Woodbury's BEST Kept Secret: Country Inn & Suites Review (You Won't Believe This!)
Woodbury's "BEST Kept Secret" Country Inn & Suites: Honestly, Did I Just Uncover Gold…or Just Gold-Plated Garbage? (You Won't Believe This!)
Alright, folks, buckle up. I just got back from a stay at the Country Inn & Suites in Woodbury and, well…let's just say my expectations were…well, they were set to low. I'd heard whisperings. Hints. Whispers of "hidden gem." I’m a sucker for a hidden gem, especially when it's supposed to be a secret. So, naturally, I had to investigate. And I'm here to spill the tea. Prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions, because this place is nothing if not… interesting.
First Impressions: Entryway Adventures and Elevator Espionage (Accessibility & General Vibe)
Okay, first things first: Accessibility. This is crucial for me, and I'm happy to report they seemed to give it a good shot. The elevator was present and accounted for (thank GOD, because I'm no spring chicken, and a higher floor would have been… challenging). The entrance didn’t feel like a death trap. Getting around in a wheelchair? Looks decent. Though, I didn't specifically test the wheelchair access – just did a quick visual assessment. They say they have facilities for disabled guests, so that's a good start.
Inside? Well, things get, shall we say, a little chaotic. The lobby wasn't the gleaming, Zen-like space Instagram promised. Nope. Think…a slightly faded brochure come to life. Still, the staff at the 24-hour front desk were genuinely friendly, which goes a LONG way. And they offered contactless check-in/out, which I appreciated, since…well, you know, germs.
The Room: My Fortress of Solitude (and Slightly Fraying Carpets)
I got the “standard” room. And it was…standard. Think beige, beige, and more beige. But! The air conditioning worked like a dream (essential in the summer). The blackout curtains were a lifesaver for those late-sleeping days. And the free Wi-Fi? Solid. I'm a digital nomad, so that's a MUST. The Wi-Fi in all rooms? Check. Internet access - LAN? Check. I mean, it did its job.
Oh, I should mention the bed. It was… comfy enough. Not the cloud-like experience I’d hoped for, but it didn't try to murder me in my sleep. And thankfully, there was a window that opens! Fresh air, people! Fresh air is a gift from the gods!
Now, a few minor imperfections - the carpets (as mentioned earlier) had seen better days. And the room decorations weren’t exactly museum material. But it was clean! The daily housekeeping was efficient and the bathroom was decent. Towels, toiletries, and hair dryer were all present.
The "Fun" Stuff: Pools, Spas, and Fitness Fiascos
Swimming pool [outdoor]. Ok. This. This is where things get…interesting. The pool looked inviting. Sun loungers were in place. BUT it was a zoo of screaming kids. Now, I love kids, but not when I'm trying to enjoy a little peace and quiet by the pool. There didn't seem to be a pool with a view either, which was a bit of a buzzkill.
As for things like a spa, sauna, steamroom, body scrub, body wrap, etc.? Nope. Not that I could find. This isn't a luxury resort, folks. They do have a fitness center. I peeked. Looked like a standard hotel gym – treadmills, some weights. I didn't work out, but it looked functional.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Adventure (or Just Grabbing a Snack)
The breakfast [buffet] was included. Look, it was a buffet. Don't expect Michelin stars, but it was adequate. Breakfast service started early - a big plus! There was a coffee/tea in the restaurant, and a coffee shop. And more importantly: they had coffee/tea maker in the room. (That's important!)
Honestly, it was the usual motel fare: cereal, pastries, fruit, the dreaded scrambled eggs. But the staff were friendly, which helped.
They do have a bar (cue celebratory trumpet). And the Happy hour was what you'd hope it would be. Poolside bar wasn't open during my stay (see above - screaming kids), but maybe next time.
The Serious Stuff: Cleanliness, Safety, and Sanitization (Because 2024, Right?)
This is where Country Inn & Suites really surprised me. They’re clearly taking COVID seriously. Rooms sanitized between stays. Professional-grade sanitizing services. Anti-viral cleaning products. Hand sanitizer dispensers EVERYWHERE. Daily disinfection in common areas. Staff trained in safety protocol. They had individually-wrapped food options and safe dining setup. The Cashless payment service was also appreciated.
They even had a doctor/nurse on call, which made me feel super safe. Plus, the security [24-hour]. CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside the property. Smoke alarms. Fire extinguisher. All the things that make for a secure stay. They have safety/security feature installed in the rooms. Which is all great.
The "Extras": What Else is There?
There's a convenience store, which is always handy for snacks and essentials. They offered laundry service and dry cleaning, which is useful if you're on a longer stay. They also had meeting/banquet facilities if you need them. Not sure why I would, but hey, options!
And, for the kiddos, there are kids facilities, but I didn't delve into them.
Getting Around
Car park [free of charge]? Yes. Car park [on-site]? Yes. Taxi service? Available. No real complaints here. It’s Woodbury. It's not New York City.
The Verdict: Should You Book, or Run Screaming?
Okay, so here's the honest truth: the Country Inn & Suites in Woodbury isn't a five-star resort. It’s not the most glamorous place you’ll ever stay. But… it’s comfortable, clean, safe, and the staff are genuinely nice. And for the price? Value for money.
The "Best Kept Secret" Factor? Maybe not a secret secret. More like a…well-kept okay place. But hey, that's good enough sometimes, right?
My Recommendation?
If you're looking for a clean, comfortable, and affordable place to stay in Woodbury, with a great breakfast and friendly staff, give it a shot! But don't expect the world. Temper your expectations and you might just find yourself pleasantly surprised.
THE OFFER: Unlock Woodbury's "Hidden Gem"!
Tired of paying ridiculous prices for boring hotels? Craving a getaway that's both affordable and actually comfortable? Book your stay at the Country Inn & Suites in Woodbury today and get:
- A Complimentary Welcome Drink at the Bar (because you deserve it!)
- Early Check-In (subject to availability, because we appreciate your business!)
- 10% Off Your Next Stay (because we hope you'll come back!)
- Guaranteed Cleanliness and Safety Standards (because your health is our priority!)
Why Choose Country Inn & Suites?
- Comfortable Rooms with Free Wi-Fi: Stay connected without breaking the bank.
- Complimentary Breakfast: Fuel your adventures with a delicious and filling breakfast.
- Friendly and Attentive Staff: Experience the genuine hospitality that makes us stand out.
- Clean and Safe Environment: Relax and unwind with peace of mind.
- Prime Location: Explore Woodbury's attractions with ease.
But Hurry! This special offer won't last forever!
Click here to book your stay and unlock Woodbury's best-kept (ish!) secret! And be sure to come away from there with a story of your own!
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Yulee Getaway Awaits at Comfort Inn!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's travel itinerary. This is my Woodbury, Minnesota, escape, and let's be clear, it's going to be a gorgeous, messy, and probably slightly embarrassing adventure. We're talking Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Woodbury, MN, and the glorious, unpredictable world that swirls around it.
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Pizza Predicament
- 1:00 PM (ish) - ARRIVAL & INITIAL IMPRESSIONS: Woah, the lobby is… surprisingly beige. Not in a bad way, you know? It's that "safe space" beige. Like, "Welcome, weary traveler, you will encounter no unexpected pops of color here." Checked in - friendly lady with a genuine smile. My room? Eh. Perfectly adequate. Clean, which is the MOST important thing. The air conditioning hums like a tiny, slightly anxious robot.
- Rambles: Seriously, though, the beige. Is this a conspiracy? Are all Country Inn & Suites the same shade of… off-white? I'm going to have to investigate this. My mission, should I choose to accept it (and I totally have), is to find the perfect shade of beige for my own home.
- 2:00 PM - THE QUEST FOR PIZZA: Starving! First order of business? PIZZA. Googled "pizza near me" and found like, a gazillion options. This is where things started unraveling. I'm a terrible decision-maker which is to say I'm basically useless. So much choice! After, like, 45 minutes of paralysing indecision which is a lot for just searching on Google, I settled on… a place called "Pizza Man." (Creative, I know).
- Imperfection: Phone died right as I placed the order. Panic! Ran back down to the lobby to ask for a charger (humbly; I hate asking for help). The nice lady at the front was all "Oh honey, happens all the time." Turns out, I'm not the only technology-challenged pizza seeker.
- 3:30 PM - PIZZA MAN (A LOVE STORY): I swear this pizza was the best thing I've eaten in years. Thin crust, pepperoni, perfect amount of grease (don't judge me). Ate the whole damn thing, practically inhaled it. Food coma initiated.
- Emotional Reaction: Pure, unadulterated joy. Pizza is a love language, and Pizza Man spoke it fluently. I could cry.
- 6:00 PM - THE WALMART ODYSSEY: Needed snacks for the room (adulting, yay!). Wandered into Walmart, got completely lost. Everything is so… big. So many options! Spent WAY too long debating between different brands of trail mix. Ended up with a gigantic bag of Cheez-Its, a questionable brand of gummy bears, and a book I'll probably never read.
- Quirky Observation: Why are grocery store shelves designed to induce anxiety? It's like they want you to feel overwhelmed, defeated, and desperate for a Snickers.
- 7:30 PM - ROOM RELAXATION & SELF-LOATHED READING: Back in the beige sanctuary. Cheez-Its are devoured. Gummy bears… well, we’ll see. Reading a mystery novel, totally predictable so far, but that’s okay, that’s what I needed. Thinking I'll spend the rest of the evening in bed. I am a lazy potato.
- Messy Structure - Thought Stream: Hmm, think I should have brought my own blanket, but hey, this one is perfectly fine. That pizza… still thinking about it. I should write reviews, but, nah. Procrastination is a skill.
Day 2: Woodbury Adventures (Maybe) & The Spa Debacle
- 8:00 AM - THE FREE BREAKFAST FREE-FOR-ALL: Surprised at the range available! Waffles, yogurt, fruit, cereal. I went straight for the waffles (obviously) and then felt mildly guilty afterwards because of the sugar cravings it brought.
- Opinionated Language: Free hotel breakfasts are basically an Olympic sport. Watching people battle for the last sausage link is fascinating.
- 9:00 AM - THE WOODBURY WILDERNESS? (Or, the Mall): Okay, so my original plan was to go for a hike somewhere. But, the weather looked iffy, and… let’s be honest… I got the mall. There's one nearby! So, shopping it is.
- 11:00 AM - AVOIDED SPENDING. SAVED SOME MONEY. That said, I didn't actually end up buying anything. I am so proud of me.
- 12:00 PM - LUNCH AT A RESTAURANT, YUM. Went to a local diner. Amazing. Again not going to say the name of it, but the food was amazing.
- 2:00 PM - THE FATE OF THE SPA: I'd booked a massage (because, you know, pampering). Arrived early, feeling all zen-like. The "spa" was… a single room. The massage? Let's just say it involved a lot of loud exhaling from the masseuse and a distinct lack of any actual muscle manipulation. It did involve a lot of lavender scent, which actually made me feel slightly nauseated. Oh my lord! And I actually found the masseuse sleeping halfway through. I wasn't even mad. I didn't move a muscle. This is my life now.
- Emotional Reaction: From zen to slightly peeved. Then to hysterical laughter. This is the best (worst) massage I've ever had.
- Doubling Down: This deserves its own paragraph, seriously. The room itself was just… weird. There were these fake plants. They looked like they were left out of a preschool art project. The music was some sort of elevator instrumental jazz. I was convinced I was in a prank.
- 4:00 PM - THE SWIM: Finally got the strength to go to the pool. It wasn't that bad, but I didn't find it particularly enjoyable.
- 6:00 PM - DINNER AND MOVIE TIME. Back to the room, where I watched a movie that I had saved on my phone. Not exactly amazing, but that's fine.
Day 3: Departure & The Pizza Legacy
- 8:00 AM - ANOTHER BREAKFAST BATTLE: Waffles again. No regrets.
- 9:00 AM - CHECK OUT & THE GREAT DEPARTURE: Time to go. The beige seems less imposing somehow. The robot-humming air conditioner is now a familiar friend.
- 9:30 AM - FINAL PIZZA MAN MOMENT (BECAUSE YOLO): Okay, confession: I went back to Pizza Man. Couldn't resist. One last slice. This time, I also got a garlic knot.
- Opinionated Language: Pizza Man - the pizza is heavenly!
- 10:00 AM - THE JOURNEY HOME: Goodbye, Woodbury. You’ve been… interesting. Mostly beige, mostly delicious. Goodbye beige-colored hotel!
- Final Thought: I left Woodbury with slightly less money, a stomach full of pizza, and a weird spa story to tell. Wouldn't have had it any other way. And yes, the air conditioning hums are going to haunt my dreams.
Woodbury's "Best Kept Secret" Demystified: My Chaotic Country Inn & Suites Confessions
Is the Country Inn & Suites in Woodbury REALLY a "best kept secret"? Seriously, is it? Because those claims are always sus...
Okay, okay, let's get one thing straight: "best kept secret" is marketing bingo. BUT... hear me out. I've stayed in Woodbury, MN, more times than I care to admit (don't judge, it's a long story involving a very demanding aunt and a penchant for outlet shopping), and the Country Inn & Suites? It's... decent. Not "secret agent hiding place," but definitely a solid choice for that price point and in that area, which is a win in itself.
Let's talk about the breakfast. Because we all know that's the make-or-break. Spill the beans! Is it waffle-shaped disappointment or a glorious sunrise experience?
Alright, the breakfast situation. Okay, it's not the Ritz-Carlton buffet, alright? But! They have the waffle maker. And, bless their hearts, those little packets of instant oatmeal? They're a comfort. One time, and I'm not proud of this, I may or may not have filled a to-go container with a mountain of scrambled eggs and sausage. Don't tell anyone! *Shifty eyes*. It was a long drive... and the eggs were fluffy, so... okay... it's pretty good overall. Breakfast here is usually adequate. Sometimes more.
Seriously, what’s the *deal* with the pool? Is it a refreshing oasis or a petri dish of chlorine and screaming children?
The pool… ah, the pool. Here's the truth bomb: it's *fine*. It's indoor, which is a win in Minnesota, especially if you're there in one of those months where the forecast is perpetually "chance of frost". The water's usually… acceptable. I wouldn't call it crystal clear, but nobody's spontaneously combusting, so, again... a win. The screaming children situation? Yes. There will be screaming children. This is a family hotel, after all. Bring noise-canceling headphones, or embrace the chaos. I usually embrace the chaos.
The Rooms: Tell me, are they clean? Because that's like, priority numero uno.
Cleanliness? Okay, let's be real: I'm not a germaphobe, but I'm not exactly thrilled to see dust bunnies doing the tango under the beds. The rooms at the Country Inn & Suites? Generally pretty darn clean. I've never had a serious "oh my god, call the health inspector" moment. The bathrooms have always been sparkling. I once found a stray sock under the bed (mine, actually), but that's hardly a dealbreaker. They're definitely doing a good job with the cleaning, and that's saying something.
Okay, let's talk about that *one* time. The one experience that REALLY stuck with you at this place.
Oh, you want a story? Okay, buckle up. So, there was this one time. I was travelling with my… *ahem*… "quirky" friend, Brenda. Brenda has this *thing* about hotel pillows. She considers them all either "lumpy death traps" or "cloud-like wonders that will cradle her weary head into the sweet embrace of slumber." We checked into the Country Inn. Brenda does her pillow assessment: a dramatic sigh. "These," she declared, "are the enemy."
Cut to: I’m frantically calling the front desk at 11 PM. Brenda's demanding (yes, demanding) a pillow upgrade to something the size of a small cloud. The poor, overworked guy on the phone clearly recognized me from previous visits (maybe I order too much ice?). He was, frankly, a saint. He actually went above and beyond, scrounging up a selection of pillows from various rooms (he said he had to raid the linen closet, which I can only imagine). Brenda, after a thorough pillow evaluation (she literally sniffed each one, bless her heart), declared the "feather-filled fluff-monster" to be "acceptable." The hotel staff's patience? Legendary. Brenda? She slept like a baby. Me? I learned the importance of packing my own pillow next time.
The Staff: Are they friendly? Helpful? Or just… existing?
The staff? Honestly, they're the unsung heroes. The front desk folks are always genuinely friendly, even at ungodly hours when you show up bleary-eyed and grumpy. They're helpful, remembering little details, like your preference for a room away from the elevator (thanks, guys!). That gentleman who rescued Brenda's pillow drama? He deserves a medal. Seriously. So, yes, the staff are a major positive. Big thumbs up. They make the whole experience so much better.
Location, location, location! How easy is it to get to the mall (or whatever you want to do)?
Location, location, location! Woodbury is all about convenience. You're close to everything. The outlets are super close. The mall is a stone's throw away. Restaurants and shops are plentiful. Basically, it's prime real estate for… well, whatever takes your fancy. Very easy to get around. You could walk, but you'd probably rather drive. But hey, it's accessible. That's a win! And I love shopping, so that's a HUGE plus.
The Verdict: So, is it worth it or should I run screaming back to my own bed?
Okay, the million-dollar question: is it worth it? Look, it’s not the Four Seasons, but it’s reliable. It’s clean. The staff is great. The breakfast is edible (and occasionally, even enjoyable). The pool will keep the kids occupied (or at least give you some quiet time in your room). Is it a "best kept secret"? Maybe not. But for the price, convenience, and overall experience? Absolutely. I'll keep going back, even if it's just to see if Brenda has moved onto a new pillow preference.
Final Thoughts: Anything else I absolutely NEED to know? Any hidden gems or glaring flaws I haven't uncovered?
Okay, so... a few final thoughts. Oh, the elevators can be slow at peak times. Plan accordinglyStay Finder Blogs
