Omaha's BEST Kept Secret Hotel? (Near I-80!)
Omaha's BEST Kept Secret Hotel (Near I-80!): A Messy, Honest Review
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea (and maybe a little coffee, considering how caffeine-dependent I am) on this supposedly "best kept secret" hotel near I-80 in Omaha. Look, I'm a sucker for a good hotel, especially one that promises quiet, relaxation, and maybe, just maybe, a decent waffle. And this… this hotel, which I will leave unnamed to preserve its "secret" status, delivered, well… bits and pieces of all those things. Let’s dive in, shall we?
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, Honestly.
First off, the accessibility. Now, I’m thankfully able-bodied, but I always appreciate a hotel that gets it right. They boasted "facilities for disabled guests" but, you know, the devil's in the details. The entryway was a breeze, thankfully. However, navigating the hallways felt like a poorly designed maze. And the elevator? It was…functional. I can't necessarily verify all of the accessibility claims – more investigation needed.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: The Food Odyssey.
Okay, let's talk food! Listen, I live to eat, and a hotel’s culinary offerings can make or break the whole experience for me.
The Breakfast Buffet: Oh, the breakfast buffet. A glorious, messy battlefield of scrambled eggs, questionable sausage, and… well, let's just say the waffles were the only thing that even began to resemble a "golden brown deliciousness." Don’t get me started on the coffee, which tasted vaguely of sadness and disappointment. But hey, a buffet is a buffet, right? The Asian breakfast options? I'm still trying to figure out what they were. The Western breakfast was a little better.
Restaurant Roulette: There's a restaurant I'd call it a "restaurant" if it weren't for my taste buds throwing a riot. The bar served drinks that were surprisingly decent. The happy hour was a lifesaver after a long day of… well, whatever I spent my day doing. There was a poolside bar, which, let's be honest, is a dream. Since I was alone, I just had to get a drink.
Room Service: They claimed 24-hour room service. The only thing on their menu was pizza, which was a tragedy.
- My big takeaway: I survived the dining situation; I ate and drank well. I won't try to sell you a food journey.
Cleanliness and Safety: The Sanitization Symphony… Mostly.
Okay, this is where things got interesting, considering the whole… you know… pandemic thing. They seem to be "all-in" on anti-viral cleaning. They had hand sanitizer everywhere. I saw them wiping things during the day, which I liked. And, they had individually-wrapped food options. I appreciated this a lot. * My biggest takeaway: I felt safe.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: A Spa-ing Experience (Kinda).
Relaxation, Please? I am not going to lie: I was very looking forward to the spa. Which was fine. There were even saunas and a steamroom. The pool with a view was beautiful. I did spend some time on the terrace—a nice spot for a quiet moment, though really, the whole place felt pretty quiet.
Fitness Fanaticism: The Fitness center was small. I did not want to spend time there.
- My biggest takeaway: The spa was well executed. The gym was… let's just say I've seen better.
Services and Conveniences: The Perks and the Quirks.
The Good Stuff: They had daily housekeeping…but I wonder if they changed the sheets every day? They had a gift shop. I did use a currency exchange. They had luggage Storage. I appreciated the concierge. The convenience store was a lifesaver.
The Slightly Less Good Stuff: My particular room was not soundproof, I could distinctly hear the people next door. The Wi-Fi was free, but sometimes a little spotty.
- My biggest takeaway: The place has a lot of good things.
For the Kids?
Honestly, as a solo traveller, I wasn't exactly scoping out the kids facilities. They do have babysitting service available.
Rooms: The Suite Life (or Not?)
My room? It was…fine.
The Good: It had free Wi-Fi, a desk to work on (although I did end up on the bed), a refrigerator (essential!), and a coffee/tea maker (the only source of caffeine I could actually rely on). The blackout curtains were a godsend.
The Not-So-Good: It was a little cramped. I never found the slippers. The view? Well, let's just say it wasn't postcard-worthy (it was, in fact, the parking lot). However, the bathrobes were wonderfully fluffy.
- My biggest takeaway: The room served its purpose.
Getting Around: The Travel Tango.
Parking: The car park was free. The car park was on-site.
Airport Transfer: They had airport transfer. Which was nice, I will admit.
Final Verdict: The Quirks and the Charms.
So, would I recommend this "best kept secret" hotel? Honestly, it’s complicated. It had its flaws, sure, but it also had a certain…charm. It wasn't perfect, but it was clean, safe, and filled with enough amenities to keep me entertained. It's not a luxury resort, but it is comfortable. It’s a decent place to crash. I will leave you with one final thought: if you're looking for perfection, look elsewhere. But if you are looking for a reasonably priced place near I-80, with an okay spa, and a chance to experience a truly "messy" travel experience, then this might just be your secret. Just… lower your expectations about the coffee. You have been warned.
Escape to Paradise: Hotel Maya, Los Angeles' Hidden Gem
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the gloriously messy reality of a trip to the Super 8 by Wyndham Omaha I-80 West. Forget pristine schedules and flawless execution – this is gonna be a rambling, slightly-off-kilter adventure, just like me.
The Super 8 Saga: Omaha Edition (In which I attempt to adult and probably fail spectacularly)
Day 1: The Arrival (aka, “Why Did I Book That Red-Eye?”)
- 6:00 AM: Ugh. The alarm. THE ALARM. Why can't they invent alarms that play the sound of puppies gently nudging you awake instead of that infernal… BEEP BEEP BEEP? My brain feels like a week-old pizza, slightly soggy and definitely not functioning. I'm pretty sure I packed my left sock in a hurry and skipped the right one.
- 7:00 AM: Airport. I’m running on fumes and instant coffee, which, let's be honest, is just caffeinated disappointment. The airport is its usual chaotic symphony of crying babies, stressed business travelers, and that one guy who looks suspiciously like he's trying to smuggle a small dog in his carry-on.
- 10:00 AM: Plane to Omaha. The flight was… fine. I managed to snag a window seat and spent the entire time trying (and failing) to remember the name of that actor. You know, the one who's in… that thing… with the… hair… and the thing… ARGH!
- 12:00 PM: Touchdown Omaha! The air here smells faintly of… well, I'm not entirely sure, but it's definitely different from the city I left behind. A good different, I hope.
- 1:00 PM: Check-in at the Super 8. Okay, let’s be real, this Super 8 isn't winning any design awards. But hey, it's a roof over my head, and the front desk lady was genuinely nice. I appreciated that after the stressful flight. The room… well, it has a bed. And a TV. And… a distinct aroma of "cleanliness that's trying very, very hard." Score!
- 2:00 PM: Food! I found a burger joint that seemed like a local favorite. Oh, the burger. Truly a work of art. I ended up eating half of my burger and took a nap, and it was glorious.
- 4:00 PM: I’m going to explore the city. I can't believe I have to drive. I'd rather take public transport.
- 5:00 PM: I went to Old Market. It was like a little brick-paved paradise, with cute shops and restaurants. I ate some dessert! I need to stop buying souvenirs.
Day 2: Into the Omaha Abyss (and possibly a late-night snack run)
- 7:00 AM: "Free" breakfast at the Super 8. The options include: a sad-looking waffle maker, some stale donuts, and a coffee that tastes suspiciously like it was brewed in a swamp. I chose the waffle. It was… okay. I think I need to order a pizza to compensate for it.
- 8:00 AM: I spent some time at my hotel. I'm honestly pretty sure I'll never want to see a hotel ever again. It's the way I get to relax and be alone.
- 9:00 AM: Decided to check out Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, which is like a vast, animal-filled wonderland. I spent hours wandering around, completely mesmerized. The penguins were my spirit animals (until they pooped, then I was not on board). The orangutans were hilariously sassy. I could have stayed there the whole day.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch. I'm starving after all that walking. Found a little diner and went in. Got a burger with fries. Felt great.
- 3:00 PM: I decided to explore some other places. I decided to go to the Joslyn Art Museum. It was nice to walk through, and the artwork was interesting, but it wasn't the place for me.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner! I had to go back to that burger joint. Seriously, the best.
- 8:00 PM: TV time. Watching some trashy reality show on TV. My brain has officially turned to mush. I'm pretty sure I'm going to have a late-night snack run to satisfy my hunger.
Day 3: Farewell, Omaha! (And the Search for a Decent Souvenir)
- 7:00 AM: Another "free" breakfast. This time, I'm skipping the waffle and going straight for the coffee. I need the caffeine to survive the packing process.
- 8:00 AM: Packing. This should be the easiest part of the trip… and it's never the easiest part. I can’t find my chargers, I need to do laundry, and my suitcase is already threatening to explode.
- 9:00 AM: Souvenir hunt! I have to find something to remember this trip. I went looking for something, anything, and ended up buying a t-shirt. I can't wait to wear it.
- 10:00 AM: Check out of the Super 8. Goodbye, little hotel room. You were… an experience.
- 11:00 AM: Head to the airport. Let's hope I don't forget anything this time.
- 1:00 PM: Flight. My flight has been delayed. I'm stressed.
- 6:00 PM: Home. The plane landed. I can't believe how much stuff I have to deal with.
- 7:00 PM: Unpacking begins. I'm exhausted!
- 8:00 PM: Bed.
Final Thoughts:
Omaha, you quirky, burger-loving city, you surprised me. The Super 8? Well, it was a place. A place with slightly questionable coffee and a very firm mattress. But you know what? It was mine, for a few days. And that's all that matters.
Would I recommend this trip? Absolutely. Would I plan it again? Probably not in this precise format. But hey, at least I have some stories to tell. And that, my friends, is the messy, beautiful truth of travel. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go find some sleep. Maybe.
Pasadena Getaway: Luxurious Stay at Residence Inn Arcadia!
Okay, spill. What *IS* this "Best-Kept Secret"? And why haven't I heard of it?!
Alright, alright, settle down, Sherlock. The "secret" is… well, *the name*. I'm not gonna blab it all over the internet, am I? Come on, show some respect for the clandestine! But, picture this: You're cruising down I-80, weary from your cross-country slog, the kids are screaming, and you're craving a haven. This place... this place *appears*. Not fancy, mind you. Think more "slightly-worn-but-charming" motel vibes. Definitely *near* the highway, so you don't have to go on some epic treasure hunt to find it. As for why you haven't heard of it? That's the point, isn’t it? Small, independent, maybe just a hint of "family-run" (though I suspect the family might be slightly eccentric). Word-of-mouth is its marketing department.
Is it… *actually* a secret? Like, requiring a password? A blink? A secret handshake?
Ha! A secret handshake? I *wish*! No, no password. No coded knocks. It's more of a "secret" because, well, Google reviews aren't exactly glowing with five-star raves. (though let's be honest, some of those reviews are just people who expect the Ritz for Motel 6 prices.) The real secret is its… let's call it "character." The kind of place that has a distinct personality. Sometimes it's a sweet, comfortable character, other times.. the AC is on the fritz. You know, life.
Okay, so, location, location, location? How *near* I-80 are we talkin'? Because I'm not about to spend an hour wrangling a U-turn.
Oh, you're in luck! This isn't a 'near-miss' kind of near. We're talking practically spitting distance. I'm not advocating this, of course, but one time... just one *time*, I may have walked from the parking lot directly to the gas station for my emergency gummy bears. Let's just say, easy access is an understatement. Ideal for a quick stopover or a late-night escape from highway hell.
What's the *vibe* like? Is it all neon signs and questionable characters? Or more… "rustic charm"?
Okay, "rustic charm" is the polite way of putting it. Let's just say it's… *experienced*. Some rooms are perfectly fine, others… well, let's just say they've seen things. (And by "things," I mean decades of road-trippers, spilled sodas, and the ever-present smell of faintly-used air freshener). The staff? Generally friendly, if a little… *laid-back*. Don't expect a butler, but you might get a genuine smile and a "Howdy, partner!" I once saw a guy in the lobby wearing a cowboy hat and nothing else. (I'm not judging!) So, yeah, probably a no on the neon sign vibe, more an "early 2000's" feel. But, in its own odd way, it's kind of comforting.
Are there any... *incidents* I should be aware of? Like, am I risking my life by staying there? (Exaggeration, maybe.)
Okay, deep breaths, folks. No, you're not risking your life. Though… I did have a *minor* run-in with a rogue squirrel one morning. It was trying to steal my breakfast cereal! (and succeeding, the little scamp). The worst “incident” I've personally witnessed? Maybe the slightly-too-loud AC unit that sounded like a jet engine taking off in the middle of the night. And the slightly-too-thin walls. You *will* hear your neighbors. But, hey, that's part of the charm, right? (Said with a nervous laugh.) Overall, it's pretty safe. Just, maybe, bring some earplugs and a healthy dose of humor.
The Rooms! Tell me about the *ROOMS*! What are they like? Is the bed comfortable?
The rooms. *Sigh*. Okay, let's get real. The beds... vary. One time, the bed was like sleeping on a cloud. Seriously, I sank in and didn't want to leave. Another time? It may have been a slightly saggy, springy monstrosity that did *not* cooperate with my weary back. Expect a mix, people. Some rooms are updated-ish. Some have old TVs (cable is pretty standard). Some have mini-fridges that might be functional. The most important thing? Clean sheets. And usually? They're clean. The bathrooms? Functional. The water is warm. Shower pressure is... well "there". You're not here for luxury, folks. You're here for the I-80 convenience, the quirky charm, and the *chance* of a decent night's sleep.
Amenities? Don't even. But WHAT AMENITIES? *Actually*
Okay, don't get your hopes up for a pool or a spa. We are talking "budget-friendly." Free Wi-Fi is a standard, though the connection can be spotty. Breakfast? Forget it. It's not the sort of place where gourmet omelets are on the cards. Maybe, *maybe*, a continental breakfast – think stale pastries and weak coffee. And yes, I am judging the weak coffee. But honestly, the lack of lavish amenities is part of its appeal. It's low-pressure, it's simple, and it's about a roof over your head while you traverse this country. It IS likely to have vending machines with snacks for the tired! That's a win.
Okay, you've painted a picture. Tell me one absolute *unforgettable* experience from staying there. Spill the tea!
Alright, alright. Buckle up, this is a good one. Last year, I was on a *massive* road trip, heading west with my… well, let's just say "aunts". We were *exhausted*, and we rolled up to this place at like 3 AM. Bleary-eyed and praying for a bed. The woman at the front desk was, let's call her ‘Mildred’. Sweet, with a smile that could melt glaciers. She started talking about the weather! While we're, as I said, dead tired! But, okay. Then, we get to our room. Standard, nothing thrilling. But then – get this – the TV! Old-school, bulky, and… *stuck* on a local news channel. And theSleep Stop Guide
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