Lincoln's BEST Kept Secret: Super 8 Review (You WON'T Believe This!)
Lincoln's BEST Kept Secret: Super 8 Review (You WON'T Believe This!) - Seriously Maybe…
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I’m about to spill the beans – or maybe just a lukewarm, slightly stale continental breakfast bean – on the Super 8 in Lincoln. Yep, the Super 8! You know, the place you’d usually drive past without a second glance. Well, I ate my words (and a sad little packet of instant oatmeal… more on that later). Is it a secret? Debatable. Best kept? Probably not. But did it surprise me? Absolutely.
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- Title: Super 8 Lincoln Review: Unbelievably Good? Seriously? (Hotel Review, Budget Hotel, Lincoln NE, Accessibility, Cleanliness, Amenities)
- Keywords: Super 8, Lincoln, Nebraska, Hotel Review, Budget Hotel, Accessibility, Wheelchair Accessible, Free Wi-Fi, Breakfast, Cleanliness, Safety, Pool, Fitness Center, Restaurant, Dining, Travel, Lodging, Reviews
Accessibility - Making it Work (Kinda):
So, let's start with the basics. Accessibility? They say they got it going on. Wheelchair accessible? Yep, saw the ramps and the dedicated parking, but to be honest, I'm not exactly a wheelchair user. So, I'm taking their word on this one. Elevator? Check. Facilities for disabled guests? Listed, but again, I didn't, like, test them. But hey, the opportunity is there, which is a win!
Cleanliness and Safety - Did I survive?
This is where things get interesting. Remember that whole pandemic thing? Well, Anti-viral cleaning products? Supposedly. Daily disinfection in common areas? They were doing something, that's for sure. I saw a dude with a spray bottle and a look of grim determination more than once. Hand sanitizer stations? Plentiful. The real kicker? They were offering a room sanitization opt-out. Like, "Hey, you can choose not to have your room sprayed with potentially life-saving chemicals! Cool!" I felt a little weird and asked: do they do this in other places too?.
My room, thankfully, smelled clean, not hospital-clean. Still, like any hotel, I wiped down the light switches and remote, paranoid as usual. I saw CCTV in common areas. That helped my paranoia for sure. **Room sanitization opt-out ** is an interesting twist.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - The Culinary Adventure Continues… or Doesn't
Okay, let's talk about food. This is where the Super 8 experience became a rollercoaster of emotions.
Breakfast [buffet]: cough "Buffet." That's what they called it. It was…minimalist. Think sad pastries, pre-packaged yogurt, and that aforementioned instant oatmeal. I'm not knocking the Asian breakfast or Western breakfast options, but I didn't see them. It was pretty much pickings slim.
Coffee/tea in restaurant: Yes, but the coffee was…weak. I swear, it was more like lukewarm, slightly coffee-flavored water.
Snack bar: Oh, look, more vending machine options! You could purchase a bottle of water and a sad, lonely bag of chips and a candy bar.
I spent an hour looking for a local place for lunch. The choices aren't bad, but they aren't great at this hotel.
Things to do (or Not):
- Swimming pool… Yep, an outdoor pool. I didn't dare to use it, but it looked inviting enough.
- Gym/fitness: I saw the fitness center, but I'm not sure if anyone used it.
- Sauna, Steamroom, Spa: Okay, maybe my expectations weren't in check, but maybe if I was expecting these, it would have been a disaster.
Internet Access - Living in the Now, or Trying To:
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms? Absolutely! It worked almost all of the time and was pretty easy to connect to. Thank goodness this was easy.
Rooms and Amenities - The Nitty Gritty:
Oh, here's where we get down to the details. Let's dive deep:
- Air conditioning: Check!
- Alarm clock: Present and accounted for.
- Bathtub: Yep.
- Coffee/tea maker: There.
- Desk: Yep.
- Free bottled water: Nope.
- Hair dryer: Yes.
- Mini bar: Nope.
- Non-smoking? Yup.
- Satellite/cable channels: The TV worked - well, it did after I turned it on.
- Shower: Check.
- Wake-up service: I used my own alarm, but I'm assuming it's available.
- Wi-Fi [free]: Yes!
Services and Conveniences - The Little Extras:
- Cash withdrawal: Nope.
- Concierge: No!
- Daily housekeeping: Yes.
- Ironing service: Yes.
- Luggage storage: You bet!
The Verdict - Would I Go Back?
Look, the Super 8 in Lincoln isn't going to win any awards for luxury. But for the price, it delivered. It's a clean, basic, and safe place to lay your head. It met my basic needs and it did it without any HUGE glaring issues. I can't say I will never stay here again.
Oneonta's Hidden Gem: Courtyard Hotel - Cooperstown Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This ain't gonna be your pristine, perfectly-planned itinerary. This is a Super 8-soaked confession of my trip to Lincoln, Illinois. And let me tell you, it's gonna be messier than a toddler with a jar of peanut butter.
The Lincoln, IL Odyssey (or, Why Did I Agree to This?)
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Room Debacle
1:00 PM: Arrive at Super 8 by Wyndham Lincoln. Okay, first impressions? Carpet… definitely seen better days. The smell… a potent mix of disinfectant and… well, let’s just say “lived-in.” Check-in was quick, the guy behind the counter looked like he’d seen a ghost (maybe he's seen a lot of Super 8 ghosts?), handed me a key card, and pointed me towards the elevators. The elevator… well, it felt like it was about to give up on life, but we made it.
1:15 PM: Into the Room! And… oh boy. The air conditioning unit is loud like a jet engine, the picture of the Lincoln monument? It's crooked. The bedspread has… something on it. I hesitate. Should I call down to the front desk? No, I’m not ‘that person’. I am a survivor. I’ll just try to sleep with a towel over my face.
1:30 PM: The Great Room Debacle. After a quick assessment of the room's overall vibe, I decided to make a quick stop at the "pool area" to see what that's all about. I was expecting to be overwhelmed with excitement, but instead, I was greeted by a small room with a pool that was about the size of my bathtub at home. I decided to take a break and try to enjoy the day.
2:00 PM: Desperate for a caffeine fix. The in-room coffee is… let's just say it wouldn't win any awards. Drove to a local coffee shop, "The Coffee House," thank god. This place was a lifesaver! The coffee was strong, the pastries were actually edible (a high bar, let me tell you), and I managed to talk to a friendly local. Turns out, Lincoln is a town of quiet wonders.
3:00 PM: "Lincoln Heritage Museum." Okay, I thought, let's embrace the theme. The exhibits were… informative. I learned a lot, but I was also bored. The old typewriters gave me a quick giggle, wondering who had used them last, and what kinds of stories had they been used to write. I made a friend. There was a young, enthusiastic volunteer was talking about the history of the town who helped me understand everything I was confused about.
5:00 PM: Dinner at a local diner: "Dairy Queen". Okay, I know what you are thinking, a diner? REALLY? But the food? Surprising. The burger was good. The fries were classic. I ate it all, and it was wonderful. Now, I'm ready for the night.
7:00 PM: Back to the Super 8. Staring at the crooked picture of the Lincoln monument, I realize the day has a feeling of… I don't know, it's a little bit magical. Or maybe I'm just tired. Either way, it's bedtime.
Day 2: Abraham Lincoln and the Pursuit of Happiness (and Good Coffee)
8:00 AM: Coffee run. This time, I get the coffee from "The Coffee House". The coffee shop saves the day, again.
9:00 AM: Lincoln's Tomb and Museum. Now, this was legitimately cool. The tomb itself is imposing. I went there and thought about all the things that happened in Lincoln's life, which was interesting because I'm pretty sure I forgot all the history I learned at the museum the day before.
11:00 AM: Lincoln College. So, this is where things got emotional. I walked the beautiful campus with the big clock tower. It has such a rich history. I didn't think I would enjoy the day so much. But then… I ended up sad for everything these students went through to get where they are today.
12:00 PM: Lunch at a local place "Amigos". Pretty good Mexican cuisine I had.
1:00 PM: Trying to finish the day with a visit to the park. It was the perfect setting to finish my visit to Lincoln.
2:00 PM: Before leaving to the hotel, I wanted to explore a bit more. So, I drove around town.
3:00 PM: Back to the hotel. I am feeling a little bit sad about going back home.
7:00 PM: Drive back home.
Final Thoughts:
Look, was the Super 8 perfect? Hell no. Were there moments I wanted to pack it all in and just go home? Absolutely. But Lincoln, Illinois, surprised me. It had a slow-down, charming, realness that I wasn't expecting. And it was, in its own quirky way, utterly memorable. Maybe, just maybe, I'll be back… after I get a good night's sleep in my own bed. And maybe, just maybe, I'll bring my own damn travel pillow.
Oneonta's Hidden Gem: Courtyard Hotel - Cooperstown Awaits!
Alright, spill the tea! What *is* this "Super 8 Review" everyone's whispering about? Sounds vaguely…dangerous.
Okay, buckle up. This isn't some shadowy conspiracy, though the build-up might make you think otherwise. Here's the deal: Lincoln, Nebraska, apparently has a hidden, tiny, and utterly *charming* movie theater called the Super 8. And some folks, bless their hearts, have been going there for years. This "review" thing? It's not official, it's more like... a love letter. A slightly unhinged, probably-fueled-by-popcorn-and-sugar love letter to the experience. Think less "critique" and more "gushing about how much it feels like coming home."
So, is it *actually* a secret? Like, password-protected and guarded by rogue squirrels?
Nah, no squirrels with tiny laser pointers (though I did see one suspiciously well-fed squirrel near the concessions stand once…). Secret? Maybe just...underappreciated. It's not the kind of place plastered all over Instagram with influencer selfies. It's the kind of place you stumble upon, or a friend whispers about, and then you're hooked. It’s not like they’re hiding the location, it's just... tucked away. Like a perfectly placed, perfectly worn, slightly-stained, comfy armchair. You know?
What makes it so…special? Besides avoiding the crowds of the megaplex, obviously.
Oh, man, where do I even *begin*? Okay, look, it's a vibe. Seriously. First off, the *smell*. It’s this intoxicating blend of old wood, slightly stale popcorn (in the best way!), and maybe…just maybe…a hint of pure movie magic. The screens are smaller. Intimate. You're *in* the movie, not staring at it from a vast distance. The staff? Probably students or retirees who actually *care* about movies. And that alone is worth the price of admission. They aren’t just there to collect a paycheck. They might chat with you about the film, and they *definitely* know the best candy deals. I once bonded with a guy about how much we hated the previews (because, let's be honest, some of them are *awful*). It's like a communal experience, even if you’re going solo.
The concessions! I'm a sucker for overpriced movie snacks. Are we talking gourmet truffle-infused popcorn here?
Okay, here's the truth bomb: Gourmet? Nah. But the popcorn? *Glorious*. Perfectly buttery, salty, and the ideal texture for dunking into a melted box of Junior Mints (don’t judge, it’s a classic!). The candy selection might not be the latest Instagram-worthy treats, but they always have the classics. And the prices are… *sane*! You won’t need to take out a second mortgage to afford a soda and some Milk Duds. (Though, full disclosure, I have snuck in my own Reese’s Pieces on occasion…shhhh).
What kind of movies do they show? Is it all indie arthouse stuff? Because, let's be real, sometimes I just want to see explosions and superheroes.
Yes, okay, I hear you. Explosions are good for the soul. They actually show a fantastic mix! They get new releases, the big blockbusters, the stuff everyone else is seeing. But they also do throwbacks! Cult classics! Sometimes you'll find a hidden gem you didn’t even know you wanted to see. It's not just for the snobs. Honestly? That's part of the charm. You might walk in expecting explosions, and end up discovering your new favorite quirky indie film. Or maybe you'll get exactly the explosions you were craving. Either way, it’s a win.
So, what's the *worst* part? Because no place is perfect. Spill the beans (or, you know, spill the stale popcorn).
Okay, *fine*, I'll be honest. Two things. One: Sometimes the sound quality isn't *perfect*. It's not ear-splitting, but it's not IMAX either. But honestly? After a few minutes, you just forget about it. It's part of the charm, right? Two: Parking. It can be a *nightmare* sometimes, especially on a Friday night. You might need to walk a bit. But hey, think of it as pre-movie exercise! (I personally blame my tendency to over-indulge in popcorn on the parking situation...it burns more calories than walking...totally worth it!)
Have you *really* had some bad experiences? You've been so… positive. What about a time you wanted to walk out?
Okay, okay…I can't lie. There was that *one* time. It was a Tuesday. I was already in a mood. The preview reel was *endless*. Like, an hour! It felt like. Trailers for stuff I'd never watch, things I was allergic to (okay, maybe not allergic, but definitely *averse*), and just…noise. Then, to top it off, the guy next to me, during a quiet scene, *loudly* chomped on a bag of hard candy. Like, the kind that could crack concrete. Each *crack* echoed in my head. I swear, it felt like a personal vendetta. I nearly stood up, pointed, and screamed, "ARE YOU EVEN WATCHING THE MOVIE?!" But I didn't. Because, despite the candy-chewer and the endless trailers, it was still Super 8. And when the actual movie started…I forgot everything. And you know what? I’m so glad I didn’t walk out. Afterwards, the candy-chewer said he loved the film as well, and offered me a piece of his candy. (I declined). BUT, I appreciated the gesture despite the terrible chewing. I'd still go back. Even with the risk of a candy-fueled assault on my sanity.
Okay, you've convinced me. What's the single, *best* thing about Super 8, in your opinion? Lay it on me!
This is easy. The *unpretentiousness*. It's not trying to be anything it's not. It's not trying to be fancy. It's not trying to be cool. It's just… a movie theater. A really *good* movie theater. A place where you can escape, laugh, cry (I've done both!), and feel like you're part of something, even if it's just a shared experience with a bunch of strangers in the dark. It’s truly my favorite type of secret.
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