Springfield's BEST Kept Secret: Days Inn South Springfield (MO)!
Days Inn South Springfield (MO): My Unexpected Oasis? Seriously? (A Messy Review)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea (or maybe just a lukewarm complimentary tea bag) on Springfield’s "BEST Kept Secret": the Days Inn South. And let me tell you, after my experience… secret might be a good word for it. Let's get real – I wasn't expecting the Ritz. I wasn't expecting anything remotely glamorous. I just needed a place to crash for a few days, and this place… well, it was a place. Let's dive in, eyes wide open, into the glorious, sometimes questionable, world of the Days Inn.
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Accessibility: A Mixed Bag (Literally, Like a Bag of Chips)
Okay, so accessibility. This is important, right? And I have to admit, they tried. Wheelchair accessible? Yep, it definitely claims to be. I say "claims" because while there were ramps and wider doorways (mostly), some of the navigating felt… adventurous. Let’s just say pushing a wheelchair through that lobby felt like an obstacle course designed by someone who’d never actually used a wheelchair. I'm talking tight turns, questionable carpet choices (more on that later), and the occasional rogue coffee table strategically placed to trip you up. Elevator? Present and accounted for, praise the Lord. Facilities for disabled guests? Yes, listed, but I didn’t personally inspect them. It's a mixed bag, and definitely worth a call ahead to confirm specific needs.
Internet Access: Free Wi-Fi – HALLELUJAH!
Alright, let’s be honest. In this day and age, free Wi-Fi is a must. And thankfully, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! was, in fact, true. That little lifeline of internet access – Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services, and Wi-Fi in public areas – worked. And for a digital nomad like myself, that’s practically a five-star rating. My productivity level soared, like, almost 50 percent. I could actually do stuff. And did I mention it was free? I mean, come on! That’s almost worth the slightly questionable carpet in the hallways (more on that later).
Cleanliness and Safety: The Sanitization Saga (Maybe?)
This is one area where I got a little… twitchy. They claimed to be on top of hygiene. Anti-viral cleaning products? Daily disinfection in common areas? Room sanitization opt-out available? Rooms sanitized between stays? Professional-grade sanitizing services? The list goes on. Look, I WANT to believe! I really do. And the staff seemed genuinely trying. But… and here's the big but… I couldn't shake the feeling that "sanitized" might be a relative term. The hallways smelled like… something. Not necessarily bad, just… something. Like a mix of industrial cleaner and… well, the lingering scent of a thousand forgotten breakfasts past. I'm guessing it was the Daily housekeeping – it wasn’t spotless. The Hand sanitizer dispensers were, thankfully, available and full. The real test, I felt, was my own room. And the carpet in my room… ah, the carpet…
My Room: A Deep Dive into Beige (And Maybe Something Else)
Speaking of rooms… I’ll be frank. It was… functional. Think "beige on beige on beige." The Air conditioning blasted (a little too much, honestly), the Alarm clock worked (mostly), and the Blackout curtains were actually effective! Coffee/tea maker? Present and accounted for, although the coffee was, let's say, an acquired taste. The Refrigerator was a godsend for my diet soda habit. The Seating area was… well, there was a chair. I wouldn't exactly call it comfortable, but it was there. And the carpet? Oh, the carpet. It looked like it had seen some things. Stains, a frayed edge here and there… let's just say, if it could talk, it would have stories. I'm not sure what the Linens were made of, but they did seem clean. I made damn sure the Bathroom phone worked, though, just in case I needed to call for immediate evacuation (a bit dramatic, I know, but the carpet….). The Window that opens was nice, though, even if the view wasn't exactly postcard-worthy. The Non-smoking rooms part was a big plus. No smoke smell at all. Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens. Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Breakfast, the Battleground
Breakfast [buffet]? Yes. Breakfast [buffet], of the "grab what you can and run" variety. I'm talking lukewarm scrambled eggs, slightly rubbery sausage, and the kind of toast that requires a jackhammer to eat. But hey, Breakfast service was at least available! Coffee/tea in restaurant was a necessity. The coffee, as mentioned before, wasn’t exactly gourmet, but it was hot, and that’s what mattered. A la carte in restaurant? No. Asian breakfast? Doubtful. Asian cuisine in restaurant? Nope. Western breakfast? They tried! Western cuisine in restaurant? Again, trying! Snack bar? I didn't see one. Poolside bar? Wishful thinking. The Hot water linen and laundry washing was appreciated. They seemed to manage.
Things to Do/Ways to Relax: Pool with a View? (Maybe, From a Distance)
Here’s where the "best kept secret" angle completely fell apart for me. Swimming pool [outdoor]? Yes, there was a pool! And at first glance it looked… well, pool-like. But then I realized the "view" was of… the parking lot. And some questionable landscaping that gave off strong "abandoned mini-golf course" vibes. There was also a Fitness center (which, thankfully, I wasn’t brave enough to enter), and a Spa/sauna (same). I'm gonna give the Swimming pool, Pool with view, Spa, Sauna, Steamroom, Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, a pass and say these were not used.
Services and Conveniences: The Usual Suspects (and a few surprises)
Concierge? Not in the traditional sense, unless you count the front desk clerk.
Daily housekeeping? Yes, although as mentioned, not always perfect, if I'm being honest! Cash withdrawal? Nope.
Meeting/banquet facilities? Yep.
Smoking area? Yes. Thank god, it was separate.
For the Kids: Meh.
Babysitting service? Nope. Family/child friendly? I mean, it’s a Days Inn.
Getting Around: Airport Transfer, Possibly? (I Walked)
Airport transfer? I'm honestly not sure. I walked. Okay, I'm being dramatic. Taxi service was definitely available and accessible. Bicycle parking probably isn't a thing. Car park [free of charge]? Yes, and it was plentiful, which was nice.
My Overall Verdict: It's a Place. That's About It.
Would I recommend the Days Inn South Springfield? Look, it depends on your expectations. If you're looking for luxury, pampering, or anything remotely resembling a "spa experience," run screaming in the other direction. If you need a clean (ish) place to sleep, a reliable internet connection, and a free breakfast (of questionable quality), and a
Houma's Hidden Gem: Comfort Inn & Suites Review (You Won't Believe This!)
Okay, buckle up, Buttercups! This isn't your polished travel brochure. This is me, navigating the concrete jungle that is Springfield, Missouri (and finding more chaos than I bargained for). I'm staying at the Days Inn South, bless its asbestos-lined heart, and here's how my (completely unhinged) adventure is going to unfold:
Day 1: Arrival, Regret, and the Quest for Decent Coffee
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at Springfield-Branson National Airport (SGF). Pretty sure my baggage handler was playing a game of "Guess the Contents" with my suitcase. It’s a miracle my toothbrush survived.
- 1:30 PM: The rental car… it’s beige. Like, aggressively beige. Feels like I’m driving a giant biscuit. Pray for me, people.
- 2:00 PM: Check into the Days Inn. The lobby smells suspiciously of industrial cleaner and faint sadness. The woman at the front desk seemed genuinely concerned when I asked for a non-smoking room. "Honey," she said, "in this town, you kinda just are smokin'."
- 2:30 PM: Coffee. The sacred ritual. And let me tell you, the vending machine in the lobby… shivers. It dispensed something that vaguely resembled brown water. This is a crime against caffeine! Immediately started plotting how to smuggle in a French press.
- 3:00 PM: Exploring some of the Springfield area. I decide on Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium. Okay, this place is actually pretty impressive, despite the fact that I almost got stuck in a giant, fake tree. The sheer scale of this place is staggering. And the animals are beautiful like the polar bear that almost made me cry (I am a mess).
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. Found a diner in the downtown. Ordered anything that wasn't deep-fried. I'm still not sure what I actually got. A meat-type substance with gravy, and a side that looked like a baked potato, but I couldn't tell.
- 9:00 PM: Back to the Days Inn. Contemplating life, the universe, and how many pillows are acceptable to hoard. Settling on five.
Day 2: The Springfield Shuffle, and the Great Pizza Debacle
- 7:00 AM: The coffee situation. Had a battle with my (secretly brought) French press. Success! Feeling marginally human.
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast. The "continental" breakfast at the Days Inn involved suspect pastries and a waffle maker that clearly pre-dates the internet. I suspect it was powered by coal. I ate three waffles. Regrets.
- 9:00 AM: Decided since I was feeling alive, that I should drive to the Missouri Institute of Natural Science. Okay I loved this place. I saw a big, big T-Rex. I actually ran away because I got a little to scared. The building is also in this beautiful Park.
- 12:00 PM: The Great Pizza Debacle. I'd been told, on multiple occasions, that Springfield had pizza. So I looked up a local place… that was only in business for 10 months. The place closed down. I was crushed. And so hungry. Ended up at the closest place I could find. Let's just say it involved a lot of cheese, some questionable sausage, and a stomach ache that lasted until bedtime.
- 2:00 PM: This is it. The big one. Fantastic Caverns. This is the only drive-through cave in the US. I'm not sure a cave-in would make the experience more dangerous, but the bus ride was a really tight squeeze. I think I enjoyed it though.
- 5:00 PM: I stopped by the Bass Pro Shop. This thing is the size of a small city! So much stuff. I bought a fishing hat. I can't fish.
- 7:00 PM: I tried to find Sushi Restaurant, but it turns out finding one on a Monday is a challenge in Springfield. At least I found some good mexican food.
- 9:00 PM: Back at the Days Inn. The beige car continues to taunt me.
Day 3: Farewell, Springfield (Maybe?!) and the Epilogue of Regret
- 7:00 AM: Coffee. Again. This time, with a healthy dose of existential dread. What is my purpose in Springfield?
- 8:00 AM: Did one last waffle. Decided the waffles were pretty good.
- 9:00 AM: Decided I was going to attempt one last, real, Springfield-style experience: Pythian Castle. The tour guide was fabulous. I felt like an actual royal in there.
- 12:00 PM: Hit the road. Headed toward the airport.
- 3:00 PM: The flight home. The beige car in the rearview mirror. I'm already planning my return.
Final Thoughts:
Springfield, you were… something. A chaotic mix of unexpected beauty, questionable cuisine, and the constant scent of industrial cleaner. The Days Inn, you were… well, you were there. And the beige car? We had a bond. A beige, slightly depressing, but ultimately functional bond. Maybe I'll be back. Maybe not. But I certainly won’t forget the experience anytime soon.
Oh, and if anyone finds a half-eaten pizza in my hotel room, it's not mine… probably.
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Days Inn South Springfield: The Unvarnished Truth (and Maybe a Few Regrets)
Okay, so you're looking for info on the Days Inn on South Campbell? Listen, I get it. We've all been there. That budget travel itch, the long drive... And sometimes, that itch leads you to places you *really* didn't expect. Buckle up, 'cause here's the REAL deal on Springfield's... well, let's just say *interesting* lodgings, and yes, that includes the Days Inn South. It's not the Ritz, folks. But is it a secret? Maybe. A good one? ... Let's see.
What's the deal with the *location*? Is it actually south? And safe?
Alright, *location, location, location*... It's *technically* south. Real south. Like, near the highway, near some... shall we say, *less desirable* establishments. Seriously, the strip club across the street... let's just say it adds character. Now, safe? Depends. I’ve stayed there solo, I’ve stayed there with a friend, and as long as you're not acting like a flashy tourist with a huge wad of cash, you're probably fine. Lock your doors at night. Keep valuables out of sight. Common sense, you know? But, honestly, the biggest threat I usually encounter is my own forgetfulness, leaving a phone charger again. Ugh.
Okay, the *rooms*. What are they REALLY like? Be honest.
Honestly? It's a gamble. Sometimes you get the room that smells vaguely of stale cigarettes and sadness. But, sometimes you get a surprisingly clean room. My last trip things went swimmingly! The time before, oh, the time before… The carpet felt like it had seen *things*. It had a certain... *stickiness* to it. I swear, I could feel the ghost of previous guests. But they ARE relatively spacious which is nice after a long drive. And the beds... they're the kind that swallow you whole. Not luxuriously, just... completely. You'll sink into them. Maybe you'll get lucky and the TV will work.
And the *breakfast*? Is it even worth getting up for, or should I just hit up the Waffle House?
Okay, the breakfast... this is where things get *interesting*. Look, Waffle House is always calling, I get it. But... the Days Inn breakfast can be surprisingly solid, IF you manage your expectations. Don't go expecting gourmet. It's the usual motel fare: maybe some sad-looking scrambled eggs that (likely) aren't real eggs, some pre-packaged pastries of questionable origin, maybe some lukewarm instant oatmeal, and definitely a coffee dispenser dispensing coffee that might be coffee, it might be brown water. I've found the best strategy is to load up on the fruit (if they've got any that isn't bruised), and the the toaster (you know what you should do). And the coffee... honestly, it might be better to run around the corner to a gas station. But hey, it's free. And it's fuel!
Let's talk about *the staff*. Experience?
Oh, the staff. It definitely depends. I was feeling down after one terrible night with a screaming kid and the awful carpet. They just gave off "eh, we've seen worse" energy. And they were right, they HAD seen worse. One time, I had a check-in that was all smiles. This time was a little different. One time, the person at the front desk had a smile that seemed to say, "I'd rather be anywhere else." Which, honestly, I completely understood. Another time! They were incredibly helpful, directing me to some local restaurants. It's a mixed bag. Sometimes, they're efficient and friendly. Sometimes, they're... just there. But, they're always there, which is a win in my book.
Alright, *parking*. Easy?
Parking? Generally, yeah. It's a motel. There's a lot of parking. Unless there's some convention in town, you'll probably be fine. But don't park too close to the street lights, if that makes sense. I've got a weird fear about my windows in dark places. Always park near a light! I don't trust the darkness, you know?
So, *pros and cons*. In a nutshell?
Okay, let's break it down, stream of conscious:
**Pros:** Cheap. Usually. Convenient, near the highway. Free breakfast, even if it's debatable. (Sometimes) surprisingly clean rooms.
**Cons:** The quality room lottery. The "atmosphere", let's just call it that. The questionable breakfast. The location (it's *ahem* interesting). The memories... (of terrible carpet).
**Verdict**: Look, it's not the nicest place. You're not going to brag about staying here. But if you're on a budget, passing through, and not expecting luxury, you can do a LOT worse. Just bring your own pillowcase, and maybe some Clorox wipes. And don't look *too* closely at the carpet. Trust me on that one.
Any *Specific* Tips?
Alright, here's my personal survival guide, because I've been to this place a few times.
1. **Ask for a room away from the highway**: Seriously, the highway noise is no joke. You'll thank me later. The last thing you want to hear is the rumble of semis all night.
2. **Check the sheets *carefully*** : Before settling in, I always do a quick once-over. (Just in case.)
3. **Pack Snacks**: Because that breakfast, yeah...
4. **Bring your own pillow:** I can't stress this enough. Your own pillow means a better night's sleep. It's psychological. It's comforting. It is a must!
5. **Embrace the weirdness:** If a stripper pole is your thing... then you will probably love the location. But I am not a stripper pole type of guy. Some people love the eccentricity though.
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