Escape to Comfort: Microtel Inn & Suites Eagan/St. Paul - Your MN Getaway!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the… Escape to Comfort: Microtel Inn & Suites Eagan/St. Paul - Your MN Getaway! …or as I'm now calling it, "The Eagan Enigma." I just got back, and my brain is still trying to sort out the experience. Here goes nothing… and everything!
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- Meta Description: A brutally honest and hilarious review of Microtel Inn & Suites Eagan/St. Paul, detailing accessibility, amenities, cleanliness, dining, and everything in between. Find out if this MN getaway lives up to the hype… or if it's just another hotel vortex.
The Arrival… And the Quest for the Elevator (Accessibility & Getting Around, First!)
Alright, first impressions? The building itself is… a building. You know? Brick-like. Perfectly functional, I guess. Finding the entrance wasn't immediately obvious, which is a slight ding for the visual cue department. Once inside, the lobby was… presentable. The front desk staff were perfectly polite drones, which is fine. I'm here for a hotel, not a stage show.
Now, the accessibility part. This is where things get, well, they get interesting. Microtel touts itself as offering "facilities for disabled guests," and yes, there is an elevator. But let me tell you, finding it felt like a treasure hunt requiring a map, a compass, and possibly a small sacrifice to the hotel gods. It’s tucked away, which, if you’re mobility-impaired, can be a real drag. I didn't need the accessible features specifically, but the layout made me think about what it would be like if I did. Just a heads up: make sure to ask for REALLY specific directions if you need elevator access, because otherwise you will be wandering around looking for a while.
Rooms, Rooms, Glorious Rooms… And the Sound of Silence? (Cleanliness & Safety, Available In All Rooms, Services & Conveniences)
My room… okay, it was clean. Relatively clean. They say they've got "Professional-grade sanitizing services" and "Rooms sanitized between stays," and you can opt-out of room sanitization. I’m choosing to believe them. I mean, I didn't see any obvious signs of a biohazard. The "individually-wrapped food options" gave me a chuckle… like, are we in a zombie apocalypse or a hotel? (And hey, on that note, they do have “First aid kit”! I'm keeping this one in mind).
The room itself was… adequate. The "extra long bed" was great, though. I appreciated not having my feet dangling over the edge. The air conditioning worked, thank the heavens. My room had "Soundproofing", which seems to be a very relative term. I could still hear the hallway noises and the faint… thrum… of… something. Maybe the air conditioner itself? Regardless, it made me wonder if I should have brought earplugs (and maybe a hazmat suit, just in case!).
I will say this: the "complimentary tea" was a nice touch, even if the tea bags looked a little… lonely. And hey, the "safe box" made me feel like a secret agent, even if all I put in it was my phone charger and my stash of gummy bears. Don't judge my life choices.
They also got the basics right, which let's be honest is the most important thing (for example, "desk" with a "desk", I approve).
Here's the weird part: "Soundproofing" and "Soundproof rooms" are listed separately. I see you, Microtel. I see you doing the best you can.
Wi-Fi, Internet, and the Digital Wasteland (Internet, Internet Services)
They promise “Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!” Well, it was free. And it worked… most of the time. I'd describe the speed as "glacial," but I've certainly used worse. (Remember dial-up? shudders). If you're planning on streaming HD movies or conducting top-secret online trading, maybe think again. For basic browsing, it did the job…eventually. The "Internet access – wireless" was less reliable than a politician's promise. And yes, they gave me "Internet access – LAN"! But I had zero reasons to use it (who has LAN cables anymore?).
Food & Drink (Dining, Drinking, and Snacking)
Let's get down to the nitty-gritty: the on-site dining options. Okay, the "Breakfast [buffet]" situation. This is where things got… memorable. I'm not going to lie; the buffet was a scene. A scene. There were… options… but they were a bit… basic. Think pre-packaged muffins, the kind of "fruit" that looks suspiciously like it was grown in a laboratory, and a coffee dispenser that could probably power a small city… with lukewarm, watery coffee. It wasn't bad, per se, but don’t expect gourmet. The "Breakfast takeaway service" was a godsend, though. I grabbed a couple of extra muffins for my "emergency snack" stash.
They do have a "Coffee shop," but I didn't use it (as mentioned, coffee from the buffet was a mistake, I am not to be trusted with coffee).
They have a "Bar" and a "Poolside bar," as well! I sadly missed those.
Relaxation Station? (Things to do, ways to relax, Spa/sauna, Fitness center)
They brag about a "Swimming pool [outdoor]". Sadly, I didn't have time to take a dip. I took one look at the weather and hid in my room. There's also a "Gym/fitness," and I must confess, I peeked in. It looked… functional. I might have spotted some weights and maybe a treadmill. My inner couch potato won out, though.
The Finale: Would I Recommend This Eagan Enigma?
So, would I recommend the Microtel Inn & Suites Eagan/St. Paul? That depends.
- For the budget-conscious traveler: Absolutely. It's a perfectly acceptable option, it has a lot of features and good prices.
- For the accessibility-focused traveler: Be sure to do a thorough search before you commit. The directions should be specific, and that should be a hint.
- For the picky foodie: Bring your own snacks. Seriously.
- For the sound-sensitive individual: Earplugs. Pack them.
Ultimately, the Microtel is a functional hotel. It's not going to blow your mind. But it's a solid, clean place to crash for a night or two. It's an experience. (Just one with slightly questionable breakfast muffins.) And hey, that's not always a bad thing.
(End of Review. Now, off to find a decent cup of coffee…)
Dallas Richardson Escape: Sonesta ES Suites Luxury Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to embark on the wild ride that is my trip to Eagan, Minnesota, and believe me, it's gonna be less "perfect itinerary" and more "organized chaos with a side of regret" (just kidding… mostly). We're stationed at the glorious (and by glorious, I mean convenient because who am I kidding, I live for the convenience) Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Eagan/St Paul. Let's see if I can make it through the week – and hopefully the continental breakfast – without losing my mind.
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Room Debacle – or, “Where’s My Remote?!”
- Afternoon (ish): Touchdown at MSP! Ugh, airports. They always seem to amplify my inner chaos gremlin. The flight was thankfully uneventful, though my assigned seatmate kept sighing dramatically every time I breathed. I swear, some people thrive on manufactured drama. Grabbed my rental car (praying the GPS doesn’t lead me into a lake…) and navigated to the Microtel. It’s… well, it's there. Cleanish. The lobby smells faintly of chlorine and disinfectant, which I guess is a good thing?
- Check-in: The front desk clerk, bless her heart, looked like she’d seen a ghost. Or maybe she was just as overwhelmed by the sheer volume of humanity filtering through the revolving door. Anyway, checked in. Everything seemed in order.
- The Great Room Debacle: Finally in my room! Yay! Okay, first order of business: the remote control. WHERE IS THE REMOTE CONTROL?! I’ve come to realize hotels and their remote controls are a mystery for the ages. Are they stolen? Do they magically teleport into the abyss? After a solid 15 minutes of hunting – under the bed, behind the curtains, even in the mini-fridge (don't judge me, I was desperate) – I found it. Wedged between the mattress and the headboard. Victory is mine! I collapsed on the bed, flipping through channels. Found a cheesy Hallmark movie. Perfect. My brain cells feel so refreshed.
- Dinner Rundown: Hungry. The hotel has a "vending machine" situation. And the nearest decent restaurant, I'm finding online is a good distance away. I debated ordering some room service because I'm just that lazy. I am so glad I went ahead and ordered delivery from [Name of restaurant].
Day 2: Mall of America & the Existential Dread of Roller Coasters
- Morning (9:00 AM): Continental Breakfast. Okay, I'm not gonna lie. The "continental" part is a bit… generous. The bagels are like hockey pucks. The coffee tastes like sadness. But hey, free is free. I choked down some questionable yogurt and considered the merits of skipping breakfast altogether. Decided against it. Energy is key to life or whatever.
- Morning (10:00 AM): Headed to the Mall of America. Honestly, I’m terrified. I have a love-hate relationship with malls. The energy is… intense. The sheer vastness of it all is overwhelming. It's like a tiny city. This is when I begin to question all my life choices.
- Mid-day: Okay, so, I went on a roller coaster. (The one with the looping!). I'm going to be honest, I screamed a lot. Like, a lot. My voice is probably hoarse for the next few hours. After the ride I did a bit of souvenir shopping.
- Late Afternoon: Mall food court. Regrets. I probably should've gotten something remotely nutritious, but those questionable food court choices were far to tempting.
- Evening: Recovering from the Mall of America experience. Took a long, hot shower and watched more terrible television. Feeling a little bit more human now.
Day 3: Culture Vulture… or, "I Tried to be Cultured and Failed Beautifully"
- Morning: I actually set an alarm and woke up early! A miracle. I've decided to try to be classy and sophisticated, to experience some culture. Breakfast was the same hockey puck bagels, but now the coffee even looked sad.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Decided a trip to the Minneapolis Institute of Art was in order. I thought, "I'll be all cultured and thoughtful and appreciate the beauty of the world." I spent about an hour and a half there, got completely lost, and ended up staring at a sculpture that looked suspiciously like a pile of rusted metal. I think I spent half my time trying to figure out the meaning of that. My brain is just not that advanced.
- Late Afternoon: Okay, I might have needed a strong drink after that. Found a charming brewery in the area. Had a local IPA. My mood instantly improved. Maybe I'm not that cultured after all.
- Evening: Back at the hotel. Ordering pizza. Tomorrow, I'm thinking… maybe a day of watching movies?
Day 4: Taking it Easy (and Possibly Avoiding People)
- Morning: Slept in. Needed it. Breakfast was skipped altogether. (The hockey puck situation was getting rough.)
- Afternoon: Honestly, I just stayed in my room. Watched movies. Didn’t speak to anyone. This is what vacation is all about, people! Freedom! Netflix and nap time, baby!
- Evening: Started getting lonely. Ordered some food. Thought about going out, but the couch was just… so comfortable. Maybe another day.
Day 5: Local Exploration (and a Near Disaster)
- Morning: Feeling slightly more adventurous than usual. Maybe the solitude helped. Drove around the area. Took some pictures.
- Mid-day: I decided to grab some local cuisine and found a place that was apparently famous for its meatball sandwiches. This thing was like a small mountain. I loved it!
- Afternoon: This is where the adventure met a brick wall. I found a small lake nearby. I thought it would be a great photo opportunity. Then my car got stuck. In the mud. Thankfully, a very nice local, who looked like a lumberjack, came to my rescue.
- Evening: Back at the hotel. Exhausted. And a little embarrassed. Planning to drown my sorrows in chocolate.
Day 6: Last Hurrah & the Airport Gauntlet
- Morning: One last sad breakfast. Saying goodbye to my room. Okay, maybe not sad. Ready to go home.
- Afternoon: Packing up. Checking out. Sighing. The inevitable airport commute. I hate airports.
- Late Afternoon: Heading to the airport in an hour. Wondering if I should get those awful but kind of tasty airport pretzels.
- Evening: Made it through TSA! Success! Sitting at my gate, feeling a mix of relief and melancholy. Relief that this trip is ending, melancholy that I have to go back to reality. Ate the pretzel. No regrets.
Day 7: Safe Travels!
- Home!
And there you have it. My Eagan adventure. A messy, imperfect, and hopefully somewhat entertaining glimpse into my version of travel. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to plan my next escape from reality… which will probably involve a lot of Netflix and avoiding human contact.
Escape to Paradise: La Quinta Inn El Dorado, AR - Your Dream Getaway Awaits!
So, Microtel Eagan/St. Paul… Worth It? Or Just Another Night in a Box?
Okay, look, let's be real. "Worth it" is subjective. I mean, are you expecting the Ritz? Because honey, you're not in the Ritz. You're in a Microtel. But, and this is a BIG but, for the price? For a basic, clean, and relatively convenient stay? Yeah, probably worth it. Especially if you're on a budget or just need a crash pad. My friend Brenda, bless her heart, once booked a place *much* fancier for a weekend getaway. Spent a fortune on room service, only to find the spa was closed for renovations. We all end up questioning our life choices sometimes. Don't be Brenda. Microtel isn't glamorous, but it's reliable. Mostly.
The Breakfast... Is It Edible? Because Hotel Breakfasts… *Shudder*
Okay, the breakfast. This is where things get... interesting. They *say* "continental." “Complimentary!” Words they use to soothe our budget-conscious souls. In reality? It's… a gamble. The fruit? Sometimes fresh, sometimes they’ve seen better days, the kind where the orange looks at you like it's thinking of going bad. The waffles? Well, you get to make your own! (Pro tip: use *two* of the waffle-making machines, because you’ll be waiting forever otherwise). The coffee? Strong enough to jumpstart a small car, which is a good thing. The cereal… it's cereal. Don't go expecting gourmet. But! I've encountered *worse*. I’ve had hotel breakfasts that tasted vaguely of cleaning products. So, again, for the price? Acceptable. Bring your own emergency granola bar just in case. Because you never know. That time my stomach grumbled at 7 AM? It’s burned in my brain.
What's the Deal with the Rooms? Are They Actually… Comfortable?
Comfortable? Well, they’re… functional. Let's put it that way. The beds are usually decent. I mean, you *can* sleep in them. They’re not like sinking into a marshmallow, but they do the trick after a long day of, ya know, existing. The bathrooms? Clean, mostly, and the water pressure is often… surprisingly decent! Which is a total win, trust me. And the best part? That little desk, perfect for ordering GrubHub and binge-watching something you probably shouldn’t be binging. That's what I'm talking about. The rooms are clean-ish (I’ve had worse, let's just say that), and the air conditioning works, which is a godsend in the Minnesota summer. Just a tip: If your room faces the highway, bring earplugs. Because traffic. And sometimes, you can hear the *neighbor's* TV show. You've been warned.
How's the Location? Is It Actually Close to Anything *Cool*?
Okay, location, location, location! This is actually a strong point. Eagan/St. Paul is perfectly positioned. You're close to the airport (MSP), which is a huge plus. You can easily jump on I-35E or I-35W and get to the Mall of America, downtown St. Paul, or even Minneapolis. A quick 15-20 minute drive. Plenty of things to do! If you're a sports fan, you're golden. The Vikings, the Twins, the Wild? All within striking distance. Restaurants? Absolutely! Everything in a 10-15 minute drive. The only downside? Depending on traffic it is what it is. I got stuck once, trying to get to dinner. Ended up ordering pizza and eating in the hotel room. In retrospect, not a bad decision. I'd do it again.
Parking - Easy Peasy or a Total Nightmare?
Parking? Generally easy peasy. Free parking! This is a win, because finding parking can send you to the brink of a breakdown. There's plenty of parking spaces. I can honestly say that I have never had an issue. This is a relief because I am prone to anxiety.
The Staff - Are They Friendly? Or Do They Seem Like They'd Rather Be Anywhere Else?
The staff… it’s a mixed bag. Some front desk people are truly lovely, smiling, helpful, and genuinely seem happy to see you. Bless their hearts! They're the kind of people who restore your faith in humanity. Then there are others… well, let’s just say they've had a long day. I once witnessed an exchange… let's call it *spirited*… between a guest and the poor night clerk. It was clear they’d both had a rough day. But mostly, they're fine. They're doing their jobs. They’re there to help. Be polite. Tip when it's appropriate. And everyone will get along just fine.
Is There a Pool? Because, You Know, Sometimes You Need a Pool…
I *think* there is a pool. Honestly, I’m a big believer in the bath. It's the best. My anxiety? Gone. However, in my experience, I haven’t used it. I didn’t even really investigate. I’d have to check the website to know for sure. But hey, if there's a pool, great! If not, well, that’s what the bath is for.
Okay, But Really: Any Horror Stories? Like, Did You Find a Roach?
Okay, horror stories. Let's get to the juicy stuff! Thankfully, no roaches. Yet. I once found a… well, let's just say a *hair* in the shower. (Ugh.) And the time the TV remote decided to give up the ghost… that was annoying. But overall? Nothing truly terrifying. Nothing that would make me pack my bags in the dead of night. Look, I'm more of a "live and let live" kind of person. It's a hotel. Things happen. Just keep your expectations reasonable, and you'll be fine. Don't expect the cleanest anything you've ever seen. But also: I have not experienced anything that has ruined by experience.
In a Nutshell: Should I Book It?
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