Emporia's BEST Hotel? Quality Inn & Suites Review (Shocking!)
Emporia's "BEST" Hotel? Quality Inn & Suites - A Review from the Trenches (and a Few Unexpected Surprises)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea (and maybe some lukewarm coffee…) on my recent stay at the Quality Inn & Suites in Emporia, Kansas. They claim to be “the best,” and, well… let’s just say my experience was a rollercoaster, complete with a few unexpected dips and swerves. This ain't your sterile, corporate review; this is real talk from a weary traveler who's seen things.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, a Few Ramps, and a Whole Lot of "Hope For the Best"
First off, the accessibility. This is crucial, people. Was it accessible? Technically, yes. There were ramps… somewhere. Finding them was a bit of a treasure hunt, but they were there. Important Note: While they claim "Facilities for disabled guests," I'm not sure how extensive those facilities actually are. I'd call ahead if you need specific accommodations beyond a ramp and a prayer.
Cleanliness and Safety: Sanitized? More Like "Somewhat Disinfected"
Let's move on to the elephant (or rather, the germ) in the room: Cleanliness and safety. They boasted about "Anti-viral cleaning products," "Daily disinfection in common areas" (presumably with those same “Anti-viral” products), and "Rooms sanitized between stays." Okay, okay, I appreciated that. The Room sanitization opt-out available was, oddly, a nice touch, as I felt slightly less like a human being who was being sanitized. They'd gone the extra mile to show some effort, at least.
There were definitely hand sanitizer dispensers everywhere, and the staff looked like they were washing their hands. However, the Daily disinfection in common areas didn't quite cut it. One look at the slightly sticky buttons on the elevator told a different story. So, I think they were trying…but the "Professional-grade sanitizing services" might have needed a little more…oomph.
The Room Itself: An Oasis… of Mediocrity?
My room? Well, it was Available in all rooms. Let's just say it was… functional. It had “Air conditioning” that roared like a jet engine, and, praise the heavens, “Free Wi-Fi.” That Wi-Fi, by the way, was surprisingly decent! That's a win. Another one? The “Desk” was actually usable, and the “Chair” didn't immediately fall apart. Good start.
Now, the devil is in the details. The “Interconnecting room(s) available” was a blessing and a curse – I could hear the neighbor's TV (though I'd much rather hear that than the jet-engine air conditioner all night - which I eventually turned off.) The “Blackout curtains” were… well, they existed. They didn't quite block out all the light, so, again, functional is the word.
The Refrigerator was a definite plus for storing my emergency snacks.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Where the "Quality" Gets Questionable
Okay, Dining, drinking, and snacking is where things got… interesting. They offered a "Breakfast [buffet]". Now, I’m not going to lie. That buffet was… a sight to behold. It was a buffet alright. There was “Coffee/tea in restaurant”… which tasted suspiciously like brown water. There was "Juice" - though it wasn't that juice I was hoping for. Perhaps there was an option to get "Bottle of water"? I can't say I noticed. Luckily, there was a “Coffee shop” which might've been the same place as the restaurant.
I opted for the “Breakfast takeaway service” which was fine. It was, you know, food. The “A la carte in restaurant,” and "[Buffet in Restaurant" might not have been the best choice. I may have seen some food that wasn't quite fresh. And the coffee, I really need to mention the coffee.
Let's just say, if you're a coffee snob, pack your own instant. You’ll thank me later.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: Spa? Sauna? More Like… “Swim at Your Own Risk”
They promise "Swimming pool [outdoor]". The pool? Yeah, it's there. It looked… okay. I wasn't brave enough to dip my toe in, but, it's there. There's a "Fitness center", too, but after the buffet, I couldn't quite bring myself to use it.
Services and Conveniences: The "Concierge" Mystery
The Services and conveniences were similarly… variable. "Cash withdrawal" was possible, which was good. The "Concierge" (if there was one, he was either invisible or hiding behind a stack of brochures) was… missing in action. “Daily housekeeping” existed, but my room rarely seemed to be fully cleaned… Let's just say let's not get started on the mysterious stains on that one towel…
For the Kids: More of a “Hope They Entertain Themselves” Vibe
For the kids? Babysitting service? I think not. (I hope that was a joke). Kids facilities? "Kids meals?" Nope. This isn't really a “family-friendly” place, unless your family is exceptionally adaptable and doesn't mind entertaining themselves.
The Verdict: It's Emporia. It's a Quality Inn. Manage Expectations.
So, would I recommend the Quality Inn & Suites? That depends. Don't go in expecting the Ritz. Do go in expecting a Cleanliness and safety that is ok. Do go in expecting a Room that's functional, and wi-fi that actually works. Do go in expecting a Breakfast experience that won't knock your socks off. And most importantly, do go in with a healthy dose of humor.
It's not a bad place, necessarily. It’s perfectly fine. It's Emporia's Quality Inn & Suites. It exists. And hey, sometimes, "existing" is a victory in itself.
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Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's travel itinerary. We're going to Emporia, Kansas, and honestly, just the thought of it is giving me a mild existential crisis. But, hey, gotta see the world, right? Especially when "the world" is Quality Inn & Suites in Emporia. Let's do this, warts and all.
The Emporia Epic: A Whirlwind Tour of Heartland Charm (and Mild Disappointment)
Day 1: Arrival and the Pursuit of the Perfect Continental Breakfast
1:00 PM: Travel Day Debacle and the Sweet Freedom of Unpacking
- So, the drive from… well, let's just say it involved some bad traffic and questionable gas station coffee… was a journey. I swear, every time I think I've reached peak boredom, I discover a new level. BUT, finally arriving in Emporia, and the sight of the Quality Inn & Suites' pristine sign? Pure, unadulterated…relief. Found my room. It smells faintly of disinfectant and the quiet contentment of a recently-occupied room; perfection, almost.
- Anecdote: Got stuck in the elevator for what felt like an eternity with a guy who kept trying to make small talk about the weather. (It was sunny. I, predictably, didn't care.) He also kept saying, "Well, this is gonna be my lucky day," it was a bit creepy, in the most mundane way.
2:00 PM: Embracing the Room…and the TV Remote Struggle
- Unpacked, put my travel pillow on the bed like a sad lonely friend who's missing my real bed. The TV remote is a complex device of buttons and confusion. It's a quest to master the volume button. But I'm an explorer, maybe.
3:00 PM: The Continental Breakfast Hunt - A Quest for the Perfect Waffle
- This is it, folks. The REAL reason we're here: the free continental breakfast. This is where the magic (and the potential disappointment) happens. I am mentally preparing myself. I'm envisioning crispy waffles, perfectly ripe bananas, and coffee that doesn't taste like sad, lukewarm dishwater.
- Observations: Judging from the lobby, the breakfast could be, let's say, enthusiastically attended. There's already guy in a Hawaiian shirt and cargo shorts eyeing the area with a predatory gleam. I respect the game.
- Emotional Reaction: I am thrilled for the waffle bar, but also, slightly terrified. What if I get waffle-shamed?
3:30 PM-4:00 PM: The Great Waffle Debacle:
- Here's the truth. The waffles are not the best. But they are present. I got a waffle, and then I went nuts. Syrup, some of the sad fake whipped cream (which is acceptable), and a singular banana slice. I felt so alive. What a time.
5:00 PM: A Stroll and A Moment of Sadness:
- I guess I should see some of Emporia, but I can't bring myself to go far.
- Emotional Reaction: I miss my dog, he's probably chewing a shoe or something. I want to go home, but not yet.
7:00 PM: Dinner at…?
- The front desk recommended a place called "The Rusty Nail." I don't know. Hopefully, a nail won't actually be involved.
Day 2: Exploring Emporia (Maybe) and the Continuing Saga of the Free Breakfast
7:00 AM: The Continental Breakfast, Round Two (and the Potential for Cinnamon Rolls)
- Okay, let's be honest, the primary reason I'm still here is the promise of more free food. And damn it, maybe there will be those cinnamon rolls!
- Quirky Observation: I'm pretty sure I saw the same guy in the Hawaiian shirt from yesterday. He's like, the overlord of the breakfast buffet. Respect.
- Emotional Reaction: I actually hope there are cinnamon rolls. I've earned them.
8:00 AM: The Moment of Truth
- They had cinnamon rolls, but they were a bit stale. I still ate two. Regret is a dish best served with extra icing.
- Anecdote: The guy in the Hawaiian shirt just walked past me with a stack of waffles, looking as smug as humanly possible. I am officially jealous of his waffle game. We are not friends.
9:00 AM: Actual Sightseeing?
- I've heard about the Peter Pan Park and David Traylor Zoo… I might have to. Maybe. Or maybe I'll just watch TV in my room and contemplate the meaning of life. This is my moment.
10:00AM - 12:00 PM: The Zoo and the Reality
- Okay, so I went to the zoo. It was smaller than I expected, but you know what? The prairie dogs were cute. And I felt something as I was there. Some kind of joy, in the face of the mundane.
1:00 PM: Lunch and The Emporia State University Experience
- Lunch was a burger, what else. Later I went for a walk around Emporia State University. I saw a lot of students. I feel like I've seen this scenario before, so it was fine.
6:00 PM: The Rusty Nail… Revisited
- Against my better judgment, I went back. Actually maybe it got better. Or maybe I was just hungry. I ate a lot of fries. The end.
Day 3: Departure and Existential Reflections on Waffles
7:00 AM: The Final Breakfast Attempt
- Emotional Reaction: This is it. The last chance for waffle glory. I'm going to go BIG.
- Quirky Observation: I am starting to feel like I know the hotel staff. They look at me with a mixture of pity and understanding. I probably eat too many waffles.
8:00 AM: Waffle Conclusion
- The waffles were the worst of the whole trip. All of the ones before? They were just the memories of what the waffles could be. I should have known.
9:00 AM: Checkout and the Long Road Home
- Checked out. Goodbyes are never fun.
- Anecdote: The front desk guy asked me how my stay was. I mumbled something about "waffles" and "the zoo." He just smiled understandingly. He's seen it all.
10:00 AM - Onward: The Big Drive
- Bye, Emporia. I doubt I'll be back. But, hey, at least I have a good story to tell. And maybe, just maybe, they'll have better waffles next time.
- Emotional Reaction: Sad. Tired. Hungry. Definitely need a nap.
Final Thoughts:
Emporia, you were… an experience. The best part, I think, was the total and utter lack of pretension. This trip wasn't some grand adventure, it was a slice of life, a messy, sometimes disappointing, and unexpectedly human adventure. And you know what? I wouldn't trade it for the world. (Unless the world has better waffles. Then, maybe.)
Montgomery Getaway: Unbeatable Comfort Inn & Suites Deal!
Okay, So is This Place Actually "BEST"? Like, Seriously?
"Best" is a loaded word, isn't it? Like, my ex-boyfriend *thought* he was the "best" at making scrambled eggs. Turns out, charcoal flavored… and with the texture of rubber… wasn't exactly gourmet. The Quality Inn & Suites? Let's just say it *might* be the best hotel in Emporia, assuming the competition consists of, I don't know, sleeping in your car with the windows rolled up in July. I mean, it has a roof, right? That's a win these days. The "suites" part? We'll circle back to that later.
What About the Room? Like, Is it Clean? Because Germaphobe Me Needs to Know.
Ah, the million-dollar question! The cleaning situation? Let's just say it felt like a cross between a freshly-tidied grandma's guest room and a crime scene, but hopefully no real evidence lying around, and it was clean enough. One review claimed they found a "hair bouquet" in the bathroom. I’m not sure what that person was expecting but that's pretty grim, BUT, I had a decent experience, and the sheets… well, they *looked* clean. I mean, no vibrant stains jumping out at me from the duvet. So I survived.
So, About Those "Suites"... What Can I Expect? A Presidential Suite? A Balcony with a View? My Own Personal Butler?
HAHAHAHAHAHA! The "suites" are… generous with the word "suite." Picture this: an oversized hotel room, maybe with a slightly separated sitting area (which could also be the size of a postage stamp). No balcony. No butler. I’m pretty sure my "suite" was just the "executive" room option. The only president I saw was probably on the wall. (probably not a very interesting one, either) Let the record show, I was not impressed. Maybe a microwave and a mini fridge would have made it feel a bit more suite-ish. And let's not even *talk* about the "view," which was… well, let's just say it was on the side, looking at the parking lot. At least I could see that the parking lot was also... clean-ish?
The Pool! Tell me about the pool! Is it pristine?! A tropical oasis?! With, like, poolside cocktails?!
Pool? Poolside cocktails? Buddy, you're dreaming. The pool… existed. Think of a slightly chlorinated bathtub the size of your living room (if your living room is also approximately the size of a shipping container). And the "tropical oasis" vibe? More like a slightly depressing concrete box. I didn't dive there. My inner germaphobe, combined with the general look of the area, said, "Nuh-uh." If you're looking for a swim, you might be better off driving to the local YMCA. Just saying... maybe.
How's the Breakfast, Though? Is it at least… edible? Free Pancakes?! Sausage?!
Here's where things get interesting. Free breakfast is the unspoken promise of any self-respecting hotel. It's like, the law. Scrambled eggs? Probably not cooked by a professional (see ex-boyfriend comment above). But… there was a waffle maker!! And waffle mix! Now, I am a waffle enthusiast, so I dedicated myself to that mission. The waffles? They were ok. Not life-changing. But edible! So, score one for the Quality Inn. The sausage? I think it had seen better days. I'll save you the details there. The coffee? Let's just say it'll wake you up. Whether you *want* to be awake is another question entirely.
The Staff... Are They Nice? Helpful? Or Do They Seem Like They'd Rather Be Anywhere Else?
The staff? Ah, the ever-important staff! They were... present. And friendly! Which is always a plus. They didn't appear to hate their jobs, which… in hospitality… is a win these days. They were polite. They answered my questions. They didn't judge me when I asked for extra waffle mix. So, yeah, I'd say the staff was… friendly *enough*. They did the job. I wasn't actively afraid of them, which is already a high compliment in my books.
Okay, Overall, Would You Recommend This Place? Give Me The Verdict. (The Gory Details, Please.)
Alright, the verdict. Look, don’t expect the Ritz. Don't expect the Four Seasons. BUT… if you're in Emporia, Kansas, and you need a place to lay your head? Yeah, I'd probably recommend it. It's not a *horrible* experience. My sheets were clean. The building didn't collapse on me. I got a mediocre waffle. The parking lot had a sufficient number of spaces. It’s certainly… functional. But don't go in expecting luxury. Go in expecting *something*. And keep those expectations low. Maybe lower them even further than that. Then, you *might* be pleasantly surprised. It is, at the end of the day, a hotel. And you know what? That might be the best thing about it.
What's the weirdest thing that happened during your stay, and I demand details!
Oh, you want weird? Okay, fine... let me tell you about the elevator. So, there's this elevator, right? And it's... well, it's an elevator. But, and here's the kicker, it had this *distinct* smell of… well, I don't know. Possibly old carpet. Or maybe a wet dog. Or maybe the lingering ghost of a thousand spilled coffees. It was a smell you *noticed*. Every. Single. Time. The elevator opened. And, it was slow. So slow, I started to consider taking the stairs, just to escape the olfactory assault. I rode that elevator multiple times, and each time, it was the same. That smell. It was so bizarre. So, so strange. You just KNOW someone, somewhere, is going to remember that elevator smell forever. I'm still not sure if I loved it or hated it. But it's a memory. And that, my friends, is something.
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