Omaha's BEST Kept Secret: Fairfield Inn & Suites (Council Bluffs)!
Omaha's BEST Kept Secret? Let's Dish on the Fairfield Inn & Suites (Council Bluffs) - My Brain Dump!
Okay, so they call it Council Bluffs, but let's be real, it's basically Omaha. And if you're looking for a solid, no-frills stay with a surprisingly high level of comfort and a whole lot of, well, convenience, the Fairfield Inn & Suites is worth a look. They call it a "best kept secret"…and honestly? I kinda get it. It's not flashy, it's not a destination, but it works.
SEO & Metadata (Let's Get This Over With):
- Keywords: Fairfield Inn & Suites Council Bluffs, Omaha hotel review, accessibility, free Wi-Fi, clean hotel, good breakfast, swimming pool, fitness center, Council Bluffs hotels, near Omaha, pet-friendly hotel (well, not this specific one, but let's pretend!), business travel, family-friendly, hotel amenities.
- Metadata: Title: Fairfield Inn & Suites Council Bluffs Review: My Honest, Unfiltered Take! Description: A detailed, brutally honest review of the Fairfield Inn & Suites in Council Bluffs, covering everything from accessibility to breakfast and beyond. Keywords: (See above)
Now, the REAL Stuff:
First, the elephant in the room: Accessibility. They're ticking the boxes here, which is fantastic! Wheelchair accessible entrances and pathways were visible. The elevator! Thank GOD. Facilities for disabled guests are listed, but I didn't specifically inspect them, so I'll leave that to someone who's actually in need of those. That said, the website seemed to suggest compliance. So, brownie points for that!
And Let's Face It, I Need Coffee, Pronto:
Internet (Gotta Stay Connected!): YES. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and in the public areas. I mean, it's 2024, so this should be a given. But hey, I needed to upload some work, and it was fast enough. No fussy logins that made me want to chuck my laptop out the window.
Rooms, Glorious Rooms (and the Tiny Problems):
The room? Sigh. I'll be honest, it’s what you’d expect from a Fairfield Inn. Functional. Clean. Not exactly inspiring. But, and this is KEY, it was CLEAN. And after a long day of driving, "clean" is practically a four-letter word I appreciate.
- Cleanliness and Safety: The vibes were spot on here. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Apparently. I didn't see them actively spraying, but the smell was…pleasant. And the room was obviously well-cleaned.
- Rooms sanitized between stays? Supposedly. They did have the little seal on the door, which made me feel slightly less like I was stepping into a biohazard zone.
- Alarm clock? Present and accounted for. I don't use it. I just set three alarms on my phone and hope for the best.
- Refrigerator? Yep! That’s practically essential. Leftover pizza is a survival mechanism.
- Desk? Standard desk, standard chair -- good for working or just mindlessly scrolling through social media.
- Non-smoking rooms? Yes. Which is good. I hate the smell of stale smoke and honestly it's a deal breaker for me.
- Air conditioning? Thank GOD. It's hot in Iowa, people!
- Blackout curtains? Yes! Slept like a baby. Literally.
- Bathrooms: Fine. Standard. The water pressure was…adequate. I didn’t have to shout through the shower head to get the shampoo out.
- Complimentary toiletries? The usual. Fine. Nothing to write home about, but they were there.
- TV/On-demand movies? Yes! I'm not a huge TV person when I'm traveling, but it was nice to have the option.
- Internet access – wireless? It works!
Amenities and the Things That Matter (To Me!):
- Breakfast: Okay, this REALLY deserves its own section. And honestly? This is where the Fairfield gets a MAJOR win. This is more than that "grab and go" continental breakfast you get at some places. This was a buffet. A real, actual breakfast [buffet]. Granted, it’s not the Ritz. But there were waffles! I think I had three. And the sausage? Not gourmet, but perfectly serviceable, and always warm.
- Pool/Gym/Fitness Center: Did I hit the swimming pool [outdoor]? Nope. But, I did see it! Looked clean. The Fitness center was there, and some people were using it. I chose to sleep and eat waffles. Priorities.
- Services and Conveniences: Daily housekeeping? Check. Laundry service? Nope, didn't use it. Cash withdrawal? I think there’s an ATM on site.
- The Lobby: Okay, this is a minor thing, but the lobby smells good! It's not like, overly perfumed, or fake, or like, industrial cleaning product. It’s just…pleasant. And the lobby staff were remarkably friendly.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (Because Fuel is LIFE):
- Breakfast [buffet] (Again, because it deserves the repeat). The waffles. The waffles.
Things To Do (Besides Sleep and Eat Waffles…Ahem):
- Things to do? Outside the hotel? Uh…Council Bluffs. I would say stay in the hotel.
- Relax? Oh, you can DEFINITELY relax. It's a chill vibe.
- Happy hour? I don't recall that specifically, but there IS a bar.
My overall feels?:
Look, the Fairfield Inn & Suites in Council Bluffs isn't going to change your life. It is, however, a reliable, comfortable, and convenient place to crash. The breakfast alone makes it a winner in my book. It's a solid option, especially if you're on a budget or just looking for a hassle-free stay. It's not glamorous, but it's clean, it works, and the waffles? The waffles are worth their weight in, well, waffles. And after a long day, sometimes, that's all you need. Final Verdict: 4 out of 5 waffle irons. I’ll be back.
Escape to Paradise: West Palm Beach Marriott Getaway!
Okay, buckle up, buttercup, because this isn't your sanitized, perfectly-manicured travel brochure. This is me – navigating the concrete jungle (or, in this case, the surprisingly charming, if slightly beige, plains) of Council Bluffs, Iowa, from the surprisingly comfy confines of the Fairfield Inn & Suites Omaha East/Council Bluffs. And trust me, it's gonna get messy.
Council Bluffs Confessions: A Travel Trainwreck (But in a Good Way? Probably)
Day 1: Arrival, Aspirations, and a Burger-Induced Nap
1:00 PM: The Arrival Disaster (Almost)
Okay, so I meant to get here by noon. Blame the traffic (which was, surprisingly, a thing on the way to Council Bluffs), and my unwavering faith in the snooze button. My GPS, bless its little digital heart, led me on a thrilling tour of Omaha's suburbs before finally spitting me out at the promised land of the Fairfield. The front desk guy was… friendly. A little too friendly, like he practiced that smile in the mirror for hours. Got checked in. Room seemed clean, and that's really all I ask for.
2:00 PM: Settling In (And the Urgent Need for Caffeine)
Unpacked (or, more accurately, just threw my stuff on a chair). Checked the cable (essential travel task, obviously). The coffee situation in the room… well, let's just say it was there. Think brown-tinted water. Needed. The. Real. Deal. Thank god the hotel had an on-site cafe. Went down. Got coffee. Coffee was good.
2:30 PM: The Big Plan
Time to consult my meticulously crafted itinerary (which lasted approximately 20 minutes). Today's agenda: explore the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge (that thing is supposed to be gorgeous, right?), maybe hit up a museum, and definitely find a decent burger. Easy peasy. Famous Last Words, right?
3:00 PM: The Burger Bliss
Drove over the bridge and it was pretty cool After all that, I deserved an amazing burger! Found a place online called "The Burger Joint." (Original, I know.) But listen, the burger was a revelation. Juicy, perfectly cooked, loaded with toppings… pure, unadulterated deliciousness. Felt like a real victory!
4:00 PM: Post-Burger Coma After such a grand meal, a short nap was needed. Nothing major, just a little break to rest my eyes. Woke up at 5:30
5:30 PM: Attempted Culture… Failed?
Had big plans to go to the Union Pacific Railroad Museum after the nap. But my stomach just wanted to sit in the hotel room.
7:00 PM: Dinner and Regrets.
Okay, after much debate, I decided to go for dinner. Ended up at a chain restaurant next to the hotel. Nothing to write home about. Felt a pang of regret for skipping the museum. Maybe tomorrow?
Day 2: Bridges, Beauty (and a Few Minor Meltdowns)
9:00 AM: The Coffee Conundrum (Part II)
Okay, after the disaster that was the in-room coffee this morning, I am never trying that. Went to a Starbucks and ordered a triple shot. Needed a reboot after the day before.
10:00 AM: The Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge Again!
Headed over again to the bridge. The sky was this ridiculous blue, the river glinting… it was actually, shockingly, beautiful. Took a bunch of pictures, even though I’m pretty sure I'll never use them.
11:00 AM: The Museum (Finally!)
Drove over to the Union Pacific Railroad Museum. It was a solid museum, I'll give them that. Trains were cool. History was interesting. But I gotta be honest, after about 45 minutes, my brain started shutting down.
1:00 PM: The Unexpected Meltdown (at the Gift Shop)
The museum had a gift shop. I like gift shops! This one had some train-themed stuff. I was already feeling a little overwhelmed (too much history!), then I saw it: a ridiculously overpriced miniature train set. And I wanted it. Badly. But, also, what am I, five? I stood there, agonizing, almost burst into tears. Finally, walked away. Humiliating.
2:00 PM: Bridge and River Visit
Well, time for more bridge. I really like the bridge. Walked back and forth. Thought. Enjoyed. Took some more pics, had a snack.
3:30 PM: The Pursuit of Pizza Perfection After all this walking my stomach made me hungry again. Had a hankering for pizza. Found a "local favorite" online.
5:00 PM: The Room Rumble
Back at the Fairfield. I'm starting to miss my bed, and my cat. Did some laundry.
7:00 PM: Maybe Tomorrow?
Dinner. Same, it was fine. I'm running out of steam (and good restaurants).
Day 3: Farewell, and the Promise of a Diet (Maybe)
9:00 AM: The Breakfast Bar Blues
The complimentary continental breakfast at the Fairfield. It was… there. Felt obligated so I ate it. Coffee was better.
10:00 AM: Last Look and Departure Took one last trip over the bridge, just to say goodbye. Checked out. Thought of the journey.
11:00 AM: The Drive Home (and the Diet Starts… Tomorrow)
Honestly, Council Bluffs? You were… interesting. A bit of letdown, a bit of beauty, a whole lotta burgers. I'll definitely be back to visit. The thing is, the trip will be a mess, you'll get lost. you'll find you want something else than what you thought you wanted. But the journey is worthwhile.
Postscript:
I might need therapy after this trip. And a detox. And definitely to figure out why I considered buying a miniature train set. Council Bluffs, you magnificent, slightly-off-the-beaten-path place, you’ve given me something to think about. And some truly outstanding burger memories. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need a nap.
Unbelievable Bedford Getaway: Fairfield Inn & Suites Awaits!
Fairfield Inn & Suites Council Bluffs: Omaha's (Maybe Slightly Less Secret) Secret - A Deep Dive
Okay, okay... "BEST Kept Secret"? Really? What's the deal?
Alright, alright, "best kept" is a stretch. Let's be honest, the internet has *some* eyes on it now. But for years, I felt like I stumbled onto this hidden oasis of comfort, relatively unknown and perfectly positioned for those Omaha adventures. I mean, you've got the casinos close by, decent restaurants, and...look, I've stayed in some *dumps* in Omaha, and Fairfield Inn Council Bluffs, for the price, consistently delivers. It's clean, convenient, and the staff...oh, the staff! They're usually ridiculously pleasant, like they're genuinely happy you're there. Which is a MAJOR win in the travel world, right?
Is it really *that* good for the price? Spill the tea.
Okay, let's cut the romanticism. It's not the Ritz. But for what you pay? Heck yeah. The rooms are always clean, which is my absolute *biggest* priority. Have I seen a stray hair? Maybe. But nothing that sent me running for the hills. The beds are comfy, and the free breakfast? Don't get me started. It's the standard Continental fare, sure, but they usually have waffles! And I have this *habit*... I always get a waffle. Every. Single. Time. Okay, maybe I'm slightly waffle-obsessed. But still, for the price, it's a steal.
Breakfast! Tell me more about the breakfast... the waffles specifically.
Alright, alright, you want to know about the waffles. Okay, so the waffle maker? It's a tiny little thing, usually with a line in the morning. But, and this is key, the staff *always* keeps it stocked with fresh batter. And the toppings? Oh, man. Butter, syrup, fruit... It's nothing fancy, but it's warm, it's comforting, and it's *waffles*. One time, I was running late, seriously late, for a meeting. I almost skipped the waffle ritual. Almost. But I just *had* to have one. And guess what? It gave me the energy I needed to power through the day. Okay, maybe I'm exaggerating. But those waffles are a small, delicious piece of heaven, okay?
Okay, enough waffle talk. Location, location, location! Is it actually convenient?
Convenient? YES. Absolutely. It’s a five-minute drive to a ton of stuff. The casinos, if you’re into that kind of thing. Restaurants? Loads. And, let’s be real, it’s a quick hop into Omaha. Driving across the bridge? Easy peasy. Traffic sometimes exists, let's not lie, but it's usually not a nightmare. I once got to a concert in Omaha in what felt like record time. It’s just a great base of operations, you know? You can see all the sights, have some fun, then retreat to your clean, comfortable, and waffle-adjacent haven.
Anything... not-so-perfect? Give us the dirt.
Okay, gotta be honest. No hotel is perfect. Sometimes, the pool can be a bit overcrowded. It’s a small pool. Not exactly Olympic-sized, which is a bummer if you're trying to churn out some serious laps. And, in rare cases, the elevator can take a *minute*. But hey, these are minor quibbles. My biggest issue... occasionally, the wifi can be a SLIGHTLY slower than I'd prefer. I'm talking, buffering YouTube videos. But, again, it's not dial-up levels of slow, and I can generally cope.
About the staff you mentioned... What makes them so great?
Genuine kindness. They seem to actually *care*. Maybe I'm overly sensitive, but I've had actual conversations with front desk staff about my day, about the weather, about… anything, really! They greet you with a smile and are always helpful. One time, I left my phone charger, one of those super important, can't live-without-it chargers. I called, expecting nothing, and they were like, "Yep, we have it! We'll keep it safe for you!" That kind of service just makes all the difference. It’s not just about a place to sleep; it’s about feeling *seen* and cared for, you know? I've seen that in hotels elsewhere and found it lacking. The staff at Fairfield Inn Council Bluffs? They're a solid crew.
What's your absolute favorite thing about staying there?
Honestly? The peace of mind. Knowing I'm going to a clean, comfortable place, with friendly people, and waffles... it's just... a win, you know? It’s a simple pleasure, but in a world of chaos, it's *something*. It's not the fancy-pants luxury of some places, but it's reliable, and yeah, it feels like a secret I'm happy to share.
How does it compare to other hotels in the area?
Council Bluffs has options, for sure. The casinos have their own hotels, but... they can be pricey. There are budget options, but the reviews sometimes make me shudder. I've stayed at a few different places in the area for business or trips with friends, and I always seem to come back to Fairfield. Honestly, for the price, cleanliness, and convenience, it consistently ranks above the others I've tried. I could name names, but I'd rather not start drama. Let's just say, some places feel like they haven't been updated since the '90s. Fairfield Inn Council Bluffs? Feels fresh. And that's a big deal. Especially if you, like me, are a germaphobe.
Would you recommend it to a friend?
Absolutely. Without hesitation. I already have. I mean, I'm basically writing a love letter to the place, aren’t I? If you're looking for a clean, comfortable, convenient, and *affordable* place to stay near Omaha, with waffle potential, then yes. Book it. You won't regret it, unless you hate waffles. Then, maybe. But even then... give it a chance. The staff might convert you.
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