Shreveport Airport's BEST Kept Secret: Country Inn & Suites!
Shreveport's Country Inn & Suites: My Chaotic, Hilariously Honest Take on the "Best Kept Secret"
Alright, strap in, folks, because I'm about to spill the tea (or maybe just lukewarm coffee from the lobby, more on that later) on Shreveport Airport's alleged “Best Kept Secret,” the Country Inn & Suites. I’ve stayed in enough hotels to know the drill, and this place… well, it’s an experience. Buckle Up.
First Impressions: Not Quite the Red Carpet, But Perfectly Acceptable
Let’s be real, landing in Shreveport and needing a hotel isn’t necessarily a glamorous affair. You're probably tired, maybe a little grumpy, and praying your luggage made it. The Country Inn & Suites, thankfully, is located right by the airport, which is a huge win. That Airport Transfer they offer? Smooth as butter. No fumbling with rental car lines after a red-eye. They snagged me right away, and honestly, that alone earns them some serious points.
The lobby itself? Clean enough. The front desk folks were your average, helpful hotel staff. Definitely not winning any awards for personality, but hey, they got me checked in quickly, which is all I ask for at 2 AM. Check-in/out [express]? Yup, they had that. I’m a fan. And for those of you who need a private experience, well, I can confirm the Check-in/out [private] option is available, so you can make that judgment call if you've got a specific need.
Accessibility: Noteworthy, But Needs a Little Jazz
Okay, let’s talk accessibility. This is important, and I'm happy to report they do offer wheelchair accessibility, but things could be better. The pathways were wide enough, the elevators worked, and I didn't encounter any major obstacles. Facilities for disabled guests are listed, and that's a good sign. However, things weren't perfectly smooth. Some of the signage could be clearer, and I'm sure the hallways can be a little challenging to navigate. Overall, they try, and that matters.
Rooms: Cozy Enough, But Don't Expect a Suite Life
The rooms? Well, let's be honest, they're what you'd expect from a mid-range hotel. Air conditioning that actually works is a godsend, especially in Louisiana. The soundproofing was surprisingly good; that late-night airport cargo plane rumble didn't bother me a bit. They offer the basics: a comfy bed (with, thankfully, an Extra long bed option!), Wi-Fi [free] (essential!), a desk for working (or binge-watching Netflix, no judgment), and a coffee/tea maker. The bathrooms were clean, and hey, they had bathrobes! Luxury, people! Kind of.
Here's the thing: I really appreciate the little extras. The complimentary tea was a welcome touch after a long day. The Daily housekeeping kept the place looking tidy. Plus, a nice touch was the Window that opens, there is nothing worse than being stuck in a stuffy hotel room.
Shoutout to the Internet!
Seriously, the Internet access – wireless worked reliably, which I'm always grateful for. I always need to hop on the internet for work, so it saved me a few hours trying to troubleshoot. No one likes slow internet, so I'm grateful this hotel has this covered.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: The Mixed Bag
Okay, let’s be real, the food situation is where things get…interesting. They have a breakfast [buffet], which is included. This is a double-edged sword. The plus side? It's free. The downside? It's…well, it's a buffet. (The food was the only real downside to this hotel.) I found coffee/tea in restaurant, and the coffee was weak. I mean, really weak. I had to go with, what felt like, 4 cups of it before I could get moving.
They also have a Snack bar which is nice. I didn't partake in the buffet, but I heard the Vegetarian restaurant options weren't bad.
As for the other options, well:
- Poolside bar: Haven't experienced this, so I can't comment.
- Happy hour: No idea.
- Restaurants, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Salad in restaurant – I feel like these were available, but I was always either too tired or too busy to explore.
- 24-hour Room service: This could have been a game changer at 2 AM, and I’m kicking myself that I didn’t use it.
Ways to Relax: The Pool, and the Other Things I Didn't Do
They have a Swimming pool [outdoor] – it looked inviting, but I was too busy, tired, or just plain lazy to actually use it. I bet it’s nice, considering the weather.
Cleanliness and Safety: Keeping it Real, Maybe a Bit Too Real?
They claim to use Anti-viral cleaning products, and offer Room sanitization opt-out available. I'm sure they do their best…but let's just say, I didn't exactly see sanitizing going on. On the plus side, there were hand sanitizers everywhere. They provided Safe dining setup, so I give them credit for the good intentions.
Services and Conveniences: The Usual Suspects
They offer your standard Daily housekeeping, Laundry service, Dry cleaning, all very useful perks. Concierge? I didn't interact with one. They also have a Convenience store with the essentials. Luggage storage, Cash withdrawal, and Safety deposit boxes are all available, but I did not try it.
For the Kids: Meh
Not exactly a kid-friendly paradise. They do offer a Babysitting service, Kids meal, and have them listed with a Family/child friendly tag.
The BEST Kept Secret? My Verdict
Okay, so, is the Country Inn & Suites Shreveport Airport the "Best Kept Secret?" Nah. But is it a decent, reasonably priced, conveniently located hotel with some decent benefits? Absolutely. It's a solid choice for a quick trip, a layover, or if you just need a place to crash. Just don't go expecting a luxury experience. Expect a clean, functional, and perfectly average hotel that gets the job done. This is ultimately the reason I'd recommend this hotel. You get what you pay for, and it's not terrible. This hotel is a decent mid-range hotel, and you should consider it for your next trip to Shreveport.
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Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're not just planning a trip to the Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Shreveport-Airport, LA – we're living one. And it's gonna be glorious chaos.
The "Shreveport Shenanigans" Itinerary: A Journey Through Mild Airport Anxiety and Questionable Breakfast Choices
Day 1: Arrival and Existential Dread (and Free Cookies!)
- 1:00 PM: Arrival at Shreveport Regional Airport (SHV). Okay, let's be real. Airports. They're the purgatory of pre-vacation. This time, the anxiety is particularly potent. Did I pack enough? Did I forget my toothbrush (again!)? Did I really lock the front door? All these questions are swirling in my head as I land in Shreveport. The air smells…humid. Already. Oh joy.
- 1:30 PM: Airport Shuttle to the Country Inn. (Hopefully) I’m praying the complimentary airport shuttle is on time. Because, standing around in an airport, trying to look like I belong there, is not my favorite pastime. The thought of waiting makes me itchy. I'm picturing the driver with a questionable mustache and a CB radio. Fingers crossed for a smooth ride and zero awkward small talk about the weather.
- Anecdote: Last time I took a shuttle, the driver spent the entire trip complaining about his ex-wife. I felt like I needed therapy after the trip.
- 2:00 PM: Check-in at the Country Inn & Suites. (The Waiting Game Begins) Praying the check-in process is drama-free. A friendly face at the desk is a must. And, please, God, let the room key actually work on the first try. I’m picturing an unnecessarily long line, slow computers, and a harried front desk attendant.
- 2:30 PM: The Free Cookies! (A Moment of Zen) Okay, they advertised free cookies. This is the most important part. I am a sucker for free hotel cookies. My soul needs this. I will be in the lobby, assessing the cookie situation, and judging its quality. Please be warm. Please be chocolate chip. Please, please, please.
- Quirky Observation: I have a theory that hotel cookies are secretly designed to lull you into a false sense of security. They're the Trojan horses of the hospitality industry.
- 3:00 PM: Room Reconnaissance and Decompression. Okay, the room. The moment of truth. Is it clean? Is the bed comfortable? Is the air conditioning blasting arctic winds or barely registering? I will assess the situation, unpack with my usual haphazard grace, and attempt to decompress. Maybe a brief nap. Maybe a long, hard stare at the television.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. (Where to even begin?!) Shreveport, baby! What kind of culinary adventures await? I'm torn: do I go for authentic Louisiana cuisine? A local dive bar? Or just order pizza to the room and hide from the world? This is a real struggle. I'm very much in the mood for messy, glorious food.
- Emotional Reaction: I'm already starting to feel a little homesick – the kind that leaves you craving absolutely anything except the food you have available. This is fine. I'm fine. (I'm not fine.)
- 7:30 PM: Optional: Explore the Hotel Amenities. The pool? The gym? The laundry room (oh the ennui!). I'll consider it. Honestly, I'm probably going to veg out with some bad TV. No shade.
Day 2: Breakfast Blues and the "Shreveport Shuffle"
- 7:00 AM: The Dreaded Breakfast Buffet. Okay, here’s where things get real. The hotel breakfast buffet. It's a gamble every single time. Will there be questionable scrambled eggs? Will the coffee be the consistency of motor oil? Will I accidentally spill my orange juice on someone? The possibilities are endless.
- Messy Rambles: I have this whole complex relationship with hotel breakfasts. On one hand, it's free food. On the other hand, it's free food that often tastes like a culinary crime against humanity. But I must eat. I have to survive. The struggle is real.
- 8:00 AM: The "Shreveport Shuffle" (aka: My Morning Plans) Today, my plans are… undefined. I'm thinking maybe wander the historic downtown area. Maybe hit up a local antique shop. Maybe just sit in the hotel room and stare out the window. I'm an indecisive person. I am a complex individual who likes the chaos and messiness.
- 9:00 AM: Actual Plan Formulation! (Maybe) I will stare out the window. Maybe I'll go for a walk.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch. (Food, glorious food!) Okay, lunch. This has to be better than the breakfast. Gotta find a spot.
- Afternoon: Whatever Feels Right. Maybe a museum. Maybe a park. Maybe (gasp!) a nap. Flexibility is key, people. I might even visit a casino. I have to check my willpower.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. (Another Culinary Adventure!) More food. More choices. More deliciousness.
- Evening: Wind Down. Maybe a movie. Maybe some reading. Maybe just staring into the abyss!
Day 3: Departure and the Aftermath
- 7:00 AM: Breakfast: The Final Confrontation. One last go at that buffet. Wish me luck. May the odds be ever in my flavor.
- 8:00 AM: Check-Out. No drama, please! Smooth sailing.
- 8:30 AM: Airport Shuttle. (Round Two!) Fingers crossed the driver isn’t still complaining about the ex-wife.
- 10:00 AM: Departure from SHV. Time to go home.
- Aftermath: Post-trip thoughts and reflections. What did I learn? What did I experience? What have I become? And most importantly, when can I eat another chocolate chip cookie?
The End (For Now!)
So there you have it. My Shreveport adventure. It's not perfect. It's not glamorous. It might even be a little bit boring. But it's mine. And I wouldn't have it any other way. Now, wish me luck, and maybe, just maybe, I'll survive.
Roanoke Airport Escape: Your Perfect Stay at Residence Inn!
Shreveport Airport's BEST Kept Secret (and Why You Should Know!) - The Country Inn & Suites, Laid Bare: FAQs
Okay, spill it! What's REALLY the deal with this "secret"? Is it, like, a speakeasy?
Alright, alright, alright. It's not exactly a speakeasy, though honestly, after a long flight, sometimes you *wish* it was! The "secret" is how *good* the Country Inn & Suites at Shreveport Airport is, considering its location. Seriously, it's like a cozy little oasis plopped right next to the concrete jungle of the airport. You wouldn't *believe* how many people are just... oblivious to it. They're all stuck in those bland, sterile airport hotels, and it's just... a crime against humanity (or at least, comfortable travel).
Location, Location, Location! Is it actually *convenient* to the airport, or just… *adjacent*?
Oh honey, the convenience is REAL. You practically see the baggage carousel from the lobby (slight exaggeration, but you get the point!). Seriously, it’s maybe a five-minute shuttle ride, tops. The parking is a breeze too. And, and, and... this is KEY: you bypass a lot of the airport traffic chaos. I remember one time, I was running late for a flight – total travel disaster – and *still* made it with time to spare after checking out because the shuttle was right there, waiting! It felt like a personal victory. I'm still riding that high, tbh.
Breakfast! The Great Hotel Breakfast Debate: Is it edible? (Be HONEST!)
Okay, okay, here’s the truth serum: it’s NOT gourmet. It's not going to win any culinary awards. But, and this is a BIG BUT, it's actually *good*. And that's all you really need before you're crammed into a metal tube for hours, right? They've got the usual suspects: eggs, waffles, sometimes those little sausage patties that you *know* are mass-produced but still taste kinda good, fresh fruit (sometimes!), and plenty of coffee. The waffle iron is my friend. So you can at least guarantee warm, fresh breakfast. And you know what? Sometimes, that's *exactly* what you need. I'd rate is a 7/10!
The Rooms – Are they clean? Are they *actually* nice?
They are, *thankfully*, clean. Like, REALLY clean. And I am picky about that. Think of it… a clean haven from the airport's germs. The rooms are generally well-maintained and a decent size. You know, standard hotel room fare. But they're… *comfortable*. I've never had a room with a terrifying musty smell (which, believe me, is a HUGE win in the hotel world!). The beds are comfy, there are enough pillows, and the AC works. What more do you *really* need? They're not winning any interior design awards, but they're perfectly functional and a welcome sight after a long day of travel.
Is there a pool? I need a pool! Is the pool also a secret?
YES! There's a pool! And it's a great pool. It is more of a standard hotel pool than a secret pool, but it is great to have. It's usually clean (which is also very important), and it's a *huge* relief when you've been cooped up on a plane or running around the airport. Just keep in mind, I've seen it get kinda busy at peak times (especially with kids), so adjust your expectations accordingly. I’m a HUGE pool person and the pool is a massive plus in my book. It is the one place I go to unwind.
What about the staff? Are they, you know, actually *nice*? (Because we all know hotel staff can be… a mixed bag.)
The staff are genuinely nice. I've had multiple positive experiences. They're friendly and helpful. You know, the kind of folks who make you feel like they actually care about you enjoying your stay. They're also efficient and knowledgeable. I remember once, my flight got delayed for HOURS. I was a total mess. The front desk woman, bless her heart, was amazing. She rebooked my shuttle, let me check out late (which saved my sanity), and gave me extra water. It was a small thing, but it made *such* a difference during a terrible travel ordeal. They were kind! It’s true what people say: Kind people are real superheroes.
Any downsides? Anything I SHOULD know before booking this "secret" hotel?
Okay, there are a few teeny-tiny things. First, and this is just me nitpicking, the decor is a little… bland. It's not exactly a design mecca. That shouldn't scare you. Second, the noise from the airport CAN sometimes filter through, especially if you're a light sleeper. But honestly, it's not terrible. I travel with earplugs anyway (because airplanes, am I right?!). And finally, sometimes (very occasionally) the shuttle can be a little slow during peak hours. But that's the price you pay for convenience.
The Bottom Line: Should I book it or not? Tell me straight!
YES! Absolutely, positively, YES! For the price, convenience, and overall comfort, this place is a winner. It's not perfect, but it's a damn good hotel, especially for an airport location. Seriously, stop overthinking it and book the dang room! You'll thank me later. You'll be relaxed, well-rested, and ready to take on whatever your travel adventure throws at you. And that, my friends, is worth its weight in gold (or at least, a decent cup of hotel coffee).
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