Waterloo's BEST Kept Secret: Country Inn & Suites!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the (maybe not-so-secret anymore) world of Waterloo's Country Inn & Suites. And let me tell you, after this deep dive, you'll practically feel the plush carpet under your feet. We're going for REAL here, not just the fluffy, sanitized fluff you usually get.
First Impressions & Accessibility – The Good & The… Almost Good
Okay, let's be upfront: I am not a wheelchair user, but I am going to be brutally honest about the accessibility. They say they're accessible, and… they try. The elevators, bless them, are there. The front desk, bless their hearts, seems accommodating. But, and this is a big but, I didn't get a chance to thoroughly check a room. You'll need to call and specifically nail down the finer point details if accessibility is a must. The "facilities for disabled guests" are listed but specifics are a must. Let's call it qualified accessibility, alright?
Oh, the Internet! (And My Digital Addiction)
Listen, I need Wi-Fi like I need oxygen. And Country Inn & Suites? They deliver. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms?! Hallelujah! And not just in your room, but throughout the public areas. I'm giving it a major thumbs up for keeping me connected and getting a lot of work done. And they also have Internet [LAN]. For those of you still rocking the ethernet cable, you're covered. Maybe you'll even get a better connection.
The "Wellness" Factor: Spa, Pool and… Well, A Gym
Alright, let's talk relaxation, shall we? Forget the spa, but they seem to have a Fitness center, Sauna, Swimming pool [outdoor]. The gym is adequate, I'm sure. Swimming pool? I saw a pool with a view listed; don't get your hopes up for vistas, I suspect. The swimming pool is good. Not a world-class resort worthy, but it's nice to take a dip and relax. It's all a bit of the standard fare, but who are we to complain.
Dining, Glorious Dining (Or At Least, Getting Fed)
Okay, let's talk food, because that’s where I really get into. Breakfast is included, and it's a buffet. A buffet in the restaurant. I love it. They have Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant, so, a bit for everyone. I mean, it's not going to win any Michelin stars, but it's a solid start to the day. There's also a Coffee shop and a Snack bar, which is always a plus.
There are drinks, of course, Bar, Poolside bar (score!), and Coffee/tea in restaurant, so your caffeine needs are covered. They do Room service [24-hour] (a lifesaver at 4 AM, trust me). A la carte in restaurant, Breakfast takeaway service, and Bottle of water are listed. They haven’t neglected the details!
Cleanliness and Safety: Are We Germ-Free Zombies?
Okay, let's talk the elephant in the room: COVID. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter and Safe dining setup – the list goes on. They're taking it seriously. My room felt clean, felt like a good amount of cleaning products were used. I felt safe, and that goes a long way. Rooms sanitized between stays – good to know.
Sweet (and Not-So-Sweet) Services and Conveniences
The Concierge is there, but I didn't need his services. Cash withdrawal? Sweet. Elevator? Thank goodness. Dry cleaning? Useful. Daily housekeeping? Essential. The Babysitting service? Well, I'm going to need that! I was impressed with the Gift/souvenir shop. They’ve really thought of everything. Meeting/banquet facilities, Business facilities, and a Xerox/fax in business center. Okay, this place is definitely geared up for business travelers.
For the Kids: Does it Pass the Toddler Test?
Family/child friendly is listed, but details are lacking. Babysitting service listed, so that's a plus for parents. No huge play area, but they've got the basics covered.
The Room: My Sanctuary (Or At Least, a Place to Sleep)
Alright, the room itself. 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. Phew! That's a lot of things.
My room was comfortable. The bed was comfy, the TV worked, AC was functioning. The Blackout curtains were a godsend for sleeping. I liked the Sofa, you can sink into it to read a book. The amenities were decent. No complaints. Non-smoking rooms are a must in my book.
Side note: I loved the little touches. Like the reading light and safe box.
Getting Around: The Logistics
Airport transfer? They've got you covered. Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site]. Score! Taxi service available if needed. If you're driving, you're golden.
The Imperfections: Honesty, Because That's What We Need
Let's be real: this isn't the Four Seasons. It's a solid, reliable hotel, and for the price, it's great. The decor isn't going to blow your mind. There’s no butler service. It's clean, comfortable and well-appointed. It's a great home-base while exploring Waterloo!
Okay, Alright, Let's Make An Offer!
Here's the deal: Ready to break free from the ordinary? Dive into the comfort and convenience of Waterloo's Country Inn & Suites, Your Waterloo Getaway! We're not promising perfection - We are offering a clean, connected, and comfortable stay with free Wi-Fi and even the outdoor pool to relax in.
But here's the kicker:
Book your stay before [Date] and get [Discount Percentage] off your nightly rate! Plus, we'll throw in a complimentary [Special Amenity, like a voucher for a drink at the bar or free breakfast for one day]!
Why Choose Country Inn & Suites?
- The Unbeatable Wi-Fi: Stay connected with super-fast, free Wi-Fi in every room and throughout the hotel. Stream, work, or binge-watch – you're covered!
- Breakfast on the House: Fuel up for your day with our complimentary breakfast, with options from American to Asian!
- Relaxation and Convenience: Enjoy our outdoor pool and fitness center.
Don't Miss Out!
This offer won't last forever. Book your Waterloo escape today and discover why Country Inn & Suites is Waterloo's best-kept secret!
Click Here to Book Now and Save! [Link to hotel booking site]
P.S. We're not fancy, we're friendly! We offer everything you need for a great stay, without the ridiculous price tag. Come experience Waterloo like a local!
Arlington's BEST Hotel? Comfort Suites Entertainment District Review!
Okay, here's a travel itinerary for a stay at the Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Waterloo, IA. Buckle up, it's gonna be a bumpy ride, probably just like my actual travel experiences.
WATERLOO, IOWA: A Quest for Redemption (and Maybe Breakfast)
Day 1: Arrival, Expectations, and That Pool… Oh God, That Pool.
1:00 PM: Arrival & Check-In: Landed at the Waterloo Regional Airport. (Okay, "landed" might be generous, it was more of a gentle bump.) The drive to the hotel was…well, it was Iowa. Fields, fields, and more fields. I wasn't expecting the Cote d'Azur, but a little more…something would have been nice. The Country Inn & Suites looks decent from the outside. The lobby? Standard hotel fare. Checked in. The front desk lady was super friendly though, and I always appreciate that.
1:30 PM: The Room…and the Microwave of Doom: Room key! YES! Opened the door and….eh. It's a room. Bed looks comfy, which is the most important thing, right? Until you stare at the microwave, that is. I have to be honest, I'm a sucker for leftovers (yes, already planning my dinner), so I have great expectations for this little microwave. And the TV's old and I think the buttons are a bit sticky. Oh well, at least there's free wifi.
2:00 PM: The Pool Predicament: Okay, here's where things get sticky. I was SO EXCITED for a swim. I mean, I practically live in a pool in summer! But the pool area… well, let's just say the chlorine levels could probably strip paint, and the water felt suspiciously lukewarm. And there's an awkward group of kids with floaties. No, no swimming today, I think. Major disappointment. I briefly considered complaining, but frankly, I'm too lazy.
3:00 PM: Waterloo Scavenger Hunt (The Self-Guided Version): Time to explore! I'd read about the Grout Museum District, and I wanted to at least see if it was worth visiting, if you get what I mean. Okay, I am pretty sure I got lost getting there, but the drive was lovely, full of old houses and little shops. It seems like Waterloo is a town of hidden gems.
5:00 PM: Dinner Quest: I'm STARVING. Checked out the hotel's "restaurant recommendations" (mostly chains, sigh). Ended up at a local place called "The Blind Pig." (Fingers crossed! Gotta support local!) It was… interesting. Kind of a dive bar atmosphere, but there was this amazing burger and the beer was cold. The waitress had a sassy streak, and I loved it. Definitely a highlight of Day 1.
7:00 PM: Room Retreat & Mild Existential Crisis: Back at the hotel. Ate my leftover burger. Watched some cable TV. Scrolling social media and then wondering where my life is going. You know, the usual traveler's blues. I swear, hotel rooms are great for introspection, or maybe it's just the isolation.
9:00 PM: Early Night (Thank Goodness): Exhausted. Reading a trashy novel. Sleep, sweet sleep, I need you! And maybe, just maybe, tomorrow the pool will be less… chlorine-y.
Day 2: The Iowa Spirit, Waffles, and Questionable Decisions.
7:00 AM: Breakfast and the Waffle Apocalypse of the Century: Breakfast time! Complimentary hotel breakfasts are always a gamble. This one? Surprisingly decent. The usual continental spread, but bless their hearts, there was a waffle maker! Now, I am a waffles kind of gal, what I wasn't expecting was the chaos that ensued. The batter was a bit thick, the waffle machine was sticky, and by the end, I looked like I'd wrestled a batter-covered bear. At least they were hot.
8:00 AM: The John Deere Pavilion: Okay, this was actually pretty cool. I’m not even a farm person, but seeing the tractors, and the history, the sheer scale of it all… I loved it! I even (gasp!) bought a John Deere hat in the gift shop. Don't judge me, I'm feeling the Iowa spirit.
11:00 AM: Lost in Time (And a Museum): The Waterloo Center for the Arts. It was surprisingly sophisticated. The exhibits were actually interesting, but I spent too much time staring at the gift shop, fantasizing about buying everything. Sigh.
1:00 PM: Lunch & The Perils of Online Reviews: Found a little diner based on the online reviews. BIG MISTAKE. The food was… bland. The service? Slower than molasses in January. I learned a valuable lesson that day: always double-check those reviews! Maybe just ask a local?
3:00 PM: Pool Revenge (Sort Of): Back to the pool. Took a deep breath, held my nose, and stepped in. The chlorine levels were slightly decreased, so I guess that's a win. Swam a few laps, trying to avoid the still-present children. I guess I could have asked my old friend for a few laughs, but it was fun by myself for once.
6:00 PM: Dinner & the Art of Procrastination: Ordered pizza to the room. It was pretty good. Watched more TV. Still avoiding the suitcase.
8:00 PM: Packing… Or Not Packing: The looming dread of packing. I stared at my suitcase. I might just leave it until the very last minute, when, I kid you not, I'll be throwing everything in like a hurricane. Maybe I'll order something from Amazon and enjoy it.
9:00 PM: Bedtime Story: Just a little bit more TV and reading. Going to bed early.
Day 3: Departure, Reluctant Farewell, and the Quest Continues.
8:00 AM: Breakfast, Again (And Maybe a Heartburn): Another breakfast. Trying to keep my opinion about the breakfast to myself, but the waffles are again calling my name.
9:00 AM: Last-Minute Scramble (and a Realization): Packing! Threw everything in the suitcase, barely zipped it shut. A quick run to the gift shop at the hotel – I needed a last-minute souvenir. Then, a moment of clarity: I actually enjoyed Waterloo. It wasn't the glamorous getaway I'd envisioned, but it had a certain charm, a certain…realness.
10:00 AM: Check-Out & Departure: Smooth and easy. Said goodbye to the friendly front desk lady. Started the drive to the airport.
11:00 AM: Final Thoughts: As the plane took off, I knew it wasn't just about seeing the sights. It was about the unexpected burger, the (slightly) improved pool, the John Deere hat, and the realization that even a slightly disappointing trip can be a memorable one. Waterloo, Iowa… you weren't the flashiest, but you left your mark!
Notes to Self (and Anyone Reading This Messy Itinerary):
- Always pack snacks.
- Trust your gut.
- Don’t be afraid to be a tourist.
- Embrace the imperfections.
- Maybe bring your own pool chlorine test kit next time.
- And definitely, definitely plan the next trip!
So there you have it. My Waterloo adventure. Messy, imperfect, and utterly human. Hope you have a better (and less chlorine-filled) trip!
Waynesburg's BEST Kept Secret: Quality Inn Review (You WON'T Believe This!)
What Exactly *IS* This "Secret" Country Inn & Suites Everyone's Raving About?
The Breakfast. Everyone Talks About the Breakfast. What's the Deal? Is it REALLY That Good?
Okay, Fine. It's Got Good Breakfast. But… What About the Rooms?
Is it Family-Friendly? (And Should I Bring the Kids?)
What's the Vibe? Is it Quiet? Is it Loud? Am I Going to Get Any Sleep?
What's the Best Part About the Country Inn & Suites?
Anything I Should Watch Out For? Any Downsides?
Alright, You've Convinced Me. How Do I Book?
