Banning's Best Kept Secret: Days Inn & Casino Fun!
Banning's Best Kept Secret? My Days Inn & Casino Fun Adventure: A Review That Doesn't Hold Back!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the wild world of the Days Inn & Casino Fun in Banning, California. This isn't your meticulously crafted, corporate-approved review. This is the raw, unfiltered truth, seasoned with a healthy dose of "what was I thinking?" And a whole lotta caffeine. Because let's be honest, I needed it.
First Impressions: The Arrival (and the Parking Lot Blues)
Okay, so the website promised… well, something. Let's just say the reality had a certain "rustic charm." Pulling up, I was immediately greeted by the vast expanse of the parking lot. Free, yes, but also… extensive. And while I appreciate free, the walk from my car felt like a mini-marathon. The good news? No valet parking required, which is a win for my wallet and my general aversion to letting anyone else touch my vehicle. They do have a car power charging station though, which is fancy.
Accessibility: Mostly Okay, But…
Listen, I'm not in a wheelchair myself, but I always try to be mindful of accessibility. The elevator? Check. Good to see. But the ramps in some areas seemed a bit… optimistic. You know, the kind that makes you consider whether your insurance covers a sudden unplanned tumble. And, the signage, well, let's just say it could use a little love and modern design.
Rooms: The Good, the Bad, and the Surprisingly Plush Towels
My room? It was… a room. The air conditioning worked, which is crucial when you're in the California desert. They thankfully have non-smoking rooms, thank goodness. The blackout curtains were a lifesaver, allowing me to pretend it wasn't 2 PM and I hadn't been driving all day. Now, the décor? Let's call it "functional." Think beige, with a hint of "decade-old ambition." But the towels? Oh, the towels! Seriously, they were surprisingly plush and fluffy. A small victory, but a victory nonetheless. They actually have a scale too, which I probably should've avoided, considering the buffet I was planning on indulging in later. They have a desk and laptop workspace also… hmmm.
Internet: Wi-Fi Woes and the LAN Lament
“Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!” the website screamed. And yes, it was free. And yes, it was in the room. But "reliable" it was not. I felt like I was connecting to the internet using a carrier pigeon. The LAN access? I didn’t even bother, frankly. I'm not sure how you'd use it, and I am pretty sure this hotel is not the place to start. I guess I'm getting old.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Operation Buffet Bliss and the Poolside Promise
This is where things get… interesting. First off, the breakfast buffet. Ah, yes. A symphony of scrambled eggs (questionable origin), rubbery bacon, and a surprisingly decent selection of pastries. Note to self: Do not attempt to eat everything. I failed miserably. They also have an Asian breakfast, which I unfortunately didn't get to try. There’s a coffee shop, too, which I managed to stumble into for some much-needed caffeine.
There is a pool-side bar, which might've looked better when it wasn't 110 degrees. I did see a few brave souls sipping on cocktails, and I must admit, the idea was tempting. Alas, the sun won, and I retreated indoors to the cool embrace of the air conditioning. Not to mention, a poolside bar in the desert feels like a cruel, delicious joke. They have multiple restaurants, a snack bar, and even a vegetarian offering!
Things To Do, Ways to Relax: Spa Dreams Dashed (But the Pool is Alright)
Alright, let's be real. This isn't the Ritz. The spa? Non-existent (or at least, I couldn't find it!). The Body Scrub? I brought my own. But there is a pool! The Swimming Pool [outdoor], is actually pretty nice. It's what I needed, an escape from the heat. I do love a pool with a view, but maybe there's a mountain visible from it.
Cleanliness and Safety: Sanitized Serenity (ish)
Okay, this is where the Days Inn actually surprised me. The staff was clearly taking COVID precautions seriously. Hand sanitizer everywhere. The rooms seemed genuinely clean and they really are doing their best to follow safety protocols. Room sanitization opt-out available? Really?
Services and Conveniences: Lost in Translation (And the Lack of a Mini-Bar)
They offer a lot of convenience stuff: daily housekeeping, a concierge (who was… pleasant), and a front desk that was always open. There's also a gift shop/souvenir shop. I am pretty sure they are trying to do their best to make you feel welcome. But I was hoping for a mini-bar. My disappointment here was tangible. Maybe a bottle of water next time. Oh, well.
For the Kids: Babysitting, Seriously?
They offer babysitting, which is… audacious, in a "Banning-in-a-hotel" kind of way. I didn't see any kids, and that's probably for the best.
Getting Around: Freedom on Four Wheels (…Or a Taxi, Maybe)
Free parking, baby! A win. But if you’re relying on public transport, you might be in trouble. A taxi service is available.
The Casino Fun Factor: My Gambling Confession
This is the part you've all been waiting for, right? THE CASINO! Okay, I'm no high roller. I'm more of a "sip-water-and-watch-the-slots-blink" kind of gambler. But I did dabble. I won… a few dollars. Lost more, of course. The atmosphere was… lively. Let’s just say it had its own unique rhythm. And hey, what's a trip to a Days Inn & Casino Fun (that's the name, right?) without a little reckless abandon?
Quirks, Quirks, Everywhere : Observations and Reactions
- The Elevator Music: A truly mind-bending collection of elevator-esque muzak. I think I heard "Hotel California" played on a xylophone.
- The Staff's Enthusiasm: Everyone was genuinely friendly and helpful, which goes a long way.
- The "Proposal Spot": The website claims there is a "Proposal Spot." I’m not sure where that is. Maybe under the big, flashing "Casino Fun" sign? Maybe in the swimming pool with those views I liked before?
- The Security: 24 hour security and cameras? Good. I wouldn't be surprised.
- The Shrine: A what?! Really I don't know what to say.
The Verdict: Should You Stay? Maybe. Probably. With Realistic Expectations.
Look, the Days Inn & Casino Fun in Banning is not the lap of luxury. But it's clean, relatively safe, and surprisingly hospitable. Is it a destination? Probably not. But if you're passing through, looking for somewhere to rest your weary head, or maybe (just maybe) try your luck at the slots, well, you could do worse. Just don't expect miracles. Embrace the quirks. And for god's sake, bring your own mini-bar. And maybe a strong internet signal.
Chino Valley Getaway: Unbeatable Deals at Extended Stay America!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your beige-walled, perfectly-formatted travel guide. This is the REAL DEAL. We're going to Banning, California, and let's be honest, expectations are… tempered. We're staying at the Days Inn by Wyndham, which, let's just say, their website promises things, and reality… well, reality usually delivers a slightly less vibrant shade of whatever they were selling. But hey, adventure awaits! (Or, you know, at least a slightly stained continental breakfast.)
Day 1: Arrival and the Existential Dread of Cheap Carpet
- 2:00 PM: Arrived at Ontario International Airport. Ugh. Airports. The purgatory of modern travel. Navigated the rental car gauntlet, which is always a test of patience and a masterclass in the art of pretending you understand insurance jargon. The minivan (yeah, I'm a minivan person now, don't judge) is surprisingly clean, which is already a win.
- 3:30 PM: Made it to the Days Inn. And… okay. It's a Days Inn. The lobby smells faintly of chlorine and stale coffee, a scent I suspect will become the olfactory portrait of my trip. Checked in. The front desk lady, bless her heart, was either incredibly efficient or had checked out mentally three hours earlier, it's hard to say.
- 4:00 PM: Room inspection. Alright. The air conditioning is chugging. The bathroom… well, it exists. The carpet. Oh, the carpet! It's a deep, faded, multi-toned brown, the kind of carpet that has probably seen more spilled sodas and existential crises than most humans. I half expected to find a cryptic message woven into the fibers, a message from a previous weary traveler. I considered burning the room down just to be rid of it, but the fire alarm probably wouldn't appreciate that.
- 5:00 PM: Attempting to unpack. Fail. I can never pack light. I always bring too much "just in case" stuff.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at a nearby fast-food place. Taco Bell. I KNOW, I KNOW. But jet lag, cheap hotels, and a severe lack of good options will do that to a person. The existential dread of the carpet has now moved to the realm of what am i doing with my life.
- 7:30 PM: Attempting to watch TV. The remote is clearly a relic of a bygone era. Found a channel showing reruns of a show I'd never heard of. Gave up and went to bed.
Day 2: Outlet Mall Mayhem and the Illusion of a Good Deal
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast! The "continental" breakfast. Let's be clear: I'm pretty sure the bagels had seen more action than I have. The "fruit" (read: bruised apples and bananas that are 90% brown) made me question the very nature of reality. The coffee, however, was… drinkable. Small victories, people. Small victories.
- 10:00 AM: The Outlet Mall. Oh, the outlet mall. A siren song of discount prices and the vague promise of a happier, more stylish me. Went in with a list, came out with… a bunch of crap I probably didn't need. The crowds were intense, the sales pitches relentless, and the whole experience left me feeling slightly…manipulated. But hey, I got some socks! (Questionable quality, but socks!) There was this shop at the outlet mall! It was a store that sold weird stuff: like a pillow that looks like a brick, a life size cardboard cutout of a celebrity, and a box set of 90's music videos.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch from a food court. Regret immediately followed. Should have eaten at the McDonald's.
- 2:00 PM: Back at the hotel, feeling somewhat defeated. The hotel room now feels like a prison. I stared at the carpet. It stared back.
- 3:00 PM: Tried to relax by the pool. It was small, and the water was lukewarm - no one else seemed to be using it which was somewhat concerning. The sun was brutal, and the silence was broken only by the drone of the air conditioner in my room. Gave up after 30 minutes.
- 5:00 PM: I decided to take a walk to the local park. Let's just say it was a walk.
- 7:00 PM: The casino! I entered with a sense of optimism. Played the slots… and lost. Walked out feeling slightly less wealthy, but hey, felt alive.
- 8:00 PM: Ate Pizza from the local pizza shop
- 9:00 PM: Attempting to watch TV. The remote is still a relic of a bygone era. Found a channel showing reruns of a show I'd never heard of. Gave up and went to… yeah, you guessed it, bed.
Day 3: Casino and The Road Home (and the lingering essence of carpet)
- 9:00 AM: Attempted the breakfast again. The bagels were the same, the apples were a little bit more brown. The coffee, however, was…still drinkable.
- 10:00 AM: Decided to head back to the Casino. This time I was luckier. Made some money! Was fun while it lasted
- 12:00 PM: Check out. Left the room a little bit messier than I found it. Sorry, cleaning staff!
- 1:00 PM: Headed to the airport. Goodbye, Banning. You were…an experience.
- 3:00 PM: At the airport, the flight got delayed…
- 7:00 PM: Finally landed. Home sweet home. Feeling a mix of relief and a strange, lingering appreciation for a carpet's endurance of the human experience.
Key Takeaways:
- Days Inn by Wyndham is not the Four Seasons. Manage your expectations.
- Outlet malls are soul-suckers, but sometimes you gotta buy those socks.
- The desert sun is unforgiving.
- Sometimes, the best part of a trip is coming home.
- And that carpet… that carpet stayed with me. Forever, I suspect.
So, there you have it. My Banning adventure. It wasn't glamorous, it wasn't perfect, but it was mine. And that, my friends, is what makes a journey worth taking - even if it's just to Banning, California. Maybe you'll visit, maybe you won't. But if you do, bring a really good book (and a strong sense of humor). You'll need it.
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Okay, Spill the Tea! Is the Days Inn *Really* a Casino Hotspot? Because... Banning?
Alright, alright, picture this: Banning. The desert. The… well, yeah, it’s Banning. But amidst the tumbleweeds (okay, maybe not *that* dramatic), lies a Days Inn, and SURPRISE! It has a little casino attached. Don't expect Vegas, people. Think… "local bar with a side of slot machines" vibe. But hey! We're talking *Banning*! This is the equivalent of finding a hidden oasis in the desert. And yes, it is a hotspot, if by hotspot you mean the only place you see a lot of people at 2 AM.
I went there once after driving for hours. I mean, I was *weary*. Needed a rest. And a gamble. The casino was tiny, maybe 20 machines, but oh man, the *characters*! This one lady, bless her heart, was playing so loud I thought the machines were going to explode. Then there was this dude in a Hawaiian shirt, *at night*, who kept high-fiving himself every time he won a whole… dollar. Comedy gold, I tell ya.
So, the Machines… What's the Action Like? Are We Talking Winning the Jackpot or Losing Our Shirts and Shoes (literally, hypothetically)?
Okay, let's be brutally honest: the odds are probably in *someone’s* favour, and it ain’t you, sweetheart. BUT! (and this is a HUGE but) the stakes are relatively low. Mostly nickel and dime machines. Which is perfect, because you can fritter away a couple of hours without completely bankrupting yourself. That’s the appeal! It’s the perfect place to lose a bit of money. Not a lot. Just a bit. You still eat. You still sleep in a bed and not a car. Think of it as the "gateway casino." Get your fix without ending up in a cardboard box. Unless you just make the wrong decisions. It’s happened.
I saw this guy, bless his heart (again!), get totally *ecstatic* when he won $20. TWENTY DOLLARS! He did a little dance. I felt happy for the guy. Made me think I should be going there more often.
Accommodation: Is the Days Inn Actually… Decent, or a Crime Scene Waiting to Happen? (Be Honest!)
Alright, let's get real. It's a Days Inn. Don't expect The Ritz. Expect… a place to sleep. A place to recharge. A place to hide from the relentless, unforgiving sun of Banning and the siren’s call of the slot machines. You’re getting what you pay for. Clean linens (I think… I hope), a working TV (cross your fingers), and hopefully, no unsettling smells. (I'm still scarred from that one Motel 6 in Barstow… different story, though). The important thing is, you're *there*. Close to the slots. That's the goal.
Dining Options: Are We Surviving on Vending Machine Snacks and Regret, or Is There Food… of *Any* Sort?
Okay, listen up, because this is crucial! There isn’t any fancy restaurant with a five-star chef. The best you're going to get is likely some kind of… "continental breakfast" at the Days Inn. Think watered-down coffee, pre-packaged pastries, and maybe, *maybe*, some sad-looking fruit. It’s… functional.
But here's the *real* secret, which is also NOT a secret, but rather, an observation: the important thing is to eat *before* the casino, ok? Because the casino is there for drinking, gambling (losing), and making new (or maybe temporary) acquaintances. If you're hungry after playing your quarters, you know what to do: call up your favorite fast-food place. There's always a fast-food place nearby in Banning. Always.
Personally, I recommend taking your snacks along, because you never know when you are going to get hungry. And what a shame that would be! Because you have the casino just begging you to win big (or lose small)!
So, plan your meals accordingly. (Trust me on this.)
Atmosphere: Is It a Happening Place, or More of a… Desolate Desert Dream?
I'm going to go ahead and call the atmosphere… "unique." Let's just call it that. It’s definitely not a high-roller scene. It's more like… "people who are passing through on a road trip who decided to stop and throw away some money." The casino definitely has its own charm. A certain… "je ne sais quoi" of low-key desperation and surprisingly high hopes. The lighting is dim, the buzz of the machines is constant, and the bartenders are probably a little cynical at heart, but there's a sort of camaraderie there. You share a look with the woman who just lost her last five bucks, and you both nod, understanding the shared plight. It draws you in. And, let's be honest, where else are you going to find this much excitement. Maybe Disneyland. Maybe.
Don't expect champagne and caviar. Expect… beer, questionable decisions, and perhaps a small amount of unexpected fun. It's like a real-life version of *Waiting for Guffman*… but with more slots and less dancing of cats.
Who is the Ideal Visitor? Are We Talking Hardcore Gamblers or Casual Dabblers?
This is where the Days Inn/Casino truly shines! It's for *everyone*! The weary traveler, the bored local, the spontaneous road-tripper… Anyone with a few spare dollars and a slight yearning to press their luck.
I imagine it's great for the hardcore gambler too. They probably just get bored with all the low stakes, but hey, they can probably win a lot of cash right?
If you're serious about your gambling, this is probably not your final destination. If you're looking for a bit of quirky fun, a place to unwind, and a slice of authentic "Banning" life, then… welcome home! You wouldn’t regret it! Or maybe you will. But you'll create a story, nonetheless. That's what matters!
My Personal Experience: The Time I *Almost* Won… Then Didn't. (The Tragedy!)
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