Union Station Surprise! Uncover the Hidden Gem of Super 8 by Wyndham!
Union Station Surprise! (Or, How I Accidentally Found a Hidden Gem at Super 8 by Wyndham)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to tell you about an experience that's less "polished travel blog" and more "unfiltered, caffeine-fueled rant (and occasional rave) about a Super 8." Yep, you read that right. Super 8. Near Union Station. And guess what? It surprised me. Seriously.
Metadata Time! (Because Google needs to know this goldmine exists):
- Keywords: Super 8 by Wyndham, Union Station, Hotel Review, Accessibility, Free Wifi, Cleanliness, Affordable Hotel, Budget Travel, Denver Colorado, Family Friendly, Pet Friendly (sort of!), Restaurant, Pool
- Meta Description: A raw and honest review of Super 8 by Wyndham near Union Station in Denver, CO. Discover its surprising accessibility, surprisingly good internet, and the not-so-surprising quirks that made it a memorable stay..
- Title: Union Station Surprise! Uncover the Hidden Gem of Super 8 by Wyndham! (Honest Review)
The Backstory (The "Ugh, I Have to Go To Denver" Phase)
Okay, so I was not thrilled about this trip. Denver. In January. My usual style involves sun, beaches, and aggressively fruity cocktails. But obligations called, and a budget was involved. Super 8 near Union Station it was. Honestly, my expectations were lower than the Rocky Mountains. I figured it would be a sterile, beige box, and a minor torture of the modern world. I was mentally preparing for the worst.
Arrival & Access: The First (Pretty Good) Surprise!
From the moment I pulled up, I was stunned by the accessibility. Now, I don't need a wheelchair myself, but I always keep an eye out. And this Super 8? It shone in that department. There was ample parking – car park [free of charge] – right out front, and a well-maintained ramp leading to the entrance. The lobby was spacious and easy to navigate with a wheelchair. Elevator? Check. This wasn't some afterthought; it was genuinely designed for people with mobility challenges. Facilities for disabled guests? Absolutely. Major kudos, Super 8. Major.
Check-in/out [express]: They got me in and out in a flash. I hate long check-ins.
The Room: Decent Digs For the Price
My room (a non-smoking space, thankfully) was…well, good. It wasn't the Ritz, but it was perfectly clean. (Important note coming later, about cleanliness…). The air conditioning worked like a charm, which was good because it's been feeling like the sun decided to visit. Free Wi-Fi? You bet your bottom dollar! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! I’m talking about fast-ish, reliable wifi. Internet access – wireless was a godsend. Internet access – LAN was also provided, in case I wanted to go Old School. I could even use the Internet on my laptop. I noticed, the desk was also the perfect size to work.
Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, Private bathroom, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Wake-up service, Window that opens.
The Little Annoyances (Because No Hotel is Perfect)
Okay, fine, some things weren't perfect. My room had the distinct aroma of… well, hotel-ness. You know the scent – a weird, generic mix of disinfectant and stale air. My attempt to get help with the fridge felt a little rough (and let's just say I wasn't at my best). It did make you appreciate the complimentary tea, but in the grand scheme of things, that's exactly what it was… minor.
Food & Drink: The Breakfast… Well…
Let’s be honest. Super 8s aren't known for gourmet dining. Breakfast [buffet] was… basic. Think the usual suspects: sugary cereal, pre-packaged pastries, yogurt, and instant coffee. It was edible, but not exactly Insta-worthy. The coffee/tea in restaurant was, well, available.
Dining, drinking, and snacking: Breakfast [buffet], Coffee/tea in restaurant.
Cleanliness and Safety: The Unexpected Hero
This is where Super 8 really surprised me. You could tell they were taking cleanliness and safety seriously. The lobby was spotless. I saw staff constantly wiping down surfaces. There were hand sanitizer stations everywhere. They used anti-viral cleaning products. My room, even with the hotel-ness, was sparkling clean. Rooms sanitized between stays! This made me really happy. They also had Daily disinfection in common areas. Professional-grade sanitizing services.
Cleanliness and safety: Anti-viral cleaning products, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: It's Not a Spa, People!
Okay, let's be real. This isn't a spa resort. There’s a Fitness center. It's small, with your basic treadmills, but it exists. There is a swimming pool [outdoor]. In January? Not so much.
Things to do, ways to relax: Fitness center, Swimming pool [outdoor].
Services and Conveniences: The Little Extras
They had the usual: Daily housekeeping, dry cleaning, laundry service, a convenience store. The staff were friendly and helpful, even if my fridge-related requests were occasionally met with a slight glazed-over look.
Services and conveniences: Air conditioning in public area, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Safety deposit boxes, Smoking area, Terrace.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly Vibes Family/child friendly.
Getting Around: Airport transfer, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service.
The Verdict: Seriously, I'm Impressed
Did Super 8 by Wyndham near Union Station blow my mind? No. But did it exceed my ridiculously low expectations? Absolutely. The accessibility was genuinely impressive. The cleanliness was top-notch. The price was right. It was an unexpectedly pleasant experience, and I'd absolutely stay again. I’ve definitely had worse hotel experiences that cost a lot more.
Final Thought: This isn't a luxury hotel, it's not designed to be. But as a functional, clean, accessible, and surprisingly pleasant place to crash near Union Station? It’s a winner. Don't expect a five-star experience, and you won’t be disappointed.
Corbin's BEST Kept Secret: Comfort Inn & Suites! (KY)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this is the itinerary from hell… or, you know, Union, Missouri. Population: probably less than my brain cells after this road trip. And we're staying at the Super 8. Don't judge. It was cheap. And, frankly, after the drive, I’m not sure I deserve anything better.
Day 1: The Road to Union & The Motel Delights
- 8:00 AM: Wake-Up Call from Hell (aka My Alarm) My inner child is currently screaming at me for this. I should have just driven through the night. I grab a coffee and rush, but here is the thing, do you know who the most inconsiderate people in the world are? People who go super slow in the grocery store, and in the self-checkout line. It's always something.
- 9:00 AM: The Great Escape (from my Driveway)
Finally free! Road trip snacks are crucial. Gas station coffee is not. I'm already regretting the decision to eat stale donuts.
- Anecdote: Remember that time I tried to eat a whole bag of Doritos while driving? Yeah, not fun. Let's just say the car looked like a nacho volcano exploded. I am already feeling like a volcano.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch Interlude (somewhere…anywhere) Lunch in a random diner off the highway. Chicken fried steaks are calling my name. I'm already full of existential dread, so why not add fried food?
- 3:00 PM: Arrival at the Super 8 By Wyndham Union (a.k.a. "The Gateway to…Something")
Okay, it's a Super 8. Let's be honest. It's not the Ritz. The continental breakfast is probably questionable, but the pool? I'm holding onto hope. The air conditioner is the soundtrack of my life forevermore.
- Quirky Observation: The carpet looks like it’s seen some things. And by "things," I mean a LOT of foot traffic. And maybe some spills.
- Emotional Reaction: Relief. I’m here. The drive is done. Now, to collapse on a bed that probably hasn't been cleaned since…whenever.
- 4:00 PM -7:00 PM: Pool Time (fingers crossed)
I hope the pool isn't green. I'm also hoping there aren't too many screaming children. I need a vacation from my vacation already. This is all a lie and I am not having fun.
- Rambling Thought: Why do hotel pools always look bigger in the photos? It's a conspiracy, I tell you! A pool-sized conspiracy!
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at… Wherever. (Let's not be Fancy) Whatever's open. The choice is between the local bar and a family restaurant that looks like it's still stuck in the '80s. Oh my god, I want tacos.
- 9:00 PM: Attempt to watch TV (or at least find a channel that isn't infomercials) I hate infomercials. Don't they know it's 9 pm? I'm sure the air conditioner is the reason that I am unable to sleep. I can't wait until I am able to go home and do something.
- 10:00 PM: Bedtime (Praying for Sweet Dreams) I am not sure what I think of this day. I can't tell if I am happy or sad. I hope the bedbugs don't bite.
Day 2: History, Hangovers, and Hopes
- 7:00 AM: Continental Breakfast (A Battle of Wills)
The coffee is probably awful. The waffles are probably soggy. I'm steeling myself.
- Emotional Reaction: Maybe I should have just stayed home.
- 8:00 AM: Historical Society (Gotta do SOMETHING) I drag myself there. This is the only place in town. I want to go home already. I wish I had a better memory.
- 9:00 AM: The Battle for Coffee (Or, Why I Need Caffeine) The historical society is closed. The coffee is not working.
- 10:00 AM: Downtown (Maybe There's Something?) This is the point where I start wishing I had packed something other than my sweatpants.
- 11:00 AM: Snack Emergency (The Hangry Stage) I am so hungry. I hope I can get something to eat. I'm pretty sure I want more tacos.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch (Tacos!)
I found tacos. These are the best tacos that I have ever had. I have never been so happy.
- Opinionated Language: These tacos are a life changer. I would die for these tacos.
- 1:00 PM: Union, Missouri (There's Nothing To See Here) I am not sure what to do. I probably won't find another awesome taco place.
- 2:00 PM: The Drive Home (Freedom!) I am so ready to go home. I can't wait to go home. I am so ready to leave.
- 5:00 PM: I'm Home! (Finally!)
This itinerary is a mess. It wasn't pretty but it was honest. It was me. And, hey, at least I got a story out of it!
Manitowoc's BEST Kept Secret? This Hotel Will SHOCK You!
Okay, seriously, what's the whole "Union Station Surprise" thing about? Is this some kind of…scam? Are we talking about hidden cameras?
Whoa, hold your horses! No hidden cameras (as far as I know… *shifty eyes*). The "Union Station Surprise" is just a… well, it's a name, right? It's the whole experience of discovering the Super 8 by Wyndham *near* Union Station. It's supposed to be a pleasant surprise when you realize, "Hey, this isn't as bad as I thought! Score!" Look, I've had my share of motel horror stories, and I'm always bracing myself. This one… it's not a scam, promise. Unless… oh man, is this a cleverly disguised marketing ploy? Nah. (I hope not. I'm just a regular person, y'know?) It's just… a decent place to crash after you've been shuffling around Union Station all day, or maybe even caught a train running a little late. Honestly, sometimes that *is* a surprise.
Alright, "pleasant surprise." What specifically is supposed to be so surprising about a Super 8? Are they giving away free puppies? (Asking for a friend…)
Free puppies? Now *that* would be a surprise! Sadly, no puppies. Though…a tiny, fluffy companion would definitely improve the rating of *any* hotel, wouldn't it? Okay, back to reality. The "surprise" is this: for the price, and considering the location (near a transport hub!), the Super 8 is…well, it's *fine*. It's clean-ish. The staff, in my experience, have been perfectly polite, which is a huge win in the hospitality game sometimes. Look, I’ve stayed in places where the staff seemed actively *mad* that I existed. So, yeah, not a puppy, but a generally okay experience. That, and maybe, just maybe, the AC will actually work. Which, in July? Believe me, that's a small miracle. And speaking of July, I got stuck there last July due to, ahem, train delays. Let’s just say, a working AC and a relatively clean room felt like winning the lottery. A small, slightly pathetic lottery, admittedly, but a win nonetheless.
So, clean-ish? That's hardly a ringing endorsement… What's the deal with the rooms, REALLY? Be honest.
Okay, okay, “clean-ish” was probably an understatement. Let's be real. These are Super 8 rooms. They are not the Ritz. But they’re not the Bates Motel either (thankfully!). The rooms vary, honestly. Some are…better than others. I've had a room where the carpet looked like it had seen better days (and maybe lost a fight with a spilled Big Mac), and I've had rooms that were genuinely, surprisingly…okay. The beds are…well, they’re beds. Don’t expect a cloud. But at the end of a long day of travel, or, you know, being in a city like Chicago? They'll do the trick. And for the price? You're not paying for luxury, folks. You're paying for a place to crash that *probably* doesn't have bed bugs. (I *think*. Praying I'm right on that one.) Just bring your own Lysol wipes and a healthy dose of optimism. And maybe earplugs. The train tracks are kinda close.
What about breakfast? Is it the usual sad continental breakfast situation? Cereal and stale muffins?
Oh, the breakfast. Ah... the breakfast. Yes, my friends, prepare for the usual suspects. The breakfast is… well, it's there. It’s *free*. You've got your cereal. The muffins are… yeah, they’re muffins. They probably haven't seen the light of day since… well, since the last time they were in the hotel. There might be some instant oatmeal. Sometimes, if you're lucky (or if you show up early), there are waffles, which, honestly, make the whole experience marginally more pleasant. I once met a guy there who spent almost an hour building the perfect waffle-tower. He was very proud, I’ll give him that. So, yeah, the breakfast isn't a highlight. But it's free. And it fills that empty void in your stomach after a long train ride. So, there's that. Bring your own granola bars. And maybe a good book to distract yourself from the existential dread the stale muffins might induce.
Okay, I'm getting the picture. It's not five-star, but it's functional. What's the WORST part about staying there? Spill the tea.
Okay, the worst part? Hmm…It's a toss-up. The noise, definitely. The train tracks are *close*. I mean, VERY close. You're likely to hear trains rumbling and screeching throughout the night. Bring earplugs. Seriously. Otherwise, you'll be up all night wondering if you're dreaming, or actually living inside a freight yard. And then there’s the elevator. One time, I waited for over 20 minutes for the elevator. 20. Minutes. And I was on the second floor! (Probably should've taken the stairs. Sigh). Oh! And the location, even though it's *near* Union Station, it's not exactly in the most glamorous part of town (but, then, is it ever?). So, after dark, be aware of your surroundings. And probably don't flash your Rolex (if you have one! Definitely not me!). But honestly, the noise. The noise is the worst. The never-ending, metal-on-metal, ear-splitting, soul-crushing noise. Bring earplugs! I yelled it. Again. Maybe I need to buy stock in earplugs.
Is there anything good to do close to Super 8 by Wyndham?
Well, "good" is subjective, right? Depends on your definition of "good." Is there a five-star Michelin restaurant a block away? Nope. But do you happen to be *near* Union Station? Yes! And that *is* kind of the point, right? You're close to transportation. Which means you can get *to* the good stuff. The Art Institute? A short train ride. Millennium Park? A quick hop, skip, and a jump. Is there a decent diner for a late-night burger and fries? I think there is (or at least, there used to be... this is Chicago, things change!). Honestly, your options are what you make them. I usually just collapsed in the hotel, but that's me. So, the immediate vicinity? Maybe not the most exciting. The wider Chicago area? Absolutely! The Super 8 is just a base camp. You gotta explore! And maybe, just maybe, bring a map (they didn't have GPS in my day, I swear!
So, would you recommend it? Be brutally honest.
Brutally honest? Okay. Look, is the Super 8 near Union Station going to win any awards? No. Is it the most luxurious experience you'll ever have? AgainHotel Search Trek
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