Man plans to live out 'golden' age at Holiday Inn instead of retirement home
S E E D E D C O N T E N T
A man on the brink of retirement found an alternative way to live out his "golden" years: by spending them in a Holiday Inn rather than a retirement home . Spring, Texas, resident Terry Robison, 64, worked out a detailed comparison between the two options, and the mid-priced hotel chain appeared to win out by a landslide.
Robison wrote on Facebook that the average cost of nursing home care is about $188 per day. A long-term stay with a senior discount at Holiday Inn, on the other hand, is $59.23 per day. "That leaves $128.77 a day for lunch and dinner in any restaurant we want, or room service, laundry, gratuities and special TV movies," he wrote. "Plus, they provide a spa, swimming pool, a workout room, a lounge and washer-dryer, etc."
The benefits of Holiday Inn, Robison added, also include free toothpaste, razors, shampoo and soap. An additional $5 a day in tips will "have the entire staff scrambling to help you" as well, he wrote.
"They treat you like a customer, not a patient," he said.
Holiday Inn also provides a spa, swimming pool, gym, lounge and washer-dryers, but the amenities don't stop there. The location where Robison checked out reservations has a city bus stop right in front, where seniors can ride for free. In addition, guests can "take the airport shuttle bus" to eat at one of the restaurants at the local airport for "a change of scenery," he wrote. From there, they can take a flight to another Holiday Inn as well, he mused. "You're not stuck in one place forever -- you can move from Inn or Inn, or even from city to city," he wrote.
The competition to find a comfortable room isn't as steep either, Robison wrote. "It takes months to get into decent nursing homes ," he wrote. "Holiday Inn will take your reservation today." And the maintenance is virtually nonexistent, Robison figured. "TV broken? Light bulbs need changing? Need a mattress replaced? No problem," Robison wrote. "They fix everything, and apologize for the inconvenience."
Robison did not mention what kind of health he is in, but said staff like a security guard or maid could check to see if he is OK as well as call an ambulance or an undertaker, whichever is needed. "If you fall and break a hip, Medicare will pay for the hip, and Holiday Inn will upgrade you to a suite for the rest of your life," he wrote, adding that he'd face his "golden age" with "a grin."
A representative for InterContinental Hotels Group, which Holiday Inn is a subsidiary of, did not immediately respond to ABC News' request for comment.
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Interesting choice, definitely thinking outside the box
I say why not. Room service, cleaning service. Hotel amenities. Meeting people at the hotel bar.
That may serve in the short term, but I do not believe that the cleaning service covers Pamper changing. Hope the room attendant gets a large tip:)
His is actually a good plan. Amenities like a free continental breakfast included. He is on to something here.
Gotta love this guy....He has the right idea.
Then there are people that are living on cruise ships instead of retirement homes.
If he can get the Medicare to pay, I think it's a winner of an idea.
Here is a lady "Mama Lee'' that has been living on a cruise ship for a number of years. It's a bit pricey but she seems to be having a ball.
I think that I'll join the ''Gentleman Hosts''....I have all the qualifications...Multi lingual, fabulous dancer, witty, charming and .....Oh wait, I'm married. Well it was a good idea...LOL
Honey, I was just kidding, honest....
Lol, don't forget modest
Thanks for reminding me. I always forget to add that to my bona fidies. Another that I tend to forget is that I'm a member of Mensa Plus....we are a digit above.....
I never speak with forked tongue...
Thinking outside of the box. Clever guy; good for him.
I never got free toothpaste at a Holiday Inn.....
Ya have to say you forgot to pack yours and ask at the front counter, they'll give you a little mini tube.
Ah
Dear Friend Freefaller: A most interesting and relevant topic.
Thanks for posting.
Coming in under the cost of nursing homes is an easy task.
Nursing homes have a license to steal.
It is also the case that selling ones home, using the proceeds, free one time from capital gains tax for staying in mid to low priced motels, or buying an RV and making the open road your home is cheaper.
You pay no upkeep, property and school district taxes. Insurance costs lower. Some are eliminated entirely. Weather improves. Just drive through "endless summer".
My cousin did that. He never looked back.
Enoch Starting the Engine on My New Six Cylinder A-Frame.
Enoch you're welcome I'm glad you enjoyed it
I've thought of doing open road thing too, but still prefer my Costa Rica retirement plans
Dear Friend Freefaller: Our son honeymooned in Costa Rica.
He has been back several times since.
I hear many good things about it.
Where ever you decide to invest the time remaining in your golden years, we wish you every great joy.
P&AB.
Enoch.