Escape to St. Louis: Unbeatable Deals at Super 8 Collinsville!
Escape to St. Louis with a Side of… Super 8 Collinsville? (A Hot Mess Review)
Okay, so, the fine print: I’m not exactly a travel blogger, more like a professional over-thinker who’s just survived a weekend “Escape to St. Louis” venture. The escape part? Mostly from my own mind. The St. Louis part? Well, it started with a cheap deal and ended up, predictably, at…the Super 8 in Collinsville. Buckle up, buttercups. This is going to be a ride.
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First Impressions & Accessibility - (or, "My First Panic Attack of the Trip")
Pulling up to the Super 8, the exterior… well, let's just say it screams "budget." It's the kind of place that feels like it's been watching you since you left home - always there, always judging. But hey, cheap is cheap, right? We're talking serious "escape" mode here, as in, escape my bank account.
Accessibility: Now, this is where I started feeling a little less panicked (mostly). They seem to have a decent handle on this. Wheelchair accessible? Yep, ramps and all. The elevators actually worked (a small miracle), and I saw signs indicating accessible rooms. Good on ya, Super 8. Not that I needed it (thankfully!), but seeing those features made me feel like they actually cared about their guests, not just their bottom line. Kudos.
The In-Room Experience - The Wi-Fi Was a Lifesaver (Literally?)
Let’s be honest, the rooms… they're… functional. Air conditioning blasting, TV with satellite channels (which I mostly ignored in favor of my phone), and a basic bathroom. The bed was…a bed. Not a cloud, not a torture device, just…a bed.
Free Wi-Fi in All Rooms!, thank the tech gods! Seriously, this was a game changer. Because, let's be real, the highlight of my "weekend getaway" was binging Schitt's Creek in my PJs while stuffing my face with gas station snacks. The internet access was steady enough to avoid meltdowns (important!), and the fact that they offered both Wi-Fi [free] and Internet access – LAN (for you tech wizards out there) felt like a bonus.
Important Room Details to Note:
- Air Conditioning: Yes, it works. Maybe a little too well. Bring a blanket.
- Coffee/Tea Maker: Yes, but expect instant coffee. Embrace the budget.
- Desk: Yep, for those of you who need to pretend you’re working. (I definitely did not. Don't judge).
- Ironing Facilities: Present and accounted for. Did I use them? Nope. #WrinkleLife.
- Refrigerator: Tiny but functional. Perfect for that cheap beer haul.
- Bathroom: Standard, which means it did the job.
- Wake-Up Service: They have it. I used my phone.
Cleanliness & Safety - The "Is This Actually Safe?" Anxiety
Okay, this one is huge for me. Especially post-pandemic. The Super 8 definitely tries. They’ve got the "look at us, we care!" signs everywhere: Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer stations… But, ya know, does it feel clean? Mostly, yes. I didn't find any rogue dust bunnies plotting world domination (which is a win).
Room sanitization opt-out? Apparently (didn't actually use it as I was in "anti-viral" mode)
Staff trained in safety protocol? I hope so. I didn't see anyone coughing or sneezing.
Important Safety Notes:
- Fire extinguisher: Present (phew).
- Smoke alarms: Also present (another phew).
- CCTV in common areas: Got it.
- Security [24-hour]: They say so. I didn't test its resilience.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Breakfast: The Budget Traveler's Ritual
Breakfast [buffet]: included! (Hallelujah!) This is where things get…interesting. Think: pre-packaged muffins that look suspiciously like they’ve been sitting there since the Clinton administration, generic cereal, and a waffle machine that somehow manages to make waffles both soggy and rock-hard simultaneously. It's breakfast, it's free, and it'll fill you up. Embrace the budget. It's a rite of passage.
Coffee/tea in restaurant: Yes, but the coffee is… coffee. Breakfast service: Always
Other Food Adventures:
- Snack bar: Yeah, in the lobby. Standard convenience store fare.
- Restaurants: None on-site, sadly. (Though, there are a bunch of fast-food joints nearby, which is part of the "budget" charm).
- Coffee shop: Nope but plenty of gas stations with coffee.
- Poolside bar: Nope (but, the pool is… well, we'll get to that.)
Pool & Relaxation - The "This is the Life… Maybe?" Moment
They have an outdoor swimming pool! And honestly? It's a lifesaver. On a hot day, it's pure bliss. Sure, it's not the infinity pool of a swanky resort, but the water was clean, it wasn't overly crowded, and sometimes, that's all you need. I’ll admit it, I spent a good portion of my time there, floating on my back, staring at the sky, and thinking "This is the life….maybe?”.
Spa/Sauna? Gym/Fitness? Nope. Embrace the simple life (and the lack of exercise). Pool with view? Nah. Just a regular pool.
Services & Conveniences - The "They Tried" Section
The Super 8 offers a decent range of services… but with varying levels of execution.
Free car park [on-site]: Always a win. 24-hour front desk: Helpful. Concierge: Non-existent (but hey, I was the in-house concierge, doing my "escape" research). Laundry service: Yep. Dry cleaning: Nope. Elevator: Yes. Luggage storage: Probably. Didn't use it. Cash withdrawal: No. Convenience store: Yes, and it helped me with my weekend survival.
Important Services I Didn’t Need, But They Had:
- Doctor/nurse on call (thank goodness)
- Facilities for disabled guests (which is great)
- Meeting/banquet facilities/Meeting stationery (for the serious escape people who need to… meet)
- Pet-allowed (they have some rules, but it's a plus!)
For the Kids (or, "The "This Place is Actually Family-Friendly!" Surprise")
Family/child friendly: From what I saw, yes. I didn't have kids with me, but I saw several families, and it seemed like a perfectly decent place for a budget family trip. Babysitting service: No
Getting Around – Location, Location, Location…and a Car
Car Park [free of charge] - Huge advantage. You'll NEED a car to escape to anywhere interesting from this place.
They offer Airport transfer: Car park [on-site]: Yep.
The Verdict - The Super 8 Collinsville: Is it an Escape? Mostly…
Look, it's a Super 8. You're not going to find luxury, Michelin-star dining, or a butler named Jeeves. But for a quick, budget-friendly escape, it does the trick. It's clean enough, the Wi-Fi is good, the pool is a bonus, and the free breakfast (while…basic) gets the job done.
Would I recommend it? If you're looking for a cheap place to crash near St. Louis and you're not expecting the Ritz, then absolutely. It’s a functional hotel, offering a decent starting point for your St. Louis adventures, and it is, indeed, an escape from your daily grind.
Final Rating: 3.5 out of 5 weary traveler stars. Would I go back? Probably. Because sometimes, all you need is a cheap bed, some free Wi-Fi, and a pool to remind you that you survived another week. And honestly, there's a certain charm to that.
Red Roof Inn Fairmont WV: Unbeatable Deals & Comfort Await!
Okay, buckle up, buttercup, because this isn't your sterile, perfectly-optimized travel itinerary. This is… well, it's my attempt at a structured trip to the Super 8 in Collinsville, IL. Don't expect perfection. Embrace the glorious, stumbling mess of it all.
ITINERARY: Surviving (and Hopefully Enjoying) the Super 8 Experience
Day 1: The Arrival (and Immediate Regrets?)
- 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM: The Great Escape (and the I-55 Shuffle)
- Left home (Chicago) with the best intentions. Coffee coursing through my veins, killer playlist prepped. Realization: Rush hour IS a beast, especially when you're running slightly behind and the GPS lady's passive-aggressive tone is really grating.
- Anecdote: I swear, every truck on I-55 had a "Support Our Troops" sticker, right next to a "Jesus Saves" one. Not complaining, just… observing. Wondering if the same people are in charge of my breakfast.
- Imperfection: Forgot to pack a toothbrush. Cue the frantic mental inventory of nearby drugstores.
- 3:00 PM - 3:30 PM: Collinsville! (Finally!)
- Arrived at the Super 8. Check-in: Smooth (surprisingly!). Lobby… well, the lobby is what it is. Let's be honest, it's seen some things. The carpet whispers of countless spilled coffees.
- Quirky Observation: The "Free Breakfast" sign had a faded picture of a suspiciously cheerful-looking waffle. I'm already skeptical.
- Emotional Reaction: Relief! The drive was a slog. Time to unload, and scope out the vibe.
- 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM: The Room Reveal (and Existential Dread)
- Entered the room. Okay, not bad. Clean-ish. That distinct motel-room smell (a mix of disinfectant and…something else) hit me.
- Imperfection: The TV remote might as well be from the Stone Age. And the bedspread? Oh boy, the bedspreads… I'm definitely putting my own cover on that thing.
- Rambling Thought: This room is a blank slate. My temporary home. Time to make it my own, despite the generic artwork and the general feeling of "neutral zone."
- 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM: Exploring the Local Scene (or, "Where's the Good Food?")
- The Mission: Finding a decent dinner. I'm not talking Michelin-star, but maybe something beyond fast food. I do love a good taco bell run though.
- Opinionated Language: I googled "best restaurants Collinsville". First result? “Best BBQ”. Sold. It looked like heaven in images..
- Emotional Reaction: A healthy dose of optimism that I could find a spot to eat.
- 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner at (BBQ Restaurant) and a Nightcap (or Two)
- Double Down: The barbecue. Oh, the BBQ. I got the pulled pork sandwich. Juicy, smoky, delicious. I may or may not have inhaled it. And the mac and cheese? Forget about it! This was the highlight of the day.
- Messy Structure: After dinner, back to the Super 8. Maybe a beer. Maybe two. The TV remote is still a problem. I'm going to bed very, very full.
- Honest Thought: I'm happy to be here. It's just an overnight, but I really did enjoy it so far.
Day 2: Farewell, Collinsville! (Maybe, for Now)
- 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM: The Dreaded "Free Breakfast" (and the Paper Plate Apocalypse)
- Category: Food Fail. Okay, the waffle was not cheerful. It was a pale, sad little thing from a dispenser. The scrambled eggs looked suspiciously yellow. Coffee was strong… and tasted vaguely of burnt rubber.
- Opinionated Language: I ate, but don’t ask me to go back.
- 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Room Review (and a Quick Clean-Up)
- Packing. Leaving the room as I found it (almost).
- Emotional Reaction: A little sad to leave, but happy to go. Ready to get home and back in my own bed.
- 9:00 AM - 9:30 AM: Check-Out and the Great Escape, Part Deux
- Check-out: Easy. The attendant was…there.
- Imperfection: Forgot to take the water bottles.
- 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM: The I-55 Tango (Again)
- Category: Departure Blues. The drive back. Feeling a mix of exhaustion and contentment. The highway is a familiar companion.
- Quirky Observation: Wondering if the truck drivers are eating the same breakfast as me. If so, godspeed.
- Final Thought: Collinsville, you were… an experience. Maybe I'll be back. Maybe not. But I'm glad I came.
Final Notes:
- This is just a rough guideline. Things will inevitably go wrong. Embrace the chaos!
- Be prepared for… well, a Super 8. Don't set your expectations too high.
- Have fun! (Or at least try to.)
- Bring your own toothbrush. Seriously.
Escape to St. Louis: Super 8 Collinsville - The Real Deal (Maybe?) FAQ
Okay, Seriously, Is This Super 8 *Really* A "Deal"? My Grandma's Been Giving Me Side-Eye...
Alright, let's be real. "Deal" is subjective. If you're expecting the Ritz, you're in for a colossal disappointment. Seriously, you'll be calling your grandma and apologizing for doubting her common sense. But! If you're the kind of person who values a roof over your head, hot water (fingers crossed!), and a (probably) clean bed, then yeah, it *could* be a deal. Think of it as a "budget-friendly launching pad" for your St. Louis adventure. I mean, I stayed there once. It wasn't the Four Seasons. Let's just leave it at that. Found out later someone's cat threw up under the vending machine. That's real.
Let's Talk About the Pool. Is It a Gross Lagoon? Or... Swimmable?
The pool...Ah, the pool. Okay, confession time: I went *once*. It was... green adjacent. Look, I'm not a pool snob, and I'm not scared of a little chlorine, but let's just say the water had a certain *patina* about it. I saw a lone, disgruntled-looking plastic duck bobbing around. (I'm pretty sure it had seen things). Other guests looked to be giving it a wide berth. My advice? Pack a hazmat suit. Just kidding! (Mostly). But really, lower your expectations. Seriously. Maybe ask the front desk before you suit up and get your hopes too high. Better safe than sorry, and better than seeing what I saw...again.
Okay, the Breakfast. Free Continental, Right? What Horrors Await at the "Continental"?
Ah, the breakfast. The siren song of stale pastries and lukewarm coffee. Yes, it's "free". And yes, it's continental. Expect the usual suspects: waxy muffins, pre-packaged mini-donuts of questionable origin, and that mysterious "juice" that probably contains more sugar than actual fruit. The coffee... is coffee. It will keep you awake, maybe. I swear I saw a family fighting over the last packet of instant oatmeal. It was brutal. My advice? Hit the local diner. You'll be happier. Okay, maybe I'm being a little harsh. There's usually toast, which is... something. And at least you get to people-watch. That's always a perk, and maybe the best thing there.
How Far Is It From "Things" in St. Louis? You Know - Like, The Arch and Stuff. And Is There a Gas Station Nearby, Because My Bladder Is Officially a Crisis?
Okay, geography time. Collinsville, where our Super 8 friend resides, is *not* in St. Louis. It's across the river, in Illinois. So, yes, you'll be driving. The Gateway Arch is... well, it's a bit of a haul. Factor in traffic. Especially if you're going on a weekend. Also, yes, there are gas stations nearby. Thank goodness. And yes, the Arch is awesome. But plan for the drive. And the bathroom breaks. Seriously. Don't be *that* person, pacing and hopping. I learned the hard way. Bring snacks, too. Road trips are a marathon, not a sprint.
Are the Rooms Actually Clean? This Is Important. I Have a Thing About Dust Bunnies. And Bed Bugs. OMG. Bed Bugs.
Okay, let's address the elephant in the room: cleanliness. I'm going to be brutally honest again. It depends. I've stayed in worse. I've stayed in better. Inspect everything. Seriously. Check under the sheets. Look in the corners. Use the little flashlight on your phone. If you see anything that remotely resembles a bed bug, RUN. Immediately. Call the front desk. Demand a new room, or a significant discount, or both. I'm not saying it's *infested*. But it's a budget hotel. So, proceed with caution and your eyes wide open. Honestly, for that price, it's hard to complain *too* much, but if you're the type of person who is going to complain anyway, be sure to pack the bug spray. It never hurt anyone to be prepared.
What's the Deal with the Staff? Are They Friendly? Do They Speak English? (Just Kidding...Mostly)
The staff... is a mixed bag. Some are genuinely lovely. Super friendly, helpful, wanting to make sure you have a good stay. Others... well, they're probably just trying to get through the day. Expect a range of personalities. Do they speak English? Yes, of course! Mostly! (Kidding, again, mostly). The check-in process can be a little... brisk. Don't expect a ton of small talk. Just be polite, ask your questions, and try to be patient. They're probably dealing with a lot. Just be nice, and it probably helps. I would say treat people with respect. It's the best policy.
Parking? Is It a Hunger Games Scenario, or Can I Actually Find a Spot?
Parking is generally... okay. There's usually space. I've never had a massive battle for a spot. But don't expect luxurious, wide-open spaces. It's a Super 8. It's functional. It's there. The parking lot isn't exactly beautiful, but it's safe enough. Just be aware of your surroundings. And try not to block anyone in. That's just bad karma. I mean, really, at this point, you're hoping the car isn't broken into. It is what it is!
Okay, Let's Say I Survive the Super 8. What's *Actually* Good About Staying Here? Give Me Some Positives, Dammit!
Alright, alright, I'll give you some sunshine. The biggest positive is the price. It's cheap. Really cheap. If you're on a budget and just need a place to crash, it works. Secondly, the location, while not *in* St. Louis, is on the outskirts of the area. It really is a convenient spot for hitting the highway. The Super 8 is the ideal location to start your adventure. Plus, there's usually a decent amount of restaurants and shopping nearby. Lastly, it's an experienceSearchotel
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