Norman, OK's BEST Days Inn? (You Won't Believe This!)
Norman's Best Days Inn? (Spoiler: You Won't Believe This!) - A Totally Honest Review
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just spent a night at the Days Inn in Norman, Oklahoma, and let me tell you, it's… an experience. Forget polished travel blogs; this is the raw, unfiltered truth, complete with all the messy bits and unexpected joys. Let's dive into this motel adventure, shall we?
First Impressions (and the Parking Lot Saga):
Pulling up, the exterior… well, it exists. It’s a Days Inn. You know the drill. One thing I’ll say instantly is Car Park [free of charge]: Yep, plenty of parking. But the chaos of finding a spot? Pure Oklahoma poetry. Cars were parked every which way, and for a glorious moment, I thought I'd have to channel my inner stunt driver to squeeze into a space. But I finally found a spot. Small victories, right?
Accessibility (The Good & The Maybe):
Now, about Accessibility. Listed it as good in this review, but let's break it down. I saw Elevator. A must for anyone with mobility issues. Facilities for disabled guests? Supposedly. Actually seeing them would require a more thorough investigation, but it's listed, so that's a start. I’m assuming Wheelchair accessible rooms are available. This, along with other details, would be best confirmed with the hotel directly before booking.
Rooms (The Comfortable & The Questionable):
My room? Air conditioning: Check, this is Oklahoma after all. Air conditioning was essential, and it worked like a champ! I was able to get my room to a lovely sub-zero temperature. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Internet access – wireless: Yes and yes! I actually connected without too much fuss, which is always a small miracle. Desk, Ironing facilities, Coffee/tea maker… Yep, all the usual suspects. Blackout curtains were a godsend after a long day. Now, the bathroom… Shower. Okay. Toiletries, they were there, though the soap felt like it might be older than me. The bed? Surprisingly comfy. No complaints! I slept like a log.
Cleanliness and Safety (The Sanitization Story):
Okay, here's where things get interesting. There's an Anti-viral cleaning products mention. And Professional-grade sanitizing services. Hmm. I'll be honest, I'm not sure how "professional" the sanitizing really was, but I did observe a few things. Daily disinfection in common areas might have happened, but I wouldn't bet my life on it. Hand sanitizer stations… I think I saw one near the front desk? Rooms sanitized between stays, it is claimed. Rooms sanitized between stays, but… look, I’m not carrying a UV light, ok? This is a Days Inn, not a sterile operating room.
Dining Experiences (The Breakfast Bonanza – or Lack Thereof):
So, breakfast… Breakfast [buffet]. Okay, here’s the thing. Breakfast was… included. Let's just say, "included" is used very loosely here. It was the standard Days Inn fare, which meant… well, picture a lukewarm waffle maker dispensing what might loosely resemble a waffle. Breakfast takeaway service? Possibly. I opted for the free coffee and a slightly questionable bagel. Coffee shop, I'm not sure, though there was coffee in the lobby and in the room. Restaurants: No, not really. The lack of food, or even a nearby location for sustenance, truly hurt my chances for a good review.
Services and Conveniences (The Good, The Bad, and the "Huh?")
Doorman: Nope. Concierge: Definitely not. Daily housekeeping: Yes, thankfully! Front desk [24-hour]: Indeed. Luggage storage: Probably. Gift/souvenir shop: Not that I saw. Dry cleaning, Laundry service, Ironing service: All of these would be a serious stretch. Food delivery: Likely. I saw some things like that happening.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax (The Spa Dream… Not):
Swimming pool [outdoor]: yes, although I didn't take a dip. Gym/fitness center? HA! I don't recall one when I was there. Spa/sauna: I'm pretty sure they don't believe in those things. Massage, Sauna, Steamroom, Spa. They're just not part of the Days Inn experience.
Internet (The Digital Realm):
Internet access worked in my room. Wi-Fi in public areas: I saw a sign; it was there. Internet [LAN]: I didn't go looking.
For the Kids (The Babysitting Mystery):
Babysitting service: Unlikely. Family/child friendly: I imagine it is. Kids facilities: I didn't see anything specific, but it's a motel, not a Disney resort.
The Verdict (And Why It Was Actually… Okay?):
Look, the Days Inn in Norman, Oklahoma, is not the Ritz. It's not even a fancy motel. It's… a Days Inn. But here’s the thing: it's clean enough, the bed was comfy, the AC worked, and the free Wi-Fi kept me connected. For the price, it's a functional, reasonably priced option. It is what it is. Sometimes you need somewhere affordable to crash, and this gets the job done. The lack of extra amenities saved it from being truly terrible. It’s a solid three-star stay. I wouldn't write home about it, but I wouldn't run screaming. If you are looking to book and need any accommodations or details please contact the hotel directly.
Final Rating: 3 out of 5 Broken Waffle Makers.
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Okay, buckle up buttercups, 'cause you’re about to get a REAL taste of my Norman, Oklahoma adventure from my recent stay at the Days Inn. Prepare for the beautiful mess that is my brain, unfiltered.
Days Inn by Wyndham Norman: A Reluctant Chronicle (aka “Why Did I Choose Norman?”)
Day 1: Arrival and Initial Panic (aka “Where Did I Park Again?”)
- 1:00 PM: Arrived in Norman. Okay, fine, I arrived in Norman. The car? Still circling the hotel, trying to find a parking spot that isn't a death trap. First impression of the Days Inn… well, it’s there. It exists. That has to count for something, right? The exterior has a certain… "lived-in" charm. Let's call it that.
- 1:30 PM: Finally conquered parking. It involved a very enthusiastic wave at a passing pickup truck, hoping they wouldn't call me in. Check-in was… perfunctory. The front desk guy gave me a room key and a look that said, "Welcome to Norman. Good luck." He wasn't wrong.
- 2:00 PM: Room assessment. It’s clean-ish. The carpet has seen things. I'm pretty sure the air conditioner is older than some of the furniture. The view? The parking lot, naturally. My emotional reaction? Mild disappointment mixed with the desperate hope that I didn’t track in any Oklahoma-sized bugs.
- 2:30 PM: The Great Toilet Paper Investigation. Crucial. There’s a distinct lack of ply. Like, one-ply-and-you're-done lack. The horror. (I'm not kidding, people. This is important.) I ventured out, praying for salvation in the form of a gas station nearby.
- 3:00 PM: Found the gas station, bought a mega-pack of the softest, most absorbent TP I could find. Victory! Feeling like a hardened adventurer after that.
- 3:30 PM - 6:00 PM: Unpacked, settled in. Watched some tragically bad daytime television (that's the real charm of these places, right?). Questioned all my life choices. You know, the usual.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at a place called The Garage. Recommended by a local who swore it was the best burger in town. The burger? Solid. The atmosphere? Rowdy. The fries? Forgettable. But hey, it’s a start to the adventure.
- 7:30 PM: Back at the Days Inn. Attempting to connect to the Wi-Fi. The password is a mystery. It's like a hidden treasure! Eventually, after about 20 tries, and a call to the front desk (where he just chuckled and gave me the secret), I was online.
- 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM: Caught up on work emails, researched the local attractions. Started to get this weird feeling where I was really glad to sit down. And then the bed sucked me in, and… zzzzzz.
Day 2: Sooner Mania (aka "Where's the Museum?")
- 7:00 AM: Woke up. The air conditioner is still struggling, but hey, I'm alive! Also, the parking lot is still there. Breakfast. Let’s talk about "breakfast." The continental variety at the Days Inn. It existed. Cereal, watery juice, questionable pastries. You can work with it. It's fuel, and that's all that matters.
- 8:00 AM: Decision: Head to the University of Oklahoma campus! Apparently, that's a big deal here. So, I followed the signs that led me to somewhere, found a parking spot! This time, I was like a pro.
- 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Explored the campus. The buildings were truly beautiful. I saw the football stadium, a monument to Sooner pride. I actually stood in awe of it. I found myself asking questions about people. I was like, “Where do they eat? What do they do when they have a bad day? Why do they have so much energy?”
- 12:00 PM: Lunch! Found a decent-looking place near campus. Had a BLT. Surprisingly delicious.
- 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Museum hopping. I attempted to get into the Sam Noble Museum of Natural History, only to be completely overwhelmed. SO MUCH TO SEE! Dinosaurs, Native American artifacts, a whole bunch of everything. I felt like I was back in elementary school again.
- 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Went to visit the Firehouse Art Center. Very eye-opening. Saw some real art. I really liked where things were there.
- 5:00 PM: Back to the Days Inn. Rest, recharge, prepare for the evening. I need to find a good dinner.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner: a new restaurant. A restaurant that was very, very good. It was amazing. I was very happy.
- 7:30 PM - 10:00 PM: Back in the Room - I spent the second half of the evening in a very deep sleep.
Day 3: Departure and Final Thoughts (aka “I’m Outta Here!”)
- 7:00 AM: Wake up. Breakfast again. Same drill. Same disappointment/fuel.
- 8:00 AM: Final walk around the area. I took one last long look at the parking lot.
- 9:00 AM: Checked out. The same guy was at the counter. He didn't even ask if I was going to leave a review. I just left.
- 10:00 AM: Hit the road. Norman, Oklahoma: You were an experience. And honestly? I kinda liked it. The Days Inn? It was what it was: a place to rest my head, and I’ll remember it forever. I may have left some of myself there.
- 10:00 AM: Already planning my escape.
- 11:00 AM: Back home. Success!
Final Thoughts:
Days Inn Norman: 5/10. Clean-ish. Functional. The location was good. The experience? Well, it was a trip. It was human. It was messy. And that's what it’s all about, right? Right?
Escape to McComb: Days Inn's Unbelievable MS Getaway!
Alright, Let's Cut To The Chase: Is This Days Inn *Actually* Good? (Spoiler: Prepare Yourself)
Okay, so good? "Good" is a… loaded word, isn't it? Let's just say my expectations going in were lower than a… well, lower than a pancake. And honestly? They were often *met*. Sometimes even *exceeded*! But prepare yourself for a rollercoaster. The "good" can be highly subjective. One time, I practically wept with joy because the AC actually *worked* in July. We're talking a 90-degree sweat lodge experience before that. Another time, the "complimentary breakfast" involved a single, lonely-looking bagel and a coffee that tasted suspiciously like it had been brewed in a tire fire. So, you know. It's an adventure. Expect the unexpected. And bring snacks. Seriously, bring snacks.
The Rooms: Are We Talking Motel 6 or… Well, What *Are* We Talking?
The rooms… Ah, the rooms. Think of them as time capsules trapped between the glory days of shag carpeting and… well, present day. Some are better than others, but let's just say you’re not booking a suite at the Ritz. I've seen some pretty funky room layouts in my time there. A tiny bathroom, a bed precariously close to the window, some… curious electrical outlets? But hey, at least it’s indoors, right? One time, I swear I found a mystery stain on the bedspread… but hey, I didn’t ask, and I’m trying not to think about it too hard. The real kicker? The shower pressure. It’s like getting gently drizzled by a particularly polite sprinkler. But hey, it *does* get the job done. Eventually.
The Breakfast… Oh God, The Breakfast. What Exactly *Is* It?
The breakfast… Oh, where do I even begin? Honestly, it’s the stuff of legend. "Legend" in the same sense that that one time I went camping with my uncle and he tried to cook hot dogs over a *gas stove* was legendary. It's a lottery, folks. You might be lucky enough to score a lukewarm waffle and some questionable cereal. Or, like I mentioned before, a single, desolate bagel and coffee that would make a seasoned barista weep. The fruit… oh, the fruit. Don't even get me started. Let's just say it usually looks like it’s been through a rough patch. My advice? Pack your own breakfast bars and maybe a thermos of decent coffee. Trust me on this one.
What About the Staff? Are They… Alive? (Just Kidding, Sort Of.)
The staff! Okay, the staff… They're a mixed bag, really. Some have been there forever, some seem new, some are friendly and helpful, others… well, let’s say they’ve mastered the art of subtle eye-rolling. You might encounter someone who genuinely seems thrilled to see you, or someone who looks like they'd rather be anywhere else. I once had a check-in experience that went on for way too long, due to some technical difficulties. But hey, they were trying, right? It's a hard job, dealing with… well, let's just say everything that comes through those doors. So, be kind. Be patient. And maybe bring a small, thoughtful gift. (Kidding! Kinda.)
Location, Location, Location! How's It Situated?
Okay, location is actually one of the better parts! It's pretty close to OU (University of Oklahoma), so if you're there for a game or a visit, it's convenient. There's also a surprising amount of stuff nearby, restaurants, some shopping. You're not going to be stranded in the middle of nowhere. You can actually *walk* places. (Depending on the weather, because Oklahoma summers are no joke, you might want to rethink that walk, though!)
The Pool! Does It Exist? And Is it… Swimmable?
Ah, the pool. The elusive, often-hyped pool. Yes, there IS a pool. Sort of. It's there. It's… water-filled. Clean? Well, that's a question for another day. I've seen it crystal clear on a good week, and others, it's a bit… murky. Let's just say I'm not recommending a polar plunge. The pool area also tends to be where the social hour happens because there is no room elsewhere. So keep that in mind. Bring your own pool-cleaning supplies just to be safe. Or maybe just stick to the AC in your room...
The Overall Vibe: Cozy? Glamorous? Or… Something Else Entirely?
Vibe? Okay, this is where things get… interesting. "Cozy" isn't really the word I'd use. Nor is "glamorous." Let's go with… "lived-in." It's definitely got character. Some might call it "charm." Others, "a testament to the enduring power of budget travel." But honestly? It’s got a certain… scrappiness. A resilience. You know, I've stayed there a few times, and it might not be perfect--not even *close* to perfect--but I keep going back. It feels… real, somehow. It's the underdog of hotels. You're not going for a five-star experience; you go because you *have* to-- or you understand it's appeal. And sometimes, in the right mood, that's exactly what you want.
The Best Parts? Let's Talk Positives! (Because There *Are* Some, Right?)
Okay, okay, let's focus on the good! The location is definitely a win. Seriously, handy for OU stuff. The price is usually pretty good, it's your basic budget hotel. And hey, you've got AC! In Oklahoma, that's a major win. And... sometimes, when you get a good room, it can be genuinely comfortable. I've had some surprisingly good sleeps there. It's a place, and sometimes, that's enough. The scrappy, "we're just trying to make it" vibe is oddly endearing. And sometimes, that's all you need.
And The Absolute WORST Parts? Spill the Tea! (Or, You Know, The Possibly Stale Coffee…)
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