Escape to Colorado Springs: Garden of the Gods Awaits! (Super 8 Deal!)
Escape to Colorado Springs: Garden of the Gods Awaits! (Super 8 Deal!) - A Messy, Honest Take
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea (or maybe lukewarm motel coffee…) on the Super 8 in Colorado Springs promising you a slice of heaven with the Garden of the Gods practically in your backyard. Let's be real, the "escape" part is ambitious, but did it live up to the hype? Let's dive in, shall we? And this isn't some pristine, polished travel blog post. This is real talk.
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- Keywords: Colorado Springs Hotels, Garden of the Gods, Super 8, Budget Travel, Family-Friendly Hotels, Wheelchair Accessible, Clean Hotels, Colorado Springs Reviews, Super 8 Deals, Pet-Friendly Hotels (if applicable), Free Wi-Fi, Breakfast Included, Pool, Fitness Center
- Meta Description: Candid review of the Super 8 near Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs. Includes messy details on accessibility, amenities, food, cleanliness, and overall experience. Find out if this budget-friendly option is worth your trip!
Okay, Let's Get to It! (And Sorry About My ADHD… Kidding! Mostly.)
First off, the initial impression. You pull up. It's a Super 8. You know the vibe. No shimmering fountains, just… functional. The exterior corridor definitely adds to the motel charm, and I'm always a sucker for that. This one wasn't a total dump, which is already a win for a budget stay.
Accessibility: The Good & The… Needs Improvement
Alright, let's be real, accessibility can make or break a trip, especially with certain mobility issues. Getting into the hotel itself was painless, plenty of parking, easy enough to get to the check-in desk. Wheelchair accessible rooms were advertised, and that's a huge win. I didn't personally test the specifics on wheelchair access, but it was nice to see it offered. The elevator was a godsend (pun intended!), making life easier.
Now, while the existence of these features is great, I'd love to hear from someone who REALLY needs them to give a proper assessment. I'm judging based on what I saw – and it seemed decent. The facilities for disabled guests are there, which is a HUGE selling point, and that should mean something.
Internet: Blessed Wi-Fi and the LAN's Ghost
Thank the Wi-Fi gods! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! And it actually worked! (Important note for those, like myself, tethered to the internet as if it were a life support.) This is a must for any decent hotel, let alone one where you're trying to plan your Garden of the Gods adventure. As you'd expect, Internet and Internet services are available. They also had Internet [LAN] which is like the dinosaur in the internet family… I didn't even bother figuring that one out. LOL!
Cleanliness and Safety: A Mixed Bag of Sanitizer and Anxiety
This is where we get real about the current climate. The hotel definitely tried. They were clearly attempting to follow all the health and safety guidelines. Anti-viral cleaning products were probably used. I saw signs about Daily disinfection in common areas. They offered Hand sanitizer stations everywhere. The staff was trained in safety protocol. So, points for effort. The hallways were generally clean, but I'm not gonna lie, I still instinctively held my breath as I walked past other rooms (pandemic brain is a special kind of beast).
The Rooms sanitized between stays, and with the Room sanitization opt-out available, which is a nice touch. The breakfast wasn't in-room (more on this later - my main beef), but they did have Individually-wrapped food options, so that was a win. I didn't see the Sterilizing equipment in daily use, but I'm not poking around where I shouldn't.
Now, as for me? I'm a bit of a germaphobe (shh, don't tell anyone!), so I wiped down all the surfaces anyway. You can't be too careful, right? The Safe dining setup wasn't relevant as there wasn't a restaurant, so no drama there. The Staff trained in safety protocol seemed generally well-meaning.
Rooms and Comfort: Basic, But Functional
Alright, let's be honest – this ain't the Ritz. But for the price, the rooms were … fine. The Air conditioning was a lifesaver (Colorado heat is no joke!). The Blackout curtains were a major win for sleeping in (hello, vacation!). The Bed… well, it was a bed. Nothing fancy, but reasonably comfortable. The Bathroom was small but clean-ish. I did appreciate the Hair dryer, and the Free bottled water was a nice touch.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: The Breakfast Debacle (and My Hangry Rants)
Okay, this is where I gotta vent. The "breakfast" promised on the deal? It was…let's just say it left something to be desired. Breakfast [buffet] was supposed to be there, but it was barely functional. I'm talkin' pre-packaged muffins, sad-looking cereal, and instant coffee that tasted like sadness. This is my rant. The breakfast takeaway service could have been way better. I would have preferred something a bit more substantial. The Asian breakfast wasn't even a thing (and I wasn't expecting that!). The Coffee shop wasn’t there, either.
I'm a breakfast person. A serious breakfast person. This was a major bummer. On the upside, it was also, free. It certainly made we want to skip it and just go get a full breakfast.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: The Garden of the Gods and Not Much Else
The real reason you're here is the Garden of the Gods, right? And the Super 8’s proximity to it is a MASSIVE win. That was the whole point. Just a short drive, and you're surrounded by those stunning red rocks. Fantastic! The Pool with view? Wasn’t much to see. The pool wasn't the best looking. No views of the mountains. No other major relax options.
Services and Conveniences: The Essentials (and a Few Nice Surprises)
The Daily housekeeping was solid. The Concierge? Non-existent (not like this place needs one, though!). Did they have a gift/souvenir shop? NO. However, I used the cash withdrawal. There's a Convenience store around the corner. The Elevator was running, which was a pleasant surprise. The Car park [free of charge] was easy to use. The luggage storage was good.
For the Kids: No Babysitting, But…
They had a Family/child friendly atmosphere. But not many kid-related facilities.
Getting Around: Easy Peasy
Car park [free of charge] was a big plus. The location is pretty central, making it easy to get around.
Overall Impression: Budget-Friendly and Functional (With a Side of Disappointment)
Look, I'm not gonna lie. You get what you pay for. This Super 8 wasn't luxurious, but it was clean enough, safe enough, and in a FANTASTIC location for exploring the Garden of the Gods. If you're on a tight budget and prioritize location, then this deal is worth it. However, if you're picky with food and need serious pampering, this might not be the place. I'd give it a solid 3.5 stars. A decent basecamp for your Colorado Springs adventure! (Just BYO decent breakfast…)
Jodhpur's Jewel: Uncover the Royal Secret of Hotel Sachdeva Excellency!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's meticulously-planned itinerary. This is life, Colorado Springs-style, with a Super 8 as our glorious, slightly faded home base. Get ready for the mental vomit of a travel schedule – warts and all.
Subject: OPERATION: GARDEN OF THE GODS & THE QUESTIONABLE GLORY OF SUPER 8 (A Very Honest Itinerary)
Day 1: Arrival & The Existential Dread of the Continental Breakfast
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at Colorado Springs Airport (COS). Honestly, the airport itself is… fine. Nothing to write home about, except maybe to complain about the lack of decent coffee. Grab the rental car (pray it's not a lemon) and head to the Super 8.
- 1:45 PM: Check into Super 8. Ah, the smell of… something. Air freshener? Mild disappointment? The mystery shall remain. This place definitely has a certain "lived-in" charm, hasn't it? The pictures online were slightly more flattering. But hey, at least there's a pool! (Probably filled with chlorine and questionable… things.)
- 2:30 PM: Settle into the room. Unpack. Contemplate life, the universe, and the questionable quality of the bedside lamps. Wonder if I packed enough snacks. Always pack enough snacks. It's a travel commandment.
- 3:00 PM: Venture forth. First objective: GARDEN OF THE GODS. Now, this, my friends, is why we're here. The pictures don't do it justice, especially in person. The red rocks are breathtaking, a little overwhelming, perhaps, for someone accustomed to the bland beauty of suburbia. Take a moment, just breathe. Marvel. (Try not to judge the families having picnics. They're probably just trying to enjoy themselves in the wonder of mother nature).
- 4:00 PM-ish: Hike a trail. Get lost. Get slightly winded. Take approximately 300 photos of the same rock formation from slightly different angles. Question the purpose of Instagram. Question everything.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at a restaurant recommended by the overly-enthusiastic motel clerk (likely something with "steak" in the name). Pray it's not a total tourist trap. Or, God forbid, they have those awful pre-made salads… I'll be having a good meal.
- 7:30 PM: Post-dinner stroll, Garden of the Gods as the sun sets. This time, with my camera. Watch the rocks get bathed in the colours of the sky. Marvel. (Again). Get overwhelmed. Try not to trip over a rock.
- 9:00 PM: Crawl back to the Super 8. Reflect on the day. Drink a beer (or two). Maybe read a book. Definitely avoid the pool. And possibly make a mental note to invest in better pillows.
- 9:30 PM: Consider ordering pizza.
- 10:00 PM: Lights out. (Hopefully. Pray for silence!)
Day 2: Pikes Peak Pilgrimage & Regrettable Souvenirs
- 7:00 AM: The dreaded continental breakfast. Toast. Coffee. A weird, vaguely chemical-tasting orange juice. Repeat after me: "This is fuel. This is fuel.” Consider making a run for the nearest diner.
- 8:00 AM: Drive to the base of Pikes Peak. This drive is not a joke. It's windy, it's steep, and you might feel like you're on a rollercoaster operated by a slightly tipsy mountain goat. Embrace it! (Or, you know, white-knuckle grip the steering wheel while muttering under your breath).
- 9:00 AM: Begin the ascent. The scenery keeps getting better, and the air gets thinner. Stop frequently. Take photos from every possible viewpoint. Try not to look down. And try not to panic about altitude sickness.
- 10:30 AM: Arrive at the summit of Pikes Peak. Holy mother of mountains, the view! Just…wow. It's like the entire world is laid out at your feet. (If you can see through the clouds, that is.) Get windburned. Marvel. (Yes, again).
- 11:00 AM: Drink the questionable coffee. Buy a "I Climbed Pikes Peak!" t-shirt. (Maybe. Try to avoid the obvious tourist traps. But, c'mon, you kind of need one.) I may or may not have bought a cheap, plastic snow globe. Don't judge me!
- 12:00 PM: Descend Pikes Peak. Take a deep breath. Give thanks for your stomach (and the fact that it's still intact.)
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at a roadside diner. Experience true Americana. Order something greasy and delicious. Feel a little bit ashamed. Enjoy it anyway.
- 2:00 PM: Head back to the Super 8 to recharge. Spend time at the pool, maybe.
- 2:30 PM: Go to the Cheyenne mountain zoo. They say it is the best zoo in North America.
- 4:00 PM: Stroll through downtown Colorado Springs. Look for souvenirs (the slightly less tacky kind). Stumble upon a hidden gem of an art gallery. (Or, you know, end up in a souvenir shop selling plastic dinosaur skeletons).
- 6:00 PM: Dinner somewhere new!! Somewhere non-chain!
- 7:30 PM: Relax. Drink. Do something else fun. Rest up for tomorrow!
- 10:00 PM: Lights out.
Day 3: The Day of Rest & Departure
- 8:00 AM: The last continental breakfast. Farewell to the questionable orange juice and the strangely compelling toast.
- 9:00 AM: Check out of the Super 8. Leave a note. Something like: "Thanks for the 'memories.' The air conditioning was… functional."
- 9:30 AM: Decide whatever remaining tourist attractions are still in the city.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch.
- 1:00 PM: Head back to the airport.
- 2:00 PM: Arrive at the airport. Reflect on a fun trip.
- 2:30 PM: Board the returning flight.
- 3:00 PM: Goodbye, Colorado Springs! Goodbye, Super 8! Until next time.
Post-Trip Reflections:
Well, that was an experience. The Garden of the Gods was even more magnificent than the photos. The Pikes Peak summit was mind-blowing, even if the air made me feel like an over-inflated balloon. The Super 8… well, it served its purpose, right? (Maybe I'll bring my own pillow next time.) Maybe I’ll even be open to revisiting the pool… on a dare! Would I return to Colorado Springs? Absolutely. Do I now fully understand the appeal of the American road trip? You bet your sweet bippy!
Escape to Paradise: Alpine Inn & Spa's South Lake Tahoe Luxury
Alright, spill it. Why Colorado Springs? And why now? (Is this some sort of mid-life crisis thing?)
Okay, okay, deep breaths. Colorado Springs *because*... well, I saw this Super 8 deal, and my bank account screamed "YES!" Plus, I needed a serious dose of nature. Office life was slowly turning me into a beige blob. The pictures of the Garden of the Gods looked… stunning. Like, "Instagram-worthy, even for me" stunning. And the "now"? Honestly, because the thought of another Monday morning fueled by lukewarm coffee was getting me down. Mid-life crisis? Maybe. But a *fun* mid-life crisis, hopefully.
Garden of the Gods, huh? Is it as breathtaking as the hype suggests? I'm skeptical. (Fine, I'm jaded.)
Ugh, I *totally* get the jaded thing. I've seen pictures of sunsets over the Himalayas, and sure... nice. But Garden of the Gods? Dude, it's different. It's like someone painted the most epic, angry, beautiful, *red* landscape you can imagine. Seriously, you pull up, and you're hit with these towering red rock formations. They're HUGE. They're crazy. I spent, like, a solid hour just walking around with my jaw on the floor, muttering, "Wow. Just… wow." One minute I'm taking selfies, the next I'm feeling all small and insignificant in the face of nature's awesomeness. I even saw a little bunny rabbit! It was adorable. Mostly.
Super 8... Okay, be honest. What's the room really like? Mold? Questionable stains? Tell the truth!
Okay, look, it's a Super 8. Don't expect a rooftop infinity pool and a butler named Jeeves. My room? Clean. Surprisingly clean, I might add. Bed was comfy enough—I slept like a log after all that hiking. The bathroom? Functional. No mold, thankfully. Definitely no Jeeves either, but hey, for the price, I wasn't exactly expecting luxury. I did, however, find a stray french-fry under the dresser, which was a slight disappointment, but I'm also a messy eater so...
What kind of activities can you do in Garden of the Gods? Only hiking, or are there other options for a lazy bum like myself?
Hiking is definitely a thing, and you *should* do some. Seriously, get off your butt. The trails are well-maintained and offer insane views. But… if you're feeling less "mountain goat" and more "couch potato," there are options. You can drive through and admire the scenery (there's a scenic loop). You can go horseback riding (I didn't, because, well, I'm clumsy). You can even rock climb (which I definitely *didn't* do, because I have a fear of heights and a complete lack of upper body strength). The visitor center is actually pretty fantastic, too - go for that, even if you're just hiding from the sun.
Is that Super 8 breakfast *really* as sad the website pictures make it look? I need the cold, hard truth.
The Super 8 breakfast... it's a *journey*. Think the holy trinity of continental breakfast: bland cereal, questionable pastries, and that industrial-strength coffee that probably keeps the roaches away. Was it the best breakfast of my life? Absolutely not. Did it fuel me for my day of hiking? Technically, yes. Did I secretly hoard a few of those individually wrapped muffins for later? Okay, yes. Don't judge me! The experience, honestly, was the most memorable part. Someone was there reading a book upside down, and honestly, I felt seen.
Okay, you said it was "worth it". Tell me the *best* thing that happened during your trip. The absolutely, positively, most amazing moment.
Whoa... alright. Okay, deep breath. The best thing? Seriously? This is getting personal so I gotta just… focus. It wasn't the red rocks, although, those were amazing. It wasn't the surprisingly clean Super 8 room. Nah, it wasn't even the semi-edible breakfast (though the muffin hoarding *was* a highlight). It was… this. Okay, so I saw this trail, right, and it went up, up, up. I was wheezing, sweating, questioning all my life choices. But the *view* from the top... oh my god. I'm talking, like, panoramic perfection. Like, "I can see forever" kind of deal. And then… wait for it… *I saw a hawk soaring*. And it wasn't just *any* hawk, it was this majestic, powerful creature, just riding the wind. And I just stood there, completely speechless, watching it circle, and thinking, "Wow. This is... this is why I came." It felt... transformative. Like, okay, maybe I wasn't a beige blob after all. Maybe I could do *anything*. Okay, maybe not *anything*, but... it was a good moment. And that, friend, is what made the whole trip something actually, truly special, something that, yeah, I'd do again. Even with the questionable pastries.
Anything else I should know, even if I didn't explicitly ask? Any hidden gems? Weird local customs?
Okay, a few things. First, bring layers. The weather in Colorado Springs can change faster than my mood swings. Second, water. Hydrate. You're at elevation, and you'll thank me later. Third, and this is important: the people of Colorado are really nice. Like, excessively nice. It was unnerving at first. But be nice back! The local coffee shop? Check it out, trust me. The weird local custom? Apparently, saying "How ya doin'?" to a stranger is completely normal. Also, I saw a guy wearing a cowboy hat *and* Crocs. I'm still processing that. You'll have fun, I really think you will. Just... don't expect luxury. Expect adventure. Expect breathtaking views. Expect to be slightly inconvenienced by the Super 8 breakfast. And expect to leave feeling like you got a little bit more *life* back. And honestly? That's worth more than any fancy hotel room. Now go, and have fun!
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