to the hotel, but *seriously*, you're in Mexico!
Any tips or tricks to make my stay better? Secrets the brochure won't tell me?
Okay, listen up. The *real* secrets.
Firstly: **ALWAYS ask for a quiet room.** Seriously. Beg, plead if you must. The difference between a quiet room and a noisy one can make or break your trip. I once spent a night listening to a construction site, at a Real Inn, and haven't recovered since.
Secondly: **Learn a few basic Spanish phrases.** Even just "Hola," "Gracias," and "Por favor" go a long way with the staff. It makes them feel appreciated.
Thirdly, and this is IMPORTANT: **Pack earplugs and an eye mask.** Even if you think you won't need them. Trust me. Also, bring a portable charger. You’ll be using your phone a LOT. Maps, rideshares, taking photos… and the outlets are sometimes inconveniently placed.
Fourthly: **Be patient.** Things move at a different pace in Guadalajara. Don't get stressed if things don't happen *immediately*. Relax, have a margarita (see above!), and enjoy!
Okay, so, overall... would you recommend it? Is it worth it?
Okay, the big question. Would I recommend Real Inn? It depends! For the price, and *especially* if you time it right with the deals, and your main goal is attending the Expo, then yes, probably. It's convenient, generally clean, and the staff are, on the whole, friendly.5 Star Stay Find
