Springfield's BEST Kept Secret: Microtel Inn & Suites Review!
Springfield's BEST Kept Secret? Microtel Inn & Suites – A Deep Dive (It’s Got Issues, But…)
Okay, folks, buckle up. This ain't gonna be your standard, sterile hotel review. We're diving headfirst into the surprisingly complicated world of Springfield's Microtel Inn & Suites. And let me tell you, it's less "hidden gem" and more "diamond in the rough with a few, shall we say, eccentricities."
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- Description: Honest review of Springfield Microtel Inn & Suites. Is it the best kept secret? Exploring accessibility, cleanliness, amenities, dining, and overall experience. Expect the good, the bad, and the hilariously awkward.
(Deep Breath) Let's Get Started…
First things first: Accessibility. This is a HUGE win for Microtel. The place is genuinely accessible. Wheelchair accessible rooms are available and feel designed with thought, not just slapped on. The elevator is reliable (a surprisingly important detail!), and the facilities for disabled guests aren't an afterthought. They actually work. Huge points for that. This is something that instantly warms my cynical traveler's heart.
Now, the Internet. This is where things get a little… muddled. They boast Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (And thank goodness, because I'm addicted to the internet and I'm not ashamed to admit it). But I'll be honest, it's not always blazing fast. Sometimes, it's like trying to download a picture of a cat riding a unicorn through a dial-up modem. You'll get there. Eventually. And I remember being stuck trying to get work done and it made me frustrated, but who am I kidding? I needed to log off and take a break anyway. And who knows when they’ll upgrade it. I guess so much for the Internet [LAN]. It might just be a relic of the past.
The Cleanliness and Safety Soapbox (Because 2024, People!)
Okay, this is another strong suit, at least in theory. They're hitting all the buzzwords: Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization between stays, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol. That's a lot. And I think I saw them doing it, but the whole thing kinda felt…clinical. Like, walking around felt a little like being a lab rat. But I get it. Times are weird. And at least they're trying. I appreciate the effort to give you some comfort.
The Room Itself: My Personal Fortress (With Some Quirks)
Okay, let's talk about the actual room. It's… functional. The Non-smoking rooms are a must. I couldn't stand it. The Air conditioning works (thank the heavens, because Springfield summers are brutal). You get the basic necessities: a desk (important for us remote workers), a refrigerator, and a coffee/tea maker. The bed was surprisingly comfortable. I slept like a log, even though it felt a bit like sleeping on a giant marshmallow.
Now, for the quirks. The television is… fine. The choices are fine. But the bathroom? The bathroom is where we get into some… interesting design choices. The shower head was stuck in the ground somehow and I wasn’t sure how that was even possible. Like it was stuck. The towels, while clean, felt like sandpaper. And the lighting? Dim and kinda depressing. It’s like they wanted you to be a bit sad when you showered. But again, these are minor inconveniences. I could handle it.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - A Mixed Bag…
This is where Microtel really shows its cards. The Breakfast [buffet] is included. It's… a buffet. Think continental. Mostly carbs. There's coffee (essential!) and some fruit (which sometimes looks like it's seen better days). There are definitely some essential condiments. But let's be real, it's not gourmet. But it's free. And it fills a hole. And on some mornings, that's all you need.
There isn't an accessible restaurant on-site. That's slightly disappointing. And the snack bar is pretty much just vending machines. So, if you’re expecting culinary excellence, you're in the wrong place.
The Amenities – The Good, the Awkward, and the “Huh?”
Here's where it gets interesting. They've got a fitness center, which is… functional. A few treadmills, some weights, and probably a lot of dust bunnies. The swimming pool [outdoor] is decent, and the pool with a view is stretching it. The view is of… the parking lot. But hey, at least you can swim. They don't have a Spa, a Sauna, or a Steamroom.
But here is the weird part: they don't allow Pets, or offer Babysitting service. So is there a lot of room for families? If so, what do you do with your kids? I guess the Kids meal might be an option.
The Verdict: Is Microtel Springfield's Best Kept Secret?
Look, Microtel Inn & Suites isn't perfect. It's got its quirks, its flaws, and the occasional dash of "budget hotel charm." But here's the thing: it's clean, it's accessible, and it's affordable. It offers a Car park [free of charge](this is gold in a world of expensive parking!). And honestly, for the price, it gets the job done. It's not a luxury experience. It's a place to rest your head, recharge your batteries, and maybe, just maybe, catch a glimpse of that Wi-Fi icon loading… eventually.
Would I Recommend It?
Yes. With caveats. If you're looking for a purely luxurious experience, go elsewhere. But if you need a clean, accessible, and budget-friendly option in Springfield, Microtel is a solid choice. Just pack some good earplugs (the highway can be noisy) and maybe a portable Wi-Fi hotspot (just in case). And be prepared for a little bit of… character.
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Timber Lodge Awaits in Cle Elum!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously color-coded travel itinerary. This is… well, it's me, trying to survive a few days at the Microtel in Springfield, Illinois. And spoiler alert: it's already looking a little rough around the edges.
Day 1: Arrival and the Questionable Glory of Comfort Food (and a Side of Existential Dread)
1:00 PM: Arrive at Springfield. Okay, "arrive" is a strong word. More like, "limp into" after a four-hour drive that involved questionable gas station coffee, a near miss with a rogue tumbleweed named "Brenda," and a deep, soul-searching conversation with my GPS about the meaning of life. Still, made it. Checked in at the Microtel. The lobby… well, it's clean. That's a point in its favor. The "free breakfast" sign however has me worried.
1:30 PM: Unpack. Or, more accurately, toss my suitcase onto the bed and stare into the abyss of my travel bag. Did I pack enough socks? Did I accidentally bring my ex's favorite t-shirt? These are the pressing questions of our time.
2:00 PM: Lunch. I'm starving. Found a local diner. (It's in the "Top Rated" column on Google Maps) The place is called "Bob's Burgers and More." I order… a burger, of course. It's not gourmet, it's not life-changing. But it's a warm, greasy hug that my stomach desperately needs. God, I love a mediocre burger. It's the perfect combination of comfort and utter lack of pretension.
3:30 PM: The Lincoln Home. Okay, history time. This is actually really cool. Walking through Lincoln's house, you almost feel like you're intruding. The creaky floors, the faint smell of old wood… it's like he just stepped out for a quick errand. Then again, this is probably the most interesting thing i've seen today. It's a welcome change from the fluorescent lights of the hotel hallway.
5:30 PM: Back to the Microtel. I’m exhausted. Seriously, all this history-ing and eating. I wander aimlessly into the hotel room. The television. It's on. The first thing I see is the hotel room tv, a testament to the mundanity of travel, the same flickering screen I'll find in any hotel from Ohio to the outback, the same sitcom reruns, the same news anchors with perfectly frosted hair, The quiet hum of the air conditioning is a perfect representation of the crushing isolation of travel, I don't know what it is, but I'm feeling an overwhelming sense of dread.
7:00 PM: Dinner. Another burger. This time from the place next door. Gotta love convenience. Decided to indulge in a beer or two with it. The waitress looks at me a little funny. Oh well.
8:30 PM: Stare at the ceiling. Now, I'm really not sure if I even want to be in Springfield.
10:00 PM: Lights out. Or, at least, I try to. The world outside is just too loud.
Day 2: The Lincoln Pilgrimage (Plus, the World's Worst Free Breakfast)
7:00 AM: Wake up to the sounds of people slamming doors. This is the Microtel symphony. Oh, joy. Time for "breakfast." I cautiously venture into the hotel's breakfast area. Okay, here’s where things get… intense. Let's just say, "free breakfast" doesn't always equal "edible breakfast." The scrambled eggs are… a color I've never seen before. The waffles are suspiciously flat. The coffee tastes like the tears of a thousand disgruntled travelers. I opt for a stale bagel and a slice of pre-packaged cheese, because at least I know what that is. I will never leave this hotel.
8:00 AM: Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Okay, redemption! This place is actually fascinating. The exhibits are incredible. I'm especially impressed by the animatronic Lincoln. It's like, right before the assassination. I spend way too long watching it. I think I almost teared up. Maybe it was the stale bagel. Or maybe the crushing weight of history.
11:00 AM: Oak Ridge Cemetery. The Lincoln Tomb. It’s somber, but beautiful. I try to contemplate the weight of history, but I mostly just think about how tired my feet are. and wonder when I can crawl back into my room and sleep.
1:00 PM: Lunch. I find myself in a quaint little deli. A moment of peace. This place needs a rating on google review.
2:30 PM: Trying to find something to do. My feet are killing me.
4:00 PM: Crawl back to Microtel. Stare at the television again. The world is a dark and confusing place.
7:00 PM: Pizza. Again. More beer this time. The waitress seems concerned.
8:00 PM: The dreaded attempt at the hotel pool. The entire area is reeking of chlorine. The water is a weird shade of green. There's a kid cannonballing into the shallow end. Nope. Nope, nope, nope. Back to the room.
9:00 PM: Stare at the ceiling. Again.
10:00 PM: Lights out. This insomnia is really starting to wear me down.
Day 3: Escape! (And a Final, Furious Farewell to the Microtel)
6:00 AM: Wake up. The sun is coming up and I've never been so happy to see it. I look out the window and swear I see a squirrel giving me the middle finger.
6:30 AM: "Breakfast." I skip the breakfast, I'd rather starve. I pack my bags in a flurry of frantic desperation. This is a military-style operation.
7:00 AM: Checkout. I'm ready to leave.
7:30 AM: In the car. Heading home. Never to see this again.
8:00 AM: I stop at McDonalds. What a good day it is.
8:30 AM: Back on the road. Goodbye, Springfield. Goodbye, Microtel. You beautiful, broken, beige… thing. I'm not sure I'll miss you. But hey, at least I survived. And I got a few (questionable) stories to tell.
Springfield's BEST Kept Secret: Microtel Inn & Suites - Real Talk FAQs
Is this Microtel *really* a "best kept secret"? Come on...
Okay, look, "best kept secret" is a bit dramatic. Let's be honest. Microtel isn't winning any design awards. But here's the deal: Springfield, Missouri, ain't exactly awash in affordable, clean places to crash. And I, your humble (and slightly sleep-deprived) narrator, have stayed in my fair share of questionable motels. This Microtel? Surprisingly decent. Like, REALLY surprisingly decent. It's a hidden gem more like a, well... a sparkling pebble you find in the dirt of a really dusty parking lot. Still a good find though.
What's the *absolute* best thing about Microtel Springfield? Be honest!
Oooooh, that's tough. Seriously, because the best thing is probably... it consistently delivers on the basic promises. Clean sheets? Check. Hot water? Check. Working TV, even if the channel selection is a bit, shall we say, *limited*? Check. Look, I've stayed in places where "hot water" was a mythical creature. So, the reliability is HUGE. It's like, you know you're gonna be comfortable. It's the, "you won't regret staying here" level of good. Except for maybe that one time... (more on that later, folks). Let's just say the free breakfast is a bonus; just don't expect Michelin-starred cuisine. Think "continental plus" - and sometimes, just "continental."
Alright, about the rooms. Give me the nitty-gritty.
Okay, the rooms. They're...functional. Don't expect a penthouse suite; you're getting what you pay for. But, they're usually clean. *Usually*. I mean, again, I'm comparing it to the *other* options in Springfield, and, well... let's just say some of these rooms haven't seen a deep clean since the Clinton administration. Microtel's rooms are, in general, acceptable. The beds? Eh, they're not like sleeping on a cloud, more like... a slightly used, but still surprisingly supportive, foam mattress. But, they're good enough for me. The Wi-Fi is generally okay. Not blazing fast, but you can stream without crying (most of the time). Now, the *noise*. That's something you kinda-sorta need to prepare for. It’s not exactly quiet. The walls are thin. You'll hear your neighbors. You WILL. Bring earplugs. Trust me.
The Breakfast. Spill the tea! What is it *really* like?
Okay, the breakfast. This is where "continental plus" often morphs back into plain ol' continental. Think pre-packaged muffins that have seen better days. Cereal. Instant oatmeal. And sometimes, *sometimes*, a waffle maker. If the waffle maker is operational, and if you arrive early enough, you might actually GET a waffle. It depends on the day, and the state of the waffle batter. The coffee? Let's just say it's... caffeinated. Don't expect gourmet. But it's free. So, you know, you can't really complain. Especially when you're hungover. Or, you know, just tired. Which is pretty much EVERY time I visit. I also remember one time, there were *those* pre-buttered croissants, and I ate three because I was THAT hungry. No regrets.
What about the staff? Are they friendly?
The staff? Generally pleasant. They might not be overly chatty, but they've always been competent and helpful when I've needed them. I mean, they're doing their job, you know? It's Springfield. We're not exactly Hollywood here. But, I've never had a truly *bad* experience. They're nice enough. That's what you need, right? Just, you know, a friendly face to hand you a key card. And sometimes, that's enough.
Okay, you mentioned that incident. What *one* experience stands out, good or bad? Dish it!
Alright, alright, you asked. The *one* time. The time I almost lost it. It wasn't even a *major* incident, really, but it stuck with me. I booked a room. The website said "pet-friendly." Great! I was traveling with my (adorable, but admittedly shedding MACHINE) dog, Buster. We arrived late. Tired. Ready to crash. Got to my room. Smelled... something. Like, a mix of old socks and... sadness. It was a *smell* of neglect. I immediately checked for allergens. No, no, it wasn't that. It was the residue of, I *suspect*, previous pets and... maybe some other things. I opened the window, which barely opened (another strike against the room), and that’s when the tiny, and I mean *tiny*, dust bunny from the last tenant rolled onto the floor. So, I went back to the front desk, and they were totally cool. Switched me to a new room. No problem. The new room? Much better. But even though the situation was fixed, it rattled me. It was a reminder that you're not always going to get perfection. That you're still taking a bit of a gamble. But hey, even that story has a happy ending! Buster and I survived, and we're still friends.
Is it *actually* a good value for money?
Yes. Absolutely, *yes*. Compared to other options in Springfield, Microtel often provides a genuinely competitive and more affordable, bang-for-your-buck stay. I mean, you get a clean-ish room, a bed, hot water, and sometimes even a decent breakfast. If you're just passing through, on a budget, or just plain don't want to spend a fortune on a fancy hotel you're barely going to *be* in, then yes. It's a good value. It's a *smart* value. Especially if you bring your own snacks and earplugs.
Last question: Would *you* stay there again?
Yep. I probably will. Look, I'm not expecting the Ritz. I'm expecting a place to sleep. And, for the most part, Microtel delivers. It’s not glamorous, no. But it's reliable. And you know what? Sometimes, reliable is all you freaking need. Plus, the location is pretty convenient to a lot of things, which is a huge point for me. So yeah. See ya there, maybe. Just don't hog all the waffles. Seriously.
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