Madison Getaway: Unbeatable Deals at Country Inn & Suites!
My Verdict? Madison Getaway: Country Inn & Suites - Definitely Not Unbeatable Deals… But Still Kinda Okay? (A Messy Review)
Okay, alright, let's dive into this Country Inn & Suites in Madison. They're claiming "Unbeatable Deals," and frankly, my wallet has seen better days. So, the pressure's on, right? I spent a weekend there, and look, it wasn't awful. But let's just say my expectations versus reality were… a journey. Buckle up, because this review is gonna be a bit of a rollercoaster.
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First Impressions & Accessibility - Can You Get In? (Literally and Figuratively)
Right off the bat, I gotta say, access is pretty decent. They claim to have facilities for disabled guests, and while I couldn't personally test everything (thank goodness), the wheelchair accessibility seemed legit. Elevators, ramp access, the whole shebang. That's a big plus, especially after the last place I stayed – trying to navigate a stairwell with luggage was a workout I wasn't prepared for! The exterior corridor setup was a bit… meh. Felt a little like a motel sometimes, but hey, at least I could get to my room without scaling a skyscraper.
Internet (Oh, Sweet, Sweet Wi-Fi!)
Okay, so they really hammer home the "Free Wi-Fi in All Rooms!" thing. Believe me, I’m a sucker for good internet, especially when I'm trying to unwind after a long drive! And yes, the Wi-Fi was free and (mostly) reliable. Now, I also noticed they mentioned "Internet [LAN]", is that a thing? I'm more of a Wi-Fi kind of girl. Still, the Wi-Fi in public areas thing was good too. No complaints here from the digital nomad's perspective!
Rooms - The Good, the Bad, and the Slightly Disappointing
Alright, let's talk about the rooms. Mine wasn't exactly magazine-worthy, but it was clean - and that is key. They said it was non-smoking, and I’m pretty sure it was, despite my occasional suspicions about certain lingering smells. A big plus: blackout curtains! Finally, a hotel that understands the struggle of daylight! They also had a desk, which was a lifesaver for getting some work done. They also had an alarm clock, but I used the alarm clock on my phone. The linens were clean and the bed was comfy.
Now for the slight letdowns. The "in-room safe box" felt a little… flimsy. I’m not sure I’d trust it with my actual gold bars. Also, the "extra-long bed" wasn’t that extra-long, and I'm not even that tall. I'm a bit of a sofa person so I was sad there was no sofa. And the toiletries? Basic. Bring your own fancy stuff.
Cleanliness and Safety - Is It Germ-Free? (Almost)
Honestly, in today’s world, cleanliness is everything. They seemed to take it seriously, with the whole "anti-viral cleaning products," "daily disinfection," and "rooms sanitized between stays" spiel. I did feel safe. Plus, the hand sanitizer stations were everywhere. A small thing, but a big deal in these times. I noticed a "Hygiene certification," which made me feel a bit better. I'm glad they offered the option to opt out of room cleaning, some people are weird about that! A+ for effort.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - Fueling Up (Or Maybe Not)
Alright, let's talk food. The "Breakfast [buffet]" was…let's say, "adequate." Scrambled eggs that might have been real, some questionable sausage, and the usual suspects. International cuisine? Not really. Western? Sure. If you consider pre-made cereal "Western." I did appreciate getting a bottle of water, I drink water constantly. There was a "Coffee/tea in restaurant" thing, too. I did not encounter a vegetarian restaurant. They claim "Alternative meal arrangement" – that feels a bit fancy for what I saw. The snack bar was pretty basic, too. I'd recommend bringing your own snacks because there's nothing worse than starving in your hotel room.
Things to Do and Ways to Relax - Spa Day Dreams (Sort Of)
Okay, the "ways to relax" part is where things get… interesting. They have a "Fitness center", which I didn't try (I’m on vacation, people!), and a "Swimming pool [outdoor]" that looked tempting, but the weather wasn't cooperating, and I was too busy napping and checking my email on the excellent Wi-Fi. And that’s pretty much it. You could relax, but the options weren't overly exciting. Don't go expecting a spa wonderland.
Services and Conveniences - The Perks (and the Lack Thereof)
Okay, the list here is LONG, so let's hit the highlights. They had a "Daily housekeeping," which was great. "Concierge?" I’m not sure what that implied, since the front desk was sort of it. "Cash withdrawal" exists which I guess is handy if you need that. The "Elevator" was indeed there, a huge plus for luggage-toting. The "Gift/souvenir shop," let's just say it wasn't overflowing with treasures; I don't think everyone expects a gift shop! The "Laundry service" was convenient.
For the Kids - Family Fun? (Maybe)
They list "Babysitting service," "Family/child friendly," and "Kids meal". This is great for families, and I did encounter kids on my stay. If you're going to bring the kids, this seems a decent option, if not the best I've seen.
Getting Around - Wheels and Wheels
They provide "Airport transfer," a "Bicycle parking," "Car park [free of charge]," and "Taxi service." That’s great, especially if you need any of those things!
The Verdict - Still Kinda Okay
So, would I call the Country Inn & Suites in Madison an "Unbeatable Deal"? No. Not exactly. It’s more like a "Decent Deal, With Some Quirks" kind of place. The location was fine, it was clean, and the Wi-Fi rocked. The breakfast was… well, let's just say I wasn't exactly thrilled. But as a last resort, it was a solid option if you're looking for a place to crash while exploring Madison. I'd go back? Maybe. I’m still looking for the truly “unbeatable” deal, aren’t we all?
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because you're about to get the real Madison, Wisconsin, experience. And by "real," I mean the one I cobbled together while wrestling with a malfunctioning coffee machine and a lingering, slightly unsettling feeling I might have forgotten something vital, like, say, pants.
Day 1: Arrival & The Cheese-Curd Conspiracy (Maybe I'm Overthinking This)
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at Country Inn & Suites. Ah, bless their little hearts. It’s clean, it smells clean, and the lobby is already screaming, "Welcome to America!" with the American flag and the vaguely floral-scented air freshener. I fumble with the door, nearly taking out a potted plant. Classic. Check-in goes smoothly. Shoutout to the overly enthusiastic receptionist who genuinely seemed thrilled I was there. Is that a Midwestern thing? Maybe it's the cheese curds.
- 1:30 PM: Unpack. I survey the room. It comes with a king bed with extra pillows – score! Then I realize I've packed enough clothing for a solo expedition to the South Pole. Overthinking it, as usual.
- 2:00 PM: Lunch at a nearby place. I decide on a place called "The Old Fashioned." I order a burger and fries. The burger, my friends, was…good. Solid. But the fries… Oh, the fries. They're the kind that make you question all the bad choices you've made in life and feel like, maybe just maybe you've found a reason to keep living. They're that crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside perfection. THIS is what I came here for.
- 3:30 PM: A must! A walk around the State Capitol building. Gorgeous. And the people-watching is even better. So many plaid shirts, so little time. I spot a guy with a bicycle built for one; he's wearing a helmet with a jaunty feather. I want to be his friend. I consider saying something, but I am a social anxious bird.
- 5:00 PM: Back to the hotel to freshen up. I nearly take a nap. Dangerously close. I realize I'm already behind schedule… but do I even have a schedule?
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. Again, The Old Fashioned. I order a giant plate of cheese curds. I mean, when in Rome, right? Except this is not Rome, this is the cheese curd capital of the world. They are good, of course, with a perfect squeak. I start to wonder if the squeak is a conspiracy. Some kind of subliminal messaging that makes me keep eating them. I'll be back for more.
- 8:00 PM: An evening stroll around campus. The University of Wisconsin-Madison is buzzing with life. I see a couple making out on a bench, a group of kids are doing a bonfire. I feel a pang of jealousy for their youthful energy. I grab some ice cream at a local shop. I manage to drop some on my shoe. Yep, still human.
Day 2: Lake Mendota Mishaps & the Art of Pretending to be Cultured
- 8:00 AM: Complimentary hotel breakfast. The waffles, are, well, waffles. Edible. The coffee, however, is a disaster. I try, with extreme effort, to pour it. I think my hand is shaking. It's like drinking warm, weak dishwater. I need a stronger coffee. I need life to be stronger.
- 9:00 AM: Lake Mendota. I rent a kayak. This is a mistake. I haven't kayaked in, oh, a decade. It's harder than it looks. My arms ache. I nearly capsize twice. At one point, I just drift, staring at the sky, contemplating my life choices. A family in a pontoon boat waves at me. I wave back, probably looking like a drowning walrus.
- 11:00 AM: Clean up. I go back to the hotel and take a shower. I have to get the smell of lake off me. I find a small rip in the shower curtain. I probably tripped it.
- 12:00 AM: Visit the Chazen Museum of Art. Time to pretend I'm cultured! I wander around, gazing at the art. I nod knowingly at things I don't understand. I overhear a group of art students talking about "juxtaposition." I try to look intellectual. I then get bored and begin to people-watch. A real-life treasure hunt.
- 2:00 PM: A break. I grab lunch at a cute cafe. Again, delicious food. I start to realize the food scene in Madison is serious. I buy a book.
- 3:00 PM: State Street. The heart of Madison! Street performers, quirky shops, and an overwhelming sense of "things happening". I see a guy playing a didgeridoo. It's… loud. I buy a silly t-shirt.
- 5:00 PM: Back to the hotel. Maybe I should nap. This is a long day.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at a restaurant. I try to get a reservation. I end up at a place with a wait. All. The. Time.
- 9:00 PM: Nightcap at a local bar. I have some beers and make small talk with a local. I'm proud of myself. I'm better. Wait, is this beer or water.
- 11:00 PM: Back to the Country Inn & Suites. I pass out, dreaming of cheese curds, kayaks, and the sweet, sweet promise of a decent cup of coffee.
Day 3: Farewell, Madison (and the lingering question of the cheese-curd conspiracy)
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast attempt number two. Different waffle machine, same watery coffee. I sneak down to the lobby and snag a few of those travel-sized coffees.
- 9:00 AM: Final stroll around the Capitol square. One last look at the architecture, the people, the general "vibe." I feel a bittersweet pang of sadness at leaving, mixed with a profound relief at not having to kayak again.
- 10:00 AM: Check out. I leave the hotel and make a note to myself to try to book a different hotel next time.
- 11:00 AM: Load up the car. I get ready to leave. I feel like I could stay on.
- 12:00 AM: I consider a detour for one final plate of cheese curds. I am not sure if I can resist. I am weak.
- 1:00 PM: Drive away, already planning my return. Madison, you're a weird, wonderful, and slightly cheesy place. And I wouldn't have it any other way!
So, uh, Country Inn & Suites in Madison – Unbeatable Deals? Really? You SURE about that?
Okay, look, "unbeatable" is a strong word. And listen, I’m not promising you winning the lottery – though, hey, maybe if you book a room you'll manifest some good fortune, right?! My inner optimist is screaming "YES!" But seriously, the deals? They CAN be pretty darn good. I once snagged a rate so low… I actually felt slightly guilty. Like, "Is this real life?" guilty.
**Here’s the messy truth**: It depends. It depends on the time of year. It depends on the day of the week. It depends on if the hotel is having a weirdly specific event you're not aware of (like a taxidermy convention, which, true story, I ALMOST walked into). But generally? They offer some seriously competitive rates, especially if you're flexible and can book ahead. Also, check for those seasonal promotions! You never know what little treasure you might find.
What's the deal with the free breakfast? Is it actually *good* free breakfast? Because airport breakfasts have ruined me…
Oh, the breakfast. Buckle up. It's… breakfast. It's free. And listen, it’s not Michelin-star quality. Let’s get that out of the way. BUT! It’s often better than you think. There's usually a waffle maker (important. SO very important). Scrambled eggs. (Hit or miss, honestly. Sometimes amazing, sometimes… a little… rubbery.) Fruit. Cereal. Yogurt. Coffee that's usually… caffeinated. I’m a coffee snob, so I usually sneak some of my good stuff in, but it's functional.
**My personal experience**: I once met this sweet old lady at the breakfast bar who had brought her own homemade granola. She was so proud! And it was delicious. She practically *insisted* I try some. (Turns out, she was a retired baker. Makes sense.) So, yeah. Breakfast is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get… and you might even meet a lovely, granola-sharing stranger.
Alright, alright, breakfast is whatever. But what about the rooms themselves? Are they… clean? And, you know, not haunted?
Okay, real talk? Cleanliness is a biggie for me. I NEED a clean room. And for the most part, I've found the rooms at this particular Country Inn & Suites to be… satisfactory. Generally clean. Not "hospital-grade sterile," but not "OMG I need a hazmat suit" either.
**Here's a little secret:** I’m admittedly a germaphobe, so I always give everything a quick wipe-down when I arrive. (Judge me all you want!) My sister thinks I'm insane, but hey, peace of mind is priceless. Have I found a stray crumb or two? Yeah, maybe. Have I ever encountered a poltergeist? Thankfully, no. (Knock on wood!) The staff is generally pretty good about keeping things tidy, so don't worry *too* much about that. Oh, and the beds? Comfortable enough to crash on, especially after that taxidermy convention… I mean, long day.
What about the location? Is it… convenient? Or am I stuck in the middle of nowhere?
Location, location, location! Aah, the eternal question. The Country Inn & Suites in Madison? The ones I've been to are usually pretty centrally located, but "convenient" is relative. Are you looking to be within walking distance of a bustling nightlife? Maybe not. (Though, hey, a brisk walk is good for you, right?). But they’re generally close to major roads, restaurants, and some attractions. **Here's something you may have missed**: I always try to find a place that's easy to drive to, especially if I’m road-tripping. I HATE getting lost. And the Country Inn and Suites has usually been good on that front. Plus, there's usually plenty of parking. Which is a HUGE win in my book.
Okay, fine. But what if something goes wrong? What's the customer service like? Are they going to be nice, or just… annoyed?
Ah, customer service. The true test of a hotel. I've had mixed experiences, let's be honest. Mostly positive, though. (Thankfully!). I’ve found the staff at these hotels to be generally helpful. I’ve had to ask for extra towels more than once (my hair, you know?). And I've had a forgotten phone charger or two. They've always been pretty responsive and polite. **Anecdote time!**: I once locked myself out of my room (classic!). I felt like an absolute idiot. But the front desk guy was super cool about it. Didn’t even make me feel that bad. He had a good sense of humor and got me sorted out quickly. So, yeah… generally good. But, again, things can vary. Be nice, be polite. It tends to work in your favor, I've found.
Seriously, what about the pool and gym? Are they even worth using?
Okay, pool and gym. Let's be real. The hotel pool is usually a standard rectangular shape, inside. It's usually indoors. It's usually… chlorine-y. But hey, it's a pool! And sometimes, that's all you need.
**My Take:** I’m not a huge pool person, but If you're traveling with kids, it's a godsend. As for the gym? Well, "gym" might be a strong word. It’s usually got a treadmill, an elliptical, maybe some weights. Enough to get a little sweat on, but don't expect a full-blown fitness center. I usually take a quick peek, then run back to the free breakfast. Which, you know, cancels out the workout, but whatever.
Is there anything about these hotels that's *actually* amazing? What’s your overall verdict?
Okay, amazing? Hmm… I wouldn’t go *that* far. But let’s be positive here. I think they give you more than they take. **My overall verdict:** Look, it's not the Ritz-Carlton. But, for the price, you get a clean(ish) room, a semi-decent free breakfast, generally friendly staff, and a convenient location. It's practical. It's reliable. And, let’s be honest, sometimes that’s exactly what you need. Plus, that waffle maker… you can't beat it! (The granola-loving lady might disagree, but... waffles!). Just go into it with realistic expectations, and you'll probably leave feeling pretty good about your stay. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go find those car keys…”
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