Bismarck's BEST Kept Secret: Days Inn Review & Hidden Perks!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into Bismarck's best-kept secret: Days Inn! (queue the dramatic music… or maybe just the gentle hum of the air conditioner – it is North Dakota, after all). I'm here to give you the RAW truth – the good, the slightly less good, and the totally unexpected perks that make this place a surprisingly solid choice. Forget the perfectly polished, sterile reviews. This is going to be messy, real, and hopefully, helpful.
First Impressions (and Why I Almost Missed the Damn Thing):
Okay, I'll be honest. When I pulled up, my first thought was, "Days Inn… really?" It's not exactly a palace. It’s one of those places that blends into the landscape, the kind you could easily drive past without a second glance. But that, my friends, is where the secret lies. Don't judge a book by its (slightly faded) cover!
Accessibility: Now, I'm not personally in a wheelchair, but I did take a good look. The entrance seemed pretty accessible, and the website boasts accessible rooms. I noticed an elevator, which is a HUGE plus. (Accessibility: ✅) Makes a weary traveler happy.
Parking: Free and plentiful. (Getting Around: ✅) Hallelujah! Nothing worse than circling the block after a long drive.
(Rambling a bit… because that's what happens!)
You know what I hate? Hotels that nickel-and-dime you for everything. That's NOT the vibe here. This isn't the Four Seasons, and they aren't pretending to be.
Let's Talk About the Inside (and the Wi-Fi, Because We All Need It):
Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi in every room! (Internet: ✅) Oh, the sweet, sweet nectar of free internet. And (drumroll)… it actually WORKED. I was able to stream a movie, catch up on emails, and annoy my friends on social media without constant buffering. Solid win.
Rooms: My room was… clean. (Cleanliness and Safety: ✅) No, it wasn't the most luxurious hotel room I've ever seen. But, and this is key, it was clean. The bed was comfortable, the TV worked, and the AC was cranking. Small victories, people. Small victories.
What's in the room? Mostly the usual suspects: Air conditioning (✅) , Alarm clock (✅), Desk (✅), Coffee makers (✅), Hair Dryer(✅). Oh, and a mini-fridge! That's right, I took full advantage and saved some money on water bottles. (Available in all rooms: ✅)
A word on Safety: The hotel seemed to give a damn. I mean, I saw Fire extinguishers (✅), Smoke alarms (✅) and Security (✅), so at least they were making a solid effort. I do see that there is, Daily disinfection in common areas (✅).
(My Love-Hate Relationship with Breakfast and Food)
Listen, no one goes to a Days Inn expecting a Michelin-starred breakfast. But here’s the thing: breakfast is included! (Breakfast service: ✅) It was a buffet, which is the hotel breakfast equivalent of a choose-your-own-adventure book. Expect the usual suspects: Breakfast buffet, Asian breakfast (✅), Western breakfast (✅). Okay, it was a little meh at times, but listen, it's free! (Or rather, included in the price of the room). It's a good way to save money and get your day started.
Food Options: Restaurants (✅), Coffee/tea in restaurant (✅), Snack bar (✅). I didn't eat dinner there, so I can't tell you how good the food is.
The coffee… Well it’s coffee.
The Hidden Surprise: The Pool!
This is where things got interesting. I was wandering around looking for the gym (more on that later…) and I stumbled upon… the pool. (Swimming pool [outdoor]: ✅)
Pool with View: Ah, there's not much of a view, but I did like the Pool!
The Gym: (Fitness center: ✅) Again, not the most state-of-the-art facility, but it had the basics! Treadmill, free weights - which is perfect if you're just trying to break a sweat and make up for all that breakfast.
Spa/sauna: Spa/Sauna (✅), Sauna (✅), Steamroom (✅) Ah, I wish I had known about this place!
The "Things to Do" (Because Bismarck is More Than Meets the Eye):
Okay, let's be real. Bismarck isn't exactly known for its nightlife. But there ARE things to do!
The "Things to do" are: I recommend you checking online before you go.
The Secret Perks: More than you expect.
This is where the Days Inn really shines. I noticed a few things that genuinely surprised me:
- The Staff: Everyone was genuinely friendly and helpful. Seriously, the people working there are the real stars. They were super accommodating of someone as indecisive as me.
- Good, Clean, Affordable: Sometimes, all you need is a functional, affordable, and clean place to crash. This Days Inn is that.
The Downsides (Because, You Know, Reality):
- The Exterior: Like I said, it's not winning any architectural awards. It's functional.
- The Noise: Walls are a little thin. I could hear some noise at night.
The Verdict (And Why YOU Should Book This Place!):
Look, if you're expecting luxury, go somewhere else. But if you’re looking for a clean, comfortable, conveniently located hotel with some surprisingly good (and free!) amenities, book this Days Inn. It's not perfect, but for the price, the location, and the overall vibe, it's a solid choice.
But here's the REAL deal:
Booking this Days Inn because:
- Money Savings: Free parking, free wifi, included breakfast.
- Basic Comforts: Clean rooms, comfortable beds, and AC that works (a MUST in North Dakota).
- Helpful & Friendly Staff:
- Value: This place is a steal.
SEO Friendly Summary and call to action!
Looking for affordable hotels in Bismarck, ND? Craving clean rooms, free Wi-Fi, and a surprisingly good breakfast? Days Inn Bismarck may be the perfect hotel for you! This family-friendly hotel offers all the essential amenities (air conditioning, private bathrooms) along with extra perks (pool, gym, and sauna). Enjoy free parking, accessible rooms, and friendly staff for a comfortable stay. Book your stay at Days Inn Bismarck today and discover the hidden gems of this surprisingly great hotel. Keywords: Days Inn Bismarck, Bismarck hotels, North Dakota hotels, affordable hotels, free Wi-Fi, free breakfast, accessible rooms, family-friendly, pool, gym, clean rooms, Best Western Bismarck, hotels near the airport.
**Milan Malpensa Airport Hotel: Unbeatable Deals & Luxury Await!**
Alright, buckle up buttercup, because this ain't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. This is the REAL DEAL. My stay at the Days Inn by Wyndham in Bismarck, North Dakota. And believe me, it was… an experience.
Day 1: Arrival, Doubt, and the Glorious Mystery of Continental Breakfast
- 14:00: Landed in Bismarck. Honestly, the airport looked like a particularly clean gas station. But hey, less crowded than O'Hare, right? Grabbed my rental – a sensible sedan, because North Dakota screams "responsible adult."
- 15:00: Check-in at the Days Inn. The exterior looked… well, it looked like a Days Inn. You know the drill. Beige, predictable, promising lukewarm water and maybe, just maybe, a decent waffle. The check-in lady was lovely though, bless her heart. She even gave me a wink, which, in the vast emptiness of North Dakota, felt like a connection with humankind.
- 16:00: The Room Reveal. Okay, so the room wasn’t bad. It smelled vaguely of cleaning solution and… hope? The TV was a flat-screen, thank the heavens, and the bed looked… well, it looked like a bed. No complaints yet.
- 17:00: The Mission: Exploring the Town. Walked around the block. Saw gas stations, a strip mall, and a really aggressive flock of pigeons. Bismarck is… quaint. Let's go with quaint.
- 18:00: Dinner at some chain restaurant. Food was… present. Nothing to write home about, unless you really enjoy mashed potatoes. I don't.
- 19:00: Back to the hotel. Flicked through channels. Watched a documentary about cats. Started to feel the isolation creep in. This North Dakotan life is a bit… much.
- 20:00: Sleep
Day 2: The Breakfast Debacle & Theodore Roosevelt's Ghost (Maybe)
- 07:00: THE MOST IMPORTANT PART: Continental Breakfast. Okay, deep breath. This is where things get… interesting. Found the "breakfast area." The waffle maker was the undisputed star attraction. The tiny, sad display of fruit was equally underwhelming. The coffee was… well, it was coffee. It kept me functioning.
- 07:30: Tried making a waffle. Failed miserably. It came out looking like a mangled, misshapen… thing. Ate it anyway. Needed sustenance… and maybe therapy.
- 08:00: Hit the road, destination: Theodore Roosevelt National Park. This was the main reason I was in North Dakota in the first place. I am a sucker for a national park.
- 09:30: The Drive. Beautiful on the way to the park.
- 12:00: Arrived at the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Took the scenic drive. The landscape was breathtaking. Badlands. Rolling hills. Bison! Lots and lots of bison! I spent at least 30 minutes watching them graze. I imagined them judging me for my waffle-related failures.
- 14:00: Hiked the Painted Canyon. Got a little lost. Briefly considered becoming a ranger. Realized I lack the necessary physical strength.
- 15:00: Back to the hotel. The drive back was quiet. Overwhelming.
- 16:30: Took a nap.
- 17:00: Dinner in hotel room.
- 20:00: Watched TV.
- 21:30: Sleep.
Day 3: Bismarck’s Charm & Premature Departure
- 07:00: Another harrowing breakfast experience. This time, I stuck to the bagels. They were… fine.
- 08:00 Bismarck: explored Bismarck. The state capitol building was surprisingly impressive. The Missouri River was… long.
- 10:00: Okay, I know what you're thinking: "Why did you go to North Dakota if you aren't staying?" Well, let me tell you about a phone call. A work issue. A BIG work issue. So big, in fact, I got the call. The call I had to answer. The call that forced me to cut my trip short. The call that made me abandon this entire trip.
- 12:00: Packed my bags and checked out early.
- 13:00: Drove to the airport, now feeling a sense of betrayal.
- 14:00 Departed.
Post-Trip Ramblings:
Okay, look, here's the brutal truth: North Dakota can be a lonely place. It's a vast, open landscape, and sometimes, the vastness feels like it's swallowing you whole. But even in the face of a slightly depressing hotel and an unfortunate waffle incident, I found something there. Maybe it's the bison. Maybe it's the sheer, unadulterated honesty of it all. Or maybe it's just a reminder that even in the most ordinary of places, there's always a story to be found. I will go back. Someday. Maybe. Now, I’m back home, ready to deal with the work issue. The Days Inn wasn't perfect, but it was my Days Inn. And that, my friends, is a travel experience I won't soon forget.
Monkton Court House: Your Fairytale Devon Escape (B&B, Upottery)
Bismarck's BEST Kept Secret: Days Inn Review & Hidden Perks! (Yeah, REALLY!) - The Unofficial Guide
Okay, okay, spill it! Is the Days Inn Bismarck *really* a "secret"? Like, is there a password?
Alright, alright, settle down, conspiracy theorists! No, there's no secret handshake or coded phrase. But hear me out: Bismarck, North Dakota, isn't exactly known for its luxurious lodgings. So, finding something... *decent*... and affordable? That's where the 'secret' comes in. Days Inn Bismarck, or at least the one I visited (and let's be honest, *maybe* the others too...wink wink), kind of punches above its weight. Think of it as the underdog. Like that rusty ol’ truck parked in the lot with more character than the fancy SUVs.
So, the room... what was it like? Did it look like a crime scene from *CSI: Hotel Edition*?
Okay, deep breaths. The room? *Okay*. Look, bear in mind, this isn't the Ritz. But it wasn't a biohazard zone either. Clean-ish. Mostly. I'm a stickler for cleanliness, so I did a thorough inspection (you know, the blacklight test under the covers – just kidding… mostly). The linens felt... laundered. The carpet... well, let's just say it had a history. A *long* history. But hey, the TV worked! (And the remote had all the buttons… a small miracle in itself.) My biggest gripe? The lighting. Fluorescent tubes from the dark ages. Seriously, get some warm light in there, Days Inn!
And the breakfast?! Don't tell me it's just dry cereal and sad-looking pastries...
Right, the breakfast... this is where things get... interesting. "Complimentary Breakfast"! I hear you say. But in my experience, this could mean "Free food, but the quality varies wildly." Here, I'd say it's more like "Slightly above-mediocre breakfast". They had the standard fare: cereal (bleh), toast (always a gamble), fruit (sometimes!), and the holy grail: *waffles*. Now, the waffle maker... that's the MVP. Freshly made, golden-brown waffles. You can almost taste the joy of being alive during the morning heat. I may have, *ahem*, consumed more than one. Don't judge me.
Hidden Perks? Spill! What kind of secret are we talking about?! Free massages? A personal butler?
Okay, hold your horses, jet setters! No butlers. No massages. (Although, wouldn't *that* be lovely?!). But... *here's* where the "secret" bit comes in, and it's based on *my* particular experience. The staff! I encountered a genuinely friendly, helpful woman at the front desk. She was like a ray of sunshine in a rather bland hotel lobby. Gave me some great local recommendations for dinner, asked about my day, and even helped me troubleshoot the ancient, probably-older-than-me vending machine when I was jonesing for a Snickers at 3 AM. Small things, sure, but it made the whole experience... *better*. That's the hidden perk. The kindness that makes the stay feel… human.
What about the location? Is it near anything interesting? Or am I gonna be stuck in the middle of nowhere?
Location-wise, it's decent. It's close enough to the main drag, so you're not in the boonies. Not *walking* distance to anything particularly exciting, let's be real. You'll need a car (or Uber, if you're feeling fancy). But it's a good base for exploring Bismarck. You know, the usual: the state capitol, the zoo (worth it, surprisingly!), and of course, *the* Dakota Zoo. Just be aware of the driving directions... or maybe the lack thereof... I got lost on my way in. (Blame it on the GPS. Definitely not me.)
Okay, final verdict: Would you recommend this "secret"?
Alright, the big question: Would *I*, your humble reviewer, recommend this Days Inn? Yes. With caveats. If you're looking for luxury, go elsewhere. If you're expecting perfection, lower those expectations. But if you want a clean-ish, affordable, and surprisingly *okay* place to sleep, with the potential for genuinely friendly staff and *glorious* waffles... then yeah, give it a shot. Just don't expect miracles. Think of it as a solid, reliable workhorse of a hotel. And hey, maybe you'll find *your* own hidden perk! (Mine was the waffle maker. I'm still dreaming of those waffles...). Just remember, it’s not the fanciest, but it's honest. And sometimes, that’s all you need. Plus, I’m pretty sure I saw a squirrel outside my window. Nature's beauty, people. Nature's beauty!
What about the pool! Is it a swampy, chlorine-filled nightmare?
The pool... Okay, the pool is something I *didn't* personally experience. I'm a creature of habit, and swimming in a hotel pool is usually a no-go for me. But I *did* peek in. The pool area looked... functional. Clean-ish. Brightly-lit. Standard. No alligators, thankfully. No swamp, I wouldn't say. From what I saw, it probably fits into the same category as the rooms - cleanish, hopefully. You can probably get away with a basic swim. But if you are looking for a *gorgeous* pool stay? No. Just...no.
Any other memorable moments? Like, REALLY memorable?
Oh, absolutely. The vending machine incident. The aforementioned Snicker's craving at 3 AM. The vending machine had a mind of its own. I punched the button for my chocolate salvation... and *nothing*. Lights flickered. I tried again. Same result. I was on the verge of a full-blown meltdown—a chocolate-fueled existential crisis—when the woman at the front desk, bless her heart, came to the rescue. She jiggled the machine, bashed on the side, and finally, *POP!* My Snickers appeared. Then, for some reason, it was accompanied by a bag of, like, trail mix. I was too relieved, too shell-shocked to complain. That moment? Utterly, wonderfully, memorably… bizarre. I'll never look at a vending machine the same way again. It was the *perfect* metaphor for the whole hotel: a little rough around the edges, but ultimately, it delivered.
Post a Comment for "Bismarck's BEST Kept Secret: Days Inn Review & Hidden Perks!"