They’re back! The wildly popular ads that propelled the Holiday Inn Express brand to superstar status have been hitting the airwaves once again. The catchy commercials that first aired in 1998 follows the familiar scene where ordinary folks suddenly finding themselves performing extraordinary accomplishments after staying at the Holiday Inn Express. When asked how they achieved such unbelievable feats, they simply reply “No, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night.”
 
Maybe it’s the budget-friendly rates and comfortable rooms, or the free hot breakfast, or perhaps the free high-speed internet… Whatever made those guests suddenly become super humans, we’d like you to know that results are not typical and we can’t guaranty anything other than your complete satisfaction.
 
To celebrate the comeback of the Holiday Inn Express Stay Smart campaign, we are now offering the Smart Saver Discount. By booking this special rate, you will be entitled to 5% to 15% discount at the Holiday Inn Express Ocala-Silver Springs. Stay Smart and book now!

 
Use this reservation link to avail of Smart Saver Discount (Some Restrictions Apply)
 

]]> http://www.ocalasilverspringshotel.com/stay-smart-and-save-at-holiday-inn-express/feed/ 0 http://www.ocalasilverspringshotel.com/green-is-as-green-does/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=green-is-as-green-does http://www.ocalasilverspringshotel.com/green-is-as-green-does/#comments Wed, 01 May 2013 16:03:42 +0000 Raymond http://ocalasilverspringshotel.com/?p=3358 ...More]]>  
Although most guests don’t notice, many hotels are taking strides to become more eco-friendly. Our Holiday Inn Express & Suites of Ocala and Silver Springs is leading the pack with many innovative ways of reducing, reusing and recycling.  IHG, the parent company which owns the Holiday Inn Express Brand, has launched a program called Green Engage. This is an initiative to reduce energy consumption. As of January 2013, over 50% of IHG hotels are participating and IHG can boast that it across its reporting properties it has reduced its carbon footprint by 76,000 metric tons in a year.

Our hotel has gone above and beyond the IHG call of action to embrace many green practices. We have installed special devices on our water heaters which adjust the energy input based on usage trends to conserve electricity. We have installed high efficiency LED lighting in our parking lots. We use EcoLab cleaning products which are safer on the environment. We participate in the Clean the World program which processes and recycles used bars of soap for those in third-world countries without access to life-saving hygiene products. We recycle all cardboard, aluminum and plastics.

Our hotel also allows guests to help as well. If a guest wants to go green, they can choose to reuse their towels rather than having them washed and replaced daily. This saves water, energy, and cleaning chemicals. Guests can turn off lights when they leave the room or only leave one light on at a time.

Through the goals of Green Engage, our hotel team’s vision and passion for improving our efficiency and the help of our wonderful guests, we can make great strides in conserving electricity and keeping our environment clean and healthy for years to come.

If you are looking for culture and historic charm, then you may want to consider the Northeastern Ocala communities which are close to Downtown, Silver Springs Theme Park and the Appleton Museum of Art.   If you are not familiar with the area, then you can get a taste for it by enjoying one of the Ocala Subdivision Tours videos which highlights the area.   Click here to view the NE Ocala video or click here to view the Historic Downtown Ocala video.

If you are buying real estate for equestrian purposes, then why not tour Northwestern horse farms and ranch-style communities and properties?  Find your perfect sanctuary among the open fields and moss-draped oak trees of Central Florida’s Horse Capital of the World.  The video tour of this horse-loving community, can be viewed by clicking this link.

Whether you are looking for Retirement communities, New Home subdivisions, Farming areas, Luxury Home neighborhoods, or condos. . . your search for the right ‘Location’ can be streamlined, for better results. Buying a home or property is a big decision and you want peace of mind knowing that you are making the right choice.    Ocala Subdivision Tours  is a free online site so why not visit and see what they have to offer whether you are a serious home buyer, or are just thinking about your future and where you want to retire?”

To find out more about why Ocala is a  great place to live please visit: www.ocalasubdivisiontours.com

Lions and tigers and bears . . . oh my! The Endangered Animal Rescue Sanctuary (EARS) of Citra, Florida is one of a number of big cat rescues in the state of Florida. They also provide a home to other endangered creatures like tortoises, primates and others.

This amazing facility is only a short drive north of Ocala and offers limited access to these majestic animals. Although it is not a zoo and public access is not technically available, day membership is available for tour dates and you can purchase this membership for $15 for adults and $10 for children under 10 years of age. You can call ahead and find out what days these tours are running on and make a reservation to attend.

Residents of the sanctuary can include furry, scaly, and feathered friends. In addition to the bears, tigers, primates, tortoises and lions, the rescue also keeps leopards, ligers, deer, cougars, bobcats, foxes, an African several, and also domestic cats and dogs who are needing a home.

EARS is completely funded through donations by the public. This is why it is important for people to help in any way they can. Even if you cannot donate money, by going on a tour and purchasing a day membership, you are helping to support the animals and put food in their dishes. Donations also help to expand and furnish the areas for the different residents. Donations of time (as volunteers) and needed materials (such as bleach, cat food, work gloves, etc) are also appreciated.

For information on day memberships, volunteering, and donations, please call 407-647-6328 or email SKB255@AOL.COM. For more information on the rescue, please check out their website here.

If you rent one of their watercraft, you can travel up the Silver River, right into the heart of Silver Springs. Silver Springs is a famous natural spring around which has been built a theme park. The theme park was the setting for old black and white Tarzan movies in the 1950′s as well as being home to glass-bottom boats which allow viewing of the spring. As long as you stay in the waterways, you can venture into the spring and see the same fascinating natural wonder without paying the park’s admission fees.

Another reason to venture up to the Silver River are the always amusing monkeys. There are three distinct pods of wild monkeys that live along the river. It is not uncommon to see several of the monkeys watching from the shore as you paddle toward the springs. In addition to the Silver Springs attraction and the monkeys, the stunningly beautiful rivers offer exquisite birding, views of the flora of Central Florida’s river habitats, and a peaceful respite from the business of everyday life.

Rental Rates at Wilderness RV:

Kayak – $30 per day plus tax
Canoe – $40 per day plus tax
Pontoons – Call 352.625.1911 for details

The office is open for rentals from 9am-5pm so plan your day accordingly!

ATLANTA (Oct. 24, 2012) – The Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Ocala-Silver Springs received the IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) 2012 Torchbearer Award, the company’s most prestigious award.

The Torchbearer Award was presented during the 2012 IHG Americas Investors & Leadership Conference in Orlando, Florida, Oct. 24–26, 2012.

The Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Ocala-Silver Springs is one of only 102 properties within the Americas Region chosen from the IHG system of more than 4,500 hotels for achieving the highest levels of excellence in all aspects of operation — from quality to customer satisfaction. A 2012 Torchbearer trophy, the company’s symbol of excellence, will be on permanent display at the hotel.

“It is my pleasure to name the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Ocala-Silver Springs as one of the top-notch hotels in our industry,” said Kirk Kinsell, President, the Americas, IHG. “This hotel embodies the heart of our brand promise and continues to make IHG properties known and admired throughout the world, continuing our mission to deliver Great Hotels Guests Love.”

Nearly 5,000 franchise owners, operators and company officials attended the 2012 IHG Americas Investors & Leadership Conference.

About Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Ocala-Silver Springs
Located approximately 3 miles from the Historic Downtown Ocala, the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Ocala-Silver Springs is close to everything Marion County has to offer. From the Silver Springs Attractions across the street to the magnificent Ocala National Forest few miles to the east, the award-winning hotel is also just minutes from the area’s finest shopping, dining and eco-tourism activities.

For more information or to make reservations, call the Holiday Inn Express Ocala-Silver Springs directly at (352)304-6111 or at toll-free number (800)465-4329. You can also get more information online at www.ocalasilverspringshotel.com.

About InterContinental Hotels Group
IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) [LON:IHG, NYSE:IHG (ADRs)] is a global company operating seven hotel brands including InterContinental® Hotels & Resorts, Hotel Indigo®, Crowne Plaza® Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn® Hotels and Resorts, Holiday Inn Express®, Staybridge Suites® and Candlewood Suites® . IHG also manages Priority Club® Rewards, the world’s first and largest hotel loyalty programme with almost 60 million members worldwide.

IHG is the world’s largest hotel group by number of rooms and franchises, leases, manages or owns over 4,400 hotels and more than 656,000 guest rooms in 100 countries and territories, and has more than 1,100 hotels in its development pipeline.

IHG expects to recruit around 160,000 people worldwide over the next few years and is committed to gender balance throughout its business. We aspire to continue retaining a minimum of 25% female representation on the Board.

InterContinental Hotels Group PLC is the Group’s holding company and is incorporated in Great Britain and registered in England and Wales.

Located next door to the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ocala-Silver Springs is the home of the world-famous Glass Bottom Boats, the Silver Springs Nature Theme Park. Considered to be Florida’s original theme park, the park features several activities, rides and attractions that you won’t find anywhere else in the world. From it’s rich cultural heritage, diverse wildlife exhibits, relaxing river cruises, thrilling rides and activities to the entertaining concert series, your visit to Florida won’t be complete without stopping at the Silver Springs Nature Theme Park.

Glass Bottom Boats

All named in honor of the Indian leaders who fought in Florida during the American-Indian Wars, the glass bottom boats are the centerpieces of the park’s unique allure. These magnificent vessels offer an unobstructed view of the spring formations pumping out 550 million gallons of sparkling water everyday. Down below, everyone can have a unique view of the stunning underwater scenery teeming with dozens of species of fish, clams, craw fish, shrimp turtles, as well as alligators.

Cinematic History

Starting with the 1916 silent movie titled “The Seven Swans”, the park has been the setting or film location of countless movies, commercials and TV shows. Perhaps you’ve heard of Johnny Weissmuller from the “Tarzan” movies of the 1930′s and 1940′s, or Lloyd Bridges from the adventure TV series “Sea Hunt” in the 1950′s. For the horror movie enthusiasts, you’ll be thrilled to know that classic horror film “Creature from Black Lagoon” (1954) was also filmed mostly from the park. Other notable movies shot in and around Silver Springs include “The Yearling” (1946), “Distant Drums” (1951), “Underwater” (1955), “Blindfold” (1965), “Never Say Never Again” (1983) and “Smokey & The Bandit 3″ (1983).

Wildlife Exhibits

Silver Springs Theme Park is also the home to some of Florida’s unique native wildlife. The “Big Gator Lagoon” is a one big swamp featuring more than three dozens of alligators most of them 10 to 15 feet in length! The “Ross Allen Island” houses a collection of native snakes, turtles, spiders, and other critters found in Florida. The “Panther Prowl” also offers a unique opportunity to view the Western Cougar as well as the “World of Bears”, a two-acre habitat showcasing a variety of rare and endangered bear species.

Rides and Activities

Silver Springs Theme Park offers unique rides and activities that bring lots of fun and smiles to kids of all ages. The “Lighthouse Ride” features the combination of a carousel and gondola that rises 80 feet above the park and offers a panoramic view of the crystal clear river and the beautifully landscape grounds. The “Wilderness Trail” is a safari-like trail ride offering close-up encounters with some wildlife in the forest. Performing several times a day, the “Wings of the Springs” is an outdoor flight show featuring several exotic birds, funny ducks and chickens, and some mighty raptors.

Concert Series at Silver Springs

Silver Springs Attractions also hosts concerts and shows featuring some of the country’s popular stars. For 2013, the acts include classic American Rock band Kansas; the multi-talented superstar Joan Jett; best selling country sensation Easton Corbin; the popular classic music band Night Ranger; legendary KC and the Sunshine Band; and country music superstar Jamey Johnson .

Marion County has a wealth of golf clubs.  With crisp manicured greens, beautiful vistas, and a variety of challenging course layouts, it is now wonder that golfers from all over the country flock to central Florida for premier golfing.  To find out about golf clubs in the vicinity of our hotel, please check out the course descriptions below.

Ocala Municipal Golf Course 
3130 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, FL *(352) 401-6917

Conveniently located on Silver Springs Boulevard in Ocala, Florida, the Ocala Municipal Golf Course offers a paradise of Bermuda grass fairways, Emerald Dwarf Bermuda grass greens, 5 sets of tees, and 34 sand bunkers. A practice facility is available and includes a driving range, putting green, short game area, and bunkers. Rental clubs and golf carts are available upon request. Traditional golf attire is required.

Candler Hills Golf Course
8137 SW 90th Terrace Road, Ocala, FL *(352) 861-9712

The beautiful Candler Hills Golf Course, designed by Gordon Lewis, is located within On Top of the World Communities, one of Florida’s premier retirement communities.  Among its other significant attributes, Candler Hills is a Par-72 Championship Golf Course.  Practice areas are available for both shot-making long and short options.  Candler Hills is a semi-private course offering five tees ranging from 4,877 to 7,333 yards and contains the longest par 5 in Florida.

Country Club at Silver Springs Shores
633 Silver Rd, Ocala, FL * (352) 687-2828

This semi-private, par-72 course offers a challenging game for any golfer.  The combination of several different landscapes means that you will play through both parkland and typical Florida settings.  This Desmond Muirhead designed course has a rating of 73.5 and a slope rating of 133 on grass.  Additionally, the course offers a large clubhouse with banquet facilities perfect for weddings or other such events.  A golf shop is also available on-site.

Golden Hills Golf and Turf Club
4782 Northwest 80th Avenue, Ocala, FL * (352) 629-7981

This private Championship 18-hole course was designed by Rees Jones and is located in the heart of horse country.  It has many event facilities including a ballroom that seats 250 people, tennis courts, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a fitness center, and a pro golf shop.  Golden Hills is known for hosting many notable golf events such as the U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur Championships.

Baseline Golf Course and Lighted Driving Range
9000 Southeast 58th Avenue, Ocala, FL * (352) 245-4414

The stunning scenery of Ocala’s Baseline Golf Course will inspire your golf game.  Perfectly manicured greens are juxtaposed with stylish tropical landscaping and a view that goes on forever.  Golf cart trails are well maintained and allow easy access throughout the course.  This public course does not do tee times, you just walk on.  Prices are Baseline are exceptionally reasonable and as are concessions at the course snack bar.  A lighted driving range allows play until 9pm.

Huntington Golf Club
799 Marion Oaks Manor, Ocala, FL * (352) 347-3333

This semi-private golf club boasts a Par-72 of Bermuda grass greens, and Bermuda grass fairways and tees.  Landscaping includes tree-lined fairways and various elevation changes.  An on-site golf shop and restaurant offer golfers the opportunity to purchase needed equipment or snacks throughout the day.

Lake Diamond Golf & Country Club

16 Golf View Drive, Ocala, FL * (352) 680-0269

Lake Diamond Golf & Country Club offers a secluded woodland setting in Central Florida.  This semi-private golf club offers tight fairways that encircle beautiful Lake Diamond, a steep slope, and a #9 hole that was featured as one of the best in Marion County.  Additionally, Lake Diamond Golf & Country Club offers a practice range, a pro golf shop, and a snack shop.

Marion Oaks Golf & Country Club
430 Marion Oaks Golf Way, Ocala, FL * (352) 347-1271

Marion Oaks offers 18 holes of manicured Bermuda grass greens, tree-lined fairways, and tricky sand bunkers.  This championship golf course is a Par-72 and provides ample elevation changes with rolling topography.  Marion Oaks has an on-site practice facility as well as a pro shop and clubhouse with event hosting available.

Royal Oaks Country Club
11220 SW 69th Circle, Ocala, FL * 352.861.1818

This challenging course will offer you 6,703 yards of manicured greens, changing slope angles, hazards, interesting approaches, and towering old Blue Jack Oaks and Slash Pines lining the fairways.  The front nine and back nine of this stunningly beautiful Par-72 course is very different.  The front nine are more secluded and feature 35-foot elevation changes whereas the back nine offers a meadow landscape.  Royal Oaks also boasts a notable clubhouse restaurant which offers light meals during the day and fine dining in the evenings.  Live music is provided in the clubhouse on weekends.

Ocala Palms Golf & Country Club
5174 NW 26th St, Ocala, FL * (352) 732-4653

The Ocala Palms Golf Course is nestled into a beautiful country club and retirement community.  This Par-72 course features 18 holes of green fairways, ponds, sparkling waterfalls, white sand bunkers, old growth oak trees, and interesting topography that offers a challenge to skilled and amateur golfers alike.  Ocala Palms is a semi-private course that offers four sets of tees and is open seven days a week.  A pro shop is available on-site.

Pine Oaks of Ocala
2201 Northwest 21st Street, Ocala, FL * (352) 401-6940

This municipal Par-72 golf course offers amazing greens, landscaping, and wildlife to delight you during your game.  Flowering trees in bloom provide a stunning background to this 18-hole course.  A practice facility with full driving range and 4 acres of short-game area will help you hone your skills.  Unlike most Ocala courses, Pine Oaks offers Disc Golf, a fast growing sport similar in principle to golf.  Additionally Pine Oaks offers a snack bar and a fully stocked golf pro shop.

The Country Club of Ocala
6823 Southeast 12th Circle Ocala, FL * (352) 237-6644

This Par-72, 18-hole course was designed by Steve Nugent, and showcases the best golfing that Ocala has to offer.  The Country Club of Ocala has hosted USGA, State Golf Association, and regional PGA events amongst others.  A full tournament schedule is posted along with regular charitable events.   The Country Club of Ocala also hosts a state-of-the-art practice facility which includes three putting greens, instructional tee, a short game practice area, a private practice tee, and a full driving range with complimentary range balls.  A pro golf store and restaurant are available on-site.

The Appleton Museum of Art offers up a hearty helping of culture in Silver Springs, Florida, just minutes from downtown and our Holiday Inn Express hotel. If you are interested in classical art, contemporary art, or even archaeology, the Appleton is sure to please. Currently, they have a unique exhibit, New World Treasures: Artifacts From Hernando De Soto’s Florida Expedition. This exhibit features never before displayed items recovered locally from the early Spanish explorer and conquistador’s travels in Central Florida.

In addition to stationary exhibits, the Appleton also participates in botanical displays, children’s art programs, live musical events, film screenings, and other educational activities open to the community. Their large auditorium hosts many of these activities. Adult classes and workshops are also available and include watercolors, abstract art, and 2D drawing.

The Appleton Museum is an extension of the University of Central Florida, and, as such, included some exhibits of works of students. Tours of the museum can be self-directed or you may choose to go along with a guided group and docent. Permanent exhibits that you can always look forward to include; European, American, Contemporary, Asian, Islamic, African and pre-Colombian.

Aside from having the most number of horses and ponies in residence in the country, Marion County also boasts of countless miles of scenic horse trails waiting to be discovered by nature lovers and horse aficionados. For recreational riders, the Silver River State Park which is about 3 minutes from the Holiday Inn Express Ocala-Silver Springs just opened 10 miles of new trail system and is gaining fans quickly.

In addition to the relaxing shade provided by the thick canopy above, the trail which is part of Ocala National Forest also provides an exciting display of a healthy ecosystem teeming with wildlife. Visitors can bring their own horses or contact our friends at Cactus Jack’s Trail Rides (352) 266-9326 for a guided trail ride any day of the week. Cactus Jack’s is also the leading trail ride provider at the nearby Florida Horse Park and Cross Florida Greenway. Guests staying at the Holiday Inn Express Ocala-Silver Springs are entitled to a huge discount so don’t forget to mention you’re with us when you reserve your rides!

For trail ride reservation, please contact:
www.cactusjackstrailrides.com
phone: 352-266-9326
e-mail: deb@cactusjackstrailrides.com