Ankeny's BEST Kept Secret: Unbelievable Country Inn & Suites Deal!
Ankeny's "BEST Kept Secret" Review: A Rambling, Honest Take (and Where to Find the Damn Toilet Paper)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm diving headfirst into my experience at Ankeny's "BEST Kept Secret" Country Inn & Suites deal. Let me be clear, this isn't your polished, PR-approved review. This is the real deal, warts and all, because frankly, who needs another perfectly curated travel blog? I'm here to spill the tea, and maybe, just maybe, help you decide if this place is worth your hard-earned cash.
First Impressions (Because, Honestly, First Impressions Matter)
The "deal" part of the Inn & Suites intrigued me. Ankeny, Iowa? Not exactly the Eiffel Tower, but a bargain is a bargain, right? Navigating to the place wasn't too bad, thankfully they had decent CCTV outside property and the signage was visible, which helps when you're as directionally challenged as I am. Pulling up, I noticed a decent sized Car park [on-site] which is a major plus in my book. Walking in, the Front desk [24-hour] was a comforting sight, especially since I'm always anxious I'll arrive at 3 AM and find a locked door. Sadly, I can't recall seeing the Doorman. Did they have one? Probably not, but hey, I wasn't expecting a red-carpet welcome. What I did expect was a well-maintained lobby. I was met with a bland generic area, but it was clean, and that's a win, right?
Accessibility: The Good, The Okay, and the "Huh?"
Okay, let's talk accessibility. I'm not in a wheelchair, but I am a klutz with a bad back, so I always appreciate ease of movement. The Elevator was a huge plus. Score! The Facilities for disabled guests were advertised, but frankly, I didn't dig too deep into what that entailed. I saw ramps, so that's a start. The Exterior corridor was a bit of a walk, especially lugging my bags. The non-smoking rooms were also a major plus, because nobody wants that stale cigarette smell clinging to your clothes.
Rooms: The Battleground of Comfort vs. Convenience
Now, the room. Ah, the room. Let's start with the good. The Wi-Fi [free] actually worked, which is a miracle in some hotels. And the Internet access – wireless also worked! The Air conditioning blasted like a polar vortex (maybe a bit too well, honestly, my toes almost froze), and the Blackout curtains were glorious, blocking out that insistent Iowa sunshine. They also had a Coffee/tea maker, which is crucial for this caffeine addict. But….and there's always a but, isn't there?
The bed was comfy enough, with Extra long bed, so no complaints there. But the Bathroom… let's just say it wasn't exactly luxurious. Shower worked, and I didn't have to fight a leaky faucet to get a decent spray of water. The Toiletries were, well, they were there. Now, the real kicker was finding the additional toilet, or lack thereof. Thankfully mine was at my side, and I had no complaints there. The Mirror, the Hair dryer, and the Free bottled water were all positive additions. I appreciated the Alarm clock and the Desk, but the lack of space to put my stuff was a bit of a downer. And… oh, God… the lighting. It was like a dentist's office. Harsh and unflattering. My inner selfie queen was not impressed.
Oh, and another (minor) inconvenience? The lack of electrical plugs near the bed.. Seriously! In this day and age, where is the Socket near the bed!? Ugh! Also, a minor (but not insignificant) gripe: the TV guide. It was a confusing mess of channels, and finding something decent to watch required a PhD in television programming (which, sadly, I do not have). The Satellite/cable channels were there, but good luck navigating them. Oh, and a shoutout to the Daily housekeeping, which kept the place tidy. The Daily housekeeping were okay, but I definitely had a moment of pure panic when I thought I was without Toilet paper.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Beast (and Possibly Regretting It)
Alright, let's talk food. The hotel offered the standard Breakfast [buffet], which was… well, it was a buffet. We're talking the usual suspects: scrambled eggs that might or might not be made of actual eggs, rubbery bacon, and a sad selection of fruit that looked like it had seen better days. A small silver lining was the Coffee/tea in restaurant, at least they had that right! There was a Snack bar that appeared to have a Bottle of water for sale, which I was not thrilled about.
Things to Do (or Not Do): Keeping Busy in Ankeny
Ankeny isn't exactly known for its bustling nightlife or endless entertainment options. The hotel provided a list of suggested activities, and I have to admit, they weren't exactly thrill-a-minute. It's Family/child friendly, with Kids facilities, but more towards a basic level. I couldn't find what was going on with the Pool with view, but I'm certain the exterior was not accessible either. Ahem As you might be able to notice, there are a lot of things that can't be done. A la carte in restaurant was available, but I didn't try it. And the Poolside bar… well, you get the picture.
Cleanliness and Safety: Did They Actually Care?
I'm a bit of a germaphobe, so cleanliness is HUGE for me. The hotel seemed clean. I saw Hand sanitizer stations scattered around, which was a good sign, and the staff seemed to be sticking to the hygiene certification. They had Anti-viral cleaning products, but honestly, I have no way of verifying that. I also appreciated the Safe dining setup, which definitely showed they were making an effort.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Make a Difference?
The hotel offered a decent range of services. The Concierge area was manned by a lady who was nice, but not overly attentive. The Luggage storage was a lifesaver when I arrived early. The Laundry service, and Dry cleaning available at the hotel. Then, there were standard things like the Convenience store and the Cash withdrawal, but nothing that really blew me away.
Conclusion: The Verdict (Finally!)
So, is Ankeny's "BEST Kept Secret" a hidden gem? Well, it's not. It's a decent, budget-friendly option with some serious pros and cons. Room sanitization opt-out available, which is a plus. Staff trained in safety protocol, another plus. Here's the deal: If you're looking for a clean, safe place to crash for a night or two, and you're not expecting the Ritz-Carlton, this place will do. I'd stay here again, but maybe bring my own toilet paper and a flashlight for finding the light switch.
SEO and Metadata:
- Title: Ankeny's BEST Kept Secret Review: Honest & Unfiltered! (Country Inn & Suites)
- Meta Description: A brutally honest review of Ankeny's "BEST Kept Secret" Country Inn & Suites. Find out if this budget-friendly hotel deal is worth your stay! Room details, cleanliness, amenities & my real, unfiltered opinions.
- Keywords: Ankeny, Iowa, hotel review, Country Inn & Suites, budget hotel, travel, accommodation, accessibility, cleanliness, amenities, honest review, family-friendly hotel, free Wi-Fi, pool, fitness center.
- Structured Data (Example): ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Review", "itemReviewed": { "@type": "Hotel", "name": "Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Ankeny, IA", "address": { "@type": "PostalAddress", "streetAddress": "Add hotel address here", "addressLocality": "Ankeny", "addressRegion": "IA", "postalCode": "Add zip code here", "addressCountry": "USA" } }, "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Your Name/Pen Name" }, "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "3", "bestRating": "5", "worstRating": "1", "ratingExplanation": "Decent, but could be better." }, "datePublished": "2024-02-28", "reviewBody": "A detailed and honest review of a stay…"
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's perfectly ironed travel itinerary. We're going to Ankeny, Iowa, and we're going to experience it like… well, like humans. Prepare for the glorious mess. Here we go!
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Ankeny, IA Itinerary: A Rollercoaster of Real Life (and Maybe Some Mild Disappointment)
Day 1: Arrival, Anticipation, and the First Bites of Iowa
2:00 PM - Arrival & Initial Impressions (aka: "Did I pack enough snacks?!"): Okay, so the "arrive at the hotel" part… wasn't exactly seamless. Delayed flight, grumpy air-traffic controller… the usual travel drama. Finally, I'm here! The Country Inn & Suites looks… well, it looks like a Country Inn & Suites. Clean-ish, vaguely beige. The lobby smells faintly of chlorine and stale coffee. (Is that a good sign? I can’t decide.) Immediately, I beeline for the front desk, hoping for a smiling face. Instead, I got a very polite, very efficiently-working person. No spark, no warmth, just the facts, ma'am. Room key acquired. Let the chaos begin!
2:30 PM - Room Reconnaissance & The Eternal Struggle of Wi-Fi: The room itself? Standard. Two queen beds, a tiny TV, and the promise of… well, a place to sleep. Immediately, I attempted to wrestle with the Wi-Fi. You know, the most crucial aspect of any modern travel experience. After a solid twenty minutes and a near-rage-quit, I managed to connect. Victory! But also, I'm already behind on my self-imposed schedule. Sigh.
3:30 - 5:00 PM - Exploring the Immediate Surroundings (aka: "Panic-Buying Snacks"): I needed to get out. Cabin fever was setting in. So, I ventured forth, armed with nothing but my phone and a yearning for… something. Nearby? Chain restaurants and a sprawling parking lot. My stomach rumbled. It was time for some panic-purchasing of snacks from the convenience store (got myself a box of Cheez-Its and some Oreos. Don't judge!). On the walk, I saw a particularly sad-looking squirrel. I may have spoken to it - more than once.
6:00 PM - Dinner at a Local Establishment (aka: "Bless their hearts, it was… something"): After reading some reviews, I chose [Insert Local Restaurant Name Here, whatever is closest and has a slightly better-than-average rating]. Hoping for a “taste of Iowa” experience. The décor was a bit… dated. The service was earnest, but the food itself… well, let's just say it wasn't Michelin-star material. I ordered the [Specific Dish, let's say “pork tenderloin”]. It was enormous. And… kind of bland. But the server was sweet, and the sweet tea was on point. So, a mixed bag. I gave the experience a generous tip.
7:30 PM - Back to the Room, Doomscrolling, and Bedtime: Back in the hotel room. I switched on the TV. I watched TV for like 30 minutes before deciding to watch something on my laptop. After scrolling through Twitter and Facebook, I felt the need to reflect on the day. It wasn't a terrible one, but it was certainly a reminder that travel is about the journey, which is often… well, mildly underwhelming. Now it's time for bed. Good night, world.
Day 2: Deep Dive (Maybe Literally) and the Search for Authenticity (Spoiler: it might get lost)
7:00 AM - The Free Breakfast… and the Existential Dread of Waffles: The free breakfast. My morning ritual: The free breakfast in a hotel. The fluorescent lighting, the lukewarm coffee, and the… waffle machine. I'm facing the waffle maker, it's a crucial decision. I'm at a point of my life where I can’t make decisions in the morning. The waffles were… waffles. The kind that taste vaguely of cardboard, but you eat them anyway because, hey, it's free. I poured a river of syrup on them. Instant breakfast regret. The most interesting part was watching the other guests. A man in a stained t-shirt inhaling a mountain of sausage. A family in matching tracksuits, silently judging my waffle strategy. Breakfast, a microcosm of life.
9:00 AM - Local Attraction #1: [Name of Attraction - maybe a local park or museum]…The Quest for Culture: Okay, so I'd identified a local attraction. [Let's say a park]. I headed out, filled with a sense of purpose. The park was beautiful, actually! I ended up spending a surprisingly pleasant hour wandering around, watching the geese, and feeling… calm. Which was unexpected. I even took some pictures, which I immediately regretted.
11:00 AM - Lunch & The Ongoing Search for Real Food I decided I had to eat at a non-chain restaurant. I found a cafe that looked like it belonged in a sitcom. They offer a wide range of dishes. the chef suggested the [Dish - like a "local sandwich" or soup]. It's like a place where you're actually able to taste the food.
1:00 PM - The Grocery Store Interlude (aka: "I Am a Tourist"): I’m in a grocery store. The aisles were wide, the selection vast. I felt a sudden urge to buy… everything. Local produce? Check. Weird snacks I’d never seen before? Double check. I spent far too long wandering around, marveling at the sheer abundance of food. And wondering if I could fit a pineapple in my suitcase.
2:30 PM - Return to the Hotel, Reflection and the Realization that I Might Not "Get" Ankeny: Back at the hotel. I was beginning to experience what I call “the hotel slump.” That weird, slightly melancholic feeling that creeps in after you've been in a hotel room for too long. I sat on the bed, stared at the ceiling, and the feeling grew. Was I missing the point? Was Ankeny supposed to be… something? Or was it just… a town? A perfectly fine town. And maybe that was good enough.
6:00 PM - Last Meal and Goodbye: I went to the last restaurant and ordered more [Dish]. I had to say goodbye to this experience. I'll miss everything.
Day 3: Departure and the Unanswered Questions
8:00 AM - Check-Out (aka: "Goodbye Chlorine Smell, Hello… the Rest of My Life"): Checked out. The front desk person was the same as before. Efficient, polite. No farewell warmth. (Maybe I’m being overly sensitive.)
9:00 AM - Departure & The Verdict: As I drove away, I couldn't help but feel… a little bit wistful. Did I love Ankeny? No. Did I hate it? Also, no. I experienced "Ankeny". And sometimes, that's enough. I'm not sure I'll be back, but the memory of that waffle machine will linger.
Final Thoughts:
This, my friends, is not a perfect itinerary. It's the messy, honest, and sometimes hilarious reality of travel. It's about the awkward moments, the unexpected joys and the profound realization that sometimes, the most memorable experiences are the ones you didn't plan. And the ones that involve a lot of Cheez-Its.
Pensacola Beach Getaway: Unbeatable Days Inn Deals!
Ankeny's BEST Kept Secret: Unbelievable Country Inn & Suites Deal! ... Or Is It? (Let's Unpack This Mess!)
Okay, Spill the Beans! What's This "Unbelievable Deal" Even *IS*?
Alright, alright, settle down, you eager beavers! Basically, some promotions at the Country Inn & Suites in Ankeny have been... interesting. Like, "Wow, that's a steal!" interesting. Think crazy low rates, maybe included breakfast (a HUGE perk, let me tell you, especially when you're hungover from the night before... which... ahem... can happen), possibly some other goodies thrown in. It depends. Honestly, it's a moving target. Sometimes it's amazing, sometimes it's... well, you'll see.
Sounds Sketchy. Is This a Scam?
WHOA, hold your horses! Scam? Nah, probably not. (Mostly.) It's a Country Inn & Suites, not a guy selling you the Brooklyn Bridge. The deals are legit, usually. BUT! It can be a bit... *complicated*. You know how hotels are, right? Fine print, potential hidden fees, the whole shebang. That's where the "unbelievable" part kinda gets a little sideways. Always read the fine print. Seriously. I learned that the hard way, after thinking I got a steal and then getting smacked with a parking fee that felt criminal. Ugh.
The Breakfast... Tell Me About the Breakfast! It's the Most Important Meal!
Oh, the breakfast. Okay, so the breakfast *can* be a game-changer. Usually, it's a continental situation, which is fine! Cereal, bagels, toast... the usual suspects. But sometimes, on the really good deals, they'll have waffles. And when they have waffles, my friend, you *feast*. I may or may not have eaten, like, a dozen waffles on one particularly glorious morning. Don't judge me! I needed the fuel.
Now, here's the catch (because there's *always* a catch, isn't there?). The breakfast quality really varies. One morning, the bagels were so stale I could've used them as bricks. Another day, the waffles were crispy and perfect. It's a gamble, a delicious, carb-filled gamble. I’d suggest getting there early to get the best pickings, the later you go the worse it gets. You've been warned!
Alright, I'm Considering It.... What's the Catch, Other Than the Obvious?
Ah, the million-dollar question! Besides the breakfast roulette and deciphering the fine print... the catch... well, sometimes it's the location. Ankeny isn't exactly the epicenter of excitement. It's a lovely town, don't get me wrong! But if you're expecting the hustle and bustle of, say, Las Vegas... you're in the wrong place. It's a bit... quiet. Which, honestly, can be a *good* thing if you're looking for a relaxing getaway. Unless you're me, in which case, I'm always in need of some chaos. Then I get bored!
Also, the "deal" might involve specific dates or room types. Don't get your heart set on a suite with a jacuzzi if you’re on a budget. Flexibility is key. And sometimes, the "unbelievable" deal just... disappears. Snapped up! Gone! Like a delicious waffle disappearing into my stomach. So, you gotta be quick on the draw.
So, You've Stayed There, Right? Give Me the Real Dirt! Worst Experience? Best Ever?
Right, so, buckle up. My worst experience... Okay, picture this: I'm celebrating a friend’s birthday. We snagged an amazing deal, or so we thought. We get there, all excited, and the room is… well, let’s just say it smelled faintly of sadness and cleaning products. Not the ideal party atmosphere. The air conditioning barely worked, and the TV kept flickering. The kicker? The pool was closed for maintenance! We were heartbroken. We complained (politely, of course!), and they comped us a measly discount. Still stung, though.
Now, the best? Ah, that's easy. Once, I got a room during a snowstorm for, like, practically nothing. The fireplace was going, the room was massive, the waffles were perfect, and I literally didn't leave the room for 24 hours. Pure bliss. That's what I'm chasing. That's the "unbelievable" deal I dream of. THAT, my friends, was perfection. It's rare, but it's worth it.
What Should I ACTUALLY Bring With Me?
Okay, this is crucial. Regardless of the deal:
- Earplugs: You never know if you'll get noisy neighbors or if the AC is being a little... extra. Trust me.
- Your phone charger: Obvious, but I've forgotten it more times than I'd like to admit.
- Coffee/Tea bags/Your fav drink: While they *probably* will have some, it's better to be prepared.
- Snacks: Because breakfast may leave you wanting more and the vending machine might be empty. Don't judge.
- A good book (Or a streaming account): For those moments of quiet contemplation.
And finally... a sense of humor. You're gonna need it. Stuff happens! But hey, it's an adventure, right? And sometimes, it's an unbelievably cheap adventure. Good luck! And let me know how the waffles are!
So, To Sum It Up... Is It Worth It?
Ugh, the eternal question... I'm gonna be honest: Maybe. It *can* be. It's a gamble. A delicious, sometimes frustrating, always intriguing gamble. If you are flexible with your dates, have a good sense of humor, and don't mind a little bit of "Ankeny-ness," then give it a whirl. Just go in with realistic expectations, and remember... the waffles are key. Let me know when you go! We might just have to compare notes.
Any last words of wisdom from a seasoned pro?
Yeah. Remember, cheap doesn't always equal perfect, so manage your expectations. Double-check those hidden fees. And for the love of all that is holy, don't forget your swimsuit! Because the pool *might* be open. And when it is? You gotta go. Even if it's just to dip a toe in. Trust me. And have fun! Life is too short for boring hotel stays.
Post a Comment for "Ankeny's BEST Kept Secret: Unbelievable Country Inn & Suites Deal!"