Bourbonnais Getaway: Unbeatable Super 8 Deals! (Kankakee Area)
Bourbonnais Getaway: Super 8 Deals? More Like a Super Okay Experience (Kankakee Area) - A Messy Review
Okay, buckle up, because my stay at the "Bourbonnais Getaway: Unbeatable Super 8 Deals" (or whatever they call it – honestly, the name's forgettable, like the hotel itself sometimes) was a whole thing. I'm gonna be brutally honest, which means this review will be less polished and more… me. And let's be real, that's probably more useful than some perfectly-manicured PR write-up anyway. This is MY perspective, folks.
SEO Stuff (Gotta Pay the Bills, I Guess):
- Keywords: Super 8 Bourbonnais, Kankakee Hotels, Affordable Hotels Kankakee, Accessible Hotels, Wi-Fi, Pool, Breakfast, Cleanliness, COVID-19 Safety, Review, Bourbonnais IL, Cheap Hotels.
Accessibility – The (Slight) Upside
Right, deep breath. Let's start with the good. They claim to be accessible. Look, I didn't need a wheelchair-accessible room, but I did notice an elevator. That's a plus, I guess. They had facilities for disabled guests, which is a checkmark on the list. Now, how well those facilities ACTUALLY WORK is another story and I'm hoping they're not just for show. So, Accessibility is a mixed bag.
Cleanliness and Safety – Sanitization Station, Anyone?
Okay, so this is where things get interesting, and by interesting, I mostly mean… a little anxiety-inducing. They were definitely trying to do the COVID thing. Daily disinfection in common areas? Check. Hand sanitizer EVERYWHERE. Really. Every corner, every table, every questionable surface. You could practically taste the Purell in the air. They mention Anti-viral cleaning products too which made me slightly less paranoid.
I appreciated the Individually-wrapped food options (more on the "food" shortly) and the Sanitized kitchen and tableware items. HOWEVER, I saw a staff member wiping down a table with a towel that looked like it had seen better days. And I'm not gonna lie, that made my inner germaphobe shiver. I'd rate them a solid B+ on this one.
They also promise things like Room sanitization between stays and Rooms sanitized between stays, which is comforting… in theory. The Staff trained in safety protocol, well I hope they are. As for the Professional-grade sanitizing services, I have to take their word for it.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Where the Super 8 Really Shows Its Stripes
Alright, time for the low point. Let's talk food. Breakfast included, right? Buffet in restaurant. Technically. But “buffet” is a strong word. I'd describe it as… a collection of pre-packaged items. Waffles that were, let’s just say, "pre-waffled." Tiny yogurt containers. Individually wrapped pastries that looked like they'd been lonely for a while. Coffee that could strip paint. Breakfast takeaway service, I opted for that more than once. Coffee/tea in restaurant they had that too. Also, Asian breakfast apparently was available. I don't remember seeing that. I probably missed it.
There is a Snack bar, but don't expect anything gourmet. I did see a vending machine. Success? I think not.
I didn't spot any Asian restaurants, International cuisine in restaurant or Vegetarian restaurant in the area. I did see a bar nearby.
Rooms – The "Comfort" Factor
Okay, here’s a truth bomb. Rooms sanitized between stays? Yeah, I hope so. The room itself was… a room. A standard Super 8 room. Air conditioning in public area and in the room Air conditioning too. Basic. Blackout curtains were a lifesaver for sleeping in, but they smelled a little like mildew. And the Internet access – wireless was good, though I'm not sure if it was working all the time. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Yes. That's a good thing.
Daily housekeeping was there to keep the place tidy. There's the Hair dryer, and Ironing facilities. I didn't use them, though. I did appreciate the Coffee/tea maker because… coffee.
There was a Refrigerator, which was great for drinks. The bed was, well, a bed. Extra long bed you could say. I didn't get to the point of trying to see if it felt like a Sofa. Satellite/cable channels was there, but I watched my own shows. And the Toiletries? Standard hotel fare.
Things to Do (or NOT to Do) – The Leisure Labyrinth
This is where I feel like they're trying too hard. “Bourbonnais Getaway” is a bold claim. Let's be real. This isn't a resort.
The Swimming pool? Yeah. Swimming pool [outdoor]. Small. Nothing special. I saw a Pool with view, but I'm not seeing what there is to view. The Gym/fitness? Yeah. It exists. I went in for a quick peek. It was a room with a couple of treadmills and some weights that looked like they hadn't been cleaned in a month. I could have used a Body scrub or Body wrap to help get relaxed, or even a Sauna, a Spa, Spa/sauna and even a Steamroom would have been great!
Getting Around – The Transportation Tango
It's a hotel for cars. There's a Car park [free of charge]. Car park [on-site] is there too. Taxi service is an option. I didn't see any electric car charging stations, but I wasn’t looking for them either.
Services and Conveniences – The Fine Print
They offer a bunch of stuff, like Daily housekeeping and Dry cleaning. Did I use any of them? No. I’m no use for all of their Air conditioning in public area.
For the Kids – The Littlest Guests
Family/child friendly is a yes. While there is not a Babysitting service, I saw lots of kids there. I can't give them a score on that. They have a Kids meal.
The Verdict – Super 8-ish
Look, it's a Super 8. You get what you pay for. It's not luxurious. It’s functional. It's clean enough. It's trying to be safe. And if you're just looking for a place to crash for the night without breaking the bank, it'll do. But don't expect a "getaway." Expect a… stay. And pack your own decent coffee. I give it a solid 3 out of 5 stars. It isn’t terrible, but I’ve had better, and I’ve certainly had worse.
(P.S. One final, slightly embarrassing detail: I accidentally locked myself out of my room. Fortunately, the front desk was open 24 hours – and the staff was actually quite nice about it.)
Tampa Airport Escape: Luxurious Stay at Residence Inn Westshore
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into a whirlwind tour of… drumroll… Bourbonnais/Kankakee, Illinois! Yep, that's right, the heartland. The place where the corn grows higher than your car. And we're doing it all from the luxurious (ahem) base of the Super 8. God bless budget travel.
Day 1: Arrival, Existential Dread & the Quest for Decent Coffee
- 1:00 PM: Land in Chicago (O'Hare, because, let's be honest, nobody chooses Midway unless they have to). The flight was, predictably, a cattle car. Sat next to a guy who seemed to be trying to breathe directly into my ear for three glorious hours. Got off the plane feeling like I needed a tetanus shot and a stiff drink.
- 2:30 PM: Pick up the rental car. Found out the "compact" I reserved was… not. It was a sardine can with wheels. Immediately started questioning all my life choices, especially the ones leading me to a Super 8 in Illinois.
- 4:00 PM: Arrive at the Super 8. Oh, the glory. The florescent lights! The vaguely chemical smell! The… well, it's a Super 8. You know what you're getting. The check-in guy was friendly, though, which counts for something. Gave me eyes like I was a long-lost friend, and gave me a key card that nearly fell apart in my hand.
- 4:30 PM: The Room. It's… functional. Okay, the bedspread looks like it’s been through a war, and there's a suspicious stain on the carpet that I’m choosing to ignore. But the air conditioning is ON, and for that, I'm grateful. My stomach is rumbling, and I start planning how I'm going to navigate the breakfast situation tomorrow.
- 5:00 PM: The Quest for Coffee. This is a serious mission. The in-room coffee maker looks like it's been around since the invention of the wheel, and its reputation precedes it. Head out into the vast expanse of Bourbonnais, searching for caffeine. Found a gas station. Found burnt, oily coffee. Decided to just face the caffeine monster in the morning.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at some chain restaurant. I can't even remember the name. Blah. Bland. Regret. Honestly, I feel like I could have made a slightly better meal myself. Back at the Super 8 by 7:30 PM - I feel a deep need for solitude and a long, hot shower that will hopefully wash away the existential dread.
- 8:00 PM: Watched the only channel that wasn't static. The TV remote must be broken, too. Attempt to find food to eat - the vending machine is out of everything. Ugh.
- 9:30 PM: Bed. Sleep. Pray for a miracle – or at least a decent breakfast.
Day 2: Kankakee's Hidden Gems (Maybe?) & the World's Largest Office Chair
- 7:00 AM: The Breakfast Debacle. Okay, okay, maybe "debacle" is too strong. But it was… underwhelming. Stale donuts, lukewarm questionable eggs, and that coffee. Oh, GOD, that coffee. I suspect they're using the same coffee grounds from 1987. I think my tastebuds are permanently damaged.
- 8:00 AM: Checked out, in this state, you can't tell if anyone is even up or working still at the location. Hit the road!
- 8:30 AM: The Kankakee River State Park: I actually enjoyed this. The walk around the river was peaceful, the air smelled like trees, and for a moment, I almost forgot I was in a Super 8-adjacent dimension. I even saw a deer! It was a majestic moment. It ended poorly when I realized I forgot my bug spray.
- 11:00 AM: Reliving My Childhood (Maybe) - The Kankakee County Museum: Okay, I should have checked what was open and what wasn't. Turns out it's only open like three days a week. Crap, you got me museum, you got me.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at a local diner. Greasy spoon heaven! Best damn burger I've had in AGES. It restored my faith in humanity, or at least, Illinois-made food. The waitress called me "Hon," and the world suddenly seemed a little brighter.
- 1:30 PM: The World's Largest Office Chair. Seriously. It exists. And it's ridiculous. And I love it. Took approximately 300 pictures. Spent another hour looking at the actual office building and the construction of said chair. People were staring at me, but I didn't care. Embrace the absurdity, people! Embrace it!
- 3:30 PM: Back to the Super 8. The room is still standing! Took a nap that was interrupted by a very loud lawn-care crew. Not sure how a lawn-care crew even works in the middle of the afternoon, but OKAY.
- 5:00 PM: This is the day I planned for the trip! The Shrine of Our Lady of Loreto. I didn't expect much, but this place actually made me feel something. The quiet, the history, the sense of peace. It was… unexpectedly beautiful. Kind of made me wish my grandma was here. I bought a candle, which I'm probably not supposed to light.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at a place called "The Rock." (Yes, really). It was like stepping back in time. Big portions, lots of fried food, and enough kitsch to fill a museum. But the company was amazing: Me and my travel buddy and a little table. The waitress was a character. Overall, a solid experience.
- 9:00 PM: Back to The Super 8. More TV. Contemplation on life. Praying for another decent hotel.
Day 3: Farewell, Bourbonnais/Kankakee!
- 7:00 AM: Breakfast. The usual. Tears were shed into the coffee this time. Managed to choke down some toast.
- 8:00 AM: Check out. The morning check-out guy was clearly a different person than the afternoon check-in guy. I'm starting to think time works differently at Super 8s.
- 8:30 AM: One last drive around. A chance to grasp the reality of the final day's activities.
- 9:30 AM: Heading back to Chicago. The drive was… uneventful. Which is probably a good thing.
- 11:00 AM: Drop off the rental car.
- 12:00 PM: Airport.
- 1:00 PM: Flight home.
Final Thoughts:
Bourbonnais/Kankakee isn't going to win any awards for glamor. But it has its charms, in a weird, slightly off-kilter kind of way. The people are friendly. The food is… well, the food is an experience. And the World's Largest Office Chair? Legendary. Would I go back? Maybe. But I'd probably bring my own coffee and a hazmat suit for the Super 8 bedspread.
Portland Sheraton Sable Oaks: Your Dream Maine Getaway Awaits!
Bourbonnais Getaway: Unbeatable Super 8 Deals! - Yeah, Right? (Kankakee Area) FAQs
Okay, Seriously… Are These “Unbeatable” Deals REALLY Unbeatable? Like, I Need the Honest Truth.
Look, let's be real. "Unbeatable" is a bold claim, right? I mean, I was lured in. My bank account wasn't exactly overflowing the week I stumbled across this... thing. Truthfully? Sometimes. Depends on your definition of "unbeatable." Are you expecting the Ritz? Absolutely not. Think more… "perfectly adequate for a late-night panic booking after realizing you missed the last train." (True story, by the way. Don't judge.) They *can* be cheaper than other options in the Kankakee area, especially if you're flexible. But always, ALWAYS compare prices elsewhere. Don't take my word for it. I once found a slightly nicer place in Bradley for almost the same price because I was *too* trusting. Learn from my mistakes, people! So, not always "unbeatable," but often *pretty* good for your budget. Just... do your homework.
What's the Vibe? Is It, Like, Clean? Because Clean is Important.
"Clean." Ah, the million-dollar (or at least, the "less than a hundred dollar") question. Okay, so here's the deal. Clean... is relative. I've stayed in places that made me want to run screaming for the hills (and I'm *not* exaggerating). Super 8, in my experience with Bourbonnais, is usually… tolerably clean. Like, you won't find actively growing fungi on the bathroom tiles, usually. There's a certain *charm* to the slightly worn aesthetic. Think "lived-in" rather than "sterile laboratory." Bring your own Clorox wipes, just in case. (And maybe a blacklight. Just kidding… mostly.) It's not the Four Seasons, but it’s generally… okay. Look, for the price, you can't expect perfection, right? But if you're a cleanliness fanatic, maybe… re-think your budget. Or, you know, bring industrial-strength cleaning supplies. You'll be fine. Probably.
Breakfast Included?! What's the Deal with the Breakfast? Is It Worth It?
Breakfast… ah, the eternal quest for the perfect continental breakfast. Yes, it's included. And yes, it’s… well, let’s just say it’s a *breakfast experience*. Expect: those pre-packaged pastries that taste suspiciously like they've been preserved since the Reagan administration. Possibly stale bagels. Instant oatmeal that's either gluey or watery, depending on when you get there. Coffee that’s… coffee. I've survived worse. Honestly, it's mostly just a convenient way to get some caffeine into your system before you hit the road. Don't go in expecting a gourmet feast. Think of it as fuel. Necessary, possibly slightly depressing fuel. I usually grab a banana (if they have them and they aren't bruised) and a coffee and call it a victory. It *is* free, after all, so manage those expectations. My advice? Bring your own granola bars. And maybe some instant coffee.
Tell Me About the Location. Is it Close to, You Know, Things?
Location, location, location! Right? Okay, I’ll be brutally honest: it's Bourbonnais. Things are... spread out. It’s not exactly a walkable city; you're gonna be driving. The Super 8s in the area are typically near the highway, which is convenient for getting in and out, but not exactly scenic. You'll probably need a car to get to the restaurants, shopping, and… well, everything. Check a map before you book to make sure it’s near what *you* want to see, but don't expect a vibrant, bustling urban experience. Think… suburban sprawl with some chain restaurants. Also, be mindful of traffic, especially during rush hour. That commute can add years to your life… or at least a few extra gray hairs.
Is there a Pool? Because I REALLY Need a Pool.
Pools. The siren song of family vacations. And honestly, I get it. A pool can make *all* the difference. Here’s the tricky part: pool availability varies from Super 8 to Super 8 in the area. Definitely check the specific Super 8 you're considering *before* you book! Don't assume anything. Call them! I've been burned by that assumption more than once. (Okay, twice. Maybe three times. I'm bad with remembering things.) Some have indoor pools that are… well, they're functional. Others… don't have a pool at all. So, if a pool is a deal-breaker for you, make triple-sure before you commit. Don't be me. Verify! And if they DO have a pool? Bring your own towels. Just sayin'.
Parking? Is It Free? Because Parking Fees are the Devil.
Parking – the unsung hero of budget travel. And yes, usually, parking at the Super 8s in the Bourbonnais area is free. Hallelujah! (Seriously, parking fees are the worst.) However, like everything in life, there's a small caveat: space might be limited, especially during peak season. I remember one time, there was a massive event in town, and I had to park, what felt like, a mile away. I had to trek through the freezing cold, and my bags were heavy... And I'm pretty sure the guy next to me had a whole family of deer living in his minivan. It was a *situation*. So, arrive early to guarantee a good spot, if you can. Or, you know, just embrace the walk. It's character-building. Plus, free parking. Can't complain. Just be prepared.
About the Wi-Fi? Because Staying Connected is Vital.
Wi-Fi. The lifeblood of the modern traveler. So, here's the deal. Wi-Fi *is* typically offered. But… don't expect blazing speeds. It's usually… functional. Good enough for checking emails, scrolling through social media, maybe streaming a little Netflix (if you're patient). Don't count on holding a video conference, though. You might end up looking like a pixelated potato. (Been there, done that. Mortifying.) Sometimes, the connection can be a little spotty, especially during peak hours when everyone's online. My advice? Manage your expectations. Download your must-watch shows beforehand. And maybe… just maybe… disconnect for a little while. It's good for the soul. Or, you know, just bring aHotels With Kitchenettes
Post a Comment for "Bourbonnais Getaway: Unbeatable Super 8 Deals! (Kankakee Area)"