Raton's Hidden Gem: Super 8 Review You NEED To See!
Raton's Super 8: More Than Just a Stopover? You Betcha! (A Rambling, Honest Review You NEED To See!)
Alright, folks, let's cut the fluff. You're in Raton, New Mexico. You're probably passing through, maybe hitting the Santa Fe Trail or just trying to get to somewhere else. And you're thinking, "Super 8? Seriously?" I GET IT. But listen, this ain't your grandma's Super 8. (Unless your grandma's cool, in which case, maybe she's already been here!). This is about Raton's Super 8, and it's… well, it's got some surprises up its sleeve. Let's dive in, shall we? Forget the polished marketing jargon. I'm giving you the real deal.
(Accessibility & Cleanliness: A Solid Start!)
First things first: Accessibility. Now, I'm not mobility-impaired, but I did poke around. The elevator is a lifesaver (especially cause my luggage always seems to weigh a ton). I saw facilities for disabled guests mentioned, which is a HUGE plus. Wheelchair accessible? Seems like a yes, from what I could see. And hey, exterior corridor is great for packing and un-packing! Plus, the front desk [24-hour] is a godsend if you roll in at some ungodly hour (and let's be honest, that's often how travel goes).
Cleanliness and Safety: This is where Super 8 really shines. Let's be real, cleanliness is king post-pandemic. The anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, and rooms sanitized between stays? Fantastic. Actually felt safe and sound. They’ve got hand sanitizer everywhere (thank heavens). And hey, the place felt clean. Big props. They even have staff trained in safety protocol, not just some dude spraying Febreze, ya know?
(Internet, In-Room & Beyond: Wi-Fi Woes & Wins!)
Okay, let's be brutally honest: Internet access is crucial. Thankfully, Raton's Super 8 delivers. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! is a big win because, let's face it, we live online. It worked well in my room. Internet [LAN], I suspect, might be for folks who really need that hardwired connection for business. Me? I'm a streamer, and I didn’t have any problems. Wi-Fi in public areas? Didn't use it much, but I saw people on their laptops in the lobby, so there's that.
(The Room Itself: Comforts & Quirks)
Alright, let's talk about the room. I am one of those guys who needs a good night's sleep - not a lot of frills just quality so I can take on the day.
- Air conditioning: Essential, especially in New Mexico heat. And it worked!
- Blackout curtains: Yesss! Slept like a baby despite the early morning sun.
- Coffee/tea maker: Needed that first-thing-in-the-morning caffeine fix. (And the complimentary tea was a nice touch!)
- Desk: Definitely needed to get some work done.
- Hair dryer: Saves space in the suitcase!
- Non-smoking: Huge plus for a non-smoker like me.
- Mini bar: Nah, but there's a refrigerator, so you can stock up on your favorite drinks and snacks.
- Smoke detector: Always a good sign.
- Internet access – wireless: Works great!
- Private bathroom: Yes, of course.
- Shower: Fine, decent pressure.
- Wake-up service: Didn't need it, but it's there.
- Wi-Fi [free]: Gotta have it.
Additional Toilet? Nope. But it's a Super 8 not a luxury resort - don't be naive.
The Quirks: I'm not going to lie, the décor is… well, it's a Super 8. Functional, but not Pinterest-worthy. But hey, it's clean, comfortable, and the bed was surprisingly comfy. I slept like a rock.
(Dining, Drinking & Snacking: Breakfast Blues & Beyond!)
Now, let's get real about dining. This is a Super 8, not a Michelin-starred establishment. Breakfast [buffet]. Yeah, it was… a buffet. Let's just say it was classic Super 8: the usual suspects (cereal, pastries, coffee, maybe some scrambled eggs if you're lucky), and the breakfast takeaway service is handy for those on the go. Coffee/tea in restaurant and Coffee shop. It's fine, I actually got a decent coffee to keep the workday rolling!
Good News!: There is at least one decent restaurant and a snack bar nearby for your other cravings.
(Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Limited, But Okay!)
Okay, this is where Raton's Super 8 isn't exactly a destination spa. But things to do in Raton? Depends on what you're into. Drive the scenic byways, visit the Raton Museum, or scope out the wildlife. Hey, there's even a park nearby if you've got kids.
Ways to relax: Well, they have a swimming pool [outdoor]. I didn't have time to dip in, but it looked clean. I do appreciate something where I can get my blood pressure down!
- Fitness center? I didn't see one, but hey, you can always go for a walk or jog.
(Services & Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter!)
This is where Super 8 sometimes surprises. Stuff like the concierge (Didn't use it, but nice to know it's there). Daily housekeeping is always appreciated. Laundry service, if you need it. And the convenience store for snacks. The car park [free of charge] is HUGE. I hate paying extra for parking! The elevator is a godsend if you're loaded down with luggage.
(The Upshot: Should You Stay? YES! (With Realistic Expectations))
Look, Raton's Super 8 isn't the Four Seasons. But for what you're paying, it's a solid, clean, reliable option. The free Wi-Fi is great, the beds are comfy, and the staff seems genuinely friendly. The cleanliness really impressed me. It ticks all the boxes for a decent stopover.
(My Emotional Wrap-Up - The Real Deal)
Look, I'm not going to lie. I went in with low expectations. Super 8, right? But I was pleasantly surprised. It's clean, it's comfortable, it's safe. And hey, sometimes all you need is a decent bed, hot water, and a working Wi-Fi connection. And Raton's Super 8 delivers. Overall, I'd say it's a… solid 4 out of 5 stars.
(SEO Keywords in action!):
- Raton Hotels
- Super 8 Raton Review
- Raton, New Mexico Hotels
- Clean Hotels Raton
- Raton Hotel Accessibility
- Free Wi-Fi Hotels Raton
- Cheap hotels Raton
- Raton Family-Friendly Hotels
- Raton hotel with outdoor pool
- Hotel with free parking Raton
(Marketing Pitch: Why Book NOW!)
Tired of overpriced, underwhelming hotels? Looking for a clean, comfortable, and convenient stopover in Raton? Raton's Super 8 is your answer! With free Wi-Fi in all rooms, a cleanliness standard you can trust, and a convenient location, you'll be able to refresh, recharge, and get back on the road with a smile. Book your stay at Raton’s Super 8 today and discover a hidden gem that offers exceptional value and a surprisingly pleasant experience. Don't wait - rooms book up fast!
Palihotel Melrose: LA's Chicest Hidden Gem (You NEED to See This!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's meticulously planned vacation itinerary. We're going to Raton, New Mexico, baby! And by "we," I mean me, and this Super 8. Let's see what kind of chaos we can stir up.
Day 1: Arrival and the Promise of…Something
- 1:00 PM: Touchdown in Raton! (or at least, at the Super 8). Seriously, I'm already regretting the drive. That interstate is a soul-crushing monument to boredom. But hey, Raton! Population…well, not a lot. But that's the charm, right? Right?!
- Feeling: Pure, unadulterated exhaustion. Also a vague sense of “what have I gotten myself into?” and hopes that room is clean.
- 1:15 PM: Check-in at the Super 8. Praying the front desk person is awake. And maybe has a sense of humor. (Update: They were awake. And the "Welcome to Raton!" felt slightly less enthusiastic than advertised.)
- Observation: The lobby smells suspiciously like stale coffee and regret. I'm already fearing the continental breakfast.
- 1:30 PM: Unpack (and secretly assess the cleanliness of the room). Inspecting the bed for suspicious stains is a mandatory step. I once stayed in a Super 8…let's just say I understand how Howard Hughes felt about germs.
- Anecdote: My first thought? "Yup, this is a Super 8." My second thought? "Is that a…a water bug I see skittering under the dresser?" Nope, just a dust bunny. Whew.
- 2:00 - 4:00 PM: Raton's "Downtown" - A Quest for Sustenance and…the Unexplained. Okay, I'm gonna head to the "downtown" area. Which I heard is basically one street. My plan: find coffee strong enough to jump-start a small aircraft and maybe…just maybe…a decent burrito. (Please, merciful burrito gods, grant me a delicious meal.)
- Rambling: Downtown. The word itself conjures such images, doesn't it? Bustling streets, independent shops, the scent of… Okay, Raton's downtown doesn't quite conjure that. But I mean, it's got potential. Maybe. Probably not.
- 3:00 PM: Food Stop! I walked into "The Historic Raton Bar" and ordered a Chili Cheese Burger. I am hoping for the best.
- Anecdote: The burger was surprisingly delicious. I sat in the booth, people-watching the few locals that were out and about. It was a bit of a step back in time, with a mix of nostalgia and, dare I say, charm.
- 4:00 - 5:00 PM: Relaxation and Reflection Back at the Super 8, I spend an hour just sitting on the bed looking out the window. I am feeling a bit overwhelmed.
- Emotional Reaction: Starting to question all the choices that have lead me here.
- 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner and Evening Planning. I should probably plan tomorrow's adventures. But first - another burger or something else? (Might check the pizza place, if it's still open…)
- Quirky Observation: The television remote at the hotel is as old as I am.
- 8:00 PM: Slumber and Hope for a Quiet Night. Praying to the sleep gods and the noise gods.
- Feeling: I'm actually kinda excited for tomorrow.
- Imperfection: I forgot my book in the car.
Day 2: The Mighty Raton
- 7:00 AM: The Dreaded Continental Breakfast. I'm bracing myself for the worst. The coffee better be industrial-strength.
- Opinionated Language: Seriously, continental breakfasts should be outlawed. It's a sad, sad reflection of our collective breakfast-related dreams. (Update: The coffee was weak. I found one dry, stale bagel)
- 8:00 AM: Head into town
- Anecdote: I saw a dog wearing sunglasses. A dog! in sunglasses! It's the simple things, you know?
- 9:00 AM: A Drive Through the Raton Pass.
- Rambling: Now, the Raton Pass. This is the real reason I'm here. It's history, it's spectacular views, it's the damn Rockies! You can taste the history! The wind. The sense of…being somewhere real.
- Stronger emotional reaction: As I drove up, the beauty hit me like a ton of bricks. Seriously? I might have teared up a little. The views were just…wow.
- 11:00 AM: Back at the Super 8
- Imperfection: The drive back to the hotel? Not as exciting as the way up.
- 12:00 PM: The "Pool"
- Quirky Observation: The pool is the size of a bathtub. But hey, it's water!
- 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: The Mighty Raton!
- Opinionated Language: Who knew Raton had this much in it?
- Anecdote: I walked around town and started chatting with a woman. She told me about the railroad and the historical buildings. I walked in and bought a book. The town's magic started to slowly emerge.
- 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM: More Raton and a bit of Rest.
- Messier Structure: Okay, so I wandered around some more. Ate another burger. Had some coffee.
- 7:00 PM: One Last Walk Around Town
- Feeling: I'm starting to get used to the quiet.
- 8:00 PM: Back to the hotel.
- Imperfection: I forgot the book again.
Day 3: Departure and…Perspective?
- 7:00 AM: Continental Breakfast (again). The bagel situation has not improved.
- 8:00 AM: Check out. Goodbye, Super 8. You were…an experience.
- 8:00 - 10:00 AM: Last-Minute Souvenir Hunt and Farewell to Raton. Maybe I'll buy a t-shirt that says "I Survived Raton" or a shot glass that says "Raton, I Hardly Knew Ya."
- Quirky Observation: Everyone here seems to wave at each other. So I started doing it.
- 10:00 AM: Depart. The drive back starts.
- Stronger Emotional Reaction: I actually kind of hate to leave. Yes, the Super 8 was basic. Yes, the town was small. But the pace of it, the quiet beauty of the Raton Pass, the kindness of the people…it all got to me. I think I needed this trip.
- Anecdote: I didn't find the t-shirt, but I got a cool postcard. And a sense of peace I didn't expect.
Post-Trip Reflection
So yeah, this trip to Raton wasn't perfect. But perfect is boring, right? It was real. It was messy. And it was…strangely wonderful. Will I return? Maybe. But either way, I'll never forget…the water bug. Kidding! (Mostly.) Raton, you weird, wonderful place.
Escape to Paradise: Pousada Dos Ypes, Artur Nogueira's Hidden Gem
Raton's Hidden Gem: Super 8 - Yeah... I Saw It (and You Probably Should Too!)
Okay, So... What's the Deal with This "Hidden Gem"? Is This Some Kind of Elaborate Prank?
Look, going in, I was skeptical. "Raton, New Mexico," the name alone sounds like a town they invented for a slightly-too-depressing indie film. And "Super 8?" My brain immediately conjured images of sticky carpets and questionable continental breakfasts. But listen, I *HAD* to be there, I was forced by my friends who swore by it. Now? I'm a believer, kinda. Okay, let's be honest, I'm still figuring out how to process it. It's not just a hotel; it's an *experience*. A slightly confusing, definitely memorable experience. This ain't a prank, folks. It's...different.
Alright, Alright. What's the Atmosphere Like? Is This Like, a Chic Boutique Hotel?
Chic? Honey, absolutely *not*. Boutique? Let's err on the side of: 'charmingly dated.' Think: the sort of place your eccentric aunt would adore. The kind of place where the front desk attendant greets you with a smile that hints at a lifetime of stories (and possibly a tiny bit of sleep deprivation). The lobby? Carpeted. With a very noticeable, and extremely comforting, floral scent. The breakfast area? A masterclass in efficiency. Basically, it’s the kind of place that makes you want to spill your coffee and spill the beans all at the same time.
Okay, But the Rooms? Are They... Clean? And, Like, Presentable?
Clean? You know, surprisingly so. Presentable? Mostly. Look, the room I stayed in... it had a *certain* historical feel. Like, a "this-room-has-seen-things" sort of vibe. The decor was… well, let's just say it wasn't minimalist. My duvet cover definitely was a vibrant, busy print – I still don’t know what the small, repeating pattern was supposed to be. But I did find it oddly comforting. The bed was comfy though, and everything *seemed* clean. I wasn't brave enough to inspect the crevices, mind you, but on the whole? Not bad. I certainly wasn't expecting a 5-star room, and that's exactly what I got.
And the Continental Breakfast? Don't Leave Me Hanging!
Ah, the breakfast. Okay, here's the deal with breakfast. It had all the staples, the usual suspects – the instant oatmeal (a lifesaver, I'm not ashamed to admit), the pre-packaged danishes (slightly stale, but a solid sugar rush), the coffee (strong enough to raise the dead)... and the juice! The stuff you're *pretty sure* isn't actually juice, but you drink it anyway, because you *need* something. However... there was this one lady there, let's call her Doris, who apparently *lived* at this Super 8, I think. She was getting eggs and it made me jealous. It was a whole production, but it looked amazing. I couldn't work up the courage to talk to her. I still think of those eggs. Think of the eggs.
The Wi-Fi. Please tell me it's at least functional. I have to Instagram my questionable travel choices.
Okay, the Wi-Fi... let's just say it's "aspirational." It's there. It exists. And sometimes... it even works. Just don't expect to stream anything. Downloading? Forget about it. Posting your amazing travel pics? Have *patience*. You're in Raton. Embrace the slow, the deliberate nature of things. Or, you know, just go stand by the front desk and try to steal some bandwidth. I may or may not have done that.
Is it REALLY a "Hidden Gem" though? What Makes It So Special?
Ah, here we get to the good stuff! It *is* a hidden gem, because it's not about luxury or perfection. It's about the memory. It’s about the feeling you get sitting at that breakfast table, watching the world go by, and realizing life isn't all that bad. I met a truck driver there. He was on his way to somewhere. Said he stayed every year. We talked about life. It was great. It’s this place – and honestly, the staff makes the place. They aren't just check-in people. They are people who live there, take pride in running a business to the best of their ability, and make you feel welcome. It's the kind of place that reminds you to slow down, and to enjoy the simple things. Like a slightly-stale danish and a chat with a stranger. Those eggs, though. I'll never forget those eggs.
Okay, Fine. You've Convinced Me. Where Do I Even Start Planning This Adventure?
That's the spirit! First, find Raton, New Mexico, on a map. Seriously, you'll need to. It's not exactly a major metropolis. Then, check the Super 8's website. If you can find it. Honestly, I'd recommend calling. The people there are very helpful and friendly. They can let you know what they've got and also answer some questions. Just, be prepared for a slight delay in the process, as it is still a Super 8. Pack comfy shoes. And maybe some snacks. You know, just in case. And finally? Go with an open mind. This isn't just a place to sleep; it's a chance to experience something... different. And I wouldn't trade it for anything. (Except maybe those eggs.)
The Big Question: Would You Go Back?
You know what? Absolutely. Without a doubt. I'm not saying it's the *best* hotel I've ever stayed in. But it's the most *memorable*. Honestly, I'd go back just to see Doris again and to try to acquire some of those eggs. And to see if the carpet in the lobby is still the same. And to... well, you get the idea. Go. Just go. And tell me what you think. And maybe, just maybe, snag me an egg.
Post a Comment for "Raton's Hidden Gem: Super 8 Review You NEED To See!"