Escape to Chattanooga: Stunning Lookout Mountain Views Await at Days Inn!
Escape to Chattanooga: Days Inn – Lookout Mountain Views… and Maybe a Headache? (A Slightly Unhinged Review)
Alright, buckle up folks, because I just got back from a little Chattanooga getaway and, well, let’s just say the Days Inn on Lookout Mountain was… an experience. This isn't your typical stuffy hotel review; this is the raw, unfiltered, "did I actually drink enough coffee this morning?" version. Let's dive in, shall we?
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First Impressions (and the Search for the Keycard):
The promise? Breathtaking views of Lookout Mountain. The reality? A slightly… tired Days Inn. Look, I wasn't expecting the Ritz, but I was hoping for a keycard that actually worked on the first try. Nope. Twice. Which, let's be honest, is an instant strike against efficiency. The exterior corridors, though classic motel vibes, weren't exactly pristine. But hey, I'm a glass-half-full kinda gal! Right? Right?!
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag (Mostly Good, Though!)
Now, this is important. I checked the accessibility features, since I always like to know. Luckily, Facilities for disabled guests is checked, which can be a huge plus. I didn't get to explore all of the features because, well, I didn't need them this trip. But seeing that things are available to assist others is one of the most important things.
The Room: Spotty Wi-Fi and an Unsettling "Smell"
Okay, so the room. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Yay! But the connection was… let's call it intermittent. I mean, I needed to work (sigh), and the Internet Access - Wireless was spotty. I ended up relying on my own hotspot, which is never ideal when you're paying for Internet Access. Also, I'm really unsure of this, but every room has Internet Access - LAN. I don't even have the cable to plug into it. That was my mistake not knowing.
But the biggest thing was the smell… a faint, almost… mildewy… something. It wasn’t overwhelmingly terrible (thank goodness for Air Conditioning), but it lingered, a constant reminder that this room had seen things. The bed, thankfully, was comfortable (a HUGE win, especially because it had an Extra long bed), and I actually slept pretty well with the Blackout curtains (bless them!). I did appreciate the Free bottled water, though – always a nice touch. It helped clear the taste of the room.
As far as the room goes, it had basic amenities, including a Coffee/tea maker, which was a lifesaver, and a Refrigerator to store my snacks. The Mini bar didn't have a lot to offer, but I wasn't expecting much, anyway. The Seating area in the room was also nice. This was great for working, but I needed a lot of coffee and to step outside once in a while.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling a Little Squeamish
Okay, I’m a bit of a germaphobe, so this is where things get tricky. During the COVID scare, this place seemed to have been kept on track and kept to the required measures, but the current rating is still just okay. They do offer Anti-viral cleaning products, Rooms sanitized between stays, they remove Shared stationery, and have Staff trained in safety protocol. But in the era of this virus, I can't say I'm confident enough to feel safe. The Daily disinfection in common areas and Room sanitization opt-out available. But I'm not gonna lie, I brought my own sanitizing wipes and went to town. The Hand sanitizer dispensers were present but not always full. I'm not sure I'd relax here.
There were definitely Smoke alarms (always a plus!) and Fire extinguisher, so the basics were covered. And the staff seemed to be taking things seriously, which is reassuring.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Breakfast… or Bust?
The Breakfast [buffet] was included, a big selling point, if you ask me. But let's just say it was your standard continental fare. Think pre-packaged pastries, not-quite-ripe fruit, and coffee that tasted like… well, cheap coffee. They do offer Breakfast takeaway service, which was handy for grabbing something before hitting the road. There's a Coffee shop on-site. But I had no interest in the coffee.
Other options included a Restaurant (I didn't try it), a Snack bar (always a plus!), and Room service [24-hour]. Honestly, I stuck to snacks from the convenience store down the road.
Things to Do (and Ways to Relax): Pool with a View… maybe a View of Nothing?
The Swimming pool was a major draw. I was promised a Pool with a view. The view, on the brochure, was AMAZING. The reality, when I went down, was… obscured by trees. I would have loved to relax at the Spa/sauna, but alas, maybe next time.
They have a Fitness center if you want to work out.
Services and Conveniences: The "Meh" Zone
The Days Inn offers the basic services, like Daily housekeeping (Daily housekeeping was a real plus!), Laundry service, and a Concierge desk (although I didn't need to use it). Cash withdrawal for those who need it and Currency exchange in case you need it. They have a few extra services/conveniences, such as Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], and Elevator. But nothing really stood out. Honestly, the services were… present. But not memorable.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly?
There is a Babysitting service, which can be a great option for families. There are Kids facilities available.
Getting Around: A Bit Remote… but…
Airport transfer, Taxi service, Car park [free of charge], and Car park [on-site] are all available to you, but be aware that this hotel is located up on Lookout Mountain. So you'll definitely need a car (a Car power charging station is available, which is a nice touch). Bicycle parking is available.
The Verdict: Views, Mayhem, and Mild Regret
Would I stay at the Days Inn on Lookout Mountain again? Honestly, maybe. The views are stunning (when you can find them, or when the weather is good), and it's a decent budget option. But I'd definitely come prepared with my own sanitizer, and maybe a portable Wi-Fi router. And I'd temper expectations. It's not perfect, but it’s a functional base for exploring Chattanooga. Just don’t expect miracles, and pack some earplugs in case your neighbor's snoring is louder than the mountain wind. Also, maybe bring some air freshener for the room. Just a thought.
Overall Rating: 3 out of 5 Stars… leaning towards a 2.5. (Mostly for the view, and the fact that I survived.)
Escape to Milwaukee: Your Perfect Stay Awaits at Days Inn West Allis!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this itinerary, this masterpiece of chaotic planning, is gonna be less "smooth sailing" and more "slightly tipsy kayak trip down a rogue river." We're talking a Chattanooga adventure from the hallowed halls of the Days Inn on Lookout Mountain West, and it's probably going to be… well, let’s see.
Day 1: Arrival & Unintentional Cliffhanger (or, "Where's the Remote?!")
- 3:00 PM: Arrived at the Days Inn. Okay, first hurdle: finding the right room without wandering the halls like a lost, sleep-deprived zombie. The parking lot? Let's just say it has a certain… rustic charm. The kind of charm that involves rogue potholes and potentially questionable vehicle placement. We made it, though. Room key acquired! Triumph!
- 3:15 PM: Settling in. Okay, the room. It’s… Days Inn. Let's just leave it at that. Air conditioning is a blessing, because, Lord knows, Chattanooga in summer is basically a giant, humid hug.
- 3:30 PM - 3:45 PM: The Great Remote Search. My mission, should I choose to accept it, is to locate the TV remote. This is proving harder than cracking the Enigma code. I'm pretty sure it's hiding in the Bermuda Triangle, disguised as a hotel room necessity. Finally found it behind the bed! What a discovery.
- 4:00 PM: Snacks and planning. Found a little local grocery store and picked up some snacks. Mostly chips and dip, because, priorities. Now to attempt some proper planning. I say attempt because I am easily distracted by shiny objects and the siren song of the internet. Starting to look at local hikes, because hey, mountains! And, gotta decide on dinner. Italian maybe? Or BBQ? The eternal questions…
- 5:30 PM: Dinner (Decision time!). Okay, it was a tossup between Italian and BBQ, but my stomach decided for me: BBQ it is! Found a place online with good reviews, planning to check it out. But first, the age-old question of what to wear. (It's always the biggest dilemma when traveling)
- 7:00 PM: Dinner adventure! Road trip! Headed out to Sticky Fingers. (And yes, I'm now craving ribs just writing this) The ribs were AMAZING, absolutely melt-in-your-mouth. The slaw was also a winner. Fully stuffed myself, and now I understand why my travel shorts are feeling a little tight…
- 8:30 PM: Hotel chill time. Back at the hotel, absolutely exhausted and utterly content. Watched some TV, and now it's time to sleep. Tomorrow, the mountains beckon!
Day 2: Mountains and Mishaps (or, "I Almost Tripped Over a Squirrel - Twice!")
- 8:00 AM: Wake up and attempt to make coffee. The hotel coffee maker, bless its heart, might as well be operating on the moon. Weakest coffee ever, and it took ages to brew. Feeling sluggish. Need caffeine STAT.
- 9:00 AM: Lookout Mountain! Okay, time to conquer the summit. Drove up, paid for parking (ouch), and breathed in that mountain air! So amazing! The views are spectacular! The rock city is a must-see. The only downside? The amount of people, it seems like it's a very popular destination for tourists. Made it to some viewpoints, took about a million photos (because, tourist, duh).
- 10:30 AM (ROCK CITY): Rock City! Oh man! If you are afraid of heights (like me) it might be a bit nerve-wracking, walking over the bridges… I totally regretted it until I saw the view from up there; stunning! The caves are narrow, which could be a problem for some (again, like me). And the garden? Beautiful! But, let's be honest, I was mostly worried about not tripping on a root or being eaten by a rogue squirrel. (Seriously, those squirrels were bold).
- 1:00 PM: Lunch. Found a cute little cafe, and devoured a sandwich and a salad. I was STARVING after all that hiking!
- 2:30 PM: Ruby Falls! I. LOVED. IT. The underground waterfall is magical. The elevator down was a bit cramped (claustrophobia, anyone?), but the view? SO worth it. Again, photos galore.
- 4:00 PM: Driving back into the hotel. On the way back I realized that I forgot to take a picture of our room (the ultimate insult to our stay), so I made a stop at the hotel and got the shot.
- 5:00 PM: Relaxing, or trying to. Laying down and wondering what I'm going to eat.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner, again. Found a small Italian place near the hotel, and ordered some pasta. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't fantastic either.
- 8:00 PM: Watching TV. Ready for more TV and sleep.
Day 3: Departure & Post-Vacation Blues (or, "Is it Over Already?!")
- 9:00 AM: Wake up, pack, and say goodbye to the surprisingly comfy (and remote-hiding) bed. Check out. The entire process requires the speed of a caffeinated cheetah. Make sure to double-check everything, like your car keys and the charger for my phone.
- 9:30 AM: Last-minute souvenir shopping. Because, who can resist a cheesy t-shirt and a "I <3 Chattanooga" mug? Not me, apparently.
- 10:30 AM: One last look at Lookout Mountain. A bittersweet farewell to the views, the mountain air, and the lingering scent of BBQ.
- 11:00 AM: Departure. Time to hit the road. I'll always remember, the good and the bad.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch on the road. This is where the whole "planned the trip" goes off the rails. Find a fast food place.
- 2:00 PM (THE POST-VACATION BLUES): Back home. Unpacking, and already feeling the post-vacation sadness. But, hey, memories made, photos taken, and a few questionable food choices under my belt. Not bad for a chaotic Chattanooga adventure at the Days Inn, eh?
And there you have it. A travel itinerary that's less a polished brochure and more a slightly disheveled scrapbook of a trip. There were mishaps, triumphs, awkward moments, and plenty of delicious food. Pretty much sums up my life, in a nutshell.
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Escape to Chattanooga: Days Inn Lookout Mountain - FAQs (And My Chaotic Experience!)
Uh, Is This Days Inn REALLY on Lookout Mountain? I'm Seeing Mixed Signals…
Okay, let's get this straight, because this was the biggest question buzzing around my head before my trip. Yep, technically, the Days Inn *is* on Lookout Mountain. But... and this is a big BUT… prepare yourself. You're not exactly going to be strolling out your door and immediately bumping into rock climbers or spotting a herd of majestic elk (though, hey, anything's possible, right?).
It's a bit more… roadside-y. You're on the mountain, sure, the views *are* there, but you might also be sharing your vista with a gas station. Don't let that deter you, though, because from the right rooms (more on that, later), those views are genuinely spectacular. It's like, your little secret – you're privy to something special, even if the setting is a little… unpolished.
So, About Those Lookout Mountain Views… Are They Worth the Hype?
God, yes. YES. Absolutely. The views are what make this whole Days Inn thing a worthwhile adventure. The first time I saw the sunrise over the valley, a literal shiver ran down my spine. It was breathtaking! And it made me forget, for a blessed moment or two, that the previous night I’d wrestled with a vending machine for a bag of stale chips.
Here's the catch: not *every* room gets a killer view. Demand a mountain-facing room! (Seriously, demand it! Be that assertive traveler. You deserve it!) My first room? Blah. Concrete wall. Total buzzkill. Second time around, though? Boom. Mountain majesty. Do your homework and don’t be afraid to speak up! After all, you're paying for the *view*, right? Make sure you get it.
What's the Deal with the Free Breakfast? Is It, You Know, Edible?
Ah, the breakfast. This is, let's be honest, where the Days Inn keeps it real. Free IS free, and sometimes, that comes with certain compromises. Think of it as a buffet of grab-and-go convenience. You've got your usual suspects: sugary cereal (the kind you secretly love), those weirdly square waffles you can toast yourself, fruit (which, honestly, was surprisingly good on my trip), and the ever-present questionable coffee situation.
Here's my pro-tip: Lower your expectations. Go in with the mindset of, "Hey, it's free, and it’ll get me through to lunch." Otherwise, prepare for potential disappointment. Bring your own granola bars or, better yet, scout out a decent local coffee shop beforehand for a proper start to your day. Because... that coffee... *shudders*... let's just say it wasn't love at first sip.
Are There Any Hidden Fees or Extra Expenses I Should Know About?
Okay, this is where I got a bit tripped up. Always, ALWAYS ask about "resort fees" or "facility fees." They can pop up, and they're annoying. I didn't experience any *major* surprise fees, but I always make it a point to confirm things when booking. The trick is to read the fine print (I know, I know, it's boring) on booking websites and, when checking in, to ask the front desk directly. They might look at you funny, but hey, it's your money, right?
Also, factor in the cost of… well, *stuff*. Snacks for those late-night hangry moments (vending machine roulette can be a real mood-killer). And the fact you’ll probably spend MORE because, if you're anything like me, the views will make you feel like you need to drink more. The world is more beautiful with a cocktail in hand! Just saying.
What Are Some Cool Things to Do Around Lookout Mountain Besides, You Know, Staring at the Gorgeous View?
Okay, buckling up, friends! This is where Chattanooga shines. Lookout Mountain itself offers a ton: Rock City (touristy but worth it for the views and the gnome encounters!), Ruby Falls (go in, it's... a waterfall! Kinda cool), and the Incline Railway (get ready to climb!).
Beyond Lookout, you've got the Tennessee Aquarium (a must-see!), the Hunter Museum of American Art (impressive), the Creative Discovery Museum (if you're traveling with kids, or if you're a giant kid like me), and the walking bridge across the river, which is gorgeous at sunset. Seriously, Chattanooga's got it all! Plan wisely, especially if going with kids. They get hangry, and let me tell you, a hangry child on a mountain is a recipe for disaster!
How's the Wi-Fi? (Because, you know, Instagram waits for no one.)
The Wi-Fi... hmm. Let's just say, it's… functional. Don’t expect lightning-fast speeds. I found myself staring at the loading icon more than once. It was enough to check emails, but streaming that epic sunset montage took some pre-planning (aka, downloading it on my phone beforehand). I'm not going to lie, it was a little frustrating. But, hey, maybe it's a good thing. Forced digital detox, anyone?
This isn’t a luxury resort. Embrace the struggle. Embrace the fact that you’re going to *actually* enjoy the view instead of being glued to your phone. (But also, if you absolutely *need* a solid connection, plan ahead. Or, you know, find a coffee shop with free Wi-Fi, but then you're missing the view... it’s a dilemma!)
What's the Parking Situation Like?
Parking? Pretty easy. It was free, and there was plenty of space (at least during my visit, mid-week). However, I can’t vouch for holidays or peak seasons. My advice: check with the front desk when you book your room, just to be on the safe side. Avoid that pre-vacation anxiety!
Okay, Let's Get Personal: Would You Stay at the Days Inn Lookout Mountain Again?
Honestly? Yes. Absolutely. Despite the slightly rough edges, the iffy coffee, and the fact that my first room looked like a prison cell, I would go back. The views are that good. They're transformative. They stick with you long after you've left. And hey, those slightly run-down motels have a certain charm if you can get past them. You're not paying for luxury; you're paying for the *experience* of being on Lookout Mountain, and, honestly, the experience is worth it. Plus, you get the satisfaction of feeling like you've discovered a little hidden gem. Even if it's a slightly rusty gem.
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