Drury Inn Champaign: Your Perfect Champaign, IL Getaway!
Drury Inn Champaign: My Champaign, IL Getaway – The Honest Truth (and a Whole Lotta Free Pizza)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to spill the (hot, delicious, probably free) tea on the Drury Inn Champaign. Forget the sterile, corporate hotel reviews – this is the real deal, warts and all. And let me tell you, there weren't many warts.
First Impressions – Accessibility & That Sweet, Sweet Convenience:
Landing in Champaign, IL, I was already bracing myself for… well, let's just say I wasn't expecting Vegas. But the Drury? Surprisingly, it hit the ground running. Getting to the place itself was cake, accessibility was on point (crucial for anyone with mobility issues, you know?), and the car park was free! (Seriously, parking fees are the bane of my existence.) Car power charging station? Bonus points! And Airport transfer? Absolutely! I didn’t use it, but it gave me good feeling.
Check-in was a breeze - contactless check-in/out is pure gold, especially post-pandemic. And the lobby? Clean, bright, welcoming. They’ve definitely got that whole “friendly and efficient” thing down. The front desk is 24-hour, which is a HUGE relief when you're arriving at some ungodly hour.
The Room: My Little Champaign Sanctuary
My room? Let's just say it was everything I needed and definitely non-smoking (thank the heavens). Air conditioning? Yep, and it worked! The bed was extra long (thank goodness, I'm a sprawler.) A coffee/tea maker was a godsend, especially with that complimentary tea. They had hair dryer which is a basic, but essential these days. The bathrobes and slippers? Fancy! The scale? Slightly horrifying, but necessary. And the complimentary bottled water? Bless their hearts.
But let's be real: it's the little things that matter. The desk, the laptop workspace, the free Wi-Fi (in all rooms!). And the TV with satellite/cable channels, that was a lifesaver when I wanted to hide away. Though, the on-demand movies… those were tempting.
Cleanliness and Safety – Seriously, They Take This Seriously
Okay, I’m a germaphobe. Don't judge. But seriously, the Drury Inn Champaign aces the cleanliness game. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Check. Rooms sanitized between stays? Check. I felt genuinely safe there. The staff seemed genuinely committed – they are trained in safety protocol. And the whole hygiene certification thing… well, it’s peace of mind. Having fire extinguishers, smoke alarms and safety/security features helps too.
Dining, Drinking and Snacking – Where the Real Magic Happens (and Free Food!)
Here’s where Drury truly shines. Forget the sad continental breakfasts of yore. We’re talking Breakfast [buffet] with the works! (I may or may not have eaten my weight in scrambled eggs and sausage.) Asian breakfast? Yep. Fresh fruit, yogurt, the works. They have a coffee shop and a snack bar.
But the real kicker? Happy hour! (Free food, people! FREE FOOD!) Okay, you get a rotating selection of appetizers but the main draw is the free pizza! (I may or may not have grabbed three slices during a late-night craving…) The poolside bar is a nice touch, though I’m not much of a pool person. They have restaurants for other meal times and offer room service [24-hour]. The salad in restaurant was pretty good. The vegetarian restaurant was a great choice since my friend is a vegan. You even get things like bottle of water and essential condiments!
Things To Do (and Ways to Relax) – Beyond the Buffet
Okay, so Champaign might not be the most action-packed place on earth, but the Drury Inn makes it easy to relax. The swimming pool [outdoor] looked inviting (though I didn't brave the elements). The fitness center was well-equipped, though I'm more of a "Netflix and chill" kind of person. I hear they also have a pool with view. The spa/sauna are nice but I didn't get use of them.
Services and Conveniences – They Think of Everything
The Drury's thought of everything. Daily housekeeping? Duh. Laundry service? Lifesaver. Luggage storage? You betcha. Cash withdrawal? Absolutely. Convenience store? For those late-night snack attacks. The indoor venue for special events is nice but I wasn't staying for an event. They even have facilities for disabled guests.
For the Kids (and the Kid in You)
I don't have kids, but I get the impression they'd have a blast. The family/child friendly vibe is strong. They also offer babysitting service if needed.
The One Imperfection (and Why I Don't Even Care)
Okay, here’s the tiny thing that wasn't perfect: my room’s view was… well, it wasn't the Eiffel Tower. It was the parking lot. But honestly? I didn’t care. The free pizza, the ridiculously comfortable bed, and the overall sense of ease completely outweighed a less-than-stellar view.
Bottom Line: Is Drury Inn Champaign Worth It? HELL YES!
For the price, the convenience, the cleanliness, and the sheer amount of FREE FOOD, the Drury Inn Champaign is a winner. It’s a perfect base for exploring Champaign (or, you know, just hiding out in your room with the blackout curtains and a pizza box). This is more than just a hotel; it's a sanctuary. If you're looking for a comfortable, convenient, and surprisingly fun getaway, book it. You (and your stomach) won’t regret it.
My Final, Stream-of-Consciousness Thoughts:
Honestly, I left the Drury Inn with a genuine sense of contentment. It wasn't perfect (nothing is), but it was darn close. It felt like a place that cared about making its guests happy. And in a world of cookie-cutter hotels, that's a rare and beautiful thing. So, Drury Inn Champaign, consider this a love letter (with a side of extra free pizza, please!).
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My Persuasive Booking Offer:
Stop Dreaming, Start Munching! Book Your Champaign Getaway at the Drury Inn Today!
Tired of boring hotel experiences? Craving comfort, convenience, and free food that actually tastes good? Then you need the Drury Inn Champaign!
- Free Hot Breakfast & Evening Snacks: Fuel your day with a delicious buffet and indulge in free appetizers and drinks.
- Relax in Style: Enjoy spacious, comfortable rooms with free Wi-Fi, plus a pool and fitness center.
- Convenience is King: Located in the heart of Champaign, close to everything you need.
- Clean & Safe Space: Rest easy knowing that we prioritize your safety with top-notch cleanliness protocols.
Book your stay at the Drury Inn Champaign now and receive a FREE upgrade (based on availability) + a voucher good for one FREE slice of pizza at the happy hour. Just mention this review at check-in!
This offer is valid for bookings made within the next 30 days. Don't miss out - book your perfect Champaign getaway today!
Escape to Comfort: Marion's Best Suites Await!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to embark on a Champaign, Illinois adventure that's less "perfectly curated Instagram post" and more "relatable travel journal scribbled on a napkin at 2 AM fueled by questionable hotel coffee." And trust me, the fact that we're starting at the Drury Inn & Suites in Champaign is a story unto itself…
Champaign, IL: A Drury Inn Odyssey - Or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Free Popcorn (and Maybe Hate Myself a Little)
Day 1: The Arrival - Hope and Exhaustion
- 3:17 PM: Landed at Willard Airport. Seriously, why does it take an hour to get luggage? I swear the baggage handlers are playing a complex game of shuffleboard with my suitcase. I'm already on the verge of hangry (hungry + angry = me).
- 3:45 PM: Found the shuttle! Thank God. Seriously, the airport carpet felt… well, it felt like airport carpet. You know?
- 4:30 PM: Drury Inn check-in - smooth as butter. Free popcorn’s a godsend. Honestly, at this point, a free spork would get a standing ovation. (Side note: I've developed a concerning fondness for the free soda fountain.)
- 5:00 PM: Unpack, assess the room. It's clean. The air conditioning works. I win. (My inner monologue is already starting to sound like a lottery winner.)
- 5:30 PM: The great quest for dinner! Where to find a decent meal in Champaign? Google is my friend. (Also, my bladder because of the aforementioned soda.) Settled on a decent, albeit generic, restaurant for pizza. It wasn't life-altering, but it filled the void.
- 7:00 PM: Swimming pool time! The Drury Inn pool wasn't exactly the Blue Lagoon, but it was warm, and that's what mattered. The kids were a bit loud, but hey, free entertainment, right?
- 8:30 PM: Back in my room. Seriously considering ordering room service, but I'm pretty sure I ate my entire day's allotment of calories in pizza.
- 9:00 PM: TV time. Found something that actually holds my attention. Ah, sweet, sweet escapism.
- 9:30 PM: Crash. The day's a blur of travel and immediate gratification. I’m already a Drury Inn veteran.
Day 2: Illini Adventures and Questionable Decisions
- 7:00 AM: Woke up! Drury Inn breakfast buffet time! Okay, I may have had three waffles. Don't judge me. The fruit was surprisingly fresh, though. Plus, there are enough carbs here to make me run a marathon. What is life?
- 8:30 AM: The University of Illinois! The campus is beautiful. The architecture, the history, the… endless expanse of green space. Got lost and found myself next to a building I'm pretty sure houses the College of Agriculture. I’m from Brooklyn. I know about as much about agriculture as I do about quantum physics.
- 9:00 AM: Visited some buildings. I'm trying to be cultured. I feel like I need to fake intelligence here, in front of all the students.
- 10:00 AM: It started to rain. Perfect timing. Took shelter, enjoyed the rainy weather.
- 11:00 AM: Shopping. Bought something I don't need. Probably something on sale. Still, it feels nice.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch. A local dive. It was… flavorful. Let's just leave it at that.
- 1:00 PM: Back to the hotel. The pool is calling.
- 2:00 PM: Swimming in the hotel pool again. Feeling content.
- 3:00 PM: Back to the room. The complimentary popcorn calls my name.
- 4:00 PM: My mood has completely collapsed. I feel like I'm wasting my life.
- 5:00 PM: I order some food. I feel better.
- 6:00 PM: Back to room. This time, I don't know what to do.
- 7:00 PM: I go to bed.
Day 3: Departure - The Drury Inn Effect
- 7:00 AM: Woke up feeling… surprisingly well-rested. All that free popcorn may have actually worked some magic.
- 7:30 AM: Another breakfast buffet assault. This time, I conquered the scrambled eggs. Victory is mine!
- 8:30 AM: Check out. Said goodbye to the friendliest staff ever, the free popcorn, and the weirdly cozy ambiance of the Drury Inn.
- 9:00 AM: Airport time.
- 9:30 AM: The airport is much quieter this time, and I get through the security line in five minutes.
- 10:00 AM: Waiting for the plane, reading a book and enjoying the end of a trip.
And there you have it. Champaign, Illinois. Drury Inn & Suites. Not a glamorous adventure, maybe, but it's an experience, and it was mine. And hey, at least I didn't leave my toothbrush. Small victories, people, small victories. And if you asked me if I recommend the Drury Inn? Well, let's just say I'm already missing the free popcorn. Maybe I’ll go back… eventually.
Escape to Oxford, AL: Comfort Suites I-20's Premier Oasis!
Okay, So Drury Inn Champaign: Worth the Hype? (Let's Be Real)
Alright, let's cut the BS. Drury Inn in Champaign? Yeah, it's pretty darn popular. And listen, after a few stays (and some serious "research" – ahem, trips to the Illini games), I can say...it's *mostly* worth it. Think of it like a really reliable best friend. They're not always the sexiest option, but they *always* have your back. Free food? Sign me up! But let's get specific, shall we?
That Free Food They Rave About... Is It Actually Good? (Or Just... Free?)
Okay, the "free food" situation at Drury is a *major* selling point. And honestly? For free food, it's usually pretty solid. The evening "kickback" thing is a buffet of sorts, and it can be... *interesting*. One time, I swear, they had some sort of mystery meatloaf that I'm pretty sure was orbiting the Earth. Seriously, it was a testament to its own longevity. But hey, there was also mac and cheese! And a solid potato bar. And beer. Always beer. The breakfast is a winner though. Waffles, scrambled eggs (that are sometimes a little…uh… yellow-ish), and a solid selection of other stuff to get you going. Don't expect Michelin-star quality, but you won't starve. And let's be honest, after a night of, you know, *studying the local breweries*... a free plate of anything beats cooking.
The Pool & Hot Tub: Relaxing Oasis or Chlorine-Filled Battlefield?
Okay, the pool situation...it's a mixed bag. The pool itself is fine. Nothing to write home about, but it's clean enough. However, the hot tub... Listen, I'm a hot tub enthusiast. A *serious* enthusiast. And Drury's hot tub? It's usually… well, let's just say it's seen things. It can be crowded! You might have to share your bubbly bliss with a family of eight and a guy who *really* needed to shave. And sometimes…the jets aren't working quite right. But hey, it's hot. It's bubbly. And after a long day of… whatever it is you do in Champaign… it's worth it. The kids love it... as do the folks enjoying a pre-game beer.
Parking: Is It a Nightmare? (I've Been There, I Know You're Curious)
Yes. Yes, parking can be a bit of a pain, especially during peak times like football weekends. It's not a complete disaster, mind you. But if you arrive late at night, be prepared to circle the lot a few times. I once spent a solid twenty minutes playing bumper cars with other equally frustrated guests, all vying for that ONE precious spot near the entrance. Pro Tip: Download a parking app, or arrive early. Or, ya know, just walk a little, it's Champaign... it's not exactly sprawling.
Pet Policy: My Furry Friend Wants In! Can They Come?
Yep! Drury is pet-friendly, which is HUGE. Huge! They generally allow pets and it's a godsend for people like me who can't imagine life without their furry companions. They do have a few rules (like, don’t leave Fido unsupervised and let him start a rave in the room). Be sure to call ahead (because, you know, rules and stuff), but I've seen dogs of all shapes and sizes happily trotting through the lobby. So yay for that.
Location, Location, Location... Is It Convenient? (aka: How Far From the Bars?)
Location-wise? Drury Inn Champaign is pretty darn good. It's close to the University of Illinois campus (a major plus), and it's near a lot of restaurants and shopping. Plus, it's not *too* far from the bars and nightlife. You can definitely walk to some places, or hop in an Uber if you've had a few too many at Murphy's or whatever is your poison. It beats a hotel way out by I-57, that's for sure.
The Rooms Themselves: Clean? Spacious? Functional? (Or Just… Okay?)
The rooms are… fine. They're not the Ritz, but they're clean, functional, and reasonably spacious. You get the basics: a comfy bed (usually), a TV, a desk, and a decent bathroom. The decor isn't going to blow your socks off, but it's not offensive. One time, I had a room with a "view" of the parking lot. Not exactly picturesque, but, hey, at least I could tell the weather without opening the curtains. Bottom line: it's a reliable, predictable room. And sometimes, that's all you need.
Is There a Gym? (Because All That Free Food Demands a Workout!)
Yes, there's a gym! Now, don't get *too* excited. It's not exactly a state-of-the-art fitness center. It's usually got some treadmills, some ellipticals, and a few weights. It's enough to burn off some of those waffle calories, but don't expect to build your beach body there. I've seen people doing some serious workouts in there, though, and it's decent for a hotel gym. If you're a serious gym rat, might want to find a local gym.
The Staff: Friendly or Grumpy? (Or Somewhere In Between?)
The staff at Drury Inn is generally pretty great. They're friendly, helpful, and they seem genuinely happy to be there. I've always had positive experiences, from check-in to check-out. They always seem to go the extra mile. I mean, it's a hotel, but they really do seem to try. That goes a long way!
My Ultimate Drury Champaign Story (The One That Sums it All Up):
