Redlands Getaway: Unbeatable Deals at Super 8!
Redlands Getaway: Super 8 - Honestly, It's… Okay. (But the Deals? They Might Be Worth It.)
Okay, so I get it. "Redlands Getaway: Unbeatable Deals at Super 8!" doesn't exactly scream "luxury escape." But hey, sometimes you're driving through, need a cheap place to crash, and the budget is, well, tight. That's where this Super 8 in Redlands comes in, probably trying to charm you with promises of, you know, deals. And yeah, maybe they have a point.
First Impressions: That "Budget Chic" Vibe (or Lack Thereof)
Pulling up, the Super 8 is… a Super 8. Standard exterior corridor, a smattering of parked cars, and the faint aroma of… well, I’m not sure what it was, but let’s call it “hotel air.” Accessibility seems reasonably addressed; I spotted an elevator and the website hints at accessible rooms, but I didn't check them out myself. (I'm guessing you’d need to call ahead and confirm, based on my general Super 8 experience.) There's a 24-hour front desk, so, bonus points for late arrivals!
Rooms: Functional, Not Fancy (But Free Wi-Fi Is a Win!)
My room? Let's call it Available in all rooms… and generally, non-smoking. Okay, it wasn't going to win any design awards. The carpeting felt a little… well, worn. Blackout curtains were your friend, though, a godsend for sleeping off a long drive, along with the extra long bed. Air conditioning worked, which is crucial in Southern California. Other Available in all rooms amenities included a desk (for pretending to work), a coffee/tea maker (essential for morning survival), and free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Score! The Internet access – wireless was indeed pretty reliable.
Now, let's be real: a mini bar was absent, and that's fine. The refrigerator held… well, my leftovers from some questionable fast food that I picked up at a spot not far from here. In-room safe box? I didn't even bother. My valuables consisted of a laptop and some spare change. The closet was alright. Did it feel luxurious? Absolutely not. Did it do the job? Absolutely.
Cleanliness and Safety: The Pandemic Shuffle
Okay, here's where things actually slightly impressed me. I mean, the hotel is trying. They are actively trying to put your mind at ease with Anti-viral cleaning products, Staff trained in safety protocol, and Daily disinfection in common areas. Rooms sanitized between stays, they tell you, though I’m not exactly running a lab test to verify it. I appreciated the Hand sanitizer dispensers everywhere and the Cashless payment service. They really want you to feel safe. First aid kit? Check. Fire extinguisher and smoke alarms? Also check. I noticed CCTV in common areas and outside the property. So, at least they seem to have that covered. There was even a doctor/nurse on call listed, though, again, I didn’t test this.
The room sanitization opt-out available is something I haven't seen before. I think it's meant to reduce waste or something. I was told this upon check-in. It seems that they are serious about hygiene!
Dining: Let's Not Get Excited
Breakfast [buffet] is promised, but I'm pretty sure "buffet" is a generous term here. Expect bagels, pastries, and maybe some sad-looking scrambled eggs. There's Coffee/tea in restaurant, which is a must. They have a Snack bar and in my opinion, the Breakfast takeaway service is probably your best bet, if you are heading somewhere. Seriously, don't expect Michelin stars here. Restaurants and Asian cuisine in restaurant are available, but they are not on-site.
Things to Do (Or, Essentially, "Things Outside of the Super 8")
Okay, let's be honest, the Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor] are all… not a thing here. Don’t come here expecting a luxurious spa day.
But hey, Redlands itself isn't bad if you’re just looking for a basic place to chill. Things to do involve exploring the town a bit, maybe a leisurely walk. Bicycle parking is available, if you’re into that. I mean, you're probably not here for the hotel's amenities; you’re here for the Unbeatable Deals. Car park [free of charge] is a bless, so that helps.
Services and Conveniences: The Good, the Bad, and the "Meh"
Daily housekeeping is a plus, though, again, don't expect miracles. Concierge, Dry cleaning, Laundry service, Ironing service, Luggage storage, and all that jazz? Nope. Though, there is a Convenience store, which could save you from a late-night snack run. Contactless check-in/out is offered, which is handy. Meeting/banquet facilities and Business facilities are listed, which seems a bit ambitious for this place.
The Crazy Highlight: The Bed, and My Moment of Despair
This is where things get a little… personal. The bed. Extra long bed. It wasn’t the most comfortable bed in the world. Okay, it was pretty basic. But after a brutal five-hour drive in the California sun? That bed was still a gift from the gods. I crashed. I mean, really crashed. And maybe this is a personal problem, but when I woke up at 3 AM, I was absolutely starving and, of course, there’s no Room service [24-hour]. So, I did what any sensible, budget-conscious traveler does: I devoured a gas station hot dog in the lobby. It was not my finest moment, but a Snack bar might have helped. I spent a half-hour staring at the ceiling, wondering what I was doing with my life. Those are the moments that stick with you.
For the Kids: Nope.
Babysitting service? Family/child friendly? Kids facilities? Kids meal? Absolutely not. This ain't the place.
Getting Around: Drive, Baby, Drive!
The Super 8 is pretty accessible if you have a car. Car park [on-site] is clutch. Airport transfer? No. Taxi service? Probably not. Car power charging station? Not a thing. You’re on your own, folks.
The Verdict: Deal or No Deal?
Look, this Super 8 isn't going to blow your mind. But if you're looking for a clean, safe, and cheap place to crash for a night, especially with the unbeatable deals they advertise, it does the job. The free Wi-Fi is a huge plus, and the location is decent for exploring the Redlands area. Don’t expect pampering, but you might be pleasantly surprised. Just pack your own snacks, and pray the bed is "long bed" enough. I would suggest getting comfortable with the idea of feeling a bit "meh". And hey, if you score a decent deal? It might just be worth it. I felt that I was in good hands in terms of Hotel chain safety and standards.
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Okay, buckle up, buttercup, because this itinerary? It's gonna be less "smooth operator" and more "slightly-unhinged tourist." We're talking Super 8 in Redlands, CA. Let's see if we can survive, shall we?
The Grand (Slightly Grungy) Tour of Redlands & Surrounds: A Whirlwind of Expectations and Reality
Day 1: Arrival & The Glorious Quest for Wi-Fi (and Maybe Dignity)
- 3:00 PM: Land at Ontario Airport (ONT). Okay, so the plan was to be graceful. But it's already a shitshow. Delayed flight, lost luggage (probably still in Omaha, waving goodbye to my sanity), and a rental car that smells suspiciously like a wet dog that escaped a clown convention. The drive to Redlands is… well, it's a drive. The shimmering heat has already started to melt my brain.
- 4:30 PM: Arrive at Super 8 Redlands. Sigh. Okay, it looks… like a Super 8. The lobby smells faintly of chlorine and regret. Check-in. The overly-cheerful front desk person attempts to make small talk about my day. I want to punch something. I fail. I'm tired, so I'll just go to the room.
- 5:00 PM: Explore the room. It's… clean? I swear, that's a win! I'm immediately on the hunt for Wi-Fi. This is crucial. (How else am I going to complain on Twitter about the state of America, and where is my damn luggage.) Okay, router password. I am a failure. The Wi-Fi is weaker than my will to live.
- 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM: The Quest for Sustenance (and a Charger): This is where things get real. A quick Yelp search reveals what looks like a dive bar. I am a terrible person, so this is perfect! In and out! I try to order a drink at the bar, my phone dies. "Well, this will be the end of me," I have time to think. I ask a guy if I can borrow his charger. "Sorry man, I got nothing". Okay, it'll be the death of me, or I'll survive.
- 7:00 PM: Order a burger. Eat the burger. Burger's good. I am a foodie. I think. I eat a hamburger, and it is good.
- 8:00 PM: Collapsed on the bed like a sack of potatoes. I’ll watch some TV and try to forget everything. I'm finally asleep.
- 9:00 PM-ish: The Nightmare of the Room: I remember there's something about a smoking room. Oh no. At first, the memory of a cigarette's taste makes me salivate. The room reeks of stale smoke. I thought I was safe from this. I wasn't. This is so bad. I can barely breathe or sleep. I turn on the TV, and it smells worse. I'm trapped. I tried putting my head under the pillow. Still, nothing. I consider sleeping in the car. This Super 8 sucks.
Day 2: Redlands Rendezvous, or: "Is That a Coyote?!"
- 7:00 AM: Wake up. My eyes are burning. That smell is still there. I try to be happy. I try to be good. I wash my face. I have to be ready to go. I'm a tourist, after all.
- 7:30 AM: Breakfast is included. The continental breakfast. Okay, okay. I want to be happy. I can do it. I go for the stale bagels and the questionable coffee. I'm not happy. I make myself laugh. It's a sad laugh.
- 8:00 AM: Explore Redlands. I need a map. I am now a tourist. Explore Redlands. I go to find some sort of shopping center. I like big stores. It's okay. Good. I try to remain. I am now happy. I feel. I look.
- 12:00 PM: The park. This is the park. I'm happy. I look around. This is it. It's so perfect. The grass is green. The sun is bright. Everything is good. Okay, good. But then, I see something move. It's a coyote. Is it a coyote? What the hell? It's looking at me. I start running. Maybe I was wrong. Maybe I'm going to die. No. It's over. It's gone. I'm in the car. I'm safe.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch time. I go to a restaurant. Okay! Good. I look at the menu. I try to be confident. Eat. Everything is fine.
- 2:00 PM: More walking. I'm just walking.
- 5:00 PM: I go home. I have to go home. It's so bad. I hate the room. I hate the smoke.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner! Okay! I ordered some food. I eat. I'm so sad. I hate this place.
- 9:00 PM: I cry because of the smell and the room.
Day 3: Escape from Redlands (and Maybe a Therapist)
- 7:00 AM: Wake up. I'M LEAVING TODAY! I pack my bags (the ones that finally arrived, thankfully). Shower. Try to scrub the stank of the room off me.
- 7:30 AM: One last stab at the breakfast bar. I eat the bagel. I eat. I leave.
- 8:00 AM: Check out. Tell the front desk person that I loved everything, but please do something with the room's smell. They shrug. I don't care. I am free!
- 8:30 AM: Drive to… somewhere else. The ultimate goal? To escape the clutches of the Super 8 and the memory of the coyote.
- 10:00 AM: I hope I can live.
- Ongoing: Therapy. Lots of therapy. And maybe a strongly worded letter to Wyndham corporate.
Final Thoughts:
This trip was… an experience. Redlands, you were interesting. Super 8, you were a trial. But hey, at least there's a story, right? And maybe, just maybe, I'll get that lost luggage back someday. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need a long shower and a very strong drink.
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Redlands Getaway: Super 8 Edition - Let's Be Honest (and Maybe a Little Chaotic)
Okay, Okay, Redlands. Why Super 8? Are we even serious here?
Alright, look. Let's rip the band-aid off. Glamour? High-end luxury? Nope. We're not talking Ritz-Carlton, folks. We're talking, "Hey, I need to get outta Dodge, and my wallet's whimpering in the corner." Super 8 in Redlands offers... well, *deals*. Like, seriously, *deals*. It's about the experience of *getting away* without selling a kidney. Think of it as the scrappy underdog of vacations. You might find a questionable stain on the rug, but you'll also be *away* from the soul-crushing monotony of your day-to-day. That, my friends, is priceless (or at least, moderately priced).
What are these "Unbeatable Deals" you're bragging about? Spill the beans! (and maybe a tiny bit of the continental breakfast...)
Okay, the beans. Let's be real, most of the deals are about the *lack* of extra fees you get from other places. We did discover a bit of a discount on an older room, you know, the ones that look like they were decorated during the Reagan era. Seriously, the wallpaper was a crime against design, but hey, for that price?! It was worth it for a night of escape. Don’t expect a rooftop pool, or room service. You get a bed, a hopefully-working TV, and the *promise* of free Wi-Fi (that's often slower than a sloth on Valium). And, of course, the legendary, always-questionable continental breakfast. I once saw a rogue, lonely waffle there that looked like it had been abandoned since the Bush administration. But, coffee! And, the sweet, sweet joy of escaping the *always* too hot, too cold apartment.
Speaking of the continental breakfast... what's the *deal* with the continental breakfast? Is it a trap?
The continental breakfast... Ah, a crucible of both hope and disappointment. You'll get the predictable: stale donuts, generic cereal, those weirdly-individualized packets of orange juice that look like they're from the Jurassic period. The coffee? Let’s just say it’s more "brown-ish water" than coffee. But listen. Every once in a while... *every once in a blue moon*... you'll find a rogue, perfectly ripe banana. (Or, in my case the sad donut from the previous question). That banana is a beacon of hope. It's a message to the weary traveler that there *is* beauty (and potassium) in the world. Also, free carbs. Embrace it. Don't expect culinary excellence, just… sustenance. And a fleeting moment of joy before you head back to the real world… or, you decide your vacation to Redlands should include even more exploring.
So, Redlands itself... Is there anything *actually* worth seeing besides the inside of a slightly-worn hotel room? Because I'm starting to sweat and maybe I should have taken a staycation.
Okay, okay! Breathe. Redlands has its moments! It's not Monaco, but it’s not a total wasteland either. The downtown area has some cute shops and restaurants. I had a seriously *amazing* burger at a place called "The Gourmet Burger Bistro" - totally unexpected, and definitely a highlight. And, the San Bernardino County Museum! Actually kind of impressive. I was expecting dusty dinosaur bones and a lukewarm gift shop, but it's… surprisingly well-curated. You might actually *enjoy* it. (Don't tell anyone I said that.) Oh, and the Redlands Bowl Summer Music Festival. Free concerts under the stars! Pretty romantic, even with the occasional errant mosquito. See? Not a total disaster. Look, it's not the *destination*, it's the journey, *and* the fact that my bank account survived. It’s all about the low expectations, yeah?
What about the *vibe*? Is it full of screaming kids running amok, or is it a slightly-less-chaotic retreat?
Ah, the vibe. It's… mixed. You *are* at a Super 8. You *will* encounter the occasional family with a minivan full of sugar-hyped children. You *may* be serenaded by the distant rumble of the freeway at 3 AM. (Earplugs: your best friend.) However, I've also found the Super 8 crowd to be a pretty diverse bunch. Road-trippers, budget-conscious families, the "I just need a place to crash" crowd… It's a slice of Americana, folks. Embrace the chaos. Or, at least, pretend to. Don't expect silence, but do expect a certain… shared experience of weary travel. Also, I noticed a lot of people drinking coffee at 6:00 AM. I felt seen!
Let's get REAL. What was the WORST part of your Super 8 Redlands experience? Spill the tea (or lukewarm, probably burnt, coffee).
Okay, okay. Deep breath. The WORST? Hmm… It wasn’t *terrible*, but… The key card reader on the door was finicky. Seriously, I spent a solid five minutes wrestling with that thing, jiggling, swiping, muttering under my breath. I felt like I was auditioning for a mime troupe. And, you know, the occasional… strange noise. Like, the HVAC system's version of a dying whale. And, okay, I'll admit it, I think the "cleanliness" was more "surface-level." The carpet… well, let's just say I wouldn't recommend eating anything off of it. Also, one time, the person in the room next to mine was having a very… enthusiastic phone conversation. I swear I knew everything about their life. Ugh. But, honestly? For the price, you kinda expect a little imperfection. It's part of the charm (or at least, the story you tell later).
And the BEST? Did anything *actually* surprise you in a positive way?
The BEST? Hands down, the moment I *unlocked the door and went inside, knowing that this place, even if not fancy, was all mine, for a night*. The fact that I was *GETTING AWAY*, even just for a little bit! It’s about the feeling, folks! The freedom! No chores, no demands, just… me, a questionable bed, and the open road of possibilities. And the burger at the Gourmet Burger Bistro. Seriously, that burger was a religious experience. Also, there's a certain… *camaraderie* among budget travelers. You'Honeymoon Havenst
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