Rodeway Inn Colonial Heights: I-95's BEST-KEPT Secret? (VA)
Rodeway Inn Colonial Heights: I-95's Best-Kept Secret? …Or Just A Place to Crash? (A REALLY Honest Review)
Alright, folks, buckle up. We're about to dive headfirst into the swirling vortex of… the Rodeway Inn Colonial Heights. "I-95's BEST-KEPT Secret?" they claim. Honestly? My expectations were about as low as a limbo dancer at a convention for orthopedic surgeons. But, hey, I needed a place to crash on a recent road trip, and the price was right. So, let's get this honesty session started, shall we?
First Impressions (and the Parking Lot Potholes):
Okay, let's be real. "Secret" might be stretching it a bit. Finding the place was easy enough, right off I-95. Accessibility gets a thumbs up – good for anyone rolling up on their own (and there’s ample free car parking). The exterior, let's just say it has character. Some landscaping would be nice. The kind you could, you know, actually see that wasn't struggling to survive. I swear, there were potholes in the parking lot I could've lost a small child in.
Check-In: A Symphony of Formality (ish)
Front desk staff? Friendly enough. Efficient. I felt like I was caught between two of the hotel staff members at a time. Like, I think the one in the back, the one making some sort of noise, was secretly handling a difficult customer on the phone. Not a huge fuss. Contactless check-in/out, which is always a plus in our post-pandemic world. Especially now with the rise of AI and robots.
The Room: Comfort, Maybe With a Twist (and Maybe Some Mystery Stains?)
Alright, the room. This is where things get interesting. First of all, YES, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and it actually WORKED. I've stayed in hotels that charged extra for internet, and after paying, the Wi-Fi was slower than a sloth on tranquilizers. Nope, this was solid.
Now, about the room itself… It was… clean-ish. The beds were comfortable, which is the main criteria, right? (Though, if I'm being super honest, I'm not entirely sure what that brown smudge on the headboard was. I chose not to investigate.)
Here’s a quick rundown of what was available in the room that I actually used:
- Air conditioning: Worked like a charm. (Thank GOD.)
- Free bottled water: Score! Hydration is key.
- Coffee/tea maker: Basic, but functional.
- Hair dryer: Present. (Though I have a feeling it's older than I am.)
- Ironing facilities: Yes. (Not that I iron.)
What did I not use?
- Bathrobes / Slippers: Didn't see any of those.
- In-room safe box: Nah.
- Alarm clock: Nope. (Used my phone.)
Cleanliness & Safety: The Vigilance Factor?
Rodeway Inn Colonial Heights touts a lot of safety protocols. Daily disinfection in common areas, rooms sanitized between stays, and staff trained in safety protocol. They removed shared stationery. I certainly HOPE all this is true. Everywhere I checked, there were hand sanitizer bottles (definitely needed for the parking lot), but did I see real evidence of aggressive anti-viral cleaning? Hmmm… I did see a sign about hygiene certification. But I didn't ask for the credentials.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: The Food Frontier
The listing says Breakfast [buffet] and Breakfast takeaway service! But, I think it was kind of slim pickings. No in-room dining. Only a few vending machines in the lobby, which were, let's be honest, the kind of vending machines where you're pretty much gambling with your money and your sanity.
Services and Conveniences: The Extras (and the Not-So-Extras)
Here's where things are mixed bag:
- Cash withdrawal: Not a problem.
- Convenience store: No.
- Daily housekeeping: Yup. They did a decent job.
- Elevator: Yes.
- Luggage storage: Probably, but I didn't need it.
- Smoking area: Yep – which, as a non-smoker, I always find a little depressing.
- Laundry service: Sorry, not here.
Getting Around:
- Car park [free of charge]: Yes.
- Taxi service: I didn’t see one, but not surprising since I’m just passing through.
Accessibility & Things to Do: The Limited Edition
- Facilities for disabled guests: Yes.
- Fitness center: Nope. No. No gym. No fitness.
- Pool: They definitely had a pool. Outdoors. It was closed. I could only see the sad, empty pool from afar.
For The Kids:
- Family/child friendly: Fine, I guess. There was nothing particularly kid-centric.
The Quirky Observations:
- The Vibe: It’s… functional. Nobody's trying to win any design awards. It had a definite "just passing through" vibe.
- The Price: It was affordable, and that, ultimately, made it worthwhile.
My Emotional Reaction (and the Verdict!):
Look, the Rodeway Inn Colonial Heights isn't the Ritz-Carlton. It isn't pretending to be. It's a solid, no-frills option for a quick overnight stay. It was CLEAN ENOUGH, the bed was comfy, the Wi-Fi was good, and the price was right.
My Opinion: The verdict? If all you need is a clean bed, hot shower, and a place to crash after a long haul, and you're passing through Colonial Heights on I-95, then sure. Don’t expect to be wowed. But you won't be totally disappointed either. I’d give it a solid 3 out of 5 stars.
The Offer (For you, dear traveler!):
Tired of overpriced, underwhelming hotels? Are you truly just looking for a decent night's sleep without breaking the bank? Then The Rodeway Inn Colonial Heights might actually surprise you. Book your stay at the Rodeway Inn Colonial Heights now and receive a 10% discount on your room rate! Use code "ROADTRIPVA" when booking on our website.
Book Now! (But maybe pack your own snacks…)
(And maybe avoid the headboard.)
Bowling Green Getaway: Unforgettable Stay at Country Inn & Suites!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's itinerary. This is the "I-95 Colonial Heights, VA, and the Glorious Mess of Human Existence" itinerary. We're talking Rodeway Inn, questionable continental breakfasts, and the raw, unfiltered truth about… well, everything. Grab your coffee, you're gonna need it.
Day 1: Arrival & the Great Beige Experience
14:00 - 14:30: The Dreaded Drive & the Arrival of Doom
Okay, so I left super late. Blame the dog. Blame the traffic. Blame me. Whatever. I am here, in the throes of I-95, and frankly… I could already use another coffee. I think I got like, 3 hours of sleep from last night from the stress of traveling. I am excited to be able to crash. Colonial Heights? Sounds promising. I mean, it could be, right? Any hotel near the highway is a wildcard. I hope I still have my sanity after all this.
14:30 - 15:00: Check-In (Pray for No Bed Bugs)
The Rodeway Inn. Ah, yes. The name alone conjures images of… well, beige. Beige carpets. Beige walls. Beige… everything. The lobby is… serviceable. The lady at the front desk, bless her heart, looked like she'd seen things. I hoped those "things" weren't bed bugs. "Room 217, sir," she said, her voice a weary whisper. "Enjoy your stay." Enjoy? We'll see. We'll see.
15:00 - 16:00: Room Inspection (The Search for Secrets)
Ah, room 217. Let's be honest, this is all an illusion of comfort and convenience, I am a skeptic. The air conditioning is on full blast, attempting to drown out the highway rumble. The bedspread looks like it's been through a war. Wait, is that… questionable stain? No, no, focus. Focus on the positive. The TV probably works. The bathroom… well, let's not go there just yet. But you know what? The sheer mediocrity of it all is almost… comforting. Like a warm, beige hug.
16:00 - 17:00: Snack Attack & Existential Dread (Or, Why Did I Choose This Exit?)
Right, food. Gotta have food. Pulled out the hastily-packed snacks. The sad bag of chips, the half-squished granola bar, the lukewarm water bottle. As I sat there, munching and contemplating my life choices, a question loomed: Why did I pick this exit? What was I even hoping to find in Colonial Heights besides a slightly cleaner bathroom than the last roadside rest stop?
(Rambling moment. Remember the time I tried to "rough it" camping? Yeah, that ended with me huddled in my car at 3 AM, listening to the crickets and reconsidering my life choices. This Rodeway Inn is starting to look like the Ritz-Carlton in comparison.)
17:00 - 18:00: The "Hotel TV Roulette"
The TV. It's on. Let's see what treasures await. Ten minutes flipping through channels, and I'm already exhausted and craving any semblance of a decent story. Then… bam. A commercial for a local car dealership flashes a huge smile. It's the epitome of "small-town charm." I find myself morbidly captivated.
18:00 - 20:00: Dinner & the Pursuit of Non-Beige (Probably) Okay, time for dinner. The brochures at the front desk… there are like, three possibilities. Let's face it, I don't expect too much, but food is essential. Maybe a burger. Maybe something terrible. The possibilities are endless, and slightly terrifying.
Day 2: A Flurry of Activity (Maybe), and Deep Thoughts in the Breakfast Room
07:00 - 08:00: The Continental Breakfast Experiment (The Breakfast of Champions, Maybe?)
Okay, let's get one thing straight. I am not expecting greatness from a "continental breakfast." But the room… it's a battleground. The smell of industrial coffee. The sad, lonely pastries. The slightly concerning "fruit" cocktail. I try the coffee. It's… dark. Bitter. Fuel for the adventure. This experience is a must for everyone.
08:00 - 10:00: Colonial Heights "Attractions" (Or, The Search for Something Interesting)
So, I check the pamphlet. The battlefield is calling. Then there is the local library. Maybe I will actually spend too much time at the library. I mean, I will be able to escape the beige, right?
10:00 - 12:00: The Battlefield (Because Sometimes, History is Compelling) Okay, fine. I go for it. Maybe it'll be interesting. Maybe I'll wander around, and it will start raining, and I will again be forced to question my life choices.
12:00 - 13:00: Lunch (Survival is Key)
Maybe I will find a hole-in-the-wall diner. Maybe it'll be truly terrible. But there's a charm to a terrible diner, right?
13:00 - 15:00: Back to the Hotel (Nap Time, or Existential Crisis Round 2?)
The hotel room. The siren song of beige. Maybe a nap. Or maybe just staring at the ceiling, lost in thought. So, in the end, I just end up staring at the ceiling and wondering, "Is this all there is?"
15:00 - 17:00: Last Dinner at the Golden Arches (The True Culinary Level-Up)
A classic.
17:00 - 18:00: Driving Home (or the beginning of the end)
"So long, Colonial Heights," I mutter, as I pull out of the parking lot. Goodbye, you quirky, beige, slightly disappointing, but ultimately… memorable place. I am glad to have been there.
Rodeway Inn Colonial Heights: I-95's BEST-KEPT Secret? (Virginia) - OH, REALLY?
Is Rodeway Inn Colonial Heights actually a “secret”? Who’s keeping it? My grandma?
Okay, let's be honest. "BEST-KEPT SECRET?" Honey, the only secret is how *badly* I needed a cheap room after driving for like, ten hours and I'm pretty sure everyone on I-95 knows *something* is Colonial Heights. Secrets are generally kept by people who... well, want to keep a secret. In this case, maybe by the weary travelers who aren't posting selfies on Insta with the peeling wallpaper.
But hey, you know what? For the price, it’s... a secret. A secret that you don't want to shout from the rooftops. A secret you whisper to your credit card right before you swipe it.
How's the Wi-Fi? Because, you know, gotta stay connected in this digital age... or, you know, avoid actual human contact.
Ah, the Wi-Fi. Bless its heart. It's... present. Think of it as the shy kid in class. Sometimes it's there, sometimes it's hiding under a desk. I'd say it's adequate for basic browsing. Don't try streaming the latest Netflix blockbuster, or you'll be wishing it was 1995 and you could just rent a VHS. Seriously, I tried to download an email and it took longer than making a cup of instant coffee. (Which, by the way, the coffee machine in the room made a noise like a dying walrus.)
Are the rooms clean? Please, for the love of all that is holy, are the rooms clean?
Cleanliness... now that's a loaded question. Okay, let's be real. It is... *hotel* clean. Meaning, things *look* clean at first glance. Look closer, and you might find a rogue hair from a past guest... or maybe a tiny, unidentifiable stain on the carpet. Let's put it this way: I didn't get sick. Which, considering some of the places I've stayed, is a win. They provide towels and clean beds. I never saw any actual, alive bugs. So, that's a plus. If you require, like, hospital-grade sanitation, maybe, just maybe, consider splurging for the Four Seasons. Or, you know, pack your own cleaning supplies.
What's the deal with the breakfast? 'Cause I'm a breakfast person, and I need to know.
Breakfast? Oh, joy. Picture this: a waffle maker (with an optimistic "freshly made waffles" sign), pre-wrapped pastries that look like they've seen better days, and a questionable selection of lukewarm coffee. There's usually some sad, pre-packaged cereal, too. It's the kind of breakfast that makes you question all your life choices leading up to that moment. (Am I being dramatic? Maybe. Am I hungry and grumpy? Definitely.) My advice? Bring your own snacks. Or, you know, hit up the Waffle House. It'll be a much better decision, trust me. I’ve seen it, I've lived it. I'm still not sure what the mystery liquid in the little plastic dispenser *was*. Let's leave it at that.
Is it noisy? I can't sleep with even a cricket's chirp.
Noise levels can be... variable. You’re near I-95. There's traffic. There's the siren wail, there's the occasional diesel truck roaring past at 3 AM. Ask for a room away from the highway if you can. Earplugs are your friend. Honestly, sometimes it felt like I was sleeping *in* the highway. I remember one night, I swear I heard someone practicing the tuba, maybe? Or it was a really loud truck. Who knows. Sleep is precious, protect it.
What about the staff? Are they friendly? Or do they look like they hate their lives?
The staff... okay, they're people. They're probably working a job. Some are friendly, some are... probably a little tired. (Understandable, honestly.) They *do* try, which is a decent start. Don't expect concierge-level service. Do expect someone who will, hopefully, give you a key and point you in the general direction of your room. I had one woman who just kept staring at the computer screen with a face like she was staring into the abyss. Another was surprisingly helpful. The experience is a crapshoot. But hey, if you need a place to crash, they're there. Just remember to be polite. A little kindness goes a long way, especially on a cross-country road trip.
The pool, is there a pool? And if there is, is it clean?
There *might* be a pool. I honestly can’t remember if I saw one. If there is a pool, I’m guessing it's seen some things. Remember, cheap motel, not the Ritz. If you’re looking for a pristine aquatic experience, probably skip the dip. My advice? Pack your own inflatable pool, or maybe a water balloon game. They're likely as clean, or cleaner. (I might be a bit cynical. I’m writing this from a different motel, because I'm traveling). I actually *did* see evidence of a pool: it was empty, but that may be because it was winter. Or maybe it was permanently drained. Who knows?
Okay, so overall: Would you recommend it? Be honest!
Alright, here's the deal. Would I recommend the Rodeway Inn Colonial Heights? It depends. Are you on a budget? Are you desperate for a place to crash for one night and don't want to sleep in your car? Do you have low expectations? Then... maybe. It's not the worst place I've ever stayed. It's not the best, either. It's kind of a middle of the road, "gets the job done" kind of place. It has a certain... *charm*. It's like that slightly eccentric relative you only see at Christmas. You wouldn't *shout* about it, but you wouldn't avoid it, either. Just go in with your eyes open, and your expectations tempered. And maybe bring your own snacks. And earplugs. And a hazmat suit. Okay, maybe not the hazmat suit. Probably. But go in with your ownHotel Radar Map
