Escape to Comfort: Baymont by Wyndham Columbia, MO - Your Perfect Getaway
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! Let's dive headfirst into the Baymont by Wyndham Columbia, MO – or, as I'm now calling it, “The Almost-Perfect Getaway.” This isn't your sanitized, robotic travel review; this is the unvarnished truth, with all the bumps, bruises, and moments of pure, unadulterated joy.
Escape to Comfort: Baymont by Wyndham Columbia, MO - Your Perfect Getaway (…Maybe? Let's See.)
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Right, so, first impressions… walk in, and it’s… well, it looks like a hotel. You know the drill. Lobby, front desk, the vague scent of cleaning products (hopefully, the good kind, not the “I’m-trying-to-cover-up-something” kind). The good news is, they were actually really on top of the Cleanliness and Safety thing. Between the daily disinfection in common areas and the professional-grade sanitizing services, I felt like I could lick the elevator buttons (don't worry, I didn't, but the thought crossed my mind). The staff trained in safety protocol clearly knew their stuff, wearing masks and being efficient. The hand sanitizer was everywhere, which, in this day and age, is a huge win. They even have anti-viral cleaning products. Kudos, Baymont, kudos.
Accessibility: Let’s be real, accessibility is huge to me. I’m lucky enough to not need it personally, but I always appreciate inclusivity. They have facilities for disabled guests, so that’s great. Whether it's the wheelchair accessible paths or the focus on providing the needed accommodations, Baymont seems to try.
Internet, or the Digital Gods' Verdict: The holy grail of modern travel: Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! And, it actually worked. Shocking, I know. I could stream Netflix without wanting to throw my laptop out the window. They also had Internet [LAN] access, for the old-schoolers. They thought of everything… even those who might prefer to go wired.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking – The Gastronomic Gauntlet
Okay, so, the Breakfast [buffet]. Don’t get too excited. It's the standard continental fare: cereal, pastries, yogurt, the questionable scrambled eggs that all hotels seem to serve. There was a small section tucked away with Asian breakfast options, which was an unexpected and pleasant surprise! It was… okay. But hey, it’s free, and it’ll fuel you for a day of… well, whatever you're doing in Columbia. Coffee/tea in restaurant was available, and the coffee shop kept me adequately caffeinated. No complaints, because free coffee makes me happy.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax… or, The Promised Land of Leisure
Okay, so I thought I was in for a total spa day. Fitness center? Check. Swimming pool [outdoor]? Check. Pool with view? Double-check! Now, the pool…. ah, the pool. Let me tell you, I’m a pool snob. I love a view. This one…it was okay. It was clean, and hey, it’s a pool! I took a dip. There was a Sauna, which I was very excited about, but you know, never got around to using. The Gym/fitness area: the equipment was… there. It did the job. I didn’t spend too much time in there, though.
For the Kids & Family Fun
They're family/child friendly, which is good! Nothing immediately stood out, but hey, it’s not like I was traveling with kids. But the thought that I could is nice.
Rooms – The Sanctuary (…Mostly.)
Okay, here’s where things get interesting. My room…it was fine. Clean, with a decent bed. They even had blackout curtains, which are a MUST for a light sleeper like myself. The air conditioning, thankfully, worked! There was a desk, which I used to catch up on some work, and the complimentary tea and coffee maker was much appreciated. The bathroom was clean, and the towels were fluffy enough. I had a great sleep. The thing is, it’s not luxurious. It’s functional!
Essential Services & Quirky Conveniences
They had a convenience store stocked with snacks. The luggage storage came in very handy to leave the bag when checking out. The car park [free of charge] was, you know, free! Always a win. They have laundry service but I didn’t feel like being doing laundry.
The Imperfectly Perfect Conclusion
Look, the Baymont isn’t the Four Seasons. It’s not pretentious. It's not riddled with every feature imaginable. But it’s comfortable, clean, safe, and gets the job done. For the price? It's definitely worth it.
Would I go back? Yeah, probably. It will do for a quick stay. It’s not perfect, but it’s refreshingly human. And sometimes, that’s all you need. So, book a stay. But don’t expect a fairytale. Expect a solid, reliable getaway, and maybe, just maybe, you’ll find yourself pleasantly surprised. Just don’t expect a spa day. Expect the pool. Expect some reliable Wi-Fi. And, hopefully, you'll find yourself feeling pretty darn relaxed.
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's pristine travel itinerary. This is a Baymont by Wyndham in Columbia, Missouri, survival guide. Lord knows I needed one. Honestly, after the drive up I was ready to just weep in the lobby. So, here's the plan, as I've cobbled it together, likely failing miserably. Wish me luck.
Day 1: Arrival, Realizations, and the Quest for Wi-Fi (and Maybe Pizza)
2:00 PM - Arrival and the Lobby of… Something: Okay, so, the exterior looks… alright. Generic-ish, but hey, a roof is a roof. Walking into the lobby though? Sigh. It's got that distinct "slightly off" hotel smell – a mix of chlorine, stale carpet, and… is that a hint of sadness? The front desk person was super sweet though, even though I somehow managed to mangle my name beyond recognition during check-in. "Welcome to the Bay… Munt?" Yup, that's my life now.
2:30 PM - The Room: Expectations vs. Reality: Let's be honest, I didn't expect the Ritz. The room… well, it's there. It has a bed, it has a TV, it claims to have a working Wi-Fi. (More on that later. The room felt a little dated. The wallpaper looked like it had seen some things. Some very long nights. But hey, clean-ish sheets, that's what matters, right?
3:00 PM - Wi-Fi Hunt: This is where things get… real. The Wi-Fi password they gave me? Wrong. Or maybe I'm just an idiot, which is a distinct possibility. Wandered aimlessly around the room, then the hallway, like a lost puppy. Finally, after an embarrassing display of me waving my phone at the ceiling, I connected. Glorious, fleeting connection. I managed to send a quick "I have arrived" text to my friend before it promptly died AGAIN. Honestly, the struggle is REAL.
4:00 PM - Snack Attack & Panic About Dinner: My stomach is growling. I need sustenance. I spot a vending machine! (It looks like a sad robot). I spent five bucks trying to get a bag of chips out of the vending machine. It takes my money… then taunts me with its refusal to dispense. I start to get a little panicky about dinner. Is there actual food in Columbia? Will I starve?
5:00 PM - Dinner Search Found a pizza place, 'Pizza Americana,' on Google Maps. It will either be the best pizza I've ever had, or a profound disappointment. Time will tell. (Narrator voice: it was okay. The crust had a lovely crisp to it, but the sauce tasted of… of something I couldn't quite place. Adventure!)
7:00 PM - Settling In (and Watching Bad TV): Successfully ordered a pizza - and it was better than expected! Now, to crash on the bed and attempt to relax. Time to face the inevitable: the TV. Public access channel? Low budget movie? News report about a squirrel stealing bagels? Who knows what wonders the hotel’s channel offerings will present.
9:00 PM - Wi-Fi Again. Please God, Let it Work! And Sleep (Maybe) Pray to the Wi-Fi gods. I have emails to check, and a desperate need to doomscroll. If the Wi-Fi cooperates, I might get a decent night's sleep. If not… well, it’s a good thing the hotel is soundproof. I might have a complete meltdown.
Day 2: Culture, Coffee, and the Eternal Quest for Good Wi-Fi
8:00 AM - Coffee Catastrophe: Ugh. I'm up. The in-room coffee maker? Nope. It is a sad, broken thing. Time to venture out. shudders. The convenience store across the way is my best bet, until that is, i can find some decent coffee.
8:30 AM - Coffee Run: Okay, this is important. Coffee is not a suggestion, it is a requirement. I'm going to need like three cups and some sort of pastry. (I have no idea what's open this early around here, and that's mildly terrifying).
9:30 AM - Tourist Time: Okay, time to pretend to be a cultured person. The schedule says I should go visit the University of Missouri campus. I hope I can find a parking spot. I love college campuses, especially when I don't have to attend classes. (Narrator: the campus was pretty! But the weather was bleak. I took about 4 pictures and considered heading back to the hotel).
11:00 AM - Lunch: I found a cute little cafe – that had Wi-Fi!!!! - Score! I'm going to savor this connection, because it might be the only good thing to happen today. I'm so happy about this discovery, that I want to start dancing! I don't but I do sit for far too long enjoying the connection.
1:00 PM - The Art Museum (maybe): Supposedly there's an art museum. It sounds like a good idea. I'll probably act like I know what I'm looking at. Pretending is okay.
3:00 PM - Shopping (or, More Likely, Browsing): I saw some shops. I might buy something. Or just look. Walking around a town is the best, and you get to see everything in a relaxed way.
5:00 PM - Dinner Deliberations: What to eat? Where to eat? The eternal travel question. Decisions, decisions. I might just eat pizza again. It's… familiar. I think I'll try somewhere recommended by one of the locals. (Cross your fingers it's not another disappointment).
7:00 PM - Relaxing… or Wi-Fi Mayhem: Okay. Time to chill. Assuming the Wi-Fi cooperates. If not, it's a book and an early night. If I get the Wi-Fi, maybe I'll watch some shows. I'm not sure, but I'll figure something out.
9:00 PM - Bed & Sleep Let's hope.
Day 3: Departure and Existential Dread
8:00 AM - Breakfast (from… somewhere): I don't think the Baymont offers a breakfast. Or if they do, I want nothing to do with it. Coffee is a MUST. I have a long drive ahead of me.
9:00 AM - Packing and the Sad Farewell: Gathering my belongings. Sigh. It's been… an experience. Hopefully, everything will be better on the way home.
10:00 AM - Check Out: The moment of truth. Did I actually enjoy this? Maybe not. But it was an adventure. The front desk person will probably remember me, by name.
10:30 AM - Departure: The open road. Freedom. And the promise of better Wi-Fi. Until next time, Columbia.
10:35 AM - Reflect: The road is calling. Will I ever return? Maybe. Maybe not. (Maybe I need new hotels, where the Wi-Fi works.)
(This itinerary is subject to change, mood swings, Wi-Fi availability, and the whims of a weary traveler. Don’t judge me, I’m just trying to survive.)
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Escape to Comfort: Baymont by Wyndham Columbia, MO - Your Perfect Getaway? (Maybe... Let's See) FAQs - Brutally Honest Edition
1. So, the Rooms. Are They Actually... Comfortable? (And Not Just Hotel-Comfortable?)
Alright, alright, let's be real. "Comfortable" is subjective, right? One person's idea of bliss is a fluffy cloud of pillows and a freshly-pressed duvet. Mine? Well, I'm easily pleased. I just want a clean bed, decent water pressure, and maybe a working TV. The Baymont? Mostly delivers. My last stay? Solid. The *time before that*? Well… let's just say I saw a rogue dust bunny the size of a small rodent. Still, the sheets *felt* clean, and the bed didn't try to eat me in the night. So, yeah, *generally* comfy. Just... pack some extra Clorox wipes, just *in case* you’re as neurotic as I am. Honestly, though? For the price, I wouldn't complain too much. Unless I saw **that** dust bunny again. Then all bets are off.
2. What About the Noise? Are You Going to Hear Your Neighbors Doing... Things?
Ah, the eternal hotel question. The noise. It's a gamble. I've stayed in places where I swear I could hear the *thoughts* of the people next door. At Baymont, it’s usually okay. Solid walls? Maybe. Luck? Absolutely. I've had quiet stays. I've also had stays where a crying baby decided a 3 AM wake-up call was perfectly acceptable. Earplugs are your friend. Pack 'em. Trust me. If you're a light sleeper like me, you'll thank me later. And if you hear something *really* interesting? Well, you didn't hear it from *me*. (Just kidding... mostly.)
3. The Room Amenities - Anything Worth a Darn?
Okay, let's be frank. Don't expect the Ritz-Carlton. You get the basics: a fridge, microwave (sometimes), and a coffee maker. Coffee is... well, it's hotel coffee. Drinkable, but not exactly gourmet. The fridge is a lifesaver for your leftover takeout. The microwave? Essential for reheating that sad, but delicious, gas station burrito you impulse-bought. They usually have a TV, but let's be honest, who *actually* watches hotel TV anymore? Just bring your streaming passwords, people. Otherwise, it's pretty standard. Don't expect champagne and caviar, expect... practicality.
4. The Breakfast. Is it Edible, or Should I Just Grab a Bagel Somewhere?
The breakfast. *Deep sigh*. It's included, which is a definite plus for the budget-conscious. Expect the usual suspects: waffles (attempting to be crispy, mostly), pre-packaged pastries that taste vaguely of cardboard and regret, and maybe some scrambled eggs that look suspiciously yellow. I am a sucker for a sad, rubbery sausage at 6 AM. Sometimes they have cereal (your childhood favorites! Possibly stale!), and occasionally… *occasionally*… they have those little yogurt parfaits. Now *that* can be a win. My advice? Lower your expectations. Then, anything is a pleasant surprise. And grab a bagel *anyway*. Or, you know, just bring your *own* breakfast. I have been known to smuggle in a whole jar of peanut butter and some bananas. Don't judge me.
5. Where IS this Place Exactly? And Is the Location...Good?
Location, location, location! Ah, the golden question. Baymont in Columbia is... well, it's *there*. It's not in the *center* of downtown, but it's not in the middle of nowhere, either. It's... close to things. Restaurants, shops, a gas station. It's convenient enough if you're just passing through, or if you're in town for a particular event. The parking? Usually plentiful. Which is a huge bonus, because I *despise* fighting for a parking spot. Trust me on this one. One time, I spent a solid *twenty minutes* circling a parking garage, and I nearly had a full-on meltdown. So, yeah, the parking is generally good. That alone earns it a few points in my book. But, you know, check Google Maps. See if it's actually *where you need to be*.
6. Pool? Gym? Anything Fun Besides Watching TV (Which, Let's Be Honest, Might Be Broken)?
Okay, the amenities. The pool? Sometimes open, sometimes closed. Check ahead! I've walked up to a closed pool one too many times, and that is ALWAYS a disappointment, especially when you're picturing yourself lounging around with a frozen drink. The gym? Uh... it *exists*. Treadmills and maybe some free weights. Don't expect a state-of-the-art fitness center. But hey, if you just need to get a little movement in to counteract the breakfast buffet, it might do the trick. They usually have the usual services too. Like, you can probably get extra towels or something. I wouldn't count on it, though. Always pack extra towels.
7. The Check-in/Check-out Process... Is it Painless? Or a Nightmare?
Check-in/Check-out. It’s always a gamble. I swear, sometimes they make it *deliberately* difficult. But at the Baymont? It's usually pretty straightforward. The staff has always been friendly enough, which is a huge win in my book. No, "attitude" is a deal-breaker. They get you checked in, they get you your room key, you're in. Check-out? Same deal. Drop the key, you're done. Easy peasy lemon squeezy. Unless of course, you manage to lock yourself out of your room at 2 AM. (Don't ask. It's a long story involving a faulty deadbolt and a desperate phone call. Let's just say, someone, may or may not, have had to wait *an hour*... Okay, more than an hour...for someone to let them in. And yes, yes, I’m referring to myself.) So, generally speaking, no major hiccups. Mostly.
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