Ashland, VA Getaway: Days Inn's Unbeatable Deals Await!
Ashland, VA Getaway: Days Inn's Unbeatable Deals… Or Are They? A Rambling Review
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from a whirlwind trip to Ashland, Virginia, and my stay at the infamous Days Inn (the one with the "Unbeatable Deals!") needs a proper dissection. Forget your polished, perfectly-crafted travel blog posts – this is the real, messy deal. Expect tangents, over-enthusiasm, and the occasional grumpy grumble. You've been warned.
SEO & Metadata Stuff First (Gotta appease the algorithm, right?):
- Keywords: Ashland VA Hotel, Days Inn Review, Affordable Ashland Hotels, Accessible Hotel Ashland, Virginia, Free Wifi Ashland, Pool in Ashland, Pet-Friendly Ashland Hotel, Restaurant Ashland VA, Breakfast Included Ashland, Family-Friendly Hotel, Fitness Center, Ashland Getaway, Hotel Deals Ashland.
- Meta Description: Unfiltered review of the Days Inn in Ashland, VA. Is it really an "Unbeatable Deal?" Find out about accessibility, cleanliness, dining, and amenities. Read about my real experiences, good and bad, with a hefty dose of humor!
Now, the REAL story…
First off, Ashland itself? Charming. Like, seriously charming. Think small-town vibes with a surprising dose of history and… well, I wasn’t there to explore the town that much this time. This was about getting away, a little R&R, and maybe, just maybe, a dip in a pool.
Accessibility & Getting In The Door… Literally:
This is a mixed bag, folks. The website says it's accessible, and that's a good starting point, but I'm not in a wheelchair (thankfully!), so I can't give you a truly comprehensive answer. I did notice an elevator (yay!), and the front desk seems accessible. BUT I did see a few minor obstacles getting to my room. The hallways are kinda narrow and the doors felt a little heavy. Still, its there at least! I'd recommend calling ahead to confirm specific needs. This is HUGE. Like, really huge. No point in all the other stuff if you can't get inside!
The Room: A Tale of Two Halves (And A Slightly Creepy Lamp):
Okay, the room. It was… a room. You know? Like, it existed.
- Pros: Free Wi-Fi (massive win!), decent air conditioning, and the bed was surprisingly comfortable. Seriously, I sunk into it and slept hard after a long day of driving. Also, I'm not going to lie, the blackout curtains were GOLD. I hate that morning light. The in-room coffee maker was appreciated. Free bottled water was a nice touch, too.
- Cons: The decor was… let's call it "dated." Picture beige everything. Beige walls, beige curtains, beige carpet. It felt like stepping back in time. The lamp next to the bed had one of those really old-school shades, that seemed a little too… intense for me. Like, it was staring. No, I'm kidding. Mostly. Oh, and the fridge. The mini-fridge made a constant low hum, which, for a light sleeper like me, was torturous. I finally had to unplug it.
- Cleanliness: It was mostly clean, I'd say. The bathroom was fine, the sheets felt fresh. However, there were a couple of little… uh… "dust bunnies" playing hide-and-seek along the baseboards. I did spot a stain – eesh! I’m a little on the OCD side, so I'm being harsh. Still, not a deal breaker.
- Available in all rooms: Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
Food, Glorious Food (…Kinda):
- Breakfast: This was included, and I went in with low expectations. I got my share of the breakfast service. Wasn't the worst. It kind of reminded me of the all-you-can-eat buffet in a tiny old restaurant. It's all I needed.
- Dining, drinking, and snacking: the hotel had a Coffee shop, and Restaurants.
Amenities: Hitting the Gym / Pool (Mostly a Miss):
- Fitness Center: There was a fitness center. It existed. I peered in. It looked… functional. But I decided my day was better spent at the pool.
- Swimming Pool [outdoor]: This was the highlight for me. The pool wasn't huge, but it was refreshing. I spent a couple of blissful hours just floating around, which was exactly what I needed. There was a Poolside bar – sadly, closed when I was there. A missed opportunity, Days Inn!
Cleanliness and Safety: A Little Worrying:
- Hand sanitizer: Present, which is good.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Supposedly. I didn't see anyone actively disinfecting, but I'm guessing they do it when guests aren't around.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Again, claims to be.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Hopefully!
Staff:
The staff were… fine. Friendly enough, but not overly enthusiastic. They got the job done. No real complaints, but no major raves either.
Overall Verdict: The "Unbeatable Deal?"… Maybe, But With Caveats:
Look, this isn't the Ritz. If you're expecting luxury, you'll be disappointed. But for an affordable hotel, especially given the free Wi-Fi and the comfy bed, it gets the job done.
- Pros: Price, free Wi-Fi, comfy bed, the pool.
- Cons: Dated decor, some cleaning issues, the slightly creepy lamp.
Would I stay again? Probably. Especially if I was on a budget and wanted a pool break. Just, you know, bring your own air freshener and maybe a flashlight to check for dust bunnies! And maybe… a different lamp.
Score: 3 out of 5 stars. Could be better, but still a decent deal for the price.
Escape to Indy's Hottest Hotspot: Residence Inn Fishers!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're heading down to… checks notes … Ashland, Virginia. Specifically, the Days Inn by Wyndham Ashland. Sounds glamorous, doesn't it? My expectations? Low enough to limbo under. Let's see what this little adventure brings, shall we?
Day 1: Arrival & the Great Motel Room Mystery (Spoiler: It's Clean!)
- 1:00 PM: Arrive in Ashland. Let's just say the car ride was… long. My bladder is screaming for mercy, and the "scenic route" Google Maps insisted on taking me through? Well, let's just say I saw more cow pastures than I ever thought humanly possible. Finally, Ashland! The Days Inn materialized before me, a beacon of… beige. Honestly, I was expecting something more… lived in, but bless their hearts, the exterior is actually relatively tidy.
- 1:15 PM: Check-in. The front desk guy, bless his heart, has that perpetually tired look that says, "Been here, done that, seen things I can't unsee." He hands me the key, and I hold my breath as I approach the room. Seriously, you never know what you're going to get.
- 1:20 PM: THE ROOM! And, I'm stunned. It's…clean. Actually, remarkably clean. Now, I'm not saying it's the Ritz-Carlton, but no mysterious stains, no lingering odors of desperation. I’m a bit concerned there’s NO coffee maker, but hey, I'll survive. I will probably start the search for coffee later. So let me get that thought out of my head for a moment, take a deep breath, and try to enjoy this clean room.
- 1:45 PM: Unpack, sort of. Okay, I chucked most of my stuff onto the bed. Let's be real, I'm not exactly a "meticulous packer." I’m the type of person who brings everything (just in case!), which means my suitcase feels a lot like a black hole.
- 2:00 PM: Coffee crisis! I figured, "Hey, let's wander into Ashland and see what we can find!" The little town is quaint, yes, but my caffeine-deprived brain is screaming for help. I found a delightful little place called "Birk's", and it made a decent latte, but the real highlight? The elderly couple playing a tense game of checkers in the corner. Priceless.
- 3:00 PM: Back at the room. I've now added the coffee supplies to my luggage pile. I have decided to settle into the room for a bit and enjoy the quiet (with the TV on, of course!).
- 7:00 PM: Dinner! I'm going to order a pizza and enjoy the simplicity of it. And, I'm going to watch some TV; I'll see if I find anything worthy of my attention.
Day 2: The Art of Doing Nothing…and Maybe a Little Something
- 8:00 AM: Wake up. Actually woke up pretty early. The bed was surprisingly comfortable. I’m thinking of buying one when I get home. I will drink my instant coffee (which, by the way, isn't as awful as I expected) and then, the plan is, do absolutely nothing. No pressure, no expectations, just…existing.
- 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: The Great TV Binge. Okay, the "doing nothing" plan failed. I fell down the rabbit hole of daytime television. Judge Judy is still hilarious. Seriously, the sheer audacity of some of these people!
- 12:00 PM: Lunch! I'm thinking I'll hit that local diner I saw passing through town and get some comfort food. I'm not gonna lie, I'm craving a good greasy burger.
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: The day's most important task: The nap. I had to go back to the room for a nap.
- 4:00 PM: I'm feeling like a new person. I looked at the local brochure from Days Inn and decided to pay a visit to the town's local bakery.
- 6:00 PM: Back at the room and I will probably order out for dinner. I don't feel like doing anything, and I think I deserve a relaxing evening. Besides, I will be leaving early tomorrow, so I have to get rest.
Day 3: Farewell, Ashland (and that Surprisingly Clean Room!)
- 7:00 AM: Wake up, pack, check out. I'm surprisingly sentimental about leaving, even though I only stayed for a couple of days. I was expecting the worst, and it was…well, it was Ashland. And you know what? It was fine. More than fine, even.
- 7:30 AM: One last drive through town. I grabbed a final coffee. I gave the front desk a quick wave.
- 8:00 AM: Hit the road and drive back home.
Final Thoughts:
Ashland. Days Inn. The ultimate in… mediocrity? Perhaps. But sometimes, "mediocre" is exactly what you need. A break from the chaos, a clean (gasp!) room, and a dose of reality. It wasn't the most life-altering experience, but it was…well, it was enough. And that, my friends, is often all we can ask for. Perhaps someday I will go back again?
Austin Marriott North Round Rock: Your Texas Dream Getaway Awaits!
Ashland, VA Getaway: Days Inn's...Well, Let's See FAQ
(Because honestly? Planning a trip is a whole thing.)
Okay, Ashland? Days Inn? Are we talking "Budget Getaway" or "Embrace the Charm"? Be honest, people!
Look, let's be real. Ashland, Virginia, isn't Paris. It's not even Charleston. But that's the beauty of it! It *is* charming though, in a "quaint, Southern-lite, slightly-worn-around-the-edges, but still lovable" kinda way. Days Inn? Well, it's definitely leaning towards the "budget-friendly" end. Think of it as your base camp. A place to crash, recharge, and not feel like you're hemorrhaging your savings before you even *see* the sights. Don’t expect marble countertops, seriously, unless you’re really lucky and that’s someone else’s room.
My experience? I took the kids. And by kids, I mean *my* kids, the ones who leave trails of chaos wherever they go. The Days Inn was perfectly adequate. Clean enough, the pool (a MUST in summer, believe me) was shockingly clean, and the breakfast? Well, it had those pre-made waffles. You know the ones. They saved my sanity on more than one occasion. So, embrace the budget, embrace the charm of Ashland, and pack your own snacks, just in case. You know...kid related.
What kind of "Deals" are we talking about? Because "deals" can mean anything from "a steal" to "slightly less robbery."
Alright, here's the deal (pun absolutely intended): Days Inn often runs specials. You'll find them advertised. Their website may have special offers, but never assume. You *must* check multiple sources. Sites like Expedia are great. Sometimes, it's a straight discount. Sometimes it's a package deal, like "Stay two nights, get a free pizza at this local joint." (That pizza, by the way? I got lucky. It was surprisingly good. But I digress.) Always, *always* compare prices. Don't be afraid to call the hotel directly – they *might* have even better rates, and they often reveal hidden extra perks! The best deals are *usually* during the off-season (so, not summer, basically avoid school breaks). And if you’re traveling with a pet check if they are also offering a deal for pets because, yes, they do.
Tell me the truth: What’s the *actual* room situation like? Is this a "moth-eaten carpet and questionable stains" scenario? Or...?
Okay, deep breath. Look, it's a Days Inn. Manage your expectations accordingly. My room? It was clean. REALLY clean. Which was a major relief, because I have standards. I inspected the bathroom for...you know...things. I’m paranoid. Everything was clean. The carpet? Not brand new, but not actively shedding fluff. The furniture? Functional. The bed? Surprisingly comfortable. I slept. After a day wrestling my kids into the pool, I slept *hard*. It wasn't a luxurious hotel, but I wasn't terrified to touch anything. And that, honestly, is a win in my book. Just… don’t expect anything fancy. Pack some Clorox wipes. Just in case. I always do. You know…just to survive the hotel experience.
What’s Ashland *actually* like? Besides the Days Inn, is there anything to *do*?
YES! Ashland is fantastic! It's got that charming small-town vibe. The historic downtown is adorable. Lots of independent shops, and some really good restaurants (I LOVED the Ashland Coffee & Tea. Seriously great coffee and the atmosphere is amazing). There’s the Randolph-Macon College campus, which is pretty, even if you're not a student (or a parent of one, like me). And the train! Ashland is a stop on the Amtrak line, so you can watch the trains roll through (my kids were OBSESSED). There are parks, walking trails, and it's a great base for exploring the surrounding area. There are places for kids *and* adults. You can definitely find ways to keep yourself busy. Don’t let the “budget” hotel fool you, just keep it simple. The charm is there.
Okay, I'm in. What about the *breakfast* situation? Because "continental breakfast" can mean anything from delightful to depressing.
Ah, continental breakfast. A daily gamble, a culinary adventure, a...well, you get the idea. At the Days Inn, it was exactly what you expect. The aforementioned make-your-own waffles (a godsend, I tell you!), plus the usual suspects: bagels (bring your own cream cheese, believe me), cereal, some sort of sugary pastries (likely not made with love, but hey, it's sugar!), and the obligatory instant coffee that tastes vaguely of disappointment. But listen. Look at the bigger picture. It's FREE. It’ll fill that hole in your stomach. And it's usually enough to get you fueled for a day of exploring. Like I said, pack your own snacks if you have picky eaters (ahem...kids!). Otherwise? Embrace the mediocrity. It is what it is. No regrets.
What's the parking situation like? Because nothing ruins a vacation quicker than circling the block for 20 minutes.
Parking? Generally, pretty easy. At the Days Inn itself, there's usually plenty of parking. I never had a problem. It's not like you're trying to park in Manhattan. Ashland in general, mostly good. Downtown? Sometimes it requires a LITTLE circling, but it’s nothing compared to a big city. Usually you can score a spot fairly close. Public lots are available and, for the most part, free. Be prepared to walk a bit, especially on a busy weekend, but it's manageable. I hate parking. HATE it. I always plan for parking. So, just keep that in mind. It's all manageable. You're on vacation...relax!
I travel with my beloved (but sometimes chaotic) dog. Are pets allowed?! What about pet-related fees?
YES! The Days Inn is usually pretty pet-friendly, which is a HUGE plus! Always, ALWAYS double-check when you book, because policies can change, and you definitely want to confirm before you arrive with Fido. There might be a small, one-time pet fee, usually nothing crazy. The last time I looked it varies from hotel to hotel. Make sure to bring your own dog beds, bowls, and poop bags. And, of course, be a responsible pet owner! Clean up after your dog. Don’t let Fido bark at the other guests (unless you *really* want a story to tell later!). It’s a simple request, people…but it makes the whole pet-friendly experience better for everyone. Also, be prepared to deal with any potential cleaning fees if yourBook Hotels Now
Post a Comment for "Ashland, VA Getaway: Days Inn's Unbeatable Deals Await!"