Unbelievable Deals: Your Dream US Getaway Awaits at Best Western Inns!
Unbelievable Deals: Best Western Inns - My Dream US Getaway (…Maybe!) - A Brutally Honest Review
Okay, buckle up buttercups. I've been staring at the screen for like, an hour, trying to conjure the perfect review for "Unbelievable Deals: Your Dream US Getaway Awaits at Best Western Inns!" And honestly? Dreams are messy, especially when they involve budget travel and Best Westerns. Let's get this over with.
First Impressions – The Hope and the Hype (and the Wi-Fi Password Hunt)
Let's be real: "Unbelievable Deals" screams bargain basement. And the first thing I was thinking…are these places actually accessible? Okay, diving in!
Accessibility: Does "Dream Getaway" Include Getting Inside?
- Wheelchair accessible: The website claims it. Always a crapshoot, though. I've been promised accessible rooms only to find a shower the size of a postage stamp. So, check beforehand. Call directly and ask specific questions! (Like, "Are your ramps actually ramps, not just a slight incline?")
- Elevator: Thank god, they generally have them. My knees are not what they used to be.
- Facilities for disabled guests: This is vague. Does it mean actually accessible bathrooms, or just "We have a room on the first floor"? Again, call. BE SPECIFIC. Don't let them brush you off!
- Exterior corridor: Could be good (easy access!) or bad (exposed to the elements, potential noise). Depends on the location.
- Door access control system and other safety features as part of the room: This is great.
Cleanliness and Safety: Germaphobe's Paradise or Nightmare?
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Okay, good. Give me ALL the cleaning products you've got! Especially after the whole… pandemic thing.
- Daily disinfection in common areas & Rooms sanitized between stays & Professional-grade sanitizing services: YES! Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! This is a huge selling point, especially right now. I'm paranoid.
- Hand sanitizer: Crucial. I'm constantly using it.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Hopefully, this means they're not just spraying Lysol and calling it a day.
- Hygiene certification: Excellent. Show me the proof!
- Room sanitization opt-out available: Huh. Okay. Interesting. I personally would not opt-out, but at least you have a choice.
- Safe dining setup & Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Absolutely essential. No cross-contamination, please!
- Individually-wrapped food options: Reduces the risk of germs, but I’m also thinking, more plastic. Sigh.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: Good, but hard to enforce. Let's hope people are respectful!
Accessibility, Internet, and Amenities (The Practical Stuff)
- Internet access – wireless: Excellent!
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! This is a must-have. I can't function without it. My Instagram feed is demanding!
- Internet [LAN]: Nice if you need it, useless to me.
- Air conditioning in public areas & Air conditioning: Necessary!
- Daily housekeeping: A lifesaver.
- Luggage storage: Helpful for early arrivals or late departures.
- Cash withdrawal: Very handy.
- Convenience store: Score! Midnight snack cravings? Solved.
- Elevator: Essential for weary travelers.
- Facilities for disabled guests: (See above – call before you book!)
- Laundry service & Ironing service: Essential for a long stay!
Rooms – The Real Test
- Air conditioning: Duh.
- Alarm clock: Standard.
- Blackout curtains: God bless them. Sleep is sacred.
- Coffee/tea maker: A must-have for any caffeinated creature like myself.
- Daily housekeeping: Keep it clean, people!
- Desk & Laptop workspace: Useful for the work I pretend to do while on vacation.
- Free bottled water: Nice touch. Dehydration is a real danger.
- Hair dryer: Another must-have, unless you're going for the "wet dog" look. (I am not.)
- In-room safe box: Smart.
- Ironing facilities: For those who care about wrinkles. I don't.
- Mini bar: Tempting! And expensive.
- Non-smoking: Hallelujah.
- Private bathroom: Please, no communal showering.
- Refrigerator: Another great thing!
- Satellite/cable channels & On-demand movies: For those lazy evenings.
- Seating area & Sofa: Comfort is key.
- Soundproofing: So you don’t hear snoring or… other things.
- Wake-up service: Useful for early flights.
- Wi-Fi [free]: Essential.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Adventure!
- Breakfast [buffet] & Western breakfast: Okay, a decent buffet is a good start. But I'm not expecting Michelin-star quality.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant & Coffee shop: More caffeine! Excellent.
- Room service [24-hour]: A lifesaver after a long day of sightseeing.
- Bar & Poolside bar: Score.
- Restaurants & Snack bar: Options are always good.
- Alternative meal arrangement: Important for those with dietary restrictions.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Dream or Reality?
- Fitness center & Gym/fitness: Okay, I should use this. But I probably won't.
- Swimming pool & Swimming pool [outdoor]: Makes it feel more like a vacation.
- Spa/sauna & Sauna & Steamroom: Ah, now we're talking. Might actually indulge.
- Massage: Yes, please!
- Spa (with Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath): Okay, I'm in. This is where I start to dream of the trip…
- Pool with view: Ooh! If the hotel has a good view, I'm sold!
Services and Conveniences (The Extras)
- Business facilities: Useful for those who actually work on vacation. (Not me!)
- Concierge: Helpful for booking tours or getting recommendations.
- Doorman: Makes you feel fancy.
- Food delivery: Especially useful if you're exhausted after a day of exploring.
- Gift/souvenir shop: For those last-minute gifts (or impulse buys).
- Invoice provided: For business travelers.
- Meetings, Meeting/banquet facilities, Seminars: If you must mix work with play.
- Outdoor venue for special events + Indoor venue for special events: This looks nice! It depends on how good the venue is.
- Safe deposit boxes: Always a plus.
- Smoking area: For those who indulge.
- Terrace: Nice for a relaxing evening.
- Airport transfer: Super convenient.
- Car park [free of charge] & Car park [on-site]: Score! No parking fees are always welcome.
- Valet parking: Makes you feel fancy.
- Concierge: Helpful for booking tours or getting recommendations.
For the Kids & Family Time – Potential Pitfalls
- Babysitting service & Family/child friendly & Kids facilities & Kids meal: If you have kids, these are important. For me? Less so.
Getting Around - Transportation
- Airport Transfer: Excellent
- Car Park [Free of Charge]: Always a Bonus
The "Unbelievable Deal" Factor – Where's the Catch?
Look, Best Westerns are rarely luxurious. You're likely getting clean, comfortable accommodations at a reasonable price. But "Unbelievable Deals" suggests something… more. You should absolutely investigate the specifics of the package! What are they actually offering? Free upgrades? Included breakfast? Discounts on attractions?
The Verdict (So Far)
This looks like a solid option for a budget-friendly US getaway, IF the advertised deals are actually good. CALL THE HOTEL DIRECTLY. Don't just rely on website descriptions for accessibility. Otherwise, I am impressed with the safety, cleanliness and a lot of the services offered. Ultimately, this looks like a good choice.
My Personal Anecdote – The Infamous "Hotel Wi-Fi Nightmare" There was this hotel I was at, I won't name names…but their Wi-Fi was absolutely atrocious. I mean, dial-up speeds atrocious. I spent half my trip sitting in the lobby, trying to catch a signal, watching everyone else'
Rodeway Inn: Your Unexpected US Getaway Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercup. We’re not aiming for a travel brochure here; we’re aiming for surviving a trip to the Best Western, hopefully with some fun stories to tell afterward. Here’s my, uh, “itinerary,” if you can even call this thing that:
Day 1: The Great American Arrival (and the Search for the Ice Machine)
- 8:00 AM (ish): Wake up. Or, more accurately, drag myself out of bed. Flight’s at 10:00 AM. Gotta have that pre-flight bagel, you know? That's the key to a good trip.
- 9:00 AM: Panic-packing. I swear I have more stuff than I need right now. Half of it is probably useless, but what if I need it? Damn you, "what if" brain!
- 10:00 AM: On the plane. Ugh, airplane food. Dry, bland, and yet, somehow… comforting? My seatmate is already snoring. I hope he/she doesn't drool.
- 1:00 PM (EST): Touchdown! Okay, okay, I’m here. Hello, America! First stop: baggage claim. Let the carousel of despair begin.
- 2:00 PM: Holy crap, that's my luggage. It's only slightly mangled. Hurray! Now, the rental car. The tiny, fuel-efficient rental car they promised me is actually… a slightly larger, still fuel-efficient car. Progress!
- 3:00 PM: Find Best Western. The exterior is… well, it's Best Western. Needs a fresh coat of paint, but hey, it has a sign! Registration: the fun's about to begin! This guy at the front desk looks… familiar, like I’ve seen him in a movie, probably a remake, but I can't remember what movie.
- 3:30 PM: Room! It's… fine. Could be a little cleaner, the carpet is a little suspect, but hey, it has a bed. Critically important: The ice machine is not on my floor. The hunt begins! This is a quest of epic proportions, people. I will traverse elevators, navigate hallways of questionable odors, and… finally, I find it. The sweet, sweet sound of ice! Victory is mine! (Emotional Reaction: pure, unadulterated joy. A little bit of "I-can-do-anything" bravado.)
- 4:00 PM: Unpack. Drink water. The ice machine was a distraction, but a good one. Where was I? Oh, yeah, the whole vacay process.
- 5:00 PM: Dinner at the hotel (probably underwhelming, but convenient). Or maybe I go find a real restaurant. Maybe I'll try that diner down the street. I'm STARVING.
- 7:00 PM: Netflix & Chill. Or more accurately, Netflix and pass out. Jet lag is a cruel, cruel mistress.
Day 2: The "Sights" and the Unexpected (and the Mystery of the Missing Remote)
- 8:00 AM: The Best Western breakfast buffet: the holy grail or a crime against humanity? (I predict a bit of both). It's included, so I'll be there. Scrambled eggs? Sausage? Cold cereal? The suspense is killing me.
- 9:00 AM: Off to see the "sights." Whatever those may be. Let's face it, I'm probably going to wander aimlessly, take pictures of things that are only mildly interesting, and then get lost. That's how I roll.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch. Possibly a questionable hot dog from a street vendor. I'm feeling adventurous (and possibly slightly delirious).
- 2:00 PM: Back to the hotel. Recharge. Maybe catch a nap before "dinner."
- 4:00 PM: The Mystery of the Missing Remote! Where did it go? Did it fall under the bed? Is it in the bathroom? Did someone steal it?! This is an emergency! (Emotional Reaction: escalating frustration and a growing sense of paranoia)
- 5:00 PM: Dinner. Okay, I'll try that greasy spoon diner. Fingers crossed it hits the spot.
- 7:00 PM: Re-re-re-watching TV, search the room for the remote again. Maybe I’ll call downstairs. Don't be shy.
- 9:00 PM: Finally, finally find the damn remote! (Behind the dresser, of course.) Sweet, sweet victory. Back to Netflix.
Day 3: The Reluctant Exit & a Last-Minute Revelation (and some questionable purchases)
- 8:00 AM: The breakfast buffet, round two. I'm starting to recognize the regulars. I think I saw that guy again.
- 9:00 AM: Pack up (again, with that familiar sense of "I don't want to, but I have to"). Final room check. Return the rental car.
- 11:00 AM: Back to the airport. Security. Lines. The usual circus.
- 1:00 PM: Flight. More airplane food. More snoring seatmates. You think they'd get the memo to be more quiet the second time around!
- 3:00 PM: Almost Home.
- 4:00 PM: Final Revelation.
Anecdote/Rambles/Imperfections:
- The Ice Machine Saga: Seriously, that ice machine hunt was a highlight. It was like a mini-adventure in itself. The guy I passed on the third floor? He looked at me like I was insane. Maybe I was. But the ice was worth it.
- The Best Western Breakfast Buffet: Let's be honest, it was mostly carbs and disappointment. But there was a certain… charm to it. A kind of "we're all in this together" vibe. The coffee was lukewarm, though. Always.
- The Remote Incident: The sheer panic I felt over that remote! It's a testament to the power of modern technology and the utter dependency we've become. It was all I had, dammit!
- Questionable Purchases: Okay, I may or may not have bought a souvenir I'll never use (a snow globe of something I saw on the trip). Don’t judge! It’s for the memory. And maybe if I stare at it long enough, I'll somehow go back and do it again.
- Overheard conversations: People are fascinating in airports. The woman loudly complaining about her lost luggage. The couple arguing about who left the remote on the bed. This is where the real stories are.
Opinionated Language: This was… a Trip. I made it through. It wasn't the most luxurious, the most exciting, or the most perfectly planned. But it was mine. And sometimes, that's all that matters.
Emotional Reactions: Everything was, from the initial excitement to the crushing disappointment of the breakfast buffet, to the pure, unadulterated joy of finding that damn remote, to the feeling of being "almost home". I'm tired now, but that's okay.
There you have it. A Best Western adventure. May your journey be less boring, your ice machines plentiful, and your remotes always within reach.
Escape to Luxury: Revel Hotel Des Moines' Unforgettable Getaway
Unbelievable Deals: Your Dream US Getaway Awaits at Best Western Inns! (or, how I nearly lost my mind booking a vacation)
Okay, so... Best Western? Really? Are we talking "dusty roadside motel" or what?
Look, I get it. Best Western. It's not exactly the Four Seasons, is it? My initial knee-jerk reaction was... well, let's just say it involved visions of questionable bedspreads and lukewarm coffee. But hear me out on this, because I was COMPLETELY wrong. I mean, yeah, okay, some of the Best Westerns *I* remember from road trips of my childhood were… let’s just say “experienced.” But the ones I've been eyeballing for these deals? Turns out a lot have been renovated, and some are actually... pretty darn nice! Think "clean, comfortable, and surprisingly well-equipped." Plus, the free breakfast? HUGE selling point for a cheapskate like me. The key, as I learned the hard way (more on that later), is to *research the specific location* before you book. Google Maps reviews are your friend. Read them! (Trust me, I'm still recovering from the "mystery stain" incident from my last, un-researched adventure)
These "unbelievable deals"... what's the catch? Is it like, timeshares, or something?
Alright, here’s the deal (pun absolutely intended). Okay, okay, buckle up, because finding the "catch" is my specialty. While it's not a timeshare situation (thank heavens!), there *are* some things to keep in mind. First, these deals often have restrictions. Like, duh. You might have to book a certain number of nights, or the deals might only be available for specific dates. And, the biggest one, is the room types. You might get a standard room or a room with a view. So no, it's probably not a penthouse suite for $59, which is a bummer, because I *really* want to lounge in a penthouse. But hey, you're already saving money, right? Think of it as a trade-off. You get a fantastic price, and you might need to be a little flexible with your dates or room selection. I once snagged a gorgeous room in Scottsdale, but I needed to book it a month in advance, AND it was a Tuesday-Thursday stay. Was it worth it? Absolutely! I saw a *gorgeous* sunset and drank margaritas by the pool. Seriously, that memory saved me from a particularly bad Monday morning last week.
So, how do I actually *find* these elusive "deals"? Spill the beans!
Okay, okay, I'll share my secrets! (Because, let's be honest, a little competition is good for the soul, right?) First, go to their website and look around the different sections. There are the regular deals, the member deals, and the special deals. Keep scrolling, keep looking. If you're a rewards member (which you absolutely *should* be!), you’ll often score extra discounts. But here's the REALLY GOOD stuff: sign up for their email list! Seriously. That's how I snagged a discounted rate for my epic trip to San Diego! They'll send you emails with exclusive offers, flash sales, and last-minute deals. And, to my surprise, they are generally NOT annoying. Another great idea: check third-party travel sites (like Expedia, Kayak). Comparing prices across different platforms is GOLD. Just be sure to check the fine print *everywhere*. And DON'T BE AFRAID TO EXPERIMENT with different dates. Sometimes shifting your travel dates by even a day or two can make a massive difference in the price. It's like magic, I swear.
What about the "fine print"? Do I need a law degree to understand it?
Ugh, the fine print. It can be a beast, I know. But you *must* read it, even if it makes your eyes glaze over. First, look for the cancellation policy. Is it refundable? Is there a fee if you need to cancel? This is SUPER important, especially if you're booking far in advance. Then, check what's included in the price. Is breakfast included? Is there a resort fee? (These can be sneaky!) Finally, *always* double-check the terms and conditions of the deal before you hit that "Book Now" button. I learned this the hard way, when I booked a trip to Las Vegas and didn't realize there was a mandatory $50 daily resort fee. That extra charge almost made me cry. I mean, I did cry a little.
Are there any Best Western locations you'd *specifically* recommend? (Besides the one with the mystery stain)
Ah, yes, the golden question! Okay, so I can't give you a specific recommendation for every single location – I haven't been *everywhere* yet (working on it!). But, I DO have some general advice! First, *location, location, LOCATION*. Always consider where you want to be. Beachfront? Close to the city center? Within walking distance of a good coffee shop? This will vary depending on your trip. Look at reviews. Reviews, reviews, reviews! See what other travelers are saying about the cleanliness, service, and amenities. Do your homework and see if the Best Western in question is near the attractions you are looking for! I've read horror stories about hotels that are "close" to things but only if you have your own hang glider. Double check before you book. I've seen them recommended for Sedona, San Diego, and even some of the smaller cities in the south. Keep in mind these are *my* experiences. Your mileage, as they say, may vary. But, if you are going to a city, and want a cheap hotel, they are a good start.
Tell me about your worst Best Western experience. I need a good laugh (and some cautionary tales).
Oh, you want the *real* stories? Buckle up, buttercup, because this one's a doozy. This happened a few years back. Thinking I was a budget travel genius, I snagged an "unbelievable deal" at, shall we say, a *vintage* Best Western in a rural town. I mean, the *price* was fantastic. I was practically giggling myself. The catch? I didn't read *anything* about the location. Literally, not a word. I got there. The lobby was... well, let's say it looked like it belonged in a museum of forgotten decor. The room? Oh, the room. I won't even go into details, but let's just say the "bed" was a vibrating experience without the benefit of fun. The "breakfast" consisted of stale donuts and instant coffee. The worst part? The lack of air conditioning during a heatwave. I spent the night sweating and contemplating life choices. The next day? I was so cranky that I almost got into a fight with a vending machine. NEVER AGAIN. Lesson learned? ALWAYS research the specific location. ALWAYS. Even if the deal is tempting!
