Coralville's BEST Kept Secret: Residence Inn Review (You WON'T Believe This!)
Coralville's BEST Kept Secret: Residence Inn Review (You WON'T Believe This!) - FOR REAL! š¤Æ
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea (or, you know, the complimentary coffee from the lobby) on the Residence Inn in Coralville, Iowa. Forget those sterile, cookie-cutter hotel reviews – this is the REAL DEAL. Get ready for some unfiltered thoughts, questionable decisions, and a whole lot of "wait, what?" moments.
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- Meta Description: Honest review of the Residence Inn in Coralville, Iowa: accessibility, amenities, & (sometimes brutal) opinions. Find out if this hotel is a hidden gem or a slightly-above-average stay. Featuring WiFi, breakfast, pool, and the true cost of living there (for however long, if you're into it).
First Impressions: The Accessibility Angle (Because, You Know, Important!)
I'm not gonna lie, I'm picky about accessibility. It matters, people! And the Residence Inn in Coralville? They actually get it.
- Wheelchair Accessible: Big thumbs up! The whole place is built with accessibility in mind. Wide hallways, easy-to-maneuver spaces, and ramps where needed. Check!
- Elevator: Crucial, obviously. And it worked. Every. Single. Time. A miracle, really.
- Accessible Rooms: Didn't personally use one (thankfully not needing it, but took a look), looked well-equipped and thought-out. Grab bars, roll-in showers, the whole shebang. They've thought of it, bless their cotton socks.
- The Rest (Serviceability): Forget all the details of "staff trained in safety protocol" (don't make me read the bullet points!). The staff was, for the most part, helpful. Never encountered issues with "hand sanitizer" or "hot water linen and laundry washing" (but if I did, expect a full-on rant).
The Internet – The Lifeblood of the Modern Traveler (And My Addiction):
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! YES! Finally, a hotel that understands the desperation of a travel blogger! And yes, it works. Mostly. Occasionally, I’d have that little spinning wheel of doom, but on the whole, it was reliable enough to check emails, update my Insta story (because, priorities!), and generally be a digital nomad in my pajamas.
- Internet: As in, actually having it. More than a simple thumbs up here, I'm giving it a standing ovation and a slow clap. It was pretty darn speedy. I even managed to stream a whole season of The Crown without losing my freakin' mind. Seriously, that’s a win in my book.
- LAN: Didn't use it. Who uses LAN anymore? (Unless you are a secret gamer?)
The "Things to Do" Rundown: Or, "How to Survive Coralville Without Going Stir-Crazy"
This is where it gets interesting. Or awkward. Or both. Coralville isn't exactly the Vegas of the Midwest. But, the hotel itself actually had some decent perks:
- Pool: Indoor pool, which is perfect for Iowa winters (and those days you just can't deal with the wind chill). It wasn't the fanciest pool in the world, but hey, it was clean, and it kept me from going too loco. The pool view? Well, it was a view of… the parking lot. But hey, at least one can see the car!
- Fitness Center: Small, but it got the job done. Treadmills, weights… If you can't get a proper workout there, then you're probably the type who does 3 sit-ups and calls it a day anyway (sound familiar?).
- Spa/Sauna/Steamroom/Massage: Nope, none of that. Not here. Disappointment, but not unexpected. Let's be honest, this isn't a glitzy resort.
- Things to Do ON YOUR OWN: The hotel did have info about the surrounding area. There is the Coral Ridge Mall, the University of Iowa is a reasonable distance away (for a Hawkeye game, of course), and a bunch of restaurants. (More on that later!)
Clean, Safe, and (Hopefully) Not Full Of Germs:
- Cleanliness: I'd give them a solid B+. The rooms felt clean, which is already a huge plus. Bathroom was sparkling… most of the time.
- Anti-viral Cleaning Products: Good. But don't expect to see someone scrubbing everything.
- Daily Disinfection and Room Sanitization: Felt like they were trying. The staff wearing masks, and it's always a plus.
- Hand Sanitizer: Everywhere. Seriously, I think I developed a nervous tick from how many pumps I was using.
- Food and Drink Protocols:
- Individually-wrapped food options: This is good. I prefer not to share germs.
- Safe dining: This is all well and good, but I miss the buffet.
- Breakfast takeaway service: Score!
- Cashless payment service: Absolutely a necessity.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: (More on the Breakfast, Because OMG):
Alright, let's cut to the chase. This is where things get real.
- Breakfast [Buffet]: The glory! Now, I'm a breakfast person. I love breakfast. And the Residence Inn's breakfast? It's…decent. Not gourmet. Not life-changing. But free. And with a decent variety.
- Asian Breakfast: None. (Sadness)
- Western Breakfast: Your usual suspects. Scrambled eggs (sometimes a little… rubbery), sausage (pretty standard), waffles (with the questionable syrup selection).
- Coffee Shop/Coffee/Tea: They had a coffee station. It was…okay. More adequate than amazing.
- Restaurants: Didn't eat AT the hotel at all. No on-site restaurants (other than the breakfast area).
The Room: My Temporary Castle (Or, More Accurately, My Temporary Hotel Room)
- Available in all rooms: The basics were there. Air conditioning (essential!), alarm clock (I need it!), bathrobes (didn't use them, but classy), coffee maker (the salvation!), complimentary tea, fridge (crucial!), microwave (huzzah!), iron, internet access (thank god), separate seating area (appreciated)
- Things that made it better: The bed was comfortable. The pillows were squishy. The view…well, let's just say it wasn't the Four Seasons. But hey, the blackout curtains helped block it all out.
- Things that bugged me: The lighting could be a little dim. And the walls weren't exactly soundproof – heard some loud partying one night.
Services and Conveniences: The "Stuff That Makes Life Easier" Section
- Laundry: They had laundry services. Always a win for a long-term stay!
- Parking: The parking was free, which is always a bonus!
- Daily housekeeping: Appreciated. Especially when my messy nature took over completely.
- All The Others: Didn't use 'em. (Cash withdrawal? Not me. Concierge? I'm independent!)
For the Kids (and the Kid in Us):
- Family/child friendly: Yes! The Residence Inn is definitely kid-friendly.
- Kids facilities: Some. But nothing that's like, OMG AMAZING
The Quirks, the Imperfections, and the Overall Verdict:
Okay, here's the deal. The Residence Inn in Coralville isn't the most glamorous hotel in the world. It's not going to win any awards for architectural brilliance or Michelin-star dining.
- The "Oh Crap" Moment: I once forgot my phone charger. Panicked. Had to buy a new one from the tiny little shop. Not a disaster. Just a minor inconvenience.
- The "I'm Weird, But I'm Me" Observation: The staff was unusually nice! (I'm being serious.) Really friendly, helpful. Maybe it's an Iowa thing.
- The Verdict: Is it a hidden gem? No. Is it a terrible experience? Absolutely not. It’s solid, reliable, and accessible. For a stay in Coralville, you could do a lot worse. Especially if you love free breakfast. And who doesn't? I'd stay there again. Would I shout about it from the rooftops? Maybe not. Would I recommend it
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's travel itinerary. This is a REAL trip, cooked up in the heart of Iowa, residing at the glorious (and hopefully air-conditioned) Residence Inn Coralville. Prepare for a ride.
Subject: Coralville Caper - A Chaotic Chronicle
Day 1: Arrival, Anxiety, and Airport Pizza (Mostly Anxiety)
- 1:00 PM - Arrival at Eastern Iowa Airport (CID): Okay, here's the deal. I hate flying. Always have, always will. The whole "metal tube, thousands of feet in the air" thing doesn't jive with my inherent skepticism of physics and the general reliability of things. So, naturally, I spent the entire flight clenching my jaw and silently judging everyone else's calm demeanors. Landed. Survived. Victory!
- 1:30 PM - Navigating the Rental Car Gauntlet: Enterprise. My nemesis. Okay, not really, but the whole "upselling" thing just makes me want to scream into a pillow. "Do you NEED the extra insurance, sir?" "Are you SURE you don't want the premium package? It's only…[eye-watering amount]." I caved. I always cave. Now I have a bigger car than I need, and I'm pretty sure I just paid extra for fear of… what, exactly? Tiny car explosions?
- 2:30 PM - Check-in at Residence Inn Coralville: Ah, sweet, sweet hotel. Nice, clean, and thankfully NOT overrun by screaming children (yet). The lobby smells vaguely of chlorine and hope. The front desk guy was genuinely friendly, which is a plus. I’m already craving a nap. Also, unpacking. I always bring too many stupid clothes. Will I wear that silk scarf? Nope. Will I wear the three pairs of jeans? Depends on how much pizza I eat.
- 3:30 PM - The Hunger Games: Airport Pizza Edition: Let’s be honest, I was starving by this point. And the only food option within a reasonable radius of the airport was… airport pizza. Let's just say, culinary excellence was not the name of the game. But! They had pepperoni, and it filled the void in my stomach and the existential dread in my soul.
- 4:00 PM - Settling In: Found the ironing board, my true love (kidding… mostly), and a view of… a parking lot. Hey, I'm not complaining. It's quiet. The TV works. Score.
- 6:00 PM - Grocery Run (Disaster in the Making): I thought: "I'll be responsible! I'll buy healthy snacks!" Turns out, my capacity to resist the siren song of the chip aisle is… weak. Very weak. I emerged from the store with pretzels, cookies, and a fleeting sense of regret. And some actual groceries, buried under all that junk. Sigh…
- 7:00 PM - Hotel Room Debriefing: Ate chips in front of the TV. Contemplated the meaning of life. Decided the meaning of life is probably snacks and a good night's sleep.
Day 2: Iowa Adventure…and the Quest for a Decent Cup of Coffee
- 8:00 AM - The Coffee Catastrophe: The Residence Inn "breakfast" situation. I'm not going to lie, the coffee? It tasted suspiciously like dishwater. I needed a REAL coffee. This initiated a quest that consumed the majority of the morning. First, the hotel's coffee. Then, the local gas station. Finally I found a promising looking place that was… Closed. Disaster. Ended up with instant coffee that tasted mostly like sadness.
- 9:00 AM - Exploring the Amana Colonies: I'd read about these historic villages. This was legitimately cool. The communal living stuff, the preserved buildings… it's a trip back in time. Got some delicious bread at the bakery; the smell of freshly baked bread is my love language. But! The gift shops.. wow. I am the target audience for the corny jokes and souvenirs.
- 1:00 PM - Lunch in the Colonies: Found a quaint little restaurant. Ate a pretzel. Ate some cheese. Ate more bread. Apparently, carbs are my food group on this trip.
- **3:00 PM: Iowa River Power Co. & The Beauty of Abandonment. ** What a place. The way the sunlight hit the decaying brick and the rusting machinery. It was a strange mix of beauty and decay, a testament to the relentless passage of time. I found myself staring at the crumbling walls for far too long, feeling a surprising sense of peace.
- 5:00 PM - The Iowa City Scramble: Drove to Iowa City. Wandered around. Got lost. Found a cool used bookstore. Bought more books than I need (shocking!).
- 7:00 PM - Dinner and the Dreaded Yelp Review: Found a restaurant; not bad. The service was a little… slow. I debated leaving a negative review on Yelp, but I'm too conflict-averse. I'll just be passive-aggressive and mention the slow service to anyone who will listen. This is the way.
- 8:00 PM - Evening Relaxation (Attempted): Back in the hotel room, tried to read my newly acquired books. Fell asleep within two pages.
Day 3: Museums, Mayhem, and Maybe Getting My Life Together (Probably Not)
- 9:00 AM: The Iowa Museum of Natural History: Okay. So here's the thing. I love museums. This one was pretty good. Dinosaurs! Rocks! Stuff! I spent way too much time staring at the dinosaur skeletons, imagining them doing… well, whatever dinosaurs did.
- 11:00 AM - Pancakes and Parking Lot Drama: Found a diner; the pancakes were AMAZING. BUT. I got a parking ticket. I parked a hair too long in a loading zone. Ruined the pancake afterglow.
- 12:00 PM - The University of Iowa Campus: Strolled around the campus. Did a little people-watching. Considered going back to school. Immediately rejected the idea.
- 2:00 PM - Downtown Coralville Exploration: Checked out the shops, saw the river. Generally, just wandered around.
- 4:00 PM - Time for the pool I'm not a swimmer. I can do the doggy paddle. But the pool was empty, so I could pretend I was Michael Phelps.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner and Regret: Ordered pizza (surprise, surprise!). Ate too much pizza. Feeling slightly nauseous and contemplating a lifetime supply of Pepto-Bismol.
- 8:00 PM - Departure Prep and Emotional Baggage: Packing. The worst. I start to anticipate the end of the trip, which then leads to, suddenly, the need to be emotionally available, and then I'm a wreck. Sigh.
Day 4: Departure Anxiety and the Lingering Taste of Pizza
- 7:00 AM - The Morning Aftermath: The last cup of sad coffee. Checked out. Contemplated not leaving.
- 8:00 AM - Airport Debrief: Getting through security. Avoiding eye contact with other people. Trying to remember where I parked my car.
- 1PM: Final Thoughts: This trip was messy, unplanned, and filled with questionable food choices. But! (And this is important!) It was mine. It was full of moments. And stories. And I wouldn't change it for anything.
Signed,
Your Resident (Inn) Rambler.
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Coralville's BEST Kept Secret: Residence Inn Review (You WON'T Believe This!) - FAQ & My Own Personal Chaos
Seriously, Is This Place *Really* That Good? (And Why Are You Yelling?)
Okay, deep breaths. Yes. Yes, it is. And I’m not *yelling*. Just… enthusiastic. Look, I’ve stayed in a LOT of hotels. From the grime-encrusted motels of my college road trips to the fancy-pants resorts where the towels are folded into swans. The Residence Inn in Coralville? It's in a different league entirely. Think… comfortable, like your favorite pair of slightly worn jeans, but with a free breakfast buffet that rivals some brunch spots. It might be the proximity to everything, the staff that genuinely seems to *care*, or maybe just the sheer fact that the air conditioning actually WORKS (a hotel rarity, people!), but yeah, it's good. GREAT even. Though, to be fair, my coffee hadn't kicked in completely while writing this.
What's This "Best Kept Secret" Stuff About? Why Is It So Secret? Did You Get Paid? Conspiracy Theories, GO!
I WISH I got paid! Sadly, no. I'm just a regular person, fueled by coffee and an insatiable need to share my hotel experiences (mostly the bad ones, honestly). "Best Kept Secret" is just… well, I've been recommending this place for *years* and everyone always seems surprised they haven't heard of it. Maybe because it’s not plastered on every billboard or trending on TikTok. Maybe it's because, unlike some places, they don't need to rely on gimmicks. They just deliver consistently good experiences. And no, I didn't get a free stay in exchange for a glowing review. Although, I wouldn't exactly be *opposed*. Wink.
Let's Talk About the Breakfast, Because That's Obviously the Most Important Thing. Tell Me *Everything*.
Okay, buckle up buttercups. The breakfast situation here is… *chef's kiss*. It's not just the standard continental fare (although they DO have good bagels). They have things! Like, real things! Think: Hot scrambled eggs, sausage, crispy bacon (when they're not a little overdone!), waffles you can actually top with stuff (not that sad little syrup-only situation), fresh fruit that isn't tragically bruised, oatmeal with all the fixings… And the best part? It's included! I'm telling you, I've had breakfasts at this place that would cost me twenty bucks at some fancy diner. I spent a summer there while working on a temporary job. I gained five pounds just from the breakfast bar! I am literally tearing up thinking about it! Ok, I need a snack. Back later
Is the Room Actually, You Know, Comfortable? What About That Tiny Hotel Room Dread?
YES! This is one of the things that really sets the Residence Inn apart. They’re mostly suites, people! Actual *living space*. You know, a place to spread out, watch TV without feeling like you're crammed into a shoebox? Separate areas for sleeping, working, and just generally existing without wanting to scream? I’ve stayed in some hotels where the bed practically touches the bathroom door. This place? Nope. Plenty of space. And the beds? Cloud-like. I've slept better here than in my *own* bed sometimes. (Don't tell my mattress I said that). I could live there forever. If I could afford it. And if they'd let my two cats move in. (Probably a hard no.)
What about the Amenities? Do They Have a Pool? A Gym? A Tiny, Annoying Fitness Center?
Oh, they've got the good stuff. A decent pool (I’m not a pool person, but it *looked* fine). A gym, where you can actually break a sweat. It's not a full-blown, state-of-the-art fitness center, but it's got the basics, and it’s usually not packed with people. There's also free Wi-Fi (a MUST), laundry facilities (a godsend when you're on a long trip), and a little market where you can grab snacks and drinks at ridiculous prices (yup, that's the norm), and a BBQ area. It's not the most luxurious amenities package in the world, but it's practical and does the trick.
I Heard Rumors... They Let You Bring the Dog?
YES! They're pet-friendly. I've seen dogs of all shapes and sizes there. I've even considered bringing SOMEONE ELSE'S dog. (Don't worry, the staff seem to be doing well). Keep in mind, there are usually pet fees and rules, so check before you plan your stay.
Okay, Okay, You've Convinced Me. But What's the Catch? There *Has* to Be a Downside...
Alright, let's be real. No place is perfect. The biggest downside? The price. It's not the cheapest hotel in Coralville (but it's worth it. Consider the breakfast alone). It fluctuates, especially during peak seasons. Booking in advance is your best bet. Also, the location, while convenient, isn’t exactly "romantic." It's in a business-y area, so don't expect charming cobblestone streets. And (this is nit-picky), the elevators can take a while sometimes. Okay, I am trying to be honest here. No place is as perfect as I make it out to be.
Speaking of Nitpicks, Any Specific Stories That Really Stuck With You? Bad Ones? Good Ones? Spill the Tea!
Oh, do I ever. The best story? Okay, so, I was running late for a really important interview. Like, hair-frizz-out-the-wazoo late. I rushed down to the lobby, realized I'd forgotten my... well, essential interview accessories. I was about to fly into full-blown panic mode. The front desk staff, bless their hearts, not only found my lost item but even offered to help me gather my things. They're just incredible people.
So, What's the Verdict? Should I Book It? Like, RIGHT NOW?
YES! Do it! Book now! If you're looking for a comfortable, convenient, and (dare I say it?) *enjoyable* hotel experience in Coralville, the Residence Inn is a winner. Just… don't blame me if you get addicted to the waffle maker. And if you see me there, say hello. I'll be the oneStay And Relax
Residence Inn Coralville Coralville (IA) United States
Residence Inn Coralville Coralville (IA) United States
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