Monticello's Hidden Gem: Wayside Motor Inn – Your Unexpected Utah Escape!
Monticello's Hidden Gem: Wayside Motor Inn – My Unexpected Utah Escape! (A Slightly Over-the-Top & Honest Review)
Okay, folks, buckle up, because I just got back from Monticello, Utah, and I'm still processing it. Specifically, I stayed at the Wayside Motor Inn, and let me tell you, it was way more interesting than I expected. Let's be real, "Motor Inn" doesn't exactly scream "luxury spa retreat," does it? But sometimes, the best surprises come in the most unassuming packages.
(SEO & Metadata Stuff - Sorry, I'm supposed to do this… even though it's ruining my flow):
- Keywords: Wayside Motor Inn, Monticello Utah, Utah hotels, accessible hotels, free wifi, swimming pool, spa, restaurant, family-friendly hotel, pet-friendly (sort of… more on that later!), clean hotel, safe hotel, Monticello lodging, Canyonlands National Park, Arches National Park.
- Meta Description: Discover the Wayside Motor Inn in Monticello, Utah: A surprising escape! Read our honest review of its accessibility, dining, spa, amenities, and safety features. Perfect base for exploring Canyonlands & Arches National Parks.
(Rant Begins - You’ve Been Warned!)
First things first, location, location, location. Monticello is… well, it's in Utah. And let's be honest, Utah is stunning. The Wayside is perfectly positioned as a launchpad for exploring Canyonlands and Arches National Parks. Seriously, driving through those red rock landscapes? Jaw-dropping. Now, being a city slicker, I was a little worried about being completely off the grid. I need my internet! Let's get down to business:
Internet Access & Connectivity – My Digital Lifeline:
- WIFI in All Rooms! (and Free!): Praise the internet gods! This was a must for me. I’m a digital nomad, and I’m constantly connected. The free Wi-Fi in all rooms was a lifesaver. It was surprisingly reliable, even when I was trying to upload a mountain of photos (more on those later…)
- Internet [LAN]: I didn't personally use LAN, but knowing it was there, just in case the Wi-Fi decided to take a powder, was comforting.
- Internet services: The hotel offers basic Internet services, which is excellent.
Accessibility - Can Everyone Get Around OK?
- Accessibility: Now, I didn't need full accessibility features (thank goodness), but I always pay attention to this. They indicate they have facilities for disabled guests, which is great. It's a good sign.
- Elevator: Check! The elevator was very helpful.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - Fueling the Adventure!
- Restaurants: Alright listen up, I ate everything here. The restaurant at the Wayside was a quirky gem! It was super casual (no dress code, thank goodness!), which fit the vibe. I had the Asian breakfast; it was surprisingly good!
- Breakfast [Buffet]: The big win was the breakfast. It was a buffet, and I'm not a big fan of buffets in general, but this one was decent. The coffee/tea in the restaurant was actually quite good.
- Room service [24-hour]: Okay, this is a game-changer. After a long day of hiking in the desert heat, being able to order room service was a godsend.
- Poolside Bar: I didn't see a poolside bar.
- Snack bar: I needed a snack bar, bad - luckily, it was there to save the day.
Cleanliness and Safety - Feeling Safe & Sound:
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Excellent, I could relax.
- Hand sanitizer: Yes, everywhere! Especially needed after I'd been climbing rocks.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Good!
- Staff trained in safety protocol: This is reassuring.
- CCTV in common areas: That’s always nice to see.
- Fire extinguisher: Check.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax - From Hiking to… Well, Mostly Hiking (But Also Spa!)
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: The pool! Ah, the pool. It was what I expected, but the view made it something so much more.
- Spa/sauna, Spa, Steamroom: I wasn't expecting this at all, and it made everything so much better! After a day of hiking in the desert, the sauna and especially the steamroom were pure heaven. My muscles were screaming for mercy, and the Wayside delivered!
- Massage: I got a massage. It was amazing. I'm still dreaming about it. Seriously, I'm tempted to go back just for that massage.
- Fitness center, Gym/fitness: I’m one of those people. There was the Fitness center!
(Rambling A Bit… Because That's How I Roll)
Okay, so I'm getting a little side-tracked by the pool and the massage. Back to the practicalities!
Services and Conveniences - The Little Things That Matter:
- Air conditioning in public area: Crucial. Utah in summer gets hot.
- Daily housekeeping: Always appreciated.
- Doorman: There isn't one.
- Car park [free of charge]: Huge win. Parking in most national parks is a nightmare.
- Laundry service: Fantastic. Hiking gear gets dirty.
- Concierge: The concierge was friendly and helpful, especially with recommendations for local hikes. (They know their stuff!)
- Contactless check-in/out: A nice touch in the current climate.
Available in all rooms:
- Air conditioning: Crucial
- Alarm clock: Useful for those early morning hikes.
- Internet access – wireless: Again, essential!
- Satellite/cable channels: For chilling out after a long day.
- Wake-up service: For the same reason.
(My Biggest “But…” and a Few Quirks)
- Family/child friendly: Yes, I saw kids!
- Pets allowed unavailable: I saw a few small dogs, but not sure if it was the hotel or outside.
The Verdict: Would I Go Back?
Absolutely. The Wayside Motor Inn is a hidden gem. I loved the quirky charm, the unexpected spa, the convenient location for exploring those amazing national parks, and the fact that I could truly unplug (while still staying connected, thanks to that Wi-Fi!). It's not perfect, and it's certainly not flashy, but it's honest, comfortable, surprisingly well-equipped, and left me with a bunch of great memories. If you're looking for a comfortable, convenient, and unexpectedly relaxing basecamp for your Utah adventures, the Wayside Motor Inn is worth a look. Just… don't expect a five-star resort. Expect something much more interesting. And definitely book that massage. You won't regret it.
Snyder's BEST Hotel? Fairfield Inn & Suites Review!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. This is the Wayside Wanderer's Wild Ride through Monticello, Utah, baby! And frankly, the Wayside Motor Inn? I'm intrigued already. Let's see what kind of dusty, slightly-off-kilter adventures we can stumble into.
Day 1: Arrival, Realizations, and Rusty Steering Wheels
- 1:00 PM - Arrival at Wayside Motor Inn (Monticello, UT): Okay, so initial impressions? Let's just say the neon sign flickers with a charming, slightly melancholic rhythm. It's got that vibe, y'know? Like the last place on Earth, but somehow right. The parking lot? Well, it's… spacious. And the tumbleweeds, they're rolling. I might have even seen one wink at me.
- Emotional Reaction: A giddy mixture of excitement and "welp, here we are." This is exactly the kind of place I live for. If the room has a mini-fridge that still makes the ice, I'm sold. I will also investigate thoroughly for any spooky vibes.
- Quirky Observation: Notice the total lack of fancy landscaping and the abundance of broken benches. This place is honest, in a way that makes me feel I could actually be myself here.
- 1:30 PM - Check-in Drama (or Lack Thereof): The woman behind the counter (I swear she looks like she's seen some things) is named Agnes. Agnes has a permanent squint and a voice that could melt the polar ice caps. "Room 17," she grunts. "Key's in it. Don't lose it. No refunds." Perfect. My kinda gal.
- 2:00 PM - Room Inspection & Mild Panic: Okay, the room is fine. Beige. Two double beds, a TV the size of a postage stamp, and a smell reminiscent of stale cigarettes and… cleaning product. It’s the kind of space you know has seen some stories. I'm already trying to figure out the best angle for the Insta shot. (priorities, people)
- Messy Structure Ramble: Wait..what was that thump? Is that a squirrel? A ghost? Oh god, am I going to have to deal with bedbugs? I'm pretty sure I saw a tiny spider in the corner. I think I'm gonna do a thorough check. I've seen enough horror movies…
- 3:00 PM - The Hunt for Provisions: Time to hit the town! Monticello, population… I don't know, a few hundred? My car (the trusty, dusty beast) rumbles to life. I need snacks. Essential road trip supplies. The grocery store is… well, let's just say it’s got character. I found a bag of chips with the expiration date of last year. I bought them anyway.
- Strong Emotional Reaction: I’m overwhelmed by the sheer Americana of this town. It's beautiful, and somehow… bittersweet? Everyone seems to know everyone else. I love it.
- 4:00 PM - The Monument Valley Approach (and the Rusty Road)
- Anecdote: Okay, the real adventure begins. The drive to Monument Valley is a must-do, and the light is magical at this time of day. The road? Well, let's just say the car took a beating. The rusty steering wheel? I love it. The old music? I love it. I was so busy getting lost and in general feeling like I was living in a movie, the GPS did a weird thing and took me in the wrong direction. It's okay, though. I found my way, eventually.
- Opinionated Language: Do Not skip this drive. Seriously, it's one of the most spectacular things you'll ever see. I'm not even that into nature, but I was gobsmacked. Gobsmacked. The scale… the colors… it was all just…wow.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner Dilemma & the Local Diner: Finding a decent dinner is another adventure. Monticello isn't exactly a culinary hotspot. I ask the friendly waitress at the diner (more squinty eyes) if she knows anything about the menu. "Yep," she says, "it's food." I order a burger and fries. It was… a burger and fries.
- Imperfections: The fries were a bit soggy. But the coffee? That coffee was strong enough to wake the dead.
- 7:30 PM - Stargazing from the Parking Lot: Back at the Wayside, the sky is phenomenal. Seriously, go outside and just look up. Light pollution? What light pollution? I don't remember seeing so many stars.
- 9:00 PM - Pre-Bedtime Contemplation: Back in Room 17. The TV remains untested. I'm feeling surprisingly content. Maybe it's the dust, maybe it's the rust, maybe it's Agnes's steely gaze, and maybe it's just that this place feels… real.
Day 2: Canyonlands Shenanigans & Unexpected Detours
- 7:00 AM - The Coffee Ritual (and a Slightly Rancid Smell): That strong diner coffee is calling. And something’s definitely not right behind the fridge. Not gonna investigate, though.
- 8:00 AM - Canyonlands National Park - Island in the Sky: Okay, people, you must go to Canyonlands. It's like Monument Valley, but even MORE dramatic. The views are incredible. I might have gasped. Multiple times.
- Doubling Down on Experience: I decided to hike the Mesa Arch Trail for a sunrise viewpoint. I went on a hike and was amazed. I didn't expect to be so moved!
- Anecdote: I got a bit lost on the trail. Almost walked straight off a cliff. I ended up talking to an old woman with a very powerful flashlight who was trying to find her grandson. She had the best stories.
- 12:00 PM - Quick Lunch & Gas Up: Grabbed a quick, subpar sandwich at the park (they know they have a captive audience). Filling up the gas tank for the next leg.
- 1:00 PM - The Unexpected Side Trip: Newspaper Rock State Historic Site: So, I was supposed to be headed back to Monticello, but I saw a sign for Newspaper Rock. Petroglyphs! Ancient drawings! Okay, I'm in.
- Quirky Observation: The petroglyphs are fascinating. Imagine trying to communicate through that method!
- 3:00 PM - The Return (and Roadside Drama): Back on the road to Monticello, the tire blew. Right there. In the middle of nowhere. Of course.
- Emotional Reaction: Panic. Then, grudging acceptance. Then, a weird sense of camaraderie with the dusty landscape. Good thing I know some basic car stuff.
- Messy Structure Ramble: Okay, so roadside assistance is a no-go out here. I'm stranded, but weirdly okay with it. The sun is setting. The light is unbelievable.
- 5:00 PM - Back in the Wayside: Fixed the flat. It took hours. I am filthy. I'm even more intrigued by this roadside experience.
- 7:00 PM - Agnes's Wisdom: I’m back at the Wayside, and Agnes is behind the counter. I tell her about the tire. She nods, as if this is a perfectly normal part of life in Monticello. "Did you find a good burger?" she asks.
- 9:00 PM - Goodnight, Room 17: I’m exhausted, I’m dirty, but I’m also strangely invigorated. This trip? It's everything.
Day 3: Departure and the Ghost of an Ancient Desert
- 7:00 AM - The Last Coffee: One final caffeine blast.
- 8:00 AM - A Quick Goodbye: I leave a small tip for Agnes. She doesn't crack a smile, but it's enough.
- 9:00 AM - The Long Road Home: Leaving Monticello. Waving goodbye to the tumbleweeds. This town, the motor inn, and these experiences will stick with me.
This, my friends, is the very messy, very real, and hopefully somewhat amusing adventure that could be had in Monticello. The best trips aren’t perfect, they’re just… real. And the Wayside Motor Inn? Well, it's a perfect starting point for finding your own brand of realness. Go forth and wander! And maybe pack some extra tire plugs.
Towanda's Hidden Gem: Rodeway Inn's Unexpected Charm!
Okay, so, why a birdhouse? Why subject yourself to this torment?
Alright, fine. Let's get real. It wasn’t *my* idea. My darling (and delightfully bossy) Aunt Mildred, bless her heart, decided our drab backyard *needed* some avian real estate. And of course, "nephew dearest" was the only one with, quote, "a smidge of rudimentary skill." I'm pretty sure she meant "a pulse and a willingness to suffer." Honestly, I’d have traded a kidney for a decent off-the-shelf one right then. But, *noooo*, Aunt Mildred wanted *handcrafted*. And the rest, as they say, is history... or, more accurately, a pile of splintered wood, a few muttered curses, and a sudden, inexplicable craving for power tools.
What kind of wood did you even *use*? Because, you know, woodpeckers and all that…
The wood, oh the wood… I, under Mildred's instruction(read: nag), opted for [mention wood type here, eg. cedar]. She had this whole thing about, "durability and aroma." Look, I just wanted a structure that wouldn’t fall apart in a mild breeze. Choosing the wood was like choosing a spouse: a long-term commitment and very rarely straightforward. I spent half an hour in the lumberyard just *staring* at the options, feeling like a complete fraud. I even considered plywood, but then Mildred gave me "the look." You know the one. The look that says, “are you even *trying*?” The aroma, by the way? Mostly just smelled like sawdust and existential dread.
The Tools. Tell me about the tools. Did you actually *own* any, or were you fumbling around with a rusty butter knife?
Tools. Ha! Prepare yourself. I have a collection of tools somewhere between "slightly used" and "found in the garage, probably belonged to my grandfather who disappeared in '78". I *did* have a hammer. A classic claw hammer. And… a saw. Which, let me tell you, I used to fashion anything resembling a square angle for the birdhouse. The power drill, bless its heart, was borrowed from my very patient neighbor, Roger, who spent more time fixing my mistakes than I did actually building the damn thing. I’m pretty sure I bent a nail. That was a low point. I also learned, the hard way, that safety goggles are a *necessity*, not a suggestion. My eyeballs thank me, even now.
What *specifically* went wrong? I'm picturing a disaster zone.
Oh, where do I even *begin*? The measurements? A complete and utter mess. I swear, the plans Aunt Mildred gave me were written in some ancient, indecipherable code of birdhouse geometry. My first attempt at cutting the roof? Let's just say it looked like a sad, misshapen hat. The walls weren't square. I swear, gravity itself was fighting against me. I somehow managed to get a splinter stuck in my eyelid (thanks again, safety goggles… oh wait). And the paint… I swear I opted for a shade called "Seagull Puke Beige," just to further lower expected success. Everything was lopsided. I was also convinced I was being taunted by a particularly smug squirrel. I did a terrible job, okay? But I tried
Did you *actually* finish it? Or did you bail?
Okay, this is where the story gets… complicated. Yes. I finished it. Sort of. It exists. It stands. It looks… well, it looks like something a slightly manic, emotionally scarred squirrel could live in. I think. It’s definitely not pretty. I'm pretty sure it's structurally unsound. But it's there. And Aunt Mildred put a fake bird in it... so, I'm calling it a win. But I still have nightmares about that damn roof.
Did any birds actually *move in*? The suspense is killing me!
This is the ultimate question, isn’t it? The payoff for all the sweat, sawdust, and near-amputation incidents involving that damn power drill. No. Not yet. We’ve had some… investigation. A lone sparrow landed on it the other day. Gave it a good once-over, tilted its head, and then flew away. I swear I heard a tiny, feathered sigh of disappointment. So, no. Not yet. I am, however, holding out hope. Maybe they appreciate… character? Maybe they’re waiting for it to collapse so they can steal the wood for their own properly-built nests. Okay, I’m feeling a little pessimistic now.
So, lessons learned? What's the takeaway, here?
Oh, the lessons. Where do I begin? First, Aunt Mildred is a force of nature. Don't cross her. Second, always measure twice, cut once. Third, embrace imperfection. Fourth, safety goggles are your friend. Fifth, maybe just buy a birdhouse. And finally, maybe the best lesson? Sometimes, the process is more important than the product. Though, in this case, I'm not sure the product earned the process.
Would you do it again? (Be honest). And what would you change?
*sighs heavily*. Honestly? Probably not. Unless Aunt Mildred starts giving meaningful holiday gifts. The birdhouse? I'm going to say *no*. But if I had to? I would have gone with a pre-fab kit. I'd have consulted with a professional. I'd have spent more time *researching* the correct shade of blue paint (the Seagull Puke Beige was a mistake, a HUGE mistake). And I'd definitely invest in a quality saw that, ya know, *works*.
Post a Comment for "Monticello's Hidden Gem: Wayside Motor Inn – Your Unexpected Utah Escape!"