Evanston's Hidden Gem: Super 8 Wyndham Review (You Won't Believe This!)

Super 8 By Wyndham Evanston Evanston (WY) United States

Evanston's Hidden Gem: Super 8 Wyndham Review (You Won't Believe This!)

Evanston's Hidden Gem: Super 8 Wyndham Review (You Won't Believe This! …Maybe?)

Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the beans on the Super 8 Wyndham in Evanston. And let me tell you, "Hidden Gem" might be a bit of a stretch. But hey, there's a story to be told, and that's what matters, right? (SEO keywords incoming: Evanston hotel, Super 8, Wyndham, cheap hotel, budget travel, Illinois, accessible hotel, free wifi, pool, family friendly, good value, near Chicago – gotta play the game, you know?).

First Impressions & Accessibility (or, "The Elevator Saga")

So, cruising into Evanston, hopeful and a little road-weary, I saw the beacon: a big ol' Super 8 sign. Immediately, my internal monologue chimed in, "Okay, expectations… set low. Very low." But hey, I needed a place that wasn't going to bankrupt me, and the website promised accessibility. And, listen I was on the right side of things, which is always a plus.

Finding the entrance wasn't too bad. Access? Well, the ramp looked… adequate. The front desk was friendly enough, not exactly enthusiastic, but friendly. My first mission: the elevator. This is important! I’m not disabled, but a hotel that's genuinely accessible suggests they're thinking about everyone. The elevator was…well, it worked. Slowly. Like, "watching paint dry" slowly. Let's just say, if you're in a hurry, take the stairs. (Or, you know, maybe don't if you need the elevator. See? It’s already a complex relationship!)

The Room: Clean Enough, I Guess (Plus, Free Wi-Fi!)

The room itself? Okay. Honestly, better than I expected. Not luxury, mind you, more like "clean and functional." The bed was… a bed. The pillows were… pillows. There was a desk for my laptop (very important, especially with the freem WiFi in all rooms! – a HUGE win). Internet access worked – and, it worked consistently! Internet [LAN] – I didn't even try it, this is 2024! And the Wi-Fi? Strong signals! What more can you ask for?

Other stuff that I noticed: Air conditioning, a refrigerator, a coffee/tea maker (essential, people!), hair dryer, ironing facilities, satellite/cable channels and blackout curtains (bless). The bathroom had a shower, and well-stocked toiletries. Basic, but it wasn’t a horror show. The room was also, thankfully, non-smoking, because I am very sensitive to that, and there were smoke detectors, for safety.

The “Amenities” – A Mixed Bag

Now, let's talk about what this Super 8 doesn't offer. Forget about the spa, sauna, steamroom, or massage (although a massage after that elevator ride would have been a lifesaver). No pool with a view, no grand fitness center, no body wraps. Basically, any of the “relaxing” stuff isn't found here.

But hey, there was a swimming pool! (An outdoor swimming pool, no less.) I peeked out the window. It looked… well, it looked like a rectangular hole filled with water. Clean-ish. Didn't take the plunge, but it was there. (And, for the record, the website says there's a poolside bar… I didn’t see any bar).

On the plus side, there were business facilities, like a business center including – get this – a Xerox/fax in business center. Old school! Remember those?

Dining and Snacking – The Breakfast Blues

Breakfast… ah, the breakfast. The Breakfast [buffet] was included, and it was… fine. Standard Super 8 fare. Dry muffins, pre-packaged pastries, and the promise of breakfast service. I did appreciate the coffee/tea in restaurant because that got me started on my day. I didn’t try the Asian breakfast or the Asian cuisine in restaurant because I was feeling like getting a standard breakfast. I will say, it filled a hole. I did have a bottle of water. The Snack bar? I didn't spot anything. There was also a coffee shop.

Cleanliness and Safety – The Pandemic Factor

Alright, let's talk about the pandemic. The Super 8 seemed to be taking things seriously. I saw hand sanitizer stations, and staff, I think, were adhering to the basic protocols. I also saw at least one person cleaning the elevator, which I appreciated. I didn’t see any mention of a Doctor/nurse on call, or First aid kit, and because of today's world, a Hygiene certification would have made me feel better, but none. The fact that they had a good Daily disinfection in common areas was at least good, a sign that the hotel cares.

Things to Do & Getting Around – Evanston & Beyond

Evanston itself is actually a pretty cool town. It's got Northwestern University, a cute downtown area. If you have a car, the hotel has free parking (Car park [free of charge], check!). Taxi service is available. Unfortunately, no Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, or Car power charging station (electric car drivers, heads up!).

Final Verdict: The Quirks and the Charm (and the "Meh")

So, is the Evanston Super 8 Wyndham a "hidden gem"? No. Not in the conventional sense. It is a budget hotel, and it delivers on its promises.

The Good:

• Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (Seriously, a win).
• Generally clean rooms.
• Reasonable price.
• Accessible (though with a slow elevator).
• Staff were friendly.

The "Meh":

• The breakfast.
• The elevator.
• Lack of fancy amenities.
• A little more polish and modernity.

The Bottom Line:

If you're on a budget and need a clean, functional place to stay in Evanston with free wifi, this Super 8 is a solid choice. Just don't expect the Ritz. It's more… Super 8. But hey, sometimes, that's exactly what you need. And hey, even if it's not a hidden gem, the experience gave me a blog post! And that's a win in my book! (And by "book," I mean this increasingly long review).

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Super 8 By Wyndham Evanston Evanston (WY) United States

Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. We're diving headfirst, or maybe stumbling a bit, into Evanston, Wyoming, and the glorious (and let's be honest, slightly sketchy) embrace of the Super 8. Prepare for a wild ride.

Day 1: Arrival and the Art of Mild Disappointment

• 1:00 PM - Arrival & Initial Panic: Landed in Evanston (or as I’m now calling it, “Evantown”), feeling the usual post-flight bloat. Honestly, the drive from… well, let's just say "a place far away" was LONG. Checked into the Super 8. Now, the online pictures? Let's just say they were optimistic. The lobby smelled faintly of stale coffee and… something older, which is the hallmark of a true Super 8 experience, isn't it? First impression? Mild disappointment mixed with a healthy dose of "well, at least there's a bed." Which, let me tell you, after that drive, is a beautiful thing.
• 1:30 PM - Room Reconnaissance: My room! Okay, it's… clean-ish. The carpet has seen things. And by "things," I mean probably a family of four on a road trip, multiple spilled sodas, and a general disregard for the sanctity of vacuuming. The TV remote? Sticky. I suspect it's been through a war. But, hey, the AC works. And there's a bible. Gotta love that "Welcome to America!" touch.
• 2:00 PM - Snack Attack and Emotional Breakdown (kidding… mostly): I found a gas station. Found a bag of jerky that’s so tough it could double as a weapon, a king sized peanut butter cup and a pack of Oreos- this is fuel for all the adventures. I should have eaten a real meal. But I'm too lazy. I can't even plan a meal!
• 3:00 PM - An hour I'd Like to Forget: Ugh. I thought I'd be all refreshed and ready to explore after the snack, but I feel like I need to take a nap. I don't even want to look at the rest of this itinerary.
• 4:00 PM - The Quest for Coffee (and Sanity): The Super 8 "continental breakfast" situation is… well, let's just say I wasn't expecting gourmet. The coffee? Thin, weak, and tasted suspiciously like hot water with a hint of sadness. Decided to venture out. Found a little coffee shop downtown. Score! Had the best damn latte I ever had. Felt a bit more human after that.
• 6:00 PM - Dinner and Discoveries: Scored a spot at this diner called "The Back 40." It looked like it fell out of a time machine… which is exactly what I wanted! I had a burger that dripped down my forearms and fries so salty I thought I was going through a sodium deficiency. Felt amazing! I love this town!
• 7:30 PM - The Local Bar (and Some Questionable Decisions): After dinner, I wandered into a bar. The kind of bar where everyone knows your name… even though you've just walked in. Met some locals, heard some stories, and maybe had one too many beers. Let's just say I may have overshared. But hey, that's the charm of small towns, right?
• 9:00 PM - Bedtime: Stumbling back to the Super 8. It looks… slightly less depressing in the dark. Collapsed onto the bed, fully clothed. Exhausted but hey, it was a day.

Day 2: History, Hangovers, and the Unexpected

• 8:00 AM - Regret and Regrowth: Woke up. Headache. Yep. Coffee from the lobby, which, surprisingly, didn't cause instant regret.
• 9:00 AM - Museum Mania: Decided to be a responsible tourist (sort of). The Evanston Uinta County Museum? Surprisingly amazing. Who knew? I learned about the railroad, the local history, and, more importantly, how much I don't know about the Old West. The exhibits were dusty, and I kinda liked it! Found artifacts that actually made me shiver.
• 11:00 AM - The Railroad Relics: Found the train station and just wandered around, imagining the pioneers and all who traveled on that railway. It's beautiful.
• 1:00 PM - Lunch and a Chat (the unexpected highlight): Found a little sandwich shop. Talked to the owner. Turns out he used to work for a travelling circus! This is the stuff you don't get from travel guides. He told me all about the town's secrets, and his stories were better than any historical fact.
• 3:00 PM - The High School Football Field: I passed the local high school football field. (Yes, this is how I plan my days, there's no shame). The field was empty, but the air crackled with the memory of Friday night lights. I let out this loud "WOOOO!" just to be a weirdo.
• 4:00 PM - The Search for an Adventure: I thought I would do some hiking or something active, but I wound up sitting on the curb, reading a bad paperback novel. I feel happy.
• 6:00 PM - Dinner, Again: Ended up back at The Back 40. The friendly staff were now my pals. Had a second burger. No regrets.
• 7:30 PM - Ghost Stories: Ended up at a local bar. They were telling stories, and it was the most beautiful thing I've ever heard! It felt like home.
• 9:00 PM - Another Bedtime: Another day, another stumble back to the Super 8. Felt slightly less like an alien than the day before.

Day 3: The Road Ahead (and a Farewell to Evanston)

• 8:00 AM - The Goodbye (or What I Should Have Said): Got up, and wanted to leave. But what do I say? Goodbye to the Super 8? The back 40? To the locals? What do I say to them? This is going to be hard.
• 9:00 AM - Packing and Reflection: Packed my bags. The room was still a mess. Left a tip for the housekeeping, mostly out of guilt.
• 10:00 AM - One Last Breakfast: Enjoyed breakfast at the best coffee shop in the world. I wanted to stay, but I know that's not possible.
• 11:00 AM - Leaving: Made my way out, and took a deep breath one last time. Evanston, you beautiful, messy, weird, and slightly run-down town, you were unforgettable. I'll be back someday.
• 12:00 PM - On the Road Again: Hitting the road again. A little sad, a little hungover, but mostly, surprisingly, content.

Post-Trip Reflections:

Evantown wasn't perfect. It wasn't glamorous. It wasn't always pretty. But it was real. And sometimes, that's all you need. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to find a gas station with some decent coffee… and a maybe a souvenir t-shirt. Wish me luck!

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Evanston's Super 8: Honestly, You've Gotta Hear This! (FAQ's That Don't Hold Back)

Okay, Seriously... Why "Hidden Gem"? Is That Sarcasm or What?

Look, "hidden gem" might be stretching it. Let's just say it's *unexpected*. The Super 8 in Evanston isn't on the Forbes list of luxury getaways. But, and here's the kicker, it's got a certain *charm*... a certain *je ne sais quoi* if you squint really, really hard. Seriously though, it's hidden, alright. I didn’t expect to find it in the middle of Evanston, but there it was. Honestly? It's more like a pragmatic choice. Affordable, close-ish to the lake, and hey – a roof over your head. That's a win in my book, especially if you're on a budget.

The Room: What's it *really* like? Be Honest.

Right. The room. Okay, let's go. Picture this: Basic. Functional. Possibly visited by a ghost of a motel from the 80s. My first impression? "Huh... Okay." The furniture? Well-loved, let's say. The bed? Surprisingly comfortable, actually! Seriously, I've slept on worse. The TV? Yep, it's there. The air conditioner... breathes. Okay, it *huffs* and *puffs* like it's got a serious lung problem. You might get lucky and get a room that smells like lemon cleaner and freshly ironed sheets, I was not that lucky. I can’t lie, my room had a certain *aroma*… almost like… stale popcorn mixed with a hint of… ambition. But hey, there's hot water and *generally* clean towels. That's a win, right?

Breakfast: Don't Lie to Me. How Bad Is It?

Oh, the breakfast. Buckle up, buttercups. It’s *included*, which is the first important thing. You get what you pay for, and in this case… Well, there's usually some kind of sugary cereal that's gone stale sometime since the Reagan administration, and often, a sad selection of fruit. Think bruised apples. Think bananas that are more brown than yellow. There's usually toast available, and sometimes, if you're REALLY lucky, there will be waffle batter. The waffle machine is a *beast*. You’re essentially fighting for breakfast against a hoard of hungover college students. Be prepared to strategize! My best tip? Arrive early or REALLY late.

What About the "Vibe"? What's the Overall Customer Experience?

The vibe? Hmm... Relaxed, maybe? Chaotic, possibly. It's, in my experience, a mixed bag of folks: families on road trips, students visiting Northwestern, random people like me, basically. I once saw a guy in a full cowboy outfit at the front desk. The front desk staff, bless their hearts, have seen it all. They're generally friendly, but don't expect five-star service. It's more like, "Hey, how you doin'? Need anything, other than maybe a miracle?"

The Pool? Is there even a pool? And, is it clean? Really?

There IS a pool! And it's... there. Let's just leave it at that. I've seen it. I've *considered* it. Look, it's an indoor pool. The lighting's a bit… fluorescent. The water *looks* okay, but honestly? I wouldn't make any promises. My advice? Bring your own goggles and maybe a hazmat suit (kidding! Mostly). The fact there's a pool at all is kind-of impressive, I mean, the Super 8 in my town *doesn't* have a pool. So the pool *could* be a 'hidden gem', depending on your tolerance for questionable chlorine levels.

Any Crazy Stories? Spill the Tea!

Okay, alright. Here’s a story, a *doozy*. I was there once (several times, actually) during a particularly… boisterous Northwestern football weekend. I watched, through my slightly cracked window, a group of college kids attempt, and *fail*, to “surf” the overflowing dumpster behind the parking lot after the game. Then, Later, that evening, I witnessed a rather dramatic argument in the hallway outside my room involving a very loud gentleman, a chihuahua that seemed to have superpowers, and a guy in a bathrobe. It was *art*. It was also 3 AM, and I had an important meeting the next day. Ah, memories. I'm not sure *that* qualifies as a "hidden gem", but it sure makes it memorable! Seriously, though, the sheer… *unpredictability* of it is what makes it a unique experience.

Would You Stay There Again? TRUTH TIME!

Honestly? Probably. Yeah, I would. Because, here’s the thing. It’s not about luxury. It’s about the experience. It's about the *story*. It’s about the low price. Yeah, it might not be spotless, but the location can't be beat. And, dare I say, there's a certain… *character* to it. The Super 8 isn’t perfect. It's not fancy. But damn it, it's *real*. And sometimes, that's exactly what you need. Plus, it's close to the lake, which is beautiful. So, yeah. I'll be back. Probably.

Any tips for surviving... I mean, *enjoying* your stay?

Okay, Pro-tips. Bring your own pillow. Seriously. Pack an anti-bacterial wipe or two, just in case. Earplugs. Because, that chihuahua. And the football games. And the air conditioner. Lower your expectations. Embrace the chaos. And always, *always*, go for the waffle. And, most important, have a sense of humor. Because you’ll need it. And finally, just enjoy all this experience, and take a lot of notes. Because after all is said and done this place is a hidden gem!

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Super 8 By Wyndham Evanston Evanston (WY) United States

Super 8 By Wyndham Evanston Evanston (WY) United States

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