Manhattan, Kansas—affectionately known as "The Little Apple"—is a weirdly busy place. Between the massive research influx at the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF), the relentless energy of Kansas State University football Saturdays, and the military churn of Fort Riley, finding a place to crash isn't always as simple as it looks on a map. You’ve got options. Plenty of them. But the Holiday Inn Express and Suites Manhattan KS consistently stays at the top of the pile for people who actually value their time and sleep. It’s not trying to be a boutique art hotel. It’s not a budget motel where you question the carpet. It’s just... consistent.
Honestly, consistency is the highest form of luxury when you're traveling for business or a high-stakes game day.
People get confused about the location because there are actually two "Holiday Inn" branded properties in town. There is the full-service Holiday Inn at the Campus, which is great if you want a sit-down restaurant and a ballroom. Then there is the Holiday Inn Express and Suites Manhattan KS, located over on E Lane Street, just off Tuttle Creek Blvd. This one is built for the "get in, get out, get fed, and get sleep" crowd. If you are here for a K-State game, you are about a 5-to-7-minute drive from Bill Snyder Family Stadium. If you’re here for work at NBAF or the Kansas Department of Agriculture, you’re basically right there.
The Location Reality Check
Let’s be real. Manhattan isn’t huge, but traffic during a Big 12 home game or a graduation weekend is legitimate chaos. Staying on the east side of town at the Holiday Inn Express and Suites Manhattan KS gives you a tactical advantage. You aren't trapped in the bottleneck of Aggieville, yet you can get to the bars and restaurants in about four minutes.
It’s tucked behind the main drag, which is a blessing. You don’t get the constant drone of Highway 24 traffic vibrating through your headboard. Instead, you get a view of the Flint Hills if you’re on a higher floor facing the right way. It’s quiet. That matters.
The Room Situation: Suites vs. Standard
The "Suites" part of the name isn't just marketing fluff. If you've ever tried to cram a family of four into a standard double-queen room with all their tailgating gear, you know it's a nightmare. The suites here actually provide a bit of breathing room. They feature a separate sitting area with a sleeper sofa, which is a lifesaver if one person wants to stay up and watch the news while the other tries to pass out early.
Standard rooms are what you’d expect from a 2020s-era IHG property. They use the Formula Blue design scheme. It’s clean. It’s modern. It’s very blue.
- The Bedding: They still do the "Firm" and "Soft" labeled pillows. It’s a gimmick that works.
- Power: Outlets are everywhere. You won't be hunting behind a nightstand to charge your phone.
- The Shower: High-pressure showerheads. This is non-negotiable for a good hotel.
- Work Space: Large desks that actually fit a laptop and a second monitor if you're a digital nomad type.
What about the noise?
This is a common complaint in college towns. Thankfully, the Holiday Inn Express and Suites Manhattan KS doesn't attract the loudest of the loud. Most of the rowdy undergrads stay closer to the park or in cheaper motels. This property leans heavily toward K-State alumni, visiting researchers, and families. The walls are thick enough that you won't hear your neighbor's TV unless they’re trying to blast it.
The Breakfast Factor (It’s Free, But Is It Good?)
We have to talk about the cinnamon rolls.
If you know anything about the Holiday Inn Express brand, you know the cinnamon rolls are the primary draw for about 40% of the guests. They’re hot, gooey, and arguably contain a week's worth of sugar. They are fantastic.
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Beyond the rolls, the breakfast spread is surprisingly robust. They’ve moved away from the "sad continental" vibe of the early 2000s. You’ll find:
- The Pancake Machine: Push a button, wait a minute, and two pancakes slide out onto a plate. It’s mechanical magic.
- Protein: Usually scrambled eggs and either bacon or sausage links. Sometimes it's the turkey sausage patties.
- Chobani Yogurt: A step up from the generic brands.
- Oatmeal: With a decent array of toppings like walnuts and dried cranberries.
It’s served in a large lobby area that can get crowded around 8:30 AM. If you want a peaceful meal, go at 6:30 AM when the business travelers are there. It’s silent. It’s glorious.
Why Business Travelers Choose This Spot
If you are coming to Manhattan for the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF), this is arguably the most convenient "nice" hotel. NBAF is a $1.25 billion facility. The scientists and government officials visiting it don't want to stay in a place with questionable Wi-Fi.
The Wi-Fi at the Holiday Inn Express and Suites Manhattan KS is high-speed and, more importantly, stable. I’ve seen people running Zoom calls in the lobby without a single dropped frame.
There is also a small business center if your laptop decides to die right before a presentation. It’s basic—a couple of computers and a printer—but it’s there when you’re desperate.
Amenities: The Pool and Gym
Don't expect an Olympic-sized swimming pool. It’s an indoor pool, heated, and relatively small. It’s perfect for letting kids burn off energy after a five-hour car ride across I-70. If you’re looking to do actual laps, you’re better off heading to the Chester E. Peters Recreation Complex on campus (if you have access) or just skipping it.
The fitness center is decent for a mid-range hotel.
- Two treadmills.
- An elliptical.
- A stationary bike.
- A rack of dumbbells up to 50 lbs.
- Adjustable bench.
It’s enough to keep your routine from totally falling apart while you’re eating K-State's famous Call Hall ice cream.
Understanding the "Manhattan Premium"
Pricing here fluctuates wildly. This is something people often overlook.
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On a random Tuesday in February, you might snag a room for $125. On a home football weekend against KU or Oklahoma? Expect that price to triple. The Holiday Inn Express and Suites Manhattan KS is a victim of its own popularity during peak events.
Pro tip: If you are planning a trip for a K-State event, book six months out. IHG’s dynamic pricing engine is aggressive. If you wait until the month of, you will pay significantly more, or worse, you'll end up staying 30 miles away in Junction City.
The Local Area: Where to Eat Nearby
You aren't just stuck with hotel food (which is basically just breakfast anyway).
If you walk or drive two minutes from the hotel, you’re at Bourbon & Baker. Go there. Get the small plates. The fried chicken and biscuits are legendary.
If you want something faster and more "Manhattan," hit up Taco Lucha in Aggieville. Their Peanut Butter Sriracha taco sounds like a crime against humanity, but it is actually a culinary masterpiece.
For the coffee snobs, Arrow Coffee Co. is a short drive away. They take their beans very seriously.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Hotel
A lot of travelers assume that because it’s an "Express," it lacks the amenities of a full-service hotel. That’s not really true anymore. You don't get room service or a bellhop, but you do get a microwave and a mini-fridge in every single room. In a "fancier" hotel, you often have to pay extra for those or request them specifically.
Having a fridge is a game-changer when you’re traveling with kids or trying to save money by not eating out for every single meal.
Is It Worth the Points?
If you are an IHG One Rewards member, this is a solid redemption. Manhattan hotels are notorious for high tax rates (thanks to local TIF districts and tourism taxes), so using points can often save you $20–$30 in taxes alone on top of the room rate.
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The "Value per Point" here is usually quite high during graduation weekends or the Country Stampede music festival.
Things to Keep in Mind (The Not-So-Great Stuff)
No hotel is perfect.
The parking lot can get tight. If you’re driving a massive dually pickup or pulling a trailer for a horse show at the fairgrounds, you might struggle to find a spot if you arrive late at night.
The elevators are a bit slow. There are only two. When the hotel is at 100% capacity and everyone is trying to get to breakfast at the same time, you might find yourself waiting three or four minutes. It sounds minor, but when you're in a rush, it’s annoying.
How to Get There
If you’re flying into Manhattan Regional Airport (MHK), it’s about a 15-minute drive. There isn't a dedicated hotel shuttle for this specific property, so you’ll need an Uber, Lyft, or a rental car.
If you're driving in from Kansas City, you'll likely come in via K-177 (The Scenic Byway). It’s a beautiful drive through the hills. Just watch for deer at dusk. They are everywhere, and they have no respect for your rental car’s bumper.
The Verdict
The Holiday Inn Express and Suites Manhattan KS isn't a "destination" hotel. You don't go there to stay at the hotel. You stay there because you have things to do in Manhattan and you want a clean, quiet, predictable base of operations.
It wins on the basics:
- It’s clean.
- The Wi-Fi works.
- The breakfast is free and edible.
- The staff generally knows what they’re doing.
In a town that can get as chaotic as Manhattan during a K-State game, that kind of predictability is worth every penny.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Stay
- Check the K-State Calendar: Before you book, check if there is a home game or graduation. If there is, book immediately or change your dates to save $200.
- Request a High Floor: Ask for a room on the 3rd or 4th floor facing east. It’s the quietest part of the building and offers the best view of the Kansas landscape.
- Join IHG Rewards: Even if you don't travel often, the "Member Rate" usually saves you $5–$10 per night immediately.
- Download the App: Use the IHG app for digital check-in. It allows you to bypass the front desk sometimes if they have the digital key system active, which is a lifesaver during the Friday afternoon rush.
- Plan Your Parking: If you have a large vehicle, arrive before 7:00 PM to ensure you get a spot that doesn't require a 20-point turn to exit.
Manhattan is a great town with a lot of soul. Staying at the Holiday Inn Express and Suites Manhattan KS just makes the logistics of enjoying that soul a whole lot easier.