Ogallala's Hidden Gem: Your Perfect Stay Awaits at Best Western Plus!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the Best Western Plus in Ogallala, Nebraska! They call it "Ogallala's Hidden Gem," and honestly? After my stay, I get it. But before we get all starry-eyed, let's break it down, warts and all, because nobody's perfect, not even a Best Western.
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Accessibility: This is HUGE for me. I'm not in a wheelchair, thankfully, but I LOVE knowing a place gets it. The Best Western Plus in Ogallala promises wheelchair accessible everything - rooms, public spaces. Now, did I personally test this with a chair? Nope. But the promise is there, and that's a good start. (Accessibility, Wheelchair accessible, Facilities for disabled guests). They've also got an elevator – essential when you're lugging a suitcase that’s seen better days.
Cleanliness and Safety – Because the World is a Mess (and I’m a Germaphobe in Disguise): Okay, this is where I REALLY perked up. Post-pandemic, I’m borderline obsessive. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Check. Rooms sanitized between stays? Double check! Seriously, I walked into my room, and there was that smell. You know, the one that says, "We've been nuking germs in here!" A little clinical? Maybe. Reassuring? Absolutely. (Cleanliness and safety, Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Rooms sanitized between stays, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment, Hand sanitizer, First aid kit, Doctor/nurse on call, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Hygiene certification). They also have the usual suspects fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, and a front desk that's 24-hours. I'm not gonna lie, I felt safer here than in my own apartment sometimes!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Feed the Beast!: So, this is where things get…interesting. They have a restaurant, which is convenient, but the menu feels a bit…generic. (Restaurants, Bar, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast takeaway service). The breakfast buffet was decent. (Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Asian breakfast, Western breakfast). Nothing earth-shattering, but hey, free fuel is free fuel, and they had those little sausage patties that always taste better than they should. They even had juice and coffee in a variety of options.
The bar? Well, it exists, which is good. I didn't spend too much time there, but they had the basics. Think of it as a perfectly fine place to grab a beer after a long drive. And they have a poolside bar. (Poolside bar) But let's be honest, a poolside bar in Nebraska? It's a novelty, and it works. They also have a snack bar. (Snack bar).
Services and Conveniences – The Bells and Whistles: (Services and conveniences, Air conditioning in public area, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Non-smoking rooms) The staff were friendly and helpful, especially the concierge. They even had a little convenience store. This is a lifesaver for midnight snack attacks! They had an elevator, which is crucial, and the daily housekeeping was a godsend. They also offer laundry service and dry cleaning, which is perfect for travelers and those who hate doing laundry.
For the Kids – Family Fun: They advertise themselves as family friendly. (Family/child friendly, Babysitting service, Kids meal, Kids facilities).
Available in All Rooms – The Essentials (and a Few Extras): (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). Okay, this is where the Best Western Plus REALLY shines. The rooms are well-appointed. Air conditioning? Check. Cozy beds? Check. A mini-fridge for my midnight snacks? Double check! The free Wi-Fi was STRONG. (Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!) I was able to stream my shows without any buffering, which is crucial for someone like me who unwinds watching Judge Judy. I loved the blackout curtains, too. Slept like a baby.
Internet-tastic! (Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Internet, Internet services). Okay, so yes, internet is everywhere these days, but it’s crucial to me! Free Wi-Fi in the rooms (bless!), Wi-Fi in the public areas. They even have internet "services." What exactly IS an internet service? I have no idea, but it exists!
Things to Do & Ways to Relax – Poolside Bliss (Mostly): Swimming pool? Check. Outdoor pool? Check! (Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]) They have a gym. (Gym/fitness, Fitness center). I hit the gym…once. It’s a gym. It has machines. You sweat. All good. The pool? Now that's where it was at. It had an outdoor pool…and because of the location in Nebraska, it's kind of fun, to me at least! I could see myself getting lost by the pool, and I loved the view.
My Ogallala Epiphany (The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly):
Okay, let's get REAL for a sec. Traveling can be exhausting. You're dealing with new places, quirky cultures – sometimes the only thing you got to hold onto is the thought of a nice, comfy bed! The Best Western Plus in Ogallala? For the most part, it delivered. It was clean, comfortable, and served its purpose, but it wasn't a destination in itself. I did get a good night's sleep though.
Here's the messy truth: one morning, I was rushing to get dressed at the last minute when I dropped my phone on the floor. Nothing wrong up to that, but then I realized where did I drop it - near the corner of the bed, and as I bent down, I touched something sticky. Turns out the last guest had spilled something (I have no idea what. It was sticky), and it hadn’t been cleaned up. I immediately went to the front desk, and they were mortified and promptly moved me to a new room. The speed of the solution saved the experience. The staff were genuinely apologetic, and the new room was spotless. Again, the staff was the difference. It wasn’t perfect, but they fixed it, which made all the difference.
Final Verdict: It's a Solid Choice!
Look, it's a Best Western Plus in Ogallala. Don't expect the Ritz. But do expect clean rooms, friendly service, decent amenities, and a place that, for the most part, cares about your stay. They have all the essentials, and a few things that are nice to have, like the swimming pool.
The Persuasive Offer (aka: Why You Should Book Right Now!)
Tired of the Ordinary? Escape to Ogallala's Hidden Gem! (Best Western Plus)
Hey there, weary traveler! Ready for a break from the everyday? Are you seeking a comfortable haven without the pretentiousness of some fancy hotels?
The Best Western Plus in Ogallala might not be a place to write home about, but it's an excellent, reliable stay. We've got clean, comfortable rooms with a guarantee of high cleanliness and safety standards for all guests. That means you can relax and enjoy your time, whether you’re out on a business trip, a family trip, or just in need of a pause.
Here's what makes your stay at the Best Western Plus extra special:
- Free Wi-Fi That Works: Stay connected, stream your favorite shows, and plan your adventures with lightning-fast, reliable Wi-Fi in every room and public areas.
Okay, buckle up, Buttercup, because we're about to embark on the most gloriously imperfect and chaotic travel itinerary this side of the Mississippi. We're heading to Ogallala, Nebraska, because, well, sometimes you just need to go to Ogallala. And we're doing it all from the comfy (hopefully) confines of the Best Western Plus Ogallala Inn. Wish me luck, I'm gonna need it.
Ogallala Odyssey: A Mostly Made-Up Itinerary (with a Sprinkle of Reality)
Day 1: Arrival and the Agony of Choice (and the Steak) - A Thursday
- 2:00 PM - Arrival at Best Western Plus Ogallala Inn: Okay, first impressions. The lobby… it's clean! That's a win. I swear, one time I stayed at a motel with a lobby resembling a crime scene. This is good! The front desk person is friendly, bordering on too friendly. Like, "Are you sure you're not a secret agent sent to assess my suitability for… something?" I shake off the paranoia and get my key. Room: decent, the bed doesn't look like it's been slept in by a family of raccoons. Good. We're off to a good start.
- 2:30 PM - The Great Room Inventory: Okay, time to assess the battlefield. The TV situation – is it a smart TV? Pray. No. Okay, old school. Acceptable. But the real challenge? The coffee. Is it the terrible instant stuff? Or glorious, real coffee? Time to brave the continental breakfast station and find out. (Spoiler alert: it was a close call between lukewarm and actual coffee. A tense moment.)
- 3:00 PM - The Dilemma of Lunch: Where to EAT in Ogallala? The choices are… limited. I've done my research which basically consisted of googling "Ogallala restaurants" while bleary-eyed at 2 AM. So, I'm torn between a classic American greasy spoon and a "steakhouse" that boasts "the best steaks in the county" (according to the website, of course). Sigh Decisions, decisions. I feel a panic attack coming on. I need to find a local to advise me! I ask the front desk. They are very confident about the steakhouse. Time to go!
- 4:00 PM - The Steakhouse Revelation (aka, The Glorious Glut of Beef): Okay, the steakhouse was… good. Really, really good. I'm a simple woman, and a well-cooked steak, some mashed potatoes, and a hefty side of green beans make me almost weep tears of joy. The server was a sweetheart. I swear she reminded me of my grandma. I ate so much beef I think I might need to go lie down. This experience was a highlight. I'm going to focus on this. I am so focused.
- 6:00 PM - Evening Stroll & Ghost Town Thoughts: I try to walk it off, but I’m basically waddling. The streets are quiet, the air is crisp, and I feel… content. I ponder how Ogallala must have been in its boom days. The Wild West, the cattle drives… I imagine dusty cowboys and saloon doors swinging. Then I trip on a crack in the sidewalk, nearly taking a header, and realize I’m still full of steak and not a cowgirl.
- 7:30 PM - Back to the Inn, Attempting to Watch TV: The TV is… not my friend. The remote seems to be a portal to a separate dimension. I struggle through the channel selections, battling the glare from the cheap lamp. Eventually, I give up and settle on some random local news. Turns out there's a bake-off competition happening this weekend. Oh. My. God.
- 9:00 PM - The Sweetest Sleep (Maybe): Off to bed. The bed is soft. I can hear the hum of the air conditioner and the distant rumble of a truck. It is so comfy and relaxing.
Day 2: History, Hustle, and the Bake-Off - A Friday
- 7:00 AM - Coffee and a Prayer: Okay, the coffee situation is precarious. I manage to down two cups.
- 8:00 AM - The Petrified Wood Gallery of Wonder: I found this little museum about petrified wood and other rock formations. I thought it was going to be some boring geologist thing, BUT! The owner was an old man who loved rocks. His enthusiasm was infectious. I learned about the process of petrifaction, and how each rock told a story. I was awestruck.
- 9:00 AM - The Petrified Wood Gallery of Wonder Continued: I went to the rock shop. I learned so much. I bought a polished slice of petrified wood.
- 10:00 AM - Windlass Hill Overlook: I went to Windlass Hill Overlook. The view was amazing. The climb was… not so amazing. My thighs burned, and I wondered if I should start cross-training.
- 12:00 PM - Lunch: The Greasy Spoon Redemption? I try that greasy spoon. It was exactly what I expected. Greasy and spoon-y. The burger was okay, the fries were perfect. The people were incredibly friendly. It was a good experience.
- 1:30 PM - The Ogallala Round-Up: I found the old town, saw the remnants of a once-booming cattle industry. The history! The old saloons! Imagining the cowboys!
- 3:00 PM - Bake-Off Envy and the Dark Side of Tourism: A little local newspaper said that the bake-off was happening! I feel a dark urge to enter! I am seriously considering. But then the news came that some people took advantage of the great tourism boom. It made me very sad.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner and Debriefing at the Inn: Pizza!
- 7:00 PM - A Good Night's Rest: Bed time!
Day 3: Departure and Longing - A Saturday
- 7:00 AM - Last Breakfast: A final attempt at the continental breakfast.
- 8:00 AM - Check Out: Back home.
- 9:00 AM - Leaving Ogallala: I feel a pang of sadness as I drive away. Ogallala, you were unexpectedly charming. You had a history. You had a steak. And I'm so glad I came.
- 12:00 PM - Home: I got home. I rested. I am glad I went. I want to go back!
Postscript: The Aftermath
Okay, this was a wild ride. Ogallala, you surprised the heck out of me. Maybe I'll actually try that bake-off next time. Maybe. And that petrified wood… well, it sits proudly on my desk, a constant reminder of a trip that was messy, imperfect, and utterly, gloriously human.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm suddenly craving steak… and maybe a slice of pie. And maybe, just maybe, another trip to the Best Western Plus Ogallala Inn. Until next time, Ogallala!
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Ogallala's Hidden Gem: Your Perfect Stay Awaits (At the Best Western... Maybe?)
Is this really a "Hidden Gem"? Because I’ve seen Ogallala. Let's be real...
The pool... Tell me about the pool. Is it the stuff of legends?
One time, I saw a guy – *I swear* – swim laps in full cowboy boots. Cowboy boots! Now, I don't know if that's a regular occurrence, but it’s something that sticks with you, ya know? He just… *swam*. Booted. It’s Ogallala. Expect the unexpected. (Like, maybe, a chlorine-fueled existential crisis)
Breakfast: The make-or-break factor. What's the verdict?
I’m talking waffles (you know, the kind you make *yourself* with the weird automatic waffle machine – always a gamble, but usually a win), scrambled eggs (sometimes questionable texture, but edible), sausage (usually a bit… *beige*), and, praise be, *coffee*. Good, strong, bottomless coffee. The kind that keeps you going, and gives you the courage to face another day of… well… driving.
I remember one time, I was there and they were out of sausage. Panic. Pure breakfast-based panic. But then, bless their hearts, they replenished it, and all was right with the world. So yeah. Breakfast. It's a win. Mostly.
The rooms… what's the vibe? Cozy? Modern? Slightly… dated?
The beds are…fine. The pillows… well, let's just say they haven't aged as gracefully as, say, George Clooney. But hey, after a long drive, you're going to crash regardless.
One time, I walked into a room and the AC was blasting. Practically arctic conditions. Took me a good half hour to adjust. Another time, the TV remote was… well, let’s just say it had clearly seen better days. But hey, the important thing is, it *worked*. And you can get a decent night's sleep in them, which is really all you can ask for on a cross-country trip.
Anything *actually* bad about the place? Come on, spill the beans!
Finding the parking spot closest to the door can be a contact sport at peak travel times. One trip, I swear, the ice machine was strategically placed on the opposite side of the building from my room to tempt me. Then again, no hotel is perfect, and for the value and location -- I'd stay there once again, no sweat!
But honestly? These are minor quibbles. Compared to the alternative - some dusty roadside motel with questionable plumbing – the Best Western Plus in Ogallala is a darned sight better. And hey, if you really want to experience local flavor there's always the bar down the street. Just don't expect gourmet cocktails...(laughs)
What's the deal with the staff? Are they friendly? Grumpy? Do they know where the good coffee is?
Bottom Line: Recommend?
