We visited Hayward, WI for the first time. Hayward is a popular area in Northern Wisconsin and lodging options range from motels to camping, resorts, or Airbnb options. It goes without saying that the experience of staying in a cabin or campground on the lake will be different than staying at a hotel. The Holiday Inn Express in Hayward proved to be the best of both worlds as it felt like more of a resort and less of a hotel.

Hayward Area Chamber hosted our fabulous stay. Our opinions are our own.

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Never Assume….

It had been a long time since we’ve stayed at a Holiday Inn, in our case a Holiday Inn Express, and boy were we wrong about our assumption. We assumed we’d be staying at a standard, 2-4 floor hotel with standard rooms that could be in any town or city. We were so wrong! The Holiday Inn Express in Hayward, WI feels like a resort

Holiday Inn Express- Hayward, WI- Feels Like a Resort

Upon entering the parking lot, we knew our assumptions were wrong! It had a resort look and felt like one too upon entering!

We traveled mid-week after school started so the hotel wasn’t crawling with guests. The hotel and grounds are widespread which helps it feel less crowded. This setting is perfect for groups of people sitting here and there in the seating areas so everyone had some privacy, even though they were in a common area.

Room 221

We recommend a room on the second floor facing Lake Hayward. There are a handful of rooms with private decks facing the lake. Our room was situated on the end. It was fantastic in that we had a private deck overlooking the lake. The room itself was comfortable and it felt clean. You know that feeling when it passes internal feeling you have of if a room is as clean as it looks? Kell

The room was very large with a separate seating area. In addition to the seating area was also a desk. Both provided a nice work area for each of us.

The bathroom sink was separate from the shower and toilet. There was a nice area to have luggage and none of this took up space in the room. We had a nice large TV that swiveled into both areas (beds and lounge). The main event though was the deck with comfy chairs overlooking Hayward Lake.

Admittedly, we were not in our room very often, but when we were there it was comfortable and it is so nice to know you have a beautiful hotel to go home to each night.

Our room also had a microwave and refrigerator. Our beds were quite comfortable.

Kelly especially loved the JR Watkins shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and lotion that were provided in the bathroom.

Social Spaces

This really felt like a lodge. It had a beautiful seating area with leather couches and chairs overlooking the grassy yard and Hayward Lake.

The dining area was also large with lots of tables for guests to sit at.

There was also a huge library that featured two computers for public use and more beautiful seating.

The back patio featured a grill that anyone could use and tables with umbrellas. They also had Adirondack chairs situated at various spots overlooking the lake. The grass was green, luscious, and beautifully manicured!

There was also a deck at the back of the property that guests could walk to. The views were absolutely beautiful!

Hotel Amenities

There is a huge breakfast, known as the Express Start breakfast bar that IHG is known for in the Holiday Inn Express line. We didn’t actually find any plant-based or vegan options save for some bananas that were too green to eat. They also provide coffee but it wasn’t great.

There is a nice fitness center, a very large swimming pool and a hot tub with views of the woods and lake. There is an additional patio off of the pool area.

A laundry room is also available for guests to use.

Two bicycles were available for use as well. You just have to inquire with the front desk to use them.

A bags game, or corn hole as the locals were calling it, is set up for anyone to play with beautiful views of the lake.

This was the first hotel since COVID that was offering daily room service. Had we known we’d have put our little ‘don’t disturb sign on our door. We felt bad about that after coming back to our rooms having been tidied up, beds made, etc. We don’t typically have staff clean our rooms- there is no need for us.

Will we book again?

Absolutely! This was a lovely hotel and we will stay again if we find ourselves in Hayward, WI! We look forward to finding another Holiday Inn Express that exceeds our expectations!

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