Escape to Freeport: Baymont by Wyndham's Unbeatable Illinois Getaway!
Escape to Freeport: Baymont by Wyndham - Did They Really Get it Right? (A Messy, Honest Review)
Alright, folks, buckle up because I'm about to spill the beans on my recent escape to the Baymont by Wyndham in Freeport, Illinois. “Unbeatable Getaway,” they say. Let's see about that, shall we? This isn't one of those perfectly polished hotel reviews; it's my experience, warts and all. So, grab a coffee (or maybe something stronger, after you read about the breakfast), and let's dive in.
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- Keywords: Baymont Freeport, Freeport Illinois hotels, accessible hotels Illinois, hotel review, Illinois getaway, family-friendly hotels, affordable hotels, spa hotel, swimming pool, free Wi-Fi, pet-friendly hotels, business travel, Rockford area hotels
- Meta Description: A brutally honest review of Baymont by Wyndham in Freeport, IL! From accessibility and cleanliness to the breakfast buffet (oh, the buffet!), this review covers it all. Find out if it lives up to the hype or if it’s just another hotel experience.
First Impressions - Or, "Where's the Coffee Already?"
Pulling up, the Baymont in Freeport looks pretty standard. Exterior corridor, solid brick, the kind of place you wouldn't write home about from a design perspective. Functional, let's say. We were definitely thrilled to see the car park [free of charge], because, let's be honest, hidden parking fees are the devil. And there it was, the CCTV outside property, a double-edged sword-- it's reassuring, but makes you wonder who's watching and what they are expecting!
Accessibility - A Mixed Bag, Frankly
Now, this is where things started getting a little… complicated. My partner uses a wheelchair, so accessibility is a massive deal for us. The website said they had facilities for disabled guests, and there was an elevator, which was a good start. The entrance was accessible, praise be. BUT… and here's the kicker… maneuvering around inside was trickier than anticipated. The hallways felt narrower than they appeared online, and at times, it felt like a game of Tetris trying to navigate. Some of the rooms sanitized between stays, which is amazing! But the room's bathroom itself, while technically accessible, had a few design quirks that made it less user-friendly. It's like they ticked the boxes, but didn't really think about the practicalities of wheelchair use. So, points for effort, but room for improvement, Baymont! Overall, wheelchair accessible is only true kinda, it's better than nothing, but please improve the room design for people with disabilities.
The Room - More Than Just a Place to Crash
Okay, the room itself. Standard hotel fare. Air conditioning (a must!), free Wi-Fi (thank the heavens!), so we could stream our shows. The Wi-Fi [free] was a godsend. The Internet access – wireless was the only way to work! The complimentary tea and coffee were much appreciated, though the coffee in the lobby tasted suspiciously like brown water, so bring your own! They promised non-smoking rooms, and thankfully, they delivered. (I hate the smell of stale smoke. It's my kryptonite!). They had nice blackout curtains, meaning a good night's sleep was possible. Though, I wish the desk was easier to work at with a laptop, I guess I just needed a designated laptop workspace or something. And the extra-long bed! You think you don't need it until you have one.
Cleanliness and Safety – Making Me Feel (Slightly) Less Anxious
This is a huge one for me, especially post-pandemic. And I was pleasantly surprised! They were serious about cleaning. We saw staff in masks frequently, and the daily disinfection in common areas was reassuring. They offered an room sanitization opt-out available which is nice. The presence of hand sanitizer stations everywhere was great, and the staff trained in safety protocol seemed genuinely committed to keeping things clean. Anti-viral cleaning products sound great, and some sterilizing equipment looked professional; I think the rooms sanitized between stays makes one sleep more comfortably.
Dining – The Buffet Battleground & The Quest for Decent Coffee
Alright, let's talk about the breakfast. The dreaded breakfast. "Complimentary Breakfast Included", the key, the most crucial part of the hotel package. They had your standard breakfast [buffet] situation going on. Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, and the promise of both with the same terrible taste and textures! It was… well, it was a buffet. Eggs that looked vaguely yellow, limp bacon, and some kind of mystery meat patty that I wasn’t brave enough to try. The cereal was soggy before you even poured the milk. The coffee/tea in restaurant was beyond questionable. It had those little plastic cups and a Keurig machine, so it's your own coffee/tea maker to begin with! I have no idea, why the bottle of water was even there. You're better off getting something. The breakfast takeaway service was available, and I'm certain it was a better option.
The Amenities - What's a Vacation Without Pampering?
They had a fitness center, but I didn't make it in. (Vacation laziness, what can I say?). They had a swimming pool which looked inviting, especially the view, but I never found the will to jump in. Ah, the pool with view! Very aesthetic, very instagrammable, but I wasn't feeling it. I did see some people lounging around the terrace, which looked nice. I'm not much of a spa person, so I can’t tell you anything of the Spa, Spa/sauna, Sauna, Body scrub, Body wrap, Steamroom, Foot bath, Massage.
Services and Conveniences – The Little Things That Matter
They had daily housekeeping. Yay for clean towels! There's a convenience store for your snack needs. A concierge, but I didn't use it. Luggage storage, which is handy. Laundry service, although I brought enough clothes to hide in the room. Cash withdrawal available, for when you're caught short. Overall, a decent offering of conveniences.
For the Kids - They’re Clearly Trying
I’m traveling with children, so family/child friendly is a big one. They had babysitting service! I didn't take advantage, but it's there, which is a good sign. The kids meal options at the restaurant were limited, but they're trying.
Getting Around - The Parking Situation & More
The car park [on-site] was a lifesaver. Car park [free of charge] is the best! There's taxi service if you need it, I didn't use it.
My Takeaway - The Verdict?
Look, the Baymont Freeport isn't going to win any awards for luxury. It's not the Ritz. But it's a functional, affordable place to stay. If you're looking for a convenient base of operations in Freeport, it'll do the job. The accessibility could be improved, and the breakfast needs a serious makeover. Still, I feel like the people at Baymont actually care about the overall experience. The cleanliness was top-notch, the staff were friendly, and the free Wi-Fi saved my sanity. Would I stay again? Probably. Would I also bring my own coffee maker and a hefty supply of instant oatmeal? Absolutely.
Escape to the Blue Ridge: Fairfield Inn & Suites Elkin Jonesville
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to embark on a trip to… Freeport, Illinois. Yes, you heard that right. Freeport. My therapist says I need more “exposure to the mundane,” and apparently, a Baymont by Wyndham in the heart of Illinois is the perfect place to find it. Wish me luck, because I have a feeling this might be a test of endurance.
Day 1: Arrival and…Existential Dread?
2:00 PM: Arrival at Chicago O'Hare (ORD). Okay, first hurdle: Surviving O'Hare. It's a beautiful kind of chaos, isn't it? The hum of jet engines, the desperate sprinters to catch connecting flights, the guy with a "World's Best Dad" mug… I mean, bless him. Managed to score a decent pretzel and a surprisingly weak coffee. Already feeling the need for a stiff drink before I even get to Freeport.
3:00 PM - 4:30 PM: The Car Rental Debacle. "Budget Friendly," they said. "Easy peasy," they also said. Lies. All lies. This is where I get to rant. I had to explain to the rental guy (who looked suspiciously like he'd skipped a shower for a week) that, NO, I did not want the extra insurance. He gave me the look. You know the one. The "you're clearly going to get into an accident and then I get to blame you" look. After 20 minutes of back and forth, I finally prevailed. Then, of course, the car had three dents and smelled faintly of old fries. Perfect. The journey of mundanity begins.
4:30 PM - 6:00 PM: The Drive (or, The Soundtrack to My Disappointment). The GPS, bless her robotic heart, says it's a 2-hour drive to Freeport. I'm leaning heavily on Spotify. Started with something upbeat to trick my brain into thinking this was a fun adventure. Quickly devolved into angry power ballads. Then, country. Then back to angry power ballads. I saw a lot of cornfields. So. Many. Cornfields.
6:00 PM - 6:30 PM: Check-in at Baymont by Wyndham Freeport. The lobby. Ah, the lobby. Carpeting that might have last seen a vacuum in the Clinton era. The smell of chlorine and something…vaguely floral. The guy at the front desk was, well, there. My room key worked! A small victory, but a victory nonetheless. Briefly considered ordering room service, was informed that it does not provide such services. Decided to order grub-hub instead.
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM: Attempting to Unpack (And Failing). My bags exploded on the bed. The Baymont bed. Two twin beds… not sure why. I felt like a child again. I then spent fifteen minutes trying to figure out how to work the TV remote. Victory! Then…the channel selection. I got to tell you, I do miss the days of cable.
8:00 PM - 9:30 PM: Dinner Disaster-Grubhub. The food. The grubhub food. A greasy burger and fries from some place called "Burger Heaven." It was…heavenly in the most ironic way possible. Sat in my room and ate it, and tried to forget the fact that I'm essentially alone, in Freeport, in a hotel room, on purpose. Seriously, what is wrong with me?
9:30 PM - 10 PM: The Existential Realization. Staring at the ceiling, contemplating my life choices. Why Freeport? Why this hotel? Is this my rock bottom? Decided to order a pizza.
Day 2: Local Flavor (Or, The Search for Something Interesting)
7:00 AM: Wakey Wakey! Time for Breakfast…of Questionable Origin. Breakfast. Included. I went. The “continental” breakfast, however, was not. It had stale donuts, instant coffee that tasted like motor oil, and something vaguely resembling scrambled eggs. It's like a metaphor for life. You get what you get, and you don't get upset. Especially when the only other people eating are couples that look like they've been married for 40 years who are very clearly judging you… and who can blame them.
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Downtown Freeport Adventure-ish. Okay, mustering all my bravery. I decided to venture out into the heart of Freeport, a real slice of Americana. Visited a local museum. Saw a lot of old stuff. I appreciate history, I do. Some of it… not so much. Found a cute little antique store. Was very tempted by a porcelain doll… But then I'd never sleep again.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch at a Diner. Found a classic diner. Ordered a BLT because, hey, simple pleasures. The waitress, bless her heart, was a whirlwind of efficiency and small-town charm. Overheard the locals gossiping about the weather and the price of hay. Suddenly, I felt like I'd stepped back in time.
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: A Quiet Walk Around a Park. Did some people-watching; witnessed an elderly couple feeding ducks. I'm starting to understand the appeal. This is… surprisingly nice? Did I just enjoy watching the ducks? Am I turning into my grandparents?
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: The Lincoln-Douglas Debate Site. The historical site. Okay, so I'm not a huge history buff, per se, but I did have to check out the Lincoln-Douglas debate site. (Yes, Freeport, IL, hosted a debate, which, I guess, is a thing.) It was…kinda underwhelming. But, hey, Abraham Lincoln stood here, so, you know, history.
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Impulse Buy! Found a local bookstore. It was a real independent bookstore! I went, got lost between the stacks, and, because I am a sucker for a good story, bought a book on the history of…Freeport. I'm doomed.
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner (Again, Food, Again). Checked Tripadvisor for recommendations, which, in Freeport, wasn't much. Settled on some pub…food. It was pretty good. Was relieved I did not have to cook. Small victories. Went back to my hotel room, and watched TV.
7:00 PM -10 PM: The Book. I started reading. The book. I'd come so far. I was not sure if I should be proud, or afraid. Ended up reading for hours. Didn't even want to watch TV. Am I… enjoying myself?
Day 3: Farewell Freeport (and, Surprisingly, Sadness?)
- 7:00 AM: Breakfast, Encore. Same breakfast, same questionable eggs, only, this time, felt less disgusting, more comforting.
- 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: A final walk. Back to the park, did some reflection. Freeport, you have grown on this cynical city slicker.
- 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Check-out and the Drive Back. Farewell, Baymont. Farewell, twin beds. Farewell, questionable coffee.
- 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM: The Drive of Enlightenment. The drive back, was quicker this time. More aware of the landscape. Less annoyed. I didn't even mind the cornfields. They were…peaceful.
- 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM: Returning the Rental Car, (Almost) Without Incident. Almost. The rental guy gave me the "look" again. But I survived!
Takeaways:
Okay, so here’s the thing: Freeport wasn't the whirlwind of excitement I expected. It was…quiet. It was slow. It was…okay. I am, somehow, at peace. Maybe that's a good thing? Maybe it’s a sign of something. Maybe my therapist was right. Maybe sometimes, the mundane is exactly what you need.
Alright, I'm out. Back to reality. Back to the chaos. Back to… well, you know.
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Escape to Freeport: Baymont by Wyndham - The Reality Check!
Okay, so Baymont by Wyndham in Freeport... what's the *real* deal? I'm seeing all those glossy pics...
Alright, brace yourself. The "real deal" is this: It's a Baymont. Let's be honest, it's not the Ritz. But! (and this is a big but) for the price, and for being... well, in Freeport, Illinois... I'd say it's pretty darn good. Expect clean rooms, a decent breakfast (more on that later... the waffle situation...), and a relatively quiet night's sleep. Remember, you're not paying for a marble lobby, you're paying for a comfortable basecamp to explore the area. And honestly? Sometimes, that's all you need. I went there for my birthday with my wife and our very active toddler, and it worked PERFECTLY. It was a HUGE help!
Breakfast, you mentioned breakfast... spill the beans! Is it worth waking up for?
Dude. The breakfast. Okay, the *waffles*. They're the star. They're not gourmet, mind you. But they're warm, crispy-ish on the outside, and you get to *make them yourself*. That, my friends, is a superpower, especially when you're traveling with kids. My son practically *lived* on mini-waffles that weekend. The rest? Standard stuff: cereal, some sad-looking pastries, maybe some scrambled eggs that could either be amazing or, you know, institutional. But those waffles... they elevate the whole experience. It's a win, overall. Also, the coffee... is surprisingly... drinkable. High praise, I know.
Freeport itself... what's there to *do*? Is it just... fields?
Okay, so Freeport. Yes, there are fields. Lots of them. But don't dismiss it! There's a certain... charm. It's a slower pace of life, which can be a HUGE relief if you're coming from a city. There is the Lincoln Douglas Debate Site, Freeport Art Museum, and a few antique shops that I enjoyed. Do some Googling. I'm not your travel agent! (And maybe don't expect Michelin-starred restaurants... think more classic diner experiences. But I digress.) The point is, it's a great jump-off point for exploring the surrounding area. Think hiking trails, small-town vibes, and a whole lot of... space. My wife enjoyed driving around and looking at houses. I enjoyed the quiet. It's all perspective, folks.
The rooms. Are they... clean? (This is a dealbreaker for me.)
Yes! From my experience, they're clean. Like, properly cleaned. Which is a major relief. I'm not a germophobe, but I *do* appreciate a tidy room. Now, "clean" doesn't mean "brand new, luxury hotel." It means the sheets are fresh, the bathroom is scrubbed, and you're not seeing any... unwanted guests. I can speak from experience here. I HATE finding a hair on my pillow. Ewww. So, yeah, CLEAN. Peace of mind, people. Peace of mind. Although, as an aside. One of the towels had a little spot. You know. But overall, it was great.
Okay, you've mentioned kids... Is it kid-friendly?
Oh, absolutely! The whole experience is geared towards a family-friendly environment. The breakfast is a godsend, as I've stated already. The pool (indoor!) is a HUGE hit with the little ones. They go crazy for it. And the staff? Super accommodating. They don't bat an eye at the chaos that comes with small children. We did have a hiccup, my son started crying hysterically in the elevator... but everyone was so nice! Trust me, family trips. Baymont is a pretty good choice for a place to stay.
Parking? Is that a nightmare?
Nope. Plenty of parking. Seriously, you'll be fine. It's not like trying to find a spot in Chicago. You pull up, park, and you're good to go. A small luxury, given everything else...
What about the pool? Indoor or outdoor? And is it gross?
Indoor, which is fantastic. Especially if the weather is being...let's just say, 'Illinois-y'. It wasn't gross, at least when I was there. It's a standard hotel pool, so don't expect a shimmering, spa-like environment. But it’s clean, well-maintained, and, as I mentioned, a huge draw for the kids. They could stay in there for hours, practically glued to those chlorine-filled waters.
Any downsides? Anything I should be wary of? Tell me the unvarnished truth!
Okay, the unvarnished truth... The decor is a bit dated. Let's be honest. Think "early 2000s hotel aesthetic." It's not going to win any design awards. And... depending on where your room is located, you might hear some hallway noise. I can't promise complete silence. Also, it's not the kind of place where you'd spend all day lounging. Freeport isn't a resort destination! It's a good launching pad for other adventures. And for me, I always have to remember there's a lot of people coming and going. It's not a secluded hidden gem! But, if you want a no-hassle place to rest, shower, and eat a waffle, I would book it. It is what it is, and that's not a bad thing.
So, would you recommend it? Seriously, yes or no?
Yes. For the price, and for a comfortable, clean, convenient base for exploring Freeport and the surrounding area, absolutely yes. Especially if you have kids. Just pack your expectations accordingly. And stock up on syrup for those waffles!
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