Regina's BEST Kept Secret? This Days Inn Will SHOCK You!
Regina's BEST Kept Secret? This Days Inn Will SHOCK You! (Or Maybe Just Mildly Impress) - A Brutally Honest Review
Okay, buckle up Regina, because I just spent a night at… yeah, a Days Inn. Before you judge, hear me out. This place, and I'm not saying which one because I don't want my secrets getting out, in Regina, is… well, it's a thing. The title’s a bit extra, granted. "Shock" is pushing it. "Mildly surprised?" Perhaps. Anyway, here's the lowdown, the raw, unfiltered truth (and some rambling tangents) about my stay:
Accessibility - The Struggle is Still Real (Sometimes):
Let's be real, accessibility is a huge deal. It's 2024, people! I didn't personally need the fully wheelchair-accessible setup, but I always look around to see how things stack up. The Days Inn in question did have elevators (thank GOD, no climbing stairs after a prairie drive!), and I think they had some accessible rooms. My spidey sense, however, wasn't buzzing with supreme confidence on that front. More specifics would have been great. This is supposed to be a "secret" so let's just say it wasn't perfect. It's like, they try, but maybe they need a solid accessibility audit or something. More info would be useful - the listing would be very improved.
Cleanliness and Safety - My Inner Germaphobe Whispered Thankfully:
Okay, this is where the Days Inn really stepped up. This place was clean. Like, suspiciously clean. They’re clearly taking the whole COVID thing seriously, which is a major win in my book. I’m talking professional-grade sanitizing services (they boast that!), and I saw staff actively disinfecting common areas. They had hand sanitizer everywhere. They're all about hand hygiene. Room sanitization opt-out? I didn't even think about it. They had professional-grade sanitizing services, they clearly did. Room sanitization opt-out? Not a chance, baby. I'm talking, hot water linen and laundry washing, individually-wrapped food options, (more on that later…), staff trained in safety protocol – this place could give a hospital a run for its money. I saw a lot of signs about social distancing, too. It felt… safe. Almost, dare I say, relaxing? (Don't tell anyone I said that.)
Rooms - Cozy (and a Little…Dated):
My room? Standard Days Inn fare. But, it was spotless. Key word. Spotless. Air conditioning blasted (thank you, Regina summer heat!). The bed? Decent. Not the kind of bed that makes you weep with joy, but perfectly serviceable. The blackout curtains were a blessing – perfect for sleeping in (which I definitely did). They even had a mini-fridge, which is always a bonus for stashing… well, you get the idea. My room actually had a window that opens! I love that. Extra points for the daily housekeeping. I’m a messy creature, and it was nice coming back to a tidy room.
Internet - Essential and Free (Hallelujah!):
Free Wi-Fi. In all rooms! Massive win. I need that internet. No excuses. I streamed my shows, caught up on emails, and generally binged, which is par for the course. The internet was solid for the basics, but I wouldn’t try to run a business from it. Internet access [LAN]? Okay, maybe. I'm not the LAN type, but they had it!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - Buffet Bliss (Sort Of):
Breakfast. Oh, breakfast. The "secret" Days Inn had a decent breakfast situation. The usual suspects: eggs (scrambled, so you know they're safe!), sausages, toast, muffins (individually wrapped, of course!). A buffet. But, hear me out. This was a COVID buffet done right. The food was behind glass, and you had to ask a staff member to serve you. Less touching, less risk. Perfect. A la carte in restaurant? No idea. Coffee/tea in restaurant was OK. I was a fan of the breakfast service. The buffet, though? More like "Buffet" - generic and bland.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax - Fitness and… More Fitness?:
They had a fitness center. I saw it. I didn't use it. It looked…functional. Probably a treadmill, a bike, and some sad-looking weights. My idea of relaxing rarely involves hitting the gym.
Services and Conveniences - The Little Things That Matter:
- Laundry Service: Thank goodness! Perfect for business travellers with one outfit!
- Cash withdrawal: Yep
- Daily housekeeping: As mentioned, a lifesaver for this slob.
- Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests: as mentioned.
- Safety deposit boxes: Sure!
- Concierge: No – not even a hint.
For the Kids - Pretty Basic (But Fine):
Listen, I don’t have kids, but I noticed the usual kid-friendly stuff…maybe just a bit. Family/child friendly. No babysitting service. No kids facilities.
Getting Around:
- Free car park: Yes!
- Taxi service. Possibly.
Final Thoughts - Is It Really a Secret?
Look, this Days Inn isn’t going to win any awards for luxury. But, it’s clean, safe, and reasonably priced. The free Wi-Fi and decent breakfast are major perks. And it's a perfect launching pad for your exploration of Regina and area, if you are visiting the city. It's a solid, reliable choice. Shocking? Maybe not. Pleasantly surprised? Absolutely. Would I stay there again? Absolutely. Maybe I'll visit the fitness center this time. (Probably not). Maybe.
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the swirling vortex of… Days Inn by Wyndham Regina, Saskatchewan. Yep. Regina. The "Queen City." Prepare yourselves for something less royal and more… real. This ain't your pristine Pinterest itinerary, folks. This is the raw, unfiltered, slightly-hungover-on-a-Tuesday version.
Day 1: Arrival and the Crushing Reality of Regina (and a Slightly Lumpy Bed)
- 1:00 PM: Arrived at Regina International Airport. Okay, it's not Heathrow, but the friendly prairie charm is already seeping in. Except the baggage claim… dear god, did EVERYTHING come out looking like it was run over by a Zamboni? My suitcase, bless its weary little soul, is sporting a fresh dent.
- 1:30 PM: Uber to Days Inn. The driver, a lovely lady named Brenda, regaled me with tales of Regina winters. Apparently, "brutal" doesn't even begin to cover it. I'm already reconsidering my life choices.
- 2:00 PM: Check-in. The lobby smells faintly of chlorine and regret. Okay, not regret, exactly… more like a lingering sense of… "this is what affordable travel looks like." Got my key, found the room. Let’s just say the decor screams “budget motel in the 90s.” The bed looks like a bed. Feels… well, let’s just say I'm pretty sure my back will be complaining by morning.
- 2:30 PM: The fridge is working, which is a win! I can store my emergency supply of snacks. Essential for any road warrior.
- 3:00 PM: Wandered around the property a bit, looked at the pool (closed) and the breakfast area (looked promising). I could hear the clatter and bustle from my room. Maybe the breakfast will be better than the bed.
- 4:00 PM: Found a local Coffee place, The Everyday Kitchen and Pub. Beautiful inside, lots of great food and smiling faces, it was a great place to sit and feel alive.
Day 2: Regina's "Cultural" Highlights (and a Quest for Decent Coffee)
- 7:00 AM: Regret the bed. Achy, achy back. Dragged myself to the breakfast buffet. The eggs are a mystery blend of what-is-that-even-supposed-to-be. The instant coffee… let’s just say my taste buds are staging a strike. Found some fruit. That's about it.
- 8:00 AM: The Royal Saskatchewan Museum. Okay, actually… pretty good. The dinosaur exhibit is legitimately impressive, even for a jaded city-dweller like myself. Turns out, Saskatchewan has a rich fossil history, who knew? My inner child squealed a little.
- 10:00 AM: Needed more coffee. Desperately. The search began. Found a quaint little cafe (the name escapes me, but it had a cute barista and ACTUAL espresso) and my mood jumped up a few notches. The caffeine is a gift from the gods.
- 11:00 AM: Waffled between going to the Legislative Building and just staring at the ceiling. Settled on "Legislative Building," because, hey, culture! The tour was… well, it was an experience. The architecture is kind of grand, kind of… well, Prairie Grand. The guide, bless her heart, was very enthusiastic. I learned more than I thought I wanted to about Saskatchewan politics.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at a local diner. Burger and fries. Not gourmet, but hits the spot. The waitress was a sweetheart. Small towns, big hearts, I guess.
- 2:00 PM: Driving round and round. Maybe I should go to the casino? Too risky. Maybe the park? Too boring. Maybe just sit in the hotel room and stare at the ceiling because the bed in the hotel is just so god awful.
- 3:00 PM: I'm in a rut. Time to get creative.
- 4:00 PM: I went to the grocery store and bought some snacks. Candy, chips, and pop. (The pop is a big deal to the person I'm traveling with) Time to go back to the room and watch TV.
Day 3: The Dark Side of Regina (and the Quest for a Decent Mattress)
- 7:00 AM: Awoken by the sun, the chirping of the birds from outside and the fact that I don't think I got a wink of sleep. Back is killing me, probably going to be a chiropractor visit in my near future. Breakfast at the hotel. The same again. Fruit, eggs, cereal. That's it.
- 8:00 AM: The RCMP Heritage Centre. Wow. Heavy stuff. The exhibits about the history of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police are truly fascinating, if also a bit… intense. The stories of the officers, their triumphs, and their tragedies… it really hits you. I had to sit down for a bit. Reflecting on your purpose in life seems to be happening.
- 10:00 AM: I went down to the desk to ask about a mattress topper. It was then I realized. I don't like this room, I don't like the hotel, I want to leave, but I can't. I'm stuck.
- 11:00 AM: Went to the bar downstairs. Lots of conversations, lots of people, lots of drinks. I was feeling better, the drinks help.
- 1:00 PM: Back to the room. Time to watch the afternoon sun go down.
Day 4: Farewell Regina (and the Promise of My Own Bed!)
- 7:00 AM: One last breakfast buffet. I'm starting to think I'm developing a Pavlovian response to the smell of lukewarm scrambled eggs.
- 8:00 AM: Check out. Gave the desk clerk a sympathetic smile. She's seen worse, I'm sure.
- 8:30 AM: Uber to the airport. Goodbye, Regina. You were… an experience.
- 9:00 AM: At the airport. Now I can get back home and sleep in my own bed. Thank goodness.
Final Thoughts:
Regina, you were… different. Quirky. A little rough around the edges, but with a certain charm. I wouldn't necessarily recommend the Days Inn, but the experience, the people you meet, the things you see… It's moments like these that make travel worthwhile. Would I come back? Maybe. Would I bring my own mattress topper? Absolutely.
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Regina's BEST Kept Secret? This Days Inn Will SHOCK You! (Or Maybe It Won't) - Unfiltered FAQs
Okay, Spill the Beans! What's the "Secret" Already?!
Alright, alright, settle down, eager beavers. The "secret" is... well, it's a Days Inn in Regina. Yes, that Days Inn. The one you probably haven't thought about since... well, since maybe you were driving through on a cross-country trip with screaming kids in the backseat and your phone died. But hear me out, because this one... it's different. Or maybe I'm just easily amused. I'm leaning towards the latter.
Look, I stumbled upon this place. I was expecting the standard, slightly depressing, slightly sticky-carpeted affair. You know, the kind where you're afraid to touch anything and the continental breakfast is a stale muffin and a questionable orange juice. But this... This Days Inn *attempted* to surprise me. And it kind of did! (Maybe.)
So, Like, What's *Actually* Good About This Days Inn? Because it's a Days Inn...
Okay, let's be real. It's not winning any Michelin Stars. It's not a Four Seasons. But... and this is a BIG but... the staff were genuinely friendly. Genuinely! Like, not the "forced smile while secretly judging your stained t-shirt" kind. They seemed happy to be there, offering helpful tips and even cracking a few jokes. Which, in the realm of budget hotels... is a minor miracle. Seriously, I think the front desk lady actually *enjoyed* her job.
And the *pool*... Okay, the pool wasn't Olympic-sized, but it was clean! And it had a waterslide! A *tiny* waterslide, yes, but a waterslide nonetheless. I may or may not have ridden it more than once. Don't judge me. It was a slow day.
The breakfast... okay, the breakfast was still continental. But, again, they *tried*. They had, like... slightly less stale muffins. And the coffee wasn't the worst I've ever had. Which, again, is a win in this category. It felt more like a "someone actually cared" type of breakfast rather than a "we gotta have something to put out" kind of breakfast.
Alright, alright, you're selling me. But there have to be downsides, right? Spill the tea!
Oh, honey, buckle up. There *are* downsides. Prepare for the rollercoaster of my own internal struggles with this place:
- The Room Decor: Let's just say it's... dated. Think 1980s glamour meets a hint of beige. My room had what I can only describe as a vaguely floral wallpaper. Which, on the one hand, is kind of retro-cool, but on the other hand, makes you question why the management hasn't updated and renovated in a decade. Honestly, I found myself staring at it for a good twenty minutes trying to decide if it was charmingly vintage, or just plain depressing. The answer, I think, is both.
- Noise Level: The walls aren't exactly soundproof. I overheard a conversation about a cat named Mittens that went on for a solid hour the first night. (Seriously, Mittens, what's the tea?) And then there were the kids! Endless kids running up and down the hallways. Which, look, I love kids. But not at 2 AM when I'm trying to sleep.
- The "Gym": Okay, I use the term "gym" loosely. It was a tiny room with a treadmill that looked like it predated the internet and a rusty weight machine. I gave it a wide berth.
- The Internet: The WIFI was... spotty. Let's just say I did a lot of staring at the floral wallpaper while waiting for pages to load.
So yes, it's definitely not perfect. But, the point is, for what it is, it exceeded my expectations. And that counts for something, right?
Is this place kid-friendly? I have, like, a million of them...
Absolutely! If your definition of kid-friendly is "has a pool with a small waterslide" and "a breakfast buffet that's essentially a free-for-all sugar rush," then yes. This place is practically a child's paradise. I saw kids everywhere! Screaming in the pool, running wild in the hallways, getting hyped up over the (slightly less stale) muffins. It's a kid's dream come true. Just be prepared for the potential noise levels, and maybe pack some earplugs for yourself. (Don't say I didn't warn you.)
So, You're Saying This Days Inn is Secretly Good? Actually, Should I Stay There?
Look, "secretly good" might be an exaggeration. Let’s just say it's surprisingly... *tolerable*. If you're expecting luxury, pristine perfection, or a spa, then absolutely not. Go somewhere else. But if you're on a budget, you're looking for a clean(ish) place to lay your head, your kids want to swim, and a little bit of friendly is enough, then yeah, absolutely, stay there.
Here's the REAL breakdown: If you go in with low expectations, you might just be pleasantly surprised. Really. I was. I felt like I'd stumbled upon some hidden, low-key gem. My advice? Manage your expectations. Pack some earplugs. And maybe mentally prepare yourself for that floral wallpaper. But overall, it's a decent spot.
Would I go back? Probably. Especially if Mittens starts spilling the *real* tea.
Anything Else I Should Know Before Booking?
Hmmm... Let's see. They offered free parking, which is always nice. It's also located fairly close to a few restaurants. I wasn't blown away by those restaurants, but they were there. And the vending machine was stocked! Always a plus when you're suddenly craving a bag of chips at midnight. Oh! And there's a little fitness room... (See our previous answer, it is what it is).
Seriously, it’s a hotel. It’s not going to change your life. But it's *fine*. I gave it some thought and I would stay there again if I was driving through. Maybe. It's not that the Days Inn wasn't an exceptional experience. It just wasn't... *bad*. And in the world of budget hotels, that's a victory. Maybe. I might just be easily pleased... But hey, that's life, isn't it?
Go in with an open mind. And pack your own shampoo. Just in case.
Did You Really Ride the Waterslide?
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